Sophia McDougall's Romanitas Trilogy

[KatharineClifton]

I've just finished the first book. I loved it on the whole, but got irritated with the relationship bits (rationalised it by thinking about how they were all teenagers so it made sense in a way) and my enthusiasm did wane a little by the end.

If anybody has read the trilogy, can you tell me if it is worth reading book two or three?

I couldn't get through first one which is shame as I love this kind of thing

Thanks Gigondas. It definitely tailed off.

What else would you recommend that is similar that you liked? It's a whole new type of thing for me.

Historical stuff or unusual fantasy stuff?

Historical fantasy I think. I've read Alison Weir's histories of the Tudors, but usually historical novels annoy me as they are only one interpretation of history - usually a male one! I've never really delved into fantasy further than Stephen King as a teenager (if he's classed as fantasy?). Tried Ursula LeGuin once but couldn't get into it.

Read Pavane by Keith Roberts. It was written in the 60s, and it's alternate reality fiction - the premise is what would have happened if the Spanish Inquisition had won, crushed Protestantism and suppressed technology. It's set at the point where the suppression is starting to fail.

The book consists of six linked stories with different protagonists, and as well as addressing matters of faith/rationality and freedom, it also brings in old mythology. The language is very unadorned, the pace isn't particularly fast and it isn't an easy read, but it's beautifully written and will keep you thinking. Thoroughly recommend.

I have read the first Romanitas book and really liked it, have the second sitting in the bookcase but haven't started it yet as I have so much other stuff to read (as well as writing stuff too - I write fantasy and I can't read it while I'm writing it, so a lot of the time I read chick lit/crime/horror/techno thrillers and so on).

Thank you PointyBlackHat, Pavane looks brilliant!

I picked up the Rome Burning today from the library and will report back :)

From googling Pavane and following links through I've found a whole new genre (to me) of alternate history. Joan Aiken and Kate Elliott look good so I'll try them out as well.

If you fancy alternate history/alternate reality you might also like Tim Powers, especially his early ones:

• The Anubis Gates
• On Stranger Tides (Disney just paid for the title, nowt to do with the story)
• The Drawing of the Dark (out of print, hard to come by)
• Dinner at Deviant's Palace (this is more post-apocalypse, but still very good)
• The Stress of her Regard (Byron, Shelley, Vampires)

His later ones are a bit impenetrable though.

Added to list!

Book 2: Rome Burning is gripping! Been reading it all day on and off when the spawn allow me to.