I Read Books: The Reformer
David Drake and S M Stirling wrote a series called The General about a general, Raj Whitehall, who lives on a planet that has reverted to low technology; a computer called Center offers him advice in the form of cool visions and unhelpful percentages. (Tech level mid-19th century, situation and career based on 5th century Byzantine general Belisarius).
Anyway, this is a follow-up, with Raj and Center possessing Adrian Gelbert on a planet that resembles a re-mixed late Roman Republic, the Confederation of Vanbert. Center gets him to introduce gunpowder to the mix. Unfortunately when a rebellion breaks out (with more than a trace of Cataline’s historical attempt at a coup) Gelbert’s brother goes rogue to try and rescue his lover; after she’s killed he swears revenge against all Vanberts, complicating things.
As the first of a two part story it doesn’t quite satisfy, but is a swift and easy read with good action scenes.
Read This: For a look at an alternate Roman Republic that goes off course fairly quickly
Don’t Read This: For more than a brief glimpse of the complexities of Roman politics or indeed the history of military technology
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