Review: The Knife of Narcissus VI & VII by Carolyne Chand

The cargo Lucius has smuggled into Rome for his brother-in-law Aulus is enough wealth to power an army, bringing them both to the attention of the imperial family. Now Lucius stands in a precarious position between two dangerous princes, poised to be either a favored courtier or an inconvenience marked for disposal—and forced to navigate his way through the same sexual intrigues Aulus has hinted that Trio, the man Lucius loves, has joined.

Trio is still a Gordian Knot Lucius intends to cut open. Knowing now that Trio is caught in more than an unmanly, un-Roman love for a friend, Lucius sets out with him and their two attendants on the search to find Velleia’s missing slave.

In the remoteness of the Campanian countryside, under looming, smoke-shrouded Mount Vesuvius that commands the skyline, Lucius intends to devote himself to refueling the flame he knows still burns between him and Trio. Nothing will stand in the way...except perhaps Arpalycus, the handsome and tempting slave who has become for Lucius much more than servant, far more than confidante.

Lucius Sentius, along with most people in the city of Rome, assumed that the debauched days of Nero were long behind them. He was wrong.

Swept into the sexual games of powerful men, he has had to navigate intrigues, lies, and rumour on his path to status and respectability. Torn between reputation and love, ambition and obligation, his heart still lies somewhere not at all respectable: a very un-Roman love for his very Roman friend Trio, the sort of relationship that only the most powerful—or the most ignored—may have.

In the course of a summer Lucius has gone from curious innocent to devoted worshipper of Venus, following both his heart and other instincts. But his dedication to the goddess stands between him and what he truly hopes to win. In the remoteness of the Campanian countryside, Lucius tries to refuel the flame between Trio and himself.

He is no longer the person who fell in love. But neither is Trio...

Includes a preview of the sequel novella: Saturnalia.


What is it about human nature that inclines us to reflect back to the beginning when we reach the end? That's where I find myself at the end of this saga.

Did I enjoy it?

Overall, yes. I think Ms. Chand wove her story together well. I loved Lucius and that love only grew as the series progressed. He's randy as all get out, has a heart of gold and he's generous to a fault. He's also intelligent and shrewd. 

I also love Rome especially ancient Rome and Ms. Chand seems to have done her research. She paid attention to the details and I even learned a couple things along the way and I like Ms. Chand's writing style; it's descriptive and evocative.


Was there anything I didn't like?

The ending. Well… let me clarify. It's not that I "didn't like" it per se. I was disappointed by Lucius' decision. I don't think it was the right decision for him, but I will say it ends ambiguously. I'll let you translate that for yourself.

Also… *side mouths* it could've used more… 

I am just saying.

It's my understanding that the whole thing is to be released as one book which makes this seven part series thing an odd marketing strategy to my mind, but it also made the story a bit disjointed. Then again, the storyline that I'm interested in may not be the same for all. What I'm trying to say in a nutshell is, I think the story will flow better as a whole rather than seven pieces.

How was the sex?

Copious. Lucius is a devotee of Venus and he worships often with fervor and a fair number of partners to whom he's quite generous. He's also very enthusiastic which ratcheted up the heat level.

Would I read something else by this author?

Depends. I'd read other things in this theater particularly anything having to do with Lucius. I'm not certain I'd be interested in any of the other characters. Unless they were gladiators. That's a whole different ballgame there.

How would you rate it?

I'm in between 3 and 4 Hearts, so I'll settle for 3.5 Hearts for the entire experience.

I would like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of the series in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Review: The Knife of Narcissus V by Carolyne Chand

The quest to find his wife’s lover has embroiled Lucius Sentius in corruption and debauchery at a high level. The men he must confront are tied to the emperor, and the price of their help involves a strange game of humiliation. The corruption of a city that shrugged off mad emperor Nero, and replaced him with a new brand of decadence, fits Lucius like a well-draped toga. If he’s willing to wear his new guise.

Velleia has been carrying a secret not so different than Lucius’s own: love lost to distance and circumstance. To help the wife he now respects, he will have to take the risk of becoming the man his reputation claims him to be.

His brother-in-law Aulus’s secrets are just business: a shipment of smuggled goods that is drawing Lucius ever more deeply into dangerous intrigues. And looming over it all, Trio is due to return to the city of Rome.

Whatever secrets Trio is carrying have built a wall of thorns between him and Lucius, a wall Lucius is no long sure he has the means to tear down. Lucius may already be what Trio feared he would become. Revealing the truth of their lives could be too painful for both of them.

FINALLY!

Trio returns and the mysterious shipment lands! 

Now we're getting somewhere. This shipment will have farer reaching consequences than I originally thought, or so it seems. And, p.s., kudos to Ms. Chand for her extensive research. Really. I had to look it up and all I can say is-WANT!

As I said in my review of IV, I think we're barreling headlong into an excruciating decision for Lucius. I've been trying to remain objective, to not pick a side but… I fear my attempts have been in vain. I've chosen and I've decided if Lucius doesn't choose wisely… well, let's just say I'm not opposed to taking drastic measures.

Other events seem to be streamlining the story down to this choice. Naturally, Lucius continues to have some interesting experiences that expand his… ahem, knowledge. 

Wait.

To be fair to Lucius, his name and reputation seem to be recovering and he's carving a place for himself in Rome, though I do hope the guy in the garden doesn't turn out to be a whackadoodle and/or a thorn in his side.

I continue to be impressed by this writer, this story and this episode did not disappoint.

*side mouths* Especially that scene in Ostia.

The conclusion for our Narcissus is shaping up to be (as we say in the sticks) a humdinger.

Can't wait.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Knife of Narcissus IV by Carolyne Chand

Lucius Sentius, son of a prominent merchant, ambitious young Roman himself, and exemplar of the new generation in a newly strengthened Empire, is building a reputation. Mostly a terrible one, and mostly thanks to a possibly insane poet who has taken an interest in elegizing his allegedly wild ways in graffiti on toilet-house walls. 

Notoriety will only keep the man Lucius loves away from him. Trio has fled the city, leaving a tangle of half-truths between them, sending baffling missives. The answers the gods seem to be making to Lucius’s prayers are only more knots to unravel. 

Lucius is determined to set at least one part of his life and reputation right—his marriage bed. A few rehearsals first with appropriate teachers seems to be the obvious solution to get past his hesitation. But life and love are never as simple as he would hope. And his wife, Velleia, has plans and secrets of her own. 

Part 4 of a serial novel in 7 parts. The Knife of Narcissus will be released biweekly, then as a complete novel for Saturnalia (mid-December) 2014.

Episode IV of the Lucius saga left me feeling a bit out of sorts. I'm thoroughly enjoying the setting and Lucius, but I'm stumped as to how some of this is going to be relevant to the endgame.

It's taken me this long to realize Lucius is a lover not a fighter. He just wants everyone to be happy which, I believe, is going to cause some problems in the not too distant future.

Somebody's going to be butt hurt.

Trio is still in the country. Lucius is still trying to develop some sort of relationship with Velleia with some success. Yes, girl parts were involved. Arpalycus is the wild card. I fear we're barreling towards a choice that's going to leave one or more heartbroken. 

However, aside from that development the rest of what transpired in this episode I found somewhat dull. What's more, I don't see how the first third of the story is going to have bearing in the grand scheme of things. It just felt like filler.

The scene with the poet was highly amusing and I think he's going to provide some much needed comic relief before long.

Overall, I enjoyed it but more for the atmosphere, the writing style and Lucius than the events if that makes sense.

I would like to thank the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Knife of Narcissus III by Carolyne Chand

Lucius Sentius had always assumed the debauched and corrupt days of Nero were over. He was wrong. Being celibate and sober may be good for the reputation, but it’s a dead-end path for an ambitious Roman looking to rise to wealth and power in the city.


His friendship with the man he loves has been broken by the flare of passion between them, his wife has a better command of his household than he does, and gossip around the city about his hedonistic lifestyle is growing faster than any actual attempt to be wanton. When his new brother-in-law hires him to take on a mysterious task for a powerful, unidentified patron that requires someone willing to set aside all scruples, Lucius throws himself into a chance to prove his worth.


It’s enough to make a man turn to the gods for help. In Lucius’s case, the one goddess who seems to listen—to the right sort of worship—is Venus….

Building Block Episode, Folks.

I don't know why I'm calling them episodes. Just humor me.

If you've not read the first two it's probably a good idea to step away now. 

Lucius is fumbling throughout this episode, trying to figure out what prompted Trio to bolt and coming up with very few answers. After they did the deed (and during) in II some warning signals went off that something was amiss. I had a feeling that Lucius seems to realize as well during this episode, and let's just say what's good for the goose is not good for the other goose in Lucius' opinion. What's a wealthy Roman to do without his beloved? This is Lucius we're talking about so… 

I like him. I really really like him. Trio leaving has vexed him. Trio absconds to the country and is MIA in this episode. Lucius tries celibacy but he is not cut out for it. He's just not. Dude likes to get his groove on and everyone wants in his toga. It's a public service he's performing. Really it is. Besides Venus told him to! You shouldn't go against a Goddess. Bad things could happen. Very bad.

He also decides he's going to get in shape to increase his wooing chances when Trio returns and meets a former gladiator. Close. I'm getting closer to MORE GLADIATORS gladiating!!!!! His trainer, the gladiator, his new regimen are all very amusing as are his discussions with himself. My ¢2 are Lucius needs to go into politics. He can rationalize just about anything. This skill likely will come into play soon with this mysterious shipment for the brother in law out of Alexandria not to mention retooling his reputation. Seems word is out on the cobblestones that Lucius plays on his side of the fence ONLY. 

Lucius ain't going down that pigeon hole like that! It's on like Sean. Pretty sure things are about to get interesting in the Lucius household.

I liked this episode but I wanted more insight into why Velleia treats Lucius with seemingly such contempt. I have a few working theories which are all just conjecture at this point. I'm still thoroughly invested in this series and would recommend to Roman enthusiasts. If you're going in, it's in for a penny, in for a pound.

I would like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Find out more on Goodreads

Review: The Knife of Narcissus I & II by Carolyne Chand

Lucius Sentius, along with most people in the city of Rome, assumes that the debauched and chaotic days of Nero are behind them now that Rome has settled down under a sober new ruler, Vespasian. Lucius may be only the son of a merchant, but his newly arranged marriage to an older widow will bring powerful connections and an enviable life. If he keeps himself on a respectable path.

That seems impossible when he discovers that his heart lies somewhere not at all respectable: his lifelong friend Trio, the reserved and serious son of one of the most reserved and pious families in the city.

As Lucius is pushed along the course of duty to family, to his promised spouse, and to Rome itself, he begins to see under the surface of his city, into a net of intrigues, manipulation, and corruption that can carry him upward in status and and bring him what he most wants...or destroy both him and the people he loves.

A serial novel in 7 parts.

Rome… 

It's intoxicating, no? I've always been fascinated by the Roman Empire. Certainly, they accomplished a lot, advanced knowledge, conquered, pillaged… they were kind of on the depraved side. God bless 'em.

Bath houses.
Dens of iniquity.
Togas.

Divine, I say. Scrumptious even.

So, yeah, I like Rome and all things Roman including TV shows and movies, which is why I picked these up when they became available and I regret nothing.

Ordinarily, I'm not down with serials, but I have them all so… *shrug* However, this feels much more akin to an epic saga rather than a serial. The Knife of Narcissus' story arch will take time to develop and unfold. I envision many obstacles along the way for Lucius and Trio. 

Lucius and Trio grew up together. They think of themselves as brothers as do their families. Boys will be boys and they engaged in some exploratory behaviors growing up, but nothing all that untoward. Somewhere along the way they fell in love, but this is ancient Rome. They both have obligations to their families and those obligations have come due for Lucius.

Lucius' father has arranged a marriage to a wealthy widow, Velleia, which will both further the family business and increase their standing in the community. Lucius understands his obligations, yet he wants to have his cake and eat it too. He propositions Trio and gets rejected. Ouch. This relationship strikes me as the heart and soul of this series. Word of caution:  there are ladies in this series. It's Rome. Think decadence or Caligula, whichever you prefer.

Lucius is determined to get his man. His methods are unorthodox and some may say foolhardy, but his devotion is unwavering. Along the way he's… ah, increasing his carnal knowledge. His educational efforts are nothing short of fervent. I admire that sort of devotion all in the name of pleasing his man. In fact, he's so assiduous that he's willing to experience both ends of the spectrum, so to speak. That's dedication, my friends. Hopefully, he's efforts will not be in vain.

The writing is solid. Ms. Chand seems to really know Roman history and it shows in the details. If you're a fan of Ancient Rome, this series should appeal to you.

Stay tuned for the next episode… 

I would like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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