Book Review

My first book review
Brian at audienceof1 has written a wonderful review of my novel. I decided to print it here for all those interested in what the book is about. Many heart felt thanks for the wonderful words and insights into the story.

I recently finished reading Patrick’s book, “Optimus: Praetorian Guard.” It was thrilling to receive a book from a fellow blogger, especially Patrick who is a member of my profession and a fine gentleman. I only had a vague idea what the book was about when I sat down to read it, but came away very impressed.Like me, Patrick is a history teacher, and his knowledge of Roman history is evident throughout the book. He tells the story of Optimus, a hard drinking, fast living member of Rome’s elite Praetorian Guard. He has slain many on behalf of the Empire, including a girl he truly loved. A master swordsman, he put his sword to use on behalf of his emperor, becoming an acclaimed warrior. When he wasn’t fighting he was drinking, gambling, or engaging the services of Rome’s many prostitutes. He even hired out the services of boys on whom he could beat out his anger and frustration. Optimus is brave and valiant but there is something missing inside. He is miserable in his life, not because he isn’t successful at what he does, but because deep down he knows there is something very wrong with all the killing he does for emperors who don’t deserve his respect. Set during the rule of several emperors including the buffoonish Nero, the book paints a picture of the secret life led by Christians of the day. Forced to keep their faith secret, they formed secret ways of distinguishing those of their faith from those who could persecute them. It was a dangerous time to hold a faith different from that of the emperor’s court.Optimus is assigned guard duty over a troublesome man who is under house arrest. He doesn’t know what to think of Paul, a man of both serenity and intenseness. At first angry that his warrior skills are being wasted guarding a religious heretic, Optimus chafes at the bit, ready for this assignment to be over so he can go back to doing what he does best….fight. He spars rhetorically with Paul and his frequent visitor, Luke. He asks of them the question that so many still ask today. If there really is a God, how can he possibly allow all the chaos, the killing and looting, the rape, the injustices that exist on Earth? If God is all powerful he could simply strike down those who commit these atrocities, couldn’t he? Paul and Luke answer his questions with a focus on the love of God and God’s willingness to forgive the sinner.Optimus finds out that their was a purpose for him being assigned to guard Paul. His superior officer and friend, a secret Christian, had placed him there hoping that Paul would be able to convert him to Christianity. Judeaus has a widowed sister for whom he feels Optimus would make an excellent husband, but fervently hopes that Optimus will become a Christian before they marry. His plan succeeds and Optimus for the first time in his life marries. His wife is a patrician who suffered terribly under the physical abuse of her first husband. She is warm and loving, yet feisty and independent minded. The two of them fall deeply in love.I found myself wishing a happy ending for Optimus and his new wife, but it was not to be. Continued war both inside and outside the empire continued to pull Optimus back in, reminding me of Al Pacino’s “Godfather” character who complained of trying to get out but getting pulled back in. Optimus is both a devoted Christian and a soldier and he tries to navigate these dual loyalties. His faith is put to the test when his wife is murdered and he devotes himself to raising his sons and participating in an under-the-radar attempt to install a Christian on the throne of Rome.Patrick blends the story of early Christianity, growth in personal faith with the intrigues and plots of the Roman Senate and emperor. It is a very well written story with the themes of hope and redemption weaved throughout. You will come away with an increased knowledge of faith, of early Christianity, and a feel for the Roman Empire that you didn’t have before. As I got toward the end of the book I found myself thinking that there is more of this story needs to be told, and I was happy to read that a sequel is planned. I recommend it and urge you to buy a copy. I’m sure Patrick will be happy to autograph a copy for you, and that you will find it well worth the price.