Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
One day fate decides to smile on Brennus.
He’s hunting in the woods when he is almost seen by a group of Roman soldiers returning to their encampment. He hides until they pass, then decides to bathe in the nearby stream. Naked, he finds a mossy rock on which to lie while the sun dries and warms him.
It isn’t long before his instincts tell him he isn’t alone. He discovers a soldier watching him and leaps to his feet, ready to fight. But fighting is the last thing Cyprian, the handsome Roman soldier, has on his mind.
Over time the men become lovers, finding happiness in a world gone mad. They agree to meet regularly and for a time, they do. Until one day Brennus is captured by the Romans.
Where is Cyprian? Didn’t he see his handsome soldier as he was being led into the encampment? Or will he ultimately be betrayed?
His Pagan Love is an ode to the Romans and their love of gods and conquest. The story is in part unbelievable for the era and the events Cyprian and Brennus overcame. Yes, it is a lovely tale of sacrifice and devotion, mixed with an unforgiven quality of life.
The assertions of tribes, Romans, and other primitive cultures were well integrated and gave the reader the flexibility to see beyond the need for a more extensive world-built. The silent ways in which they communicated not only between them but with the rest of their limited world were simple and interesting.
This is a short story that can be read at once between longer books. It has enough of a story to satisfy the reader’s curiosity without leaving them wanting for more. A little unremarkable but strong enough to leave us with a smile.
The cover by Written in Designs has some historical aspects but is more modern than accurate. It works but isn’t enticing enough to get readers to stop and look deeper into the book’s description.
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ebook, 75 pages
Published: September 29, 2018, by JMS Books
ISBN:9781634867337
Edition Language: English
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 