This book was previously supplied as a free ARC from NetGalley.

What I expected: a tale with political intrigue in a Roman settlement with a focus on the influence the gods have on their lives

What I got: a slog through vaguely preachy missionary sentiment that had a sporadic but intense focus on young girls

Aquila - Can Silvanus Escape that God? Opens with our main character Silvanus on his way to market due to his father’s illness. The story stumbles through his conflicting stances on his own beliefs and experiences with the outer world at large with a deliberate mentioning of other accents on the island coming off as strange. The main villain in the book speaks in Cockney English so make of that as you will. There is a vague scattering of other religious symbols before the narrative turns to its true purpose of Christianity and continues on its preaching from there. Silvanus is mostly converted from his original faith following a discovery of gemstones (that he is robbed of), and the kindness of strangers. He also meets a runaway slave girl who later becomes his wife. It’s heavy-handed with the religious over and undertones which does not make for an enjoyable read when it isn’t made clear in the summary what the focus of the plot is.

The story culminates with Silvanus abandoning his family and marrying his wife, only to die so another character can be forgiven in what I believe was meant to be a touching scene. It falls short.

Rating: 1.5 stars