The Scent of Hyacinth: Seven Kings of Rome Novels - Softcover

Goff, Sherrie Seibert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0595343619 ISBN 13: 9780595343614

Publisher: iUniverse, 2005

Synopsis

The Scent of Hyacinth weaves a romantic adventure around the legend of Numa Pompilius, Rome's second king, and a water nymph named Egeria. Tradition ran that Egeria was the mistress of wise King Numa, that he consorted with her in the secrecy of a sacred grove, and that the laws which he gave the Romans were inspired by communion with her divinity. Prima, the daughter of assassinated King Romulus, holds precariously onto the reins of power and survives the dangerous machinations of ambitious senators only by advancing her friend Numa Pompilius to the heights of government. Numa, whose training as a religious scholar intensifies his innate distaste for politics, decries the intrigues and power plays that accost him in Rome. With divine advice from his mistress, this gentle lawgiver brings an end to war and institutes the priesthood, augurs and vestals for the rough-edged Romans. "The language is rich with specificity of details, rhythm and sound in this lovely yet disturbing rendering of a very distant Roman era. The author seems to know this story so well and the setting so precisely, that it doesn't seem researched at all. As a writer, Ms. Goff inhabits her setting as if she had lived there in a previous life. What's more, it doesn't come across as a historical or genre novel, but pure literature that uses sophisticated fictional elements to render a story that holds themes to which contemporary readers can relate. Brilliantly accomplished!" - Writer's Digest Book Awards

About this title

About the Author

Sherrie Seibert Goff, author of The Arms of Quirinus, The Scent of Hyacinth, and The Warrior's Dance, worked for several years as a technical writer in Los Angeles, but she has held a long abiding love for ancient history, especially anything Roman. Her rousing tales set in early Rome's regal period are known for their in-depth research and historical imagination. She now lives in Idaho with her husband and two cats. Visit her at www.sherriegoff.com.

Edition details

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0595343619
• ISBN 13: 9780595343614
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 264