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Matilde’s Empress: Book Three of the Visigoth Saga
Matilde’s Empress by Robert Philips delves into the turbulent aftermath of Gainas’ failed coup, leading to his death and Matilde’s desperate flight to her maternal home. There, her family embraces her, offering solace as she mourns both her husband and their unborn child. Soon after, Matilde marries her stepbrother Alaric and gives birth to their son, Theodoric. When Matilde is summoned for her connection to Gainas’ rebellion, Alaric steps in to protect her, but at a heavy cost. His intervention results in the loss of his position within the Roman Empire and his people being deprived of critical resources. Tragedy strikes again when Matilde’s tribe is attacked, and she, along with her son and servant, is taken prisoner. After enduring these hardships and eventually reuniting with her family, Matilde faces more losses, with several close family members having perished. For a brief time, she finds love and achieves high status within the Roman Empire, but it is short-lived. Though peace is eventually restored, Matilde is left with only a bittersweet resolution.
Set between 400 CE and 422 CE, Matilde’s Empress is rooted in historical fiction, drawing from real events of the Roman Empire. Some characters, like Matilde, are fictional, while others, such as Constantius, are based on historical figures. The novel explores the complexities of life in the Roman Empire, particularly highlighting how women’s femininity often overshadowed their intelligence. Matilde, a woman of sharp mind and wisdom, consistently provided sound advice, something Constantius himself acknowledged. However, her failure to bear him a child distanced him from her, favoring Placidia as empress due to her ability to give him an heir. Despite Matilde’s many contributions, she is never granted an official position, emphasizing the harsh reality that her influence depended on her attachment to powerful men. As she ages and is considered past her prime, her ability to make a significant impact fades, and she spends her later years bonding with her grandchildren. Philips excels in exploring the theme of “death by natural causes,” which adds an unexpected twist and depth to the narrative.
Matilde’s Empress is a richly layered tale of survival, loss, and resilience in a time when a woman’s worth was measured more by her ability to bear children than by her intellect. The novel succeeds in painting a vivid picture of life during the Roman Empire and offers readers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities faced by women in history.
Pages: 273 | ASIN : B0DBGQQ26F
Matilde’s General: Book Two of the Visigoth Saga
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
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