Book Review: Roma Mater (King of Ys #1) by Poul and Karen Anderson
Three Stars
“God’s hand touches a man and that man turns into one whom others will follow though it be past the gates of Hell.”
Excellent old-fashioned historical fiction/fantasy. Well-researched fourth century setting. Draws the reader into many aspects life. Invented a religion out of whole cloth, but used it to compare and contrast with existing ones.
“Despair was for afterwards. He still had work to do.”
Punctuation irregularities and errors, perhaps optical scanning glitches.
“Magic is ever a two-edged sword, oft times wounding the wielder.”
Why there’s a Spartan on the cover of the ebook edition is anyone’s guess.
“Had he wandered so far, into such foreignness? Had the God of his fathers no longer heard him?”
Broke oft abruptly. Cost them a star. Won’t try the follow-on volumes.
“Wisdom lies in nobody’s gift. We must each forge it for ourselves, alone. As best we can.”
As a Matter of Fancy 
Thanks for the review. I assume you’ve finished the Hugo awards and the related awards. I enjoyed those reviews. Yes, magic is a two-edged sword, I’m learning that.
Yeap, done reading and voting Hugos for this year.
Not saying how I voted, so others won’t be influenced.