Helpful Score: 1
I've read a lot of Douglas Bond books, and this one did not impress me. His characters are not quite believable. This book begins with Neil Perkins, a class trouble-maker, flipping his ATV and unearthing an ancient Roman manuscript. Neil is disrespectful to his teacher (i.e., stealing his her handkerchiefs, taping notes to her back, and openly mocking her.), and his father is a dead-beat. The story that the manuscript tells is of a misused centurion, forced upon a mission, which if it doesn't result in his death, does ensure the death of others. He is a little to wimpy, considering that he is a Roman. On the other hand his rescuer is a little too perfect, too super-human. All-in-all Bond's Crown and Covenant trilogy are much better
Excellent story based on historical research. Supposedly written for youth but will be of interest to all ages. About Roman soldiers in Britain at Hadrians wall - some themes explored: understanding others, worth of fighting, early Christianity, cruelty, friendship.
