Matilde’s General by Robert S. Phillips is a captivating sequel to Elodia’s Knife that delves into the tragic love life of Matilde, Elodia’s daughter. Set against the backdrop of historical events between 394 CE and 400 CE, the novel masterfully intertwines fiction with history, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the era’s complexities. The story begins with Matilde, who, at the tender age of 11, falls in love with Gisalaric, a young warrior. However, her heart is shattered when Gisalaric dies in battle. Despite this loss, Matilde eventually finds love again with Ildefons, only to face another heartbreak when he is killed while delivering a crucial message to the Thessalians regarding Rufinus’ decree. This decree, which demanded the Goths be awarded one-third of the Thessalians’ land, sparked conflict, leading to the Goths’ victory and eventual settlement. The peace of the Goths is short-lived as General Stilicho’s actions force them to give up two hostages to the Roman Empire, one of whom is Matilde. While in captivity, Matilde discovers love and happiness once more, but her time as a hostage ultimately leaves her emotionally broken upon her return home.

Phillips skillfully uses Matilde’s story to highlight the low value placed on women in the Roman Empire. Despite her intelligence and wit, Matilde finds herself sidelined when Gainas, who once sought her counsel, rises to power. Her pregnancy serves as a stark reminder of the limited roles available to women during this time, reducing her from a trusted advisor to a figure treated according to societal expectations. While Matilde’s General is rooted in historical fiction, with Matilde as a fictional character, the wars and events depicted are based on real historical occurrences. This blend of fact and fiction not only enriches the narrative but also educates readers on the period. Readers familiar with Elodia’s Knife may notice similarities between the two novels. Both Elodia and Matilde find themselves in similar circumstances, taken as captives and developing relationships with powerful men who hold them. These parallels might make the story feel repetitive to those who have read the first book. Matilde’s General remains an engaging read, especially for those new to the series. Phillips provides ample background information, allowing readers who haven’t read Elodia’s Knife to easily follow the story and understand the context of events and characters.

Matilde’s General is a well-crafted historical novel that offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the harsh realities faced by women in the Roman Empire. While it may feel familiar to fans of Phillips’ earlier work, it stands on its own as an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0DBGNXVSY