Gerald G. (PhotoJer) reviewed Terra Incognita (Medicus Investigations, Bk 2) on + 92 more book reviews
I can't wait for the next one of her books. This is a really good read. Time, place, characters all are different/unusual. Medicus was good, this one is better.
Valorie T. (morbidromantic) -
I love this book and it's a great follow up to Downie's first book Medicus. Ruso, for all his naivety and insecurity, is a great character. He contrasts perfectly with the stubborn and strong-willed Tilla. The story is full of plot twists and new revelations that keep the story constantly moving and always surprising. Ruso is so unfortunate that he provides a great deal of comic relief; a reader can't help but feel bad for him as bad luck strikes again and again.
Terra Incognita has a lot of cultural conflict. The relationship between Ruso and Tilla is often times conflicted by cultural differences. Ruso cannot understand Tilla any more than she can accept the Romans in general. Though the two of them feel obvious affection for each other, they are often left vexed or upset by cultural misunderstandings. We also see the cultural differences of the Romans and Britons- Romans are confident conquerors who see their way as the only natural way, and the Britons regard the Romans with suspicion and dislike. The Romans want to stamp out old customs while the Britons resent the Romans for imposing their culture on them. The Roman army trusts the Britons about as much as the Britons trust the Romans, though, so the feelings are mutual.
As I have said before about Downie and her style of historical fiction, I love that she doesn't write for the purpose of showing off her vast knowledge of history. So many writers of historical fiction add in superfluous paragraphs that serve only to let the reader know just how 'expert' the author is. While I love getting as much historical information as possible, I likewise love it when an author makes a matter-of-fact type story that is smooth and believable simply because the storytelling is humble. Downie fits her characters into Rome seamlessly, without grand pronouncement or showing off. They just belong there.
Terra Incognita has a lot of cultural conflict. The relationship between Ruso and Tilla is often times conflicted by cultural differences. Ruso cannot understand Tilla any more than she can accept the Romans in general. Though the two of them feel obvious affection for each other, they are often left vexed or upset by cultural misunderstandings. We also see the cultural differences of the Romans and Britons- Romans are confident conquerors who see their way as the only natural way, and the Britons regard the Romans with suspicion and dislike. The Romans want to stamp out old customs while the Britons resent the Romans for imposing their culture on them. The Roman army trusts the Britons about as much as the Britons trust the Romans, though, so the feelings are mutual.
As I have said before about Downie and her style of historical fiction, I love that she doesn't write for the purpose of showing off her vast knowledge of history. So many writers of historical fiction add in superfluous paragraphs that serve only to let the reader know just how 'expert' the author is. While I love getting as much historical information as possible, I likewise love it when an author makes a matter-of-fact type story that is smooth and believable simply because the storytelling is humble. Downie fits her characters into Rome seamlessly, without grand pronouncement or showing off. They just belong there.
