November 20, 2006
Excellent characterization and deft historical scene-setting lift this first of an ambitious new series from Philip K. Dick Award–winner Baxter (Sunstorm
), which follows the passing of a prophecy across generations of a British and Roman family, whose members variously interpret its cryptic promise of freedom vis-à-vis the fate of both Britannia and later Christianity. The Latin prophecy, referring to three Roman emperors, is born in 4 B.C., along with the boy who becomes the British chieftain Nectovelin. Half a century later, Nectovelin's cousin Agrippina uses the prophecy to pique the curiosity of the invading Emperor Claudius, who brings her back to Rome. Later, her avaricious Roman granddaughter, Claudia Severa, capitalizes on the predictive words to persuade Emperor Hadrian to build the wall along Britain's northern frontier. An epilogue set at the dawn of the fifth century hints at the rebirth of the prophecy in a more modern form, providing fodder for the sequel.
January 1, 2007
Even as the Brigantian child known as Nectovelin struggled to be born, his mother spoke a prophecy in Latin that foretold a future linking her family with the future of Britain. Spanning the reigns of three Roman emperorsClaudius, Hadrian, and Constantinethe first volume in Baxter's ("Mammoth") four-book alternate-history series follows the fortunes of a Celtic dynasty as it attempts to understand the cryptic words that hold tantalizing clues to its destiny and that of the world. Baxter's saga tracks the survival of an idea embedded in a prophecy. More concerned with events than individuals, though the characters are memorable, this sf family drama is a good choice for most collections.
Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2007
About 40 years after the death of Julius Caesar, a child is born in Britain. As his mother struggles in hard labor, she prophesies in Latin, a language she doesn't speak. The forecast is written down and kept as a treasure that will, if properly interpreted, aid the family in times to come. Following the prophecy, the family makes peace with Claudius and prospers under Roman rule while retaining ties to the homeland. Constantine's visit to Britain, however, tears the family asunder, and part of the prophecy is lost. As Roman power wanes and barbarians encroach, the prophecy, with its promise of foreknowledge for those who can construe it, is renewed. Baxter follows what is known of Roman Britain, including the results of recent archaeological research, adding the element of how much influence belief in a knowable future might exert. Embedded in Roman British history, the family's 400-year effort to protect and interpret the prophecy constitutes a very coherent, readable story, which this book just begins.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)