Review: Further adventures from ancient Parthia.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 2, 2012
Another fine example of story-telling by Mr. Darman; who can really carry a plot, write good dialogue and put over some excellent action/battle scenes, whilst never failing to use the very best Queen's English in the process. Most of the characters are interesting and sympathetic; also the very brief exposure of the hero to the principal villains shows in them some acceptably loathsome traits that further direct face-to face exposure to these scoundrels would likely have improved the tale.In the first book of this trilogy we were introduced to the young Parthian Prince Pacorus, who was quickly captured by the Romans, enslaved and transported to Rome; where he encounters his current wife and "companions" as they were exposed to the heroic influence of the mighty Spartacus and battled their way to freedom.  I have to say that, for me,  part two and three (this is number three) of this trilogy have not managed to match the excellent entertainment provided by the first one.For a start, the principal friends of Pacorus are shown in such an unfailingly good light; they almost wear haloes it is so bright. The very welcome exception is the father, who becomes decidedly prickly towards Pacorus during our hero's quest for justice by warfare. The wife, Gallia also shows her very worst side. Unfortunately, her downward personality turn borders on an almost complete mental breakdown. She slowly becomes a spiteful, argumentative and most times illogical complainer. Nothing suits her, and I found that reading through the times she became "centre-stage" really began to spoil my enjoyment of the book. When she eventually reverts to arguing and loudly rebuking her husband, now a king, during public meetings the whole concept borders on the ridiculous.Other elements that rang decidedly false was the placing, by King Pacorus, of many of his trusted companions, ex-slaves and lowly born individuals, into positions of great power; indeed, many even become kings. Given the strict, hide-bound rules that existed in ancient times regarding moving between classes in general, and royalty in particular, this promotion of lowly born into these lofty positions, not to mention the acceptance of the same by other Parthian kings and queens, is pretty much unbelievable.Final niggle; where are the maps in all these books? Pacorus is likely one of the most travelled Parthians ever ans I was following hos sojourns in a geographical vacuum. I never became accustomed to where any of the Parthian cities where located, or what routes the invasions were to follow. This trilogy seriously needs a few maps!When I began this review I really didn't mean to sound so negative. My complaints are very personal in nature and do not detract too much from an extremely good trilogy. I did enjoy the experience and I will certainly read more of Mr. Darman's future work.