Review: Captivating
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 9, 2011
It's hard to imagine what life was like for our ancestors - and then you read Draegnstoen. This book is gut wrenching to read.Blackmer has managed to make an entire civilization tangible, as you live their heartaches and challenges with them. What struck me the most was how perfectly he takes history and makes you feel the pain of their leader as they take their people to battle, the pain of childbirth and daily life, and how fickle old style war really was (in fact it's probably the same now, just not so public). This book made me hate the Romans more than you can imagine.It struck a nerve with me, as I'm of Celtic descent, and I understood reading this how harsh and cruel life was when you had to defend against invasion, and how a new conqueror doesn't respect the land or the people they're invading (or their systems). Can I say again, this book really made me hate the Romans (if you could hear my thoughts now it would be one long bleeeeep). And in *those days* you didn't just have invaders to worry about. Sometimes trouble is hiding in your own family.Aside from the historical journey, Draegnstoen has some immensely charismatic and touching characters. The battle scenes are gripping, and you won't be able to stop reading once you've started. Anyone who's read Diana Gabaldon will love this book.Unhesitatingly five out of five stars. This was excellent value for my money (I read it in just a few hours, I was so swept away)