Harry Sidebottom's "FALLING SKY"
A book review by Dennis D. McDonald
Harry Sidebottom’s FALLING SKY is a superior “sword and sandals“ novel. This is due not only to the wealth of detail about third century military campaigns but to the embedding of personal backstory, intrigue, and a strong sense of place.
We follow seasoned military officer Ballista as he leads a Roman army in Gaul during a civil war in 265AD that pitted Emperor against emperor.
Ballista must simultaneously deal with dwindling supplies, unknown terrain, and – worst of all – knowledge that there is a traitor within his ranks.
Over th course of the novel we are gradually introduced to some family backstory for Ballista, that will eventually prove to be significant in a cavalry and infantry military campaign that sprawls across the cities, towns, and rivers of ancient Gaul.
I’m hooked. This is one of a series and I want to read more about Ballista. A word of caution: have a good dictionary handy, one that includes not only esoteric English words but occasional Latin terms and the ancient names of French cities!
Review copyright (c) 2023 by Dennis D. McDonald