Title: Brothers
Author: M.E. Taylor
Publisher: BookVenture
ISBN: 978-1504998260
Pages: 569
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington

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In Brothers, by author M.E. Taylor, the reader is treated to an epic tale. Meet Lucius, Gaius, Quintus, Aelia, Marcia, Marcilla-Gaia, Marcia and other characters who not only built the plot but also made the story interesting with their different traits.

The story is set in the early centuries so I wasn’t really surprised when the ownership of slaves was mentioned. I instantly took a liking to Lucius Marcius Philippians’ family. He had an adorable wife, and loved his surviving children. I couldn’t understand why he was being punished; being sent to exile just because he chose to be with his dying son when he should have been supporting Domitian in the Senate. It was heartbreaking to read, but then again, seeing the period the story was set, I didn’t feel it to be very much out of the ordinary.

The setting of the book in Roman Britain increased my sense of imagination, as I tried to think of how things were during that time period. Verluccus’ story was rather unfortunate. Occasions where he refused to eat the food given to him, as a form of a hunger strike in order to change things, but nothing did change. Being a slave was the worst which could happen to him. His escape was another epic moment. I felt the suspense and thrill it brought into the storyline. I was really hoping that Verluccus could run away for good. Yet, it was so heartbreaking when he got captured and brought back to his masters. Gaius Marcius was a character I loved and loathed at the same time. I didn’t like his overbearing attitude even with his powerful father.

Two of the themes covered in the book were spirituality and religion. During one conversation between Anicetus and Gaius Marcius, we see how the former insisted on the influence of the Gods. Though the conversation was not polite, rather one which felt condescending towards Gaius Marcius, we are able to see how their society had beliefs in Gods. “The Gods, through your parents, have bestowed all these things on you and position and wealth too. “Do not mock the Gods and throw these gifts away. You must harden your heart and rid yourself of the barbarian,” read part of the conversation.

I disliked how their society treated slaves. They were being treated as if they were goods which had no value. How sad. The book is divided into seven chapters which made the reading easier and plot orderly. I was impressed how the characters held the elderly in high regard and consulted with them on issues. Authority is also important in this society, and everyone had to respect those at the helm. I found their punishments to be a little harsh though. Why send someone into exile just because they chose to be with their family instead of doing political activities? I sympathize with the characters which underwent the wrath of the emperor just because they went against the rules.

Brothers gives readers an ancient vibe while paging through the story, which is more reason to get it. The book has so many characters, that I had to write down some of the names so as not to mix them up. It is a great book for literature lovers and although requires some memorization, the reader is rewarded with an unforgettable story.