The Emperor's Knives: Empire VII

By: Anthony Riches

Narrated by: Saul Reichlin

Length: 15 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

The seventh novel in Anthony Riches' acclaimed Empire sequence brings Marcus Aquila back to Rome, hunting the men who destroyed his family. But the revenge he craves may cost him and those around him dearly. The young centurion's urge to exact his own brutal justice upon the shadowy cabal of assassins who butchered his family means that he must face them on their own ground, risking his own death at their hands.

A senator, a gang boss, a praetorian officer and, deadliest of all, champion gladiator Mortiferum - the Death Bringer - lie in wait. The knives are unsheathed, and ready for blood....

©2014 Anthony Riches (P)2014 Hodder & Stoughton

Big Cast - Lots of Historical Detail

What made the experience of listening to The Emperor's Knives: Empire VII the most enjoyable?

The "informant" and the grunts - their dialogue and the way the narrator brought out their distinct personalities was really good.

What other book might you compare The Emperor's Knives: Empire VII to and why?

Um... Medicus by Ruth Downie. Though this one was a bit more explicit/graphic, it also had a large cast and incorporated a lot of historical detail.

Which character – as performed by Saul Reichlin – was your favorite?

The informant. He was my FAVORITE.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, there were just so many characters and sub plots happening that I got lost pretty quickly. I stayed with it hoping eventually I would understand what was going on and that mostly became true.

Great book always kept you guessing.

Love this series one the greatest historical fiction books i have had the pleasure of listening to.

The roman sword is double edged and cuts both ways

If you could sum up The Emperor's Knives: Empire VII in three words, what would they be?

Duty and destiny weave a deadly game in the streets of Rome.

What did you like best about this story?

The unexpected twists and turns as ememies become freinds and freinds become enemies.

What does Saul Reichlin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Saul brings the atmosphere and characters to life capturing the sounds and smells of Imperial Rome.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes but I had to ration myself to prolong the enjoyment.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

vengeance acquired

strange how all writers of this genre feel the need to have at least one book dedicated to the wranglings of rome itself, and a diversity into the arena, with gladiators at the fore. still, Saul reichlin gives his normal brilliant portrayal of characters and street life. There is also a short story at the end linking characters and storyline worth a listen. but it's eastwards next for our hero and the tungrian cohort, how will they cope with the extreme heat difference of part his and northern brittania.

Love this series

Once again this series really delivers with possibly the best instalment so far. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone

Magnificent Series, Superb Narration

Would you consider the audio edition of The Emperor's Knives: Empire VII to be better than the print version?

I focussed mainly on the audio versions of most of the series. Since book1 is only available on Kindle, I can say that I enjoyed reading it but found the audio versions of book2 and beyond better. Saul Reichlin is an outstanding narrator

What did you like best about this story?

This is a review of the first 7 books (book one is kindle only). Providing one can suspend disbelief at the number of people willing to risk death to support our protagonist, Anthony has written a superb, well researched Swords & Sandals series. Storyline, Characterisation, World building are all good with the description and sense of fighting and battle outstanding

What about Saul Reichlin’s performance did you like?

Throughout the series Saul has been an outstanding narrator. Excellent voices, good characterisation and a good pace. Great contrast between the "ordinary" phases of the book and the more exciting ones too

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I found book 6 of the series to be the most moving, then this one. That said, I don't think that the author is really aiming in that direction

Any additional comments?

I will read further books in the series when they become available. I will also make a point of looking for other books narrated by Saul Reichlin

0 of 1 people found this review helpful