February 20, 2011 by ratcheer.

This is a series by Colleen McCullough. It is one of the best series of historical fiction I have ever read. Its central subject is the fall of the Roman Republic (as stated by McCullough in the Author’s Notes of one of the books). So far, the main characters have been Gaius Marius, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, and Gaius Julius Caesar.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this series.

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June 12, 2010 by ratcheer.

I just finished a book that was absolutely enjoyable for me. This was the first thing I had read by Simmons and I can assure you it will not be the last. Without giving anything away, I highly recommend it.

It is historical fiction about the American West. Very well researched, but fresh and inventive at the same time.

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July 4, 2007 by ratcheer.

I thought I’d weigh in on something I love - reading. I have been reading for a long time and I’ve had quite a few favorites over the years. My top favorites of the past several years have been Stephen King, Tom Clancy, and Patrick O’Brian. As much as I love Stephen King, I’d have to say that O’Brian’s Aubrey and Maturin series is the best fiction I’ve ever read. It is packed with historical accuracy, action, adventure, and well developed characters. I read the twenty books of the series, in order. I was sad that there would be no more when I finished the last one.
A couple of months ago, I was headed on a short vacation to Colorado Springs and I was looking for something to read, but I had nothing particular in mind. When I saw Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtey, I thought it would be perfect. I had seen the mini-series years ago, but I remembered nothing about it except the long cattle drive. Anyway, the book completely blew me away. So, I bought the other three books in the series. I am now about half way through the second one, Streets of Laredo. It is as good or better than Lonesome Dove and that’s saying a lot!

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