Ok, there is nothing inherently wrong with this book, I just have really high standards for my historical fiction -- Mary Renault, Gillian Bradshaw, Rosemary Sutcliff high standards, and this one didn't quite come up to snuff.

The history is good, but I failed to be caught up in it -- I think I miss those little living details of day to day that enrapture me in the other books. Also, the characters are fairly appealing, but a little too flat for me. The magic has an interesting base, but it's a little too much navel-gazing god-questioning for me, and at the same time not a convincing argument. Too much tell, not enough show? Good building blocks that never really gelled into a good building? I wanted to like it, I just didn't. I feel like if I pick up Livingstone another series into his career, I might find what I'm looking for. And I hope there is another series later. ( )

Alternate history cum fantasy, depicting Hellenistic Egypt, during reign of Cleopatra. Strong sea battle of Actium, with one of the "Shards of Heaven" [pieces of God's throne] controlled by Juba of Numidia for Octavian, wreaking destruction on the fleet of Mark Antony. There follows a search for the main Shard, the Ark of the Covenant, with Antony's side trying to keep it from the hands of Octavian. Shades of Indiana Jones, anyone? Fast-paced, gripping story.

Recommended. ( )

Historical fantasy is something an unexplored genre for me, and this book managed to pique my curiosity about it: what I found particularly interesting is the seamless blend between historical characters and facts and the story’s more fantastic elements; the most fascinating aspect of this book comes from the way in which the fantasy elements do not change history – as can happen, for instance, in some steampunk or alternative history novels – but rather enhance it, making this story a very compelling one.


FULL REVIEW AT SPACE and SORCERY Blog ( )

Full Review at The Speculative Herald: http://www.speculativeherald.com/2015/11/16/review-the-shards-of-heaven-by-micha...

This story and time period has so much going for it in terms of story! Who doesn’t love delving into the political machinations of war and succession challenges?

I loved how the speculative aspect was woven into the story in such a way, that it just felt natural. It takes real events and adds just a dash of something fantastical that helps explain well known stories revolving around gods and religion.

The Shards of Heaven is a historical fantasy with a tinge of Indiana Jones adventure and Dan Brown’s secret conspiracy theories. It is a story that is comes to life and engages the reader from front to back, providing some exciting alternative explanations for stories that we all know. ( )

This is one of those books that would translate very well to the big screen.

Set after the death of Julius Caesar, the book concerns the war that breaks out after his death, with Cleopatra and Marc Antony, with Caesar's son Caesarion, on one side and Caesar's great-nephew Octavian on the other. With Octavian is also Juba - Caesar's adopted son, the natural son of the conquered king of Numidia.

All that is historical fact. The fiction arises here with the device that Juba is secretly plotting revenge for his father's defeat. The fantasy aspect comes in with Juba's discovery - and ability to use - the magical artifact known to some as the Trident of Poseidon. The item has supernatural power over the element of water - and has the potential to be a devastating asset, especially in naval battles. Octavian mercilessly pushes the young Juba to use the device - and is on a quest to collect the rumored other 'shards of heaven' to ensure his decisive victory.

We've got good use of less 'historically important' characters to fill out the story: the scribe Didymus, a couple of 'ordinary' foot soldiers, Cleopatra's daughter Cleopatra Selene as a child... I also liked the inclusion of different cultures and religions - Egyptian, Roman, and early Judeo-Christian.

The exotic setting, the magical elements, and the plentitude of action would all translate well to a great historical action film. However, as a book I wished I felt closer to the characters emotionally, and I wanted more complexity to their portrayal. I also wasn't thrilled with the portrayal of Cleopatra - she's stunningly beautiful, but gets disrespected and pushed around a lot by everyone around her, and just seems overly emotional in too many of her scenes, rather than as strong and ruthless as she likely was.

Still, an enjoyable historical/fantasy/action tale.

Many thanks to Tor and NetGalley for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinions are solely my own. ( )