Nemesis: The Conqueror of Rome
Nemesis is the second in the Conqueror of Rome series and if you enjoyed the first you will enjoy this. The book opens with the Gallic tribes preparing to capture the Latin town of Clusium as part of their strategy for defeating and wreaking havoc on Rome. The action alternates between the young leader of the Horsetails, Solemis, in Italy and the young female Druid, Cartumandua, travelling across Europe towards her destiny in Rome.
As in the first volume the narrative is skilfully managed moving the story forwards at a satisfying pace. The book is well researched and informative without becoming overburdened with information. The action-based campaign chapters are well written and balanced by the more reflective chapters which focus on the progress of Cartumandua and the differences between the Romans and the ‘Barbarian’ Gauls which are skilfully drawn. This central latter point is particularly effective when contrasting the mind-set of the Romans and their underestimation of their adversaries until surprised by their tactics.
The climax of the book is not the well-rehearsed story of the assault on Rome, but rather the mercurial nature of Brennus, the leader of the combined tribes. It would spoil the story to say more, but the end came more swiftly than I was expecting.
There are a few minor errors in the text, but this is another enjoyable and highly readable foray into the ancient world by C.R. May.
