June has turned into a hectic month for me with writing deadlines, a trip to the Historical Novel Society Conference in San Diego to pitch my newest novel and family obligations. But I hate leaving my blog blank, so I’m clearing my shelves of ARC’s and review copies and giving them away. The first up is Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor. From my review:
I truly enjoyed this reading experience. Roma introduces the reader to events that receive short shrift in most history books. Although it covered a vast sweep of time, I felt the story telling was consistent and the characters varied and interesting. This is a wonderful achievement in both effort and results. Among the “extras”–including an interview with the author, a historical essay and reading group questions–I particularly liked the maps of Rome at the beginning of each chapter, showing the walls, major landmarks, public buildings, temples, and altars. It’s a great way of showing Rome’s expansion and evolution. “Thanks” to Saylor for a great read. (Read the entire review here.)
The details:
- Title: Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome
- Author: Steven Saylor
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2007
- Format: Trade paperback, 555 pages
- Price: $15.95
The giveaway (sorry, US only, due to shipping costs):
This is a once-read copy, which I purchased from the bargain bin (has a black magic marker dot on the bottom.) Entry is easy: leave a comment on this post (make sure to give your email when asked, but not necessary in the post). If you want a second entry, sign up to follow the blog or indicate you’re already a follower. For a third chance, repost this giveaway on your Facebook, blog, Twitter, website, etc. and post the link in your comment. Don’t worry if your comment doesn’t appear immediately, because I moderate comments and don’t spend my life at my computer. I’ll randomly select a winner and announce it on Wednesday, June 22. At the end of the month I’ll enter everyone who didn’t win in all my June giveaways into a bonus drawing for a mystery book. Good luck!
And the winner is:
Judith!
Congratulations! I’ll be in touch by email.
Over three thousand years ago, a murder takes place on an island in a river flowing through the hilly region of Italy later known as the ruma. This bloody act presages the rise of one of the ancient world’s most ruthless empires. In Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome, 
Historian's Notebook 