“Lawrence writes with superb accuracy, weaving total fiction with documented fact…”

Continuing my series of reviews covering a fondly-remembered set of books (see previous reviews for books I, II and III).

Book IV is another one I’ve definitely read – I recall the scenes even if I could recall little of the story. I knew it would feature Rome and that in this adventure we would learn about Jonathan’s family past – specifically, what happened to his beloved mother. Other than that, I couldn’t remember a thing!

Well, that meant I was in for a treat as I found the story remarkably tense considering the intended audience is older children. There is implied talk of sex (though obviously not enough to get it banned by the Christian school where I worked in Bangladesh and was introduced to the books) and there is certainly violence including fairly graphic descriptions of flogging and branding. The adventure stayed just on the right side of exciting for me but there were moments where I was quite anxious. After all, these children are still very young – not even teenagers – despite all being remarkably mature, and there are assassins on the prowl…

Considering there are seventeen of these books and this is only the fourth, I’m intrigued to see how Lawrence will continue to build tension and give us more backstory. There’s only four main characters – the young detectives – and we’ve already covered the young Jewish Jonathan. Nubia, the newly-freed slave girl is an obvious one we must surely learn the history of, sooner or later. Flavia’s story is pretty much out in the open already. That just leaves Lupus, the mute beggar boy – another one who has a definite story. But after that…who else? What will the later books contain? I look forward to finding out…

As always, Lawrence writes with superb accuracy, weaving total fiction with documented fact, fictional characters alongside very real ones, and it is almost impossible to tell which is which. While there is no complexity of thought or plot, this book holds its own with any light ‘adult’ adventure/detective story. I’m surprisingly enjoying the series and hope that the author keeps up the excellent standard.

If there is a gripe, it is only one for which I doubt Lawrence has much choice. Each book clearly reintroduces the characters with potted summaries of who they are. Presumably to welcome in any readers who are starting with the latest book and haven’t read the previous ones. I understand this need but when you’re reading the books one after the other, it is a little irritating to be told – yet again – that Lupus has no tongue and that Jonathan’s family are converted Christians.

And talking of which, there is, again, a little push for Christianity as I noted in book II. Not too badly and with reasonably good reason, but I will continue to keep my eye on it. I have no problem with faith discussed in books or even having a central, and positive, role; but if the novel becomes a vehicle for telling readers why a particular faith is the best, then that’s a bit of a turn off. So far, as with the violence and tension, Lawrence is keeping on the right side of things. I hope that continues.

Overall then, I’m still really enjoying the books. They seem to grow with the readers (just as the Harry Potter books did) and so far are absolutely entertaining. On with book five!

My Verdict:

Social Entrepreneur, educationalist, bestselling author and journalist, D K Powell is the author of the bestselling collection of literary short stories “The Old Man on the Beach“. His first book, ‘Sonali’ is a photo-memoir journal of life in Bangladesh and has been highly praised by the Bangladeshi diaspora worldwide. Students learning the Bengali language have also valued the English/Bengali translations on every page. His third book is ‘Try not to Laugh’ and is a guide to memorising, revising and passing exams for students.

Both ‘The Old Man on the Beach’ and ‘Sonali’ are available on Amazon for kindle and paperback. Published by Shopno Sriti Media. The novel,’The Pukur’, was published by Histria Books in 2022.

D K Powell is available to speak at events (see his TEDx talk here) and can be contacted at dkpowell.contact@gmail.com. Alternatively, he is available for one-to-one mentoring and runs a course on the psychology of writing. Listen to his life story in interview with the BBC here.

Ken writes for a number of publications around the world. Past reviewer for Paste magazine, The Doughnut, E2D and United Airways and Lancashire Life magazine. Currently reviews for Northern Arts Review. His reviews have been read more than 6.9 million times.