vmBnJ (Read free) Trebizond Online [vmBnJ.ebook] Trebizond Pdf Free N J Holmes *Download PDF | ePub | DOC | audiobook | ebooks Download Now Free Download Here Download eBook #2716658 in eBooks 2013-09-01 2013-09-01File Name: B00EZ5UDXK | File size: 66.Mb N J Holmes : Trebizond before purchasing it in order to gage whether or not it would be worth my time, and all praised Trebizond: 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Decent Historical NovelBy WendellTrebizond is set in the eleventh century A.D. in what historian refer to as the Byzantine Empire. Centered on the impregnable city of Constantinople (today’s Istanbul), the Byzantine Empire was the remnants of the Eastern Roman Empire, which had survived the barbarian hordes that overran the western Roman world. In reality, these people were Greeks, but when the Dark Ages enveloped Europe, they saw themselves as the bearers of the glorious Roman civilization of the past. And when our story takes place, this Romanized Greek empire is still among the greatest powers in Europe; its borders stretching from the Danube in the Balkans to small cities on the Italian Peninsula to northern Syria . But now, there has arrived from the Asian steppes a new nomadic enemy; one who will come close to destroying the Byzantine Empire for good.NJ Holmes tells of this Turkish invasion through the eyes of three main characters: Theodore Gabras, nobleman of Trebizond, his wife Eirene, and the greatest of the Turkish warlords, Afsin. Overall, the author goes a great job showcasing each person, what they are living through, and then relating that singular experience back to the other two protagonists. Through these different viewpoints, Holmes sets out the story of the gradual destruction of the Empire by its enemies, the Turks own barbaric customs, and Gabras’ slow evolution from man of peace to savior of Trebizond and its rise as the last bastion of Byzantine power in the east.To be fair, it was obvious that NJ Holmes thoroughly researched this historical epoch, and all the true historical facts are present more or less. At least, I did not spot any variations that were not just artistic liberties to help present an engaging story. And Trebizond was definitely infused with all the ingredients of a good story: political machinations, love triangles, testosterone infused combat, and evolution of characters due to their circumstances. But, even with the table set for a great tale, the actual storytelling failed to produce an emotional response in me. Maybe, it was because the pacing was a little on the slow side. Perhaps, it was the tendency of the author to tell me what was happening rather than show me. Or it could have been because many plot points were not realistically portrayed - at least in my opinion. And while I realize that these issues may sound minor or smack of me being too critical, I have to disagree, because there are times that too many “small” things can ruin a novel. And that is my only explanation for my reaction to this novel.Now, I can’t deny I’m probably a bit more demanding of historical fiction. It is most likely because of my love for the subject. In college, I was an ancient history major. One of my favorite historical epochs was actually the Byzantine Empire. One of my favorite periods of Byzantine history was the rise of the three successor states of the Byzantine Empire, which included the Empire of Trebizond. Hell, some of my favorite fantasy books are Harry Turtledove’s Videssos series, which is basically a fantasy version of actual Byzantine history. And that might make me judge Trebizond more critically than is fair. But whether that is true or not, this book just wasn't for me.In summation, this is okay historical fiction, and it does a decent job of introducing a reader to this period of time and the peoples populating this corner of the globe. While it did not “speak” to me, it might be exactly what someone else would adore. Give it a try and see for yourself.I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone. The Byzantines are a forgotten people. They called themselves Romans. In reality they were Greeks who saw themselves as the heirs of the Roman Caesars. When the Dark Ages enveloped Europe, they were the sole lantern bearers from a distant and glorious past. Their disciplined and iron-clad armies, a legacy of the Roman Legions, ensured their survival. By the eleventh century, they were still the greatest power in Europe. Their Empire extended from Syria to the Danube. It was in these years that a new enemy appeared from the Asian steppes. The course of history was about to be changed, not just for Byzantium but for the whole of Europe...Trebizond is set in the eleventh century, when?Turkish hordes from Asia are storming into the Byzantine empire, slaughtering the imperial armies. Only one man can defeat them:?a nobleman and true historical figure called Theodore Gabras. Only he can save the city of?Trebizond and make it into the last bastion of Byzantine power in the?East. The story is seen through eyes of three main protagonists:?Gabras himself, his wife, Eirene, who is cruelly betrayed and captured by the Turks and makes her own perilous escape to re-join her husband, and the greatest of the Turkish warlords, Afsin, renowned for his brutality, who is entranced by Eirene. He vows to take Trebizond and kill Gabras... About the AuthorN J Holmes studied Byzantine history at Cambridge University and has maintained a passionate interest in the period. Trebizond is based on detailed research of the primary sources from the period together with extensive travel in the area. [vmBnJ.ebook] Trebizond By N J Holmes PDF [vmBnJ.ebook] Trebizond By N J Holmes Epub [vmBnJ.ebook] Trebizond By N J Holmes Ebook [vmBnJ.ebook] Trebizond By N J Holmes Rar [vmBnJ.ebook] Trebizond By N J Holmes Zip [vmBnJ.ebook] Trebizond By N J Holmes Read Online.