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Master and God: A Novel of the Roman Empire Audiobook
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(3.04) - 200 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Lindsey Davis’ Master and God is a vastly entertaining historical novel set in the reign of the Emperor Domitian in First Century Rome. It is on the one hand a love story between Gaius Vinius Clodianus, a valiant but reluctant member of the Praetorian Guard, whose military career is as successful as his marital history is disastrous, and Flavia Lucilla, daughter of a freed slave, and hairdresser to the ladies of the imperial household. A devastating fire in Rome brings them together as apartment-mates whose relationship survives separation and the apparent death of Gaius, evolving into a bond of real passion and understanding. It is also the story of the seizure of power by the Emperor Domitian, his increasing paranoia and madness as he styles himself Master and God. As Domitian’s cruelties to his enemies and those he only thinks are enemies grows, the future of Rome demands desperate measures, measures that demand Gaius choose between his sworn duty to protect the Emperor becoming part of the forces arrayed against him.
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"Lindsey Davis bookends her satirical Roman detective Falco series with two historical novels, the first concerning Vespasian's 'slave born' mistress, and this one concerning the reign of Domitian, as told through the on off love affair of an Imperial hairdresser and Praetorian guard."
— Donald (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Detailed and witty recounting of ancient Roman life, public and private, from the sure-handed Davis.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“Davis layers modern dialog and sensibilities on a lavishly described historical setting, creating a novel that is detailed and well paced.”
— Library Journal -
“As we’ve come to expect, Davis’s descriptions of Rome are vivid and lively…a great yarn.”
— Daily Mirror
Master and God Listener Reviews
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" I enjoyed the main couple but the way their relationship was worked out drove me crazy. At times I felt the author was trying to give me a history lesson and a chapter from a flies perspective...hmmmm "
— Catherine, 1/8/2014 -
" There's a reason why I don't put any author's books on an "automatically buy" list. Even if I love their earlier books, I don't necessarily believe I will love their later works. Such is the case (unfortunately) for "Master and God". Having enjoyed Davis' Falco detective series, I thought I'd give this story a try--and trying it was. In the Falco series the Roman history, culture and setting are seamlessly intertwined with fascinating and sympathetic characters, but the same can't be said of this book. The first part is a head-hopping nightmare. The point of view hops from omniscient to one character to the next (even within a paragraph). Then there's a head hop to a fly on the wall. Really! Having to edit and fix head-hopping problems in my own and others' manuscripts (Yes, I'm an evil editor), I don't care to read it in a professionally published book. The second part of the story is a bit less head-hoppy, and the lovers Flavia Lucilla and Gaius Vinius are worth cheering for, but long "telling/info dumping" passages slow up the love story and cause frustration for both the lovers and the reader alike. It seems as if Davis couldn't figure out if she wanted to write a straight history of the reign of Domitian or a love story set in Rome. I wish she would have stuck with the second choice and edited the head-hopping and info dumping. If readers could get a "feel" for Rome in the Falco series without chapter upon chapter of info dumping, surely Lucilla and Vinius' love story could have been written likewise. But if you enjoy Roman history and don't mind the romantic interruptions and head-hopping, "Master and God" might appeal to you. "
— Celine, 12/15/2013 -
" Good historical background for the period. In fact the history was more interesting than the rather predictable romance. "
— David, 12/10/2013 -
" Meandering and plodding. Spends 90% of its time on what, based on the title, one would think would be a sub-plot, and 10% on Domitian. "
— Matthew, 12/8/2013 -
" I miss Falco, but love the authentic description of life in the Roman Empire! "
— Jon, 4/13/2013 -
" I adored this book. I especially like a love story that lets you learn something. Master and God had it all: suspense, adventure, murder, history, sex, romance, humor. Lindsey Davis has done it again! "
— Lynn, 2/22/2013 -
" Excellent read ...a page turner and and an intelligent book . "
— Joan, 11/1/2012 -
" love this book... how did I miss reading the entire falco series "
— Susan, 9/21/2012 -
" MUCH better than Steven Saylor's fictional take on the same period. Davis can really write a good book. "
— Alice, 7/10/2012 -
" just as good as the Falco series; more serious historical fiction. Doesn't quite match up to "Course of Honor" though. "
— Pam, 7/1/2012
About Lindsey Davis
Lindsey Davis is an English novelist of historical fiction and best known for her award-winning historical crime stories set in ancient Rome and its empire, the acclaimed Marcus Didius Falco series and the Flavia Albia series. Her novels have won numerous awards, including the Crime Writers’ Association Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award and in 2011 the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers Association for lifetime achievement. Born and raised in Birmingham, England, she read English at Oxford and worked for the civil service for thirteen years before becoming a writer.
About Robin Sachs
Judy Young is a voice talent and audiobook narrator.