Eterlimus by Aziz Hamza

Eterlimus Reviews

• 
  Alexandra Engellmann

  Eterlimus is a historical fiction novel written by Aziz Hamza, a Saudi novelist, and published in both Arabic and English. It’s considered as the first novel in Roman history for a Saudi author. What caught my eye was the main character’s role: The revolution sparked a wave of anger amongst citizens across the Kingdom after Sextus the King’s son raped the noble woman Lucretia, causing the fall of the last Roman Kingdom in 509 BC. And the salvation of its citizens by the hands of a pimp called Eterlimus. The premise was intriguing, and the book wasn’t that big (not your usual Roman history book full of overly complicated language and long descriptions), so I’ve decided to give it a try.
  Eterlimus himself is introduced as the only member of his family that had survived King Tarquinius’s anger, as he’d been rescued by his neighbor, Flavius. Since Flavius was a slave trader, and not just a random one, but a famous man who was trusted by the people, we can imagine how the boy turned out, growing up in such an environment. He’s become famous among the wealthy of Rome as well, with strong connections among the elite class that eventually had made his house of pleasure a second senate.
  The author’s style flows naturally and makes it easy to get lost in the story. I’ve always loved the theme of Rome, and I think, even back at school, it was the only part of the History course that I actually enjoyed. I won’t lie that I care much about all the dates and names and significant historical events. But I’ve always found their civilization beautiful and fascinating, and I’ve got plenty of Rome’s air from this book. Only instead of boring historical facts, throw in dark intrigues and cunning characters, and you can imagine what this book is about. I also liked the detail that the author put into every scene.
  I think for fans of historical fiction, Eterlimus would make for a perfect weekend read.
  I got a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
  
• 
  أسماء

  الرواية بطلها قوّاد يخفي انتقامه من العائلة المالكة لروما في القرن السادس قبل الميلاد.
  القصة جيدة، والشخصيات وتنوع أنماطهم كذلك، لكن الحبكة والسرد بهما من السوء ما لا يمكن تجاهله، الأحداث متسارعة بشكل غير مبرر، لو أخذ الكاتب وقته وأطال في السرد وعدّل من تسلسل الأحداث وأضاف بعض ما لمّح إليه ولكنه لم يتطرق بشكل شافي له؛ لكانت الرواية استحقت التقدير بحق!
  
  فكما يتضح، أن للكاتب خلفية تاريخية جيدة عن الرومان وطباعهم وطبيعة عيشهم، لكنه لم يأخذ وقته كما ذكرت وهذا ما عاب روايته بشكل أساسي.
  كما أن بالنص ركاكة لا يمكن إخفاؤها خلف بعض الجمل الجميلة المنمّقة، والجانب الرومانسي فيها كان برأيي سيئًا للغاية، وسأعتبر السوء فيه نابعًا مجددًا من "حشر" الكاتب الرواية في ٢٠٠ صفحة بينما لم يوفيها حقها.
  
  لكن هذا لا يمنع أن بها ايجابيات، فوصفه للأماكن مثلًا كان رائعًا.
• 
  Veena

  Roman empire has astonished me since I read Julius Ceaser. Therefore when I received this book for reviewing I instantly said yes. This is written by an author from Saudi which further aggravated my curiosity.
  
  The book definitely has more positives than it has negatives. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.
  
  read detailed review at:
  
  http://acupofcoffeeandafairytale.blog...
• 
  Kristin Hinkle

  A book is the only mean of time travel known to man. And historical fiction is the best way to know your ancestors. Therefore this genre has grabbed my attention since quiet some time. This was the sole reason why I decided to read this book as soon as it was given to me.
  
  The cover page is tastefully done. It takes you instantly to the roman empire which was at its worst phase which is described in the book. The book is about Eterlimus who is the master of a pleasure house when the ruthless king Tarquinius has got hold of the entire kingdom with force and treachery. Eterlimus’s family was killed by the same king. He was the sole survive of the family when Flavius took him under his wings and raised him like a son. Eterlimus did not harbor the idea of revenge because he was taught better. UNTIL, one of the girls in his pleasure house was assaulted and mutilated on Sextus’s orders.
  Eterlimus wants to avenge the girl and hence births a plan of Sextus’s downfall, which throws more people in fire than he hopes to.
  The story progresses quickly. It is not one of those fat history text books. The writing is also very gripping. You will find yourself on the edge of the bed desperate to know what happens next. The narration is more like a play than a story. There situations are in simple English whereas the dialogues are loaded with ancient English. There is also a mix of tenses in the book at few places. The narration is in past tense but certain places it jumps to present tense and first person.
  The characters carry shades of gray. Each one is darker than the previous one. There are few instances in the book which you may find shallow. The love story of Eterlimus and Alba is not very convincing. It felt like an obligation to put it in the book.
  The book overall gives you the feel of ancient Rome which was exactly what i was going for. The characters are described without being partial. The book ends with a suspense. This book calls for a sequel.
  The book is a fair attempt by the author. I would like to see what he has in store for us next.
  Reviewer: Veena
  After Dark Reading Nook
• 
  Shroog

  إترليموس ليس بطلنا المعتاد والذي نقرأ عنه في قصص الانتقام وغيرها.عائلته قتلت على يد الملك لوسيوس الذي قام بتصفية جميع من يوالي الملك السابقومن ضمنهم والد إترليموس ونجا هو ليقوم جارهم فلافيوس بتبنيه وتربيته وكبر وفكرة الانتقام بعيد كل البعد عن ذهنه ونجح بتموين ثروته بطرق مشروعة وغير مشروعة فهو لا يمانع استخدام اي طريقة من ابتزاز واستغلال ليصل إلي غايته.
  حتى جاء ذلك اليوم وقع حدث أشعلت في صدر إترليموس نار الانتقام ويبدأ بالتفكير في الكيفية وهنا نراه أيضاً يستخدم طريقاً ملتوياً ليصل لهدفه!! عموماً قصة مثيرة للاهتمام ونجح الكاتب مع قصر حجم الكتاب في ابراز معالم القصة والحضارة الرومانية بشكل كافٍ ، لكن الترجمة ركيكة بعض الشي مع عدة أخطاء لغوية أثرت في استمتاعي قليلاً ،أيضا قصة الحب هنا لم ترقِ لي أبدا لحدوثها بشكل سريع وغير واقعي.
• 
  Danielle Brewster

  I was given this book, by the author, in order for me to review it with an honest oppinion. The story was extremely gripping, I will give it that. It was very historical, and it was clear that the author had researched in detail. Although very common in Roman History, people had very similar names to one another due to family lines, this did confuse the story. . Also, the ending, which could have been happy, was actually very sad and made me feel disappointed. This was particularly as the author was so close to giving Eterlimus a happy ending. However, Hamza's characters were very well mapped out, and I did enjoy the book.
• 
  L.A.

  Eterlimus by Aziz Hamza is a 236 page historical novel. I really liked Hamza’s quote ‘If we want to understand what is happening in the present, and to see what will happen in the future, we have to look into the history.
  Get ready to be transported back in time. I was completely engrossed in this tale of backstabbing, corruption and intrigue. The writing and descriptions are excellent. I felt as though each scene played out in my head like a mini movie.
  
• 
  محمد

  مرة أخرى أعود وأقول
  فكرة الرواية جيدة. وخلفية الكاتب بالتاريخ الروماني ممتازة . لكنني ولأسباب عدة بدت لي ثقيلة جداً . أدرك أن هذا النوع من الكتب يحتاج إلى صبر معين لتميز بين أسماء الشخصيات التي ربما تسمع بها لأول مرة إن كنت لا تملك الخلفية التاريخية الكاملة .
  الشخصيات متشابكة ولو أن الكاتب ميز حواراتها بطريقة ما في الإخراج . أو طريقة التوقف بين الأحداث الصغيرة مثلاً . أو حتى في طريقة السرد . لبدت الرواية سلسة .
  
  كان يمكن إخراج الكتاب بشكل أفضل من هذا..
  تشعر بالتفاصيل مزدحمة وتكاد تخرج من الصفحات الضيقة .
• 
  InaOkami

  حصلت على هذا الكتاب كنسخة مجانية من الأستاذ عبد العزيز حمزة عبر موقع قودريدز
  الكتاب يروي قصة رجل روماني يسمى إترليموس قفد والده إثر قتله على يد الملك الحالي لوسيوس تاركينيوس
  بعد اعتلائه عرش روما غاصباً بمكيدة دبرها للملك السابق وهو والد زوجته، الملك سيرفيوس توليوس
  لم يكتف تاركينيوس فقط بقتل الملك السابق بل وكذلك كل من يواليه وعؤائلهم وذراريهم، ومن بينهم
  كبار وزراء الملك السابق وهو والد إترليموس و والدته وشقيقته الصغرى معه.
  
  تم تبني إترليموس من قبل رجل يدعى فلافيوس الذي أحسن إليه وكان له كالأب وعلمه كل ما يصلح حياته
  وحاول جاهداً أن يشغله عن فكرة الانتقام لمقتل والديه وشقيقته من الملك الحالي تاركينيوس
  كبر إترليموس ليكون تاجراً حاذقاً امتهن تجارة الرقيق وغدا أكبر تجار روما وذاع صيته ليقصده كبار البلاد
  لجودة بضاعته وحسن معاملته للأحرار والعبيد.
  ولكن يظهر أن فلافيوس قد نجح في ابعاد تفكير إترليموس عن الانتقام حتى تحصل حادثة معينه تكون بمثابة
  الزناد الذي أطلق دفعة واحدة كل مشاعر الحقد والانتقام الدفينة بداخله.
  
  الرواية متقنة جداً ومحكمة الحبكة وتسلسل الأحداث فيها عبقري إذ أن حدثاً قد يبدو غير ذي شأن في بداية الرواية
  قد يكون له كل الأثر في خاتمتها. مثال على ذلك سمعة إحدى الشخصيات وهي لوكريتيا الأسطورية ومكانتها في قلوب شعب روما
  كملكة الطهر والعفة وضرب المثل بجمالها وخلقها وتكاد تكون في أعينهم ابنة من بنات الإله جوبيتر.
  وصف لوكريتيا بحد ذاته ماكان بتلك الأهمي حينما ذكر أول مرة ولكنه على المدى البعيد
  أدى إلى أكبر حدث في الرواية كلها ولا أريد الخوض في تفاصيلها كي لا أفسد لمن لم يقرأ الكتاب بعد.
  
  الكتاب ككل قيم والحبكة عبقرية. نجح الكاتب في تصوير الجو الروماني العتيق من نواحي عديدة: الملاحم الأسطورية و العلاقات البشرية من الحب للصداقة للخيانة والغدر
  حكايات الآلهة ومؤامرات سرية وملوك وطغاة وأتباع خبيثون وعبيد مخلصون. كل ما تطلبه من الرواية التاريخية.أنصح بها لمحبي قصص الانتقام
  كوني استمتعت كثيراً برواية الكونت مونت دي كريستو فلقد وقعت هذه الرواية بمكان بالنسبة لي.
  
  الإيجابيات:
  1- تتابع الأحداث كما قلت فكل حدث له دور في الحبكة والصورة النهائية للقصة. نجمة لهذه النقطة
  2- نجمة أخرى لكون التشبيهات بليغة جداً وعديدة في الرواية وقد استمتعت جداً بكل مشهد مصور بدقة ووصف لا يخلو من البلاغة.
  3- والنجمة الثالثة لأن الرواية متزنة جداً ولا تركز على حشو المضمون بالزخرفات اللغوية والفخفخات المبالغ فيها لزيادة كتلة العمل، تركز على الرواية كرواية وتضع الأحداث أولاً وأخيراً
  وهذا ما جعلها في نظري رواية غير مملة ولم أحتج أبداً إلى القفز بين أية أسطر غير ضروية لأصل إلى الزبدة.
  4- النجمة الرابعة: (بالنسبة للنسخة العربية كوني لم أقم بقراءة الإنجليزية) اللغة متناسقة والحوارات تعطي الجو الروماني المفعم بدون أي مبالغات أو إقحام للغة العربية بمواقف لا تناسبها كي تخرب
  الجو كلغة دخيلة. الحوارات غنية وغير مبالغ فيها درامياً وممتازة ككل.
  
  السلبيات:
  السلبية الوحيدة التي وجدتها في الكتاب كانت الأخطاء المطبعية واللغوية والنحوية الكثيرة فيه وكأنه لم يخضع للتدقيق. قد يعزو ذلك لكوني حصلت على الكتاب
  بطبعته الأولى. في إحدى الصفحات وجدت ثلاثة أخطاء تباعاً في سطر واحد! النجمة الناقصة من تقييم الكتاب هي لهذه السلبية
  
  
• 
  M. P.

  I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
  
  Eterlimus is surprisingly short, only a little over 200 pages, and printed in large font with wide line spacing. I recently learned the author has background as a journalist and columnist, which may explain how he could take such a rich, complex culture like Ancient Rome and only present to the reader the details s/he absolutely needs to follow the story. There is little empty detail - the surroundings are hardly described outside of telling it is the senate, or the pleasure house run by the titular pimp. It's a style I am not used to with historical fiction, but that doesn't mean I would not gladly digest such a style of storytelling.
  
  However, I do have some conflicting feelings regarding this book. First of all, I did not enjoy the translation job. It felt somewhat dry, at times like it was trying too hard to convey the feeling of a time long past, and perhaps even a little graceless or left-handed. Secondly, the titular character, pimp Eterlimus, isn't really a very likeable man at all. He can be very petty, moody, and he is decidedly vindictive. The book also includes one of the few things I absolutely abhor in any given story, and that is the concept of true love being something that just magically happens when you see someone who is physically an exceptional beauty in your eyes. It seems terribly superficial, and I'm sorry, but I really can't stand it, ever.
  
  This is not to say the book would be bad. Despite the translating job making me cringe, I do recognize Hamza's skill as a writer. The plot develops well, and the numerous twists ensure there are no dull moments in Eterlimus. And, though the main character was rather unlikeable, he also struck me as very much human. He felt real in all his flaws. That is something I appreciate, and I'm not one to claim that a main character would have to always win the hearts of the readership in order to make an excellent leading character to the story. If the character evokes emotions and is believable, that is more than enough, and that is what Eterlimus' person was. This factor of realism is shown in many other characters in the book as well, such as Brutus, whose character demonstrates the very unfortunate aspect of human behaviour, where one builds a facade to show to others in order to hide one's true intentions and goals.
  
  Overall, a well-built tale of political intrigue. The book is very unique in its choice of main cast, which I appreciate. I don't think I've ever before even heard of a book written mostly from the viewpoint of a brothel owner in Ancient Rome! All credit to Hamza for such a fresh viewpoint.
• 
  Scarlett Jensen

  4.0 out of 5 stars
  
  Profound Infuence of History on Customs and Traditions of Future Generations
  
  Scarlett Jensen on September 9, 2015
  
  Format: Kindle Edition
  
  This book is a reflection of ancient Roman customs and traditions and how they are displayed in human vices and virtues, giving shape to history of that time. We see how -
  
  -- political systems manipulate fate and destiny; they distort history and traditions
  and determined the future of Rome.
  
  -- evil, envy and malice destroy and sow malediction in the form of family murders
  and assassinations.
  
  -- corruption, tyranny and greed become self-serving tools to satisfy the ego.
  
  -- Eterlimus, the protagonist and carrier of the symbol of riches, influence and
  secrets of the nation, survives while he has power and is influential.
  
  -- Power-and bloodthirsty individuals become cold-blooded opportunists to achieve
  goals at all costs.
  
  -- Fear and remorse of the wastfulness of man, the embodiment of chastity and
  loyalty, can change as life's pleasures are irresistible to the most
  virtuous of souls.
  
  -- Vengeance is one of the faces of justice.
  
  -- Eterlimus struggles violently between his conscience and the justification of his
  deed/conspiracy/ betrayal and exclaims to his enemy: " Eterlima will kill you and
  pull out of your heart, while you scream like a dirty pig".
  
  -- To Brutus, Eterlimus exclaims: " may treason be associated with anyone who
  carries your name and may it flow in the blood of your entire progeny until
  eternity".
  
  -- Loyalty to a false god is greater than loyalty to Rome and its people.
  
  -- Life's pleasures are not easily rejected.
  
  A quote which carries the theme of the book is: "when you walk the path of revenge, know that someone will always follow your trail" ; and
  
  " know thyself" relates to the fact that you should not harbour false truths or display a false decency; further---
  
  "The virtuous are among the the weakest and quickest to sin".
  
  "If the gods chose Sextus as King of Rome, the worst possible evil will befall it".
  
  I am from Italian decent and can see how my past heritage has influenced my present. The smells of "Antica Roma" are with me. To the author: I wish to thank you for your real account of ancient Rome and its people and thank you for taking the time to show us that we are the future through our past history.
  
  A beautiful novel
  
  Scarlett Jensen
  8 September 2015
• 
  Dawn Dolly

  If you enjoy reading anything involving the Roman Empire then you will love "Eterlimus". Eterlimus follows the tale of, well, Eterlimus, one of the most infamous playboys of the Roman era. When the Roman Empire moves to the leadership of a cruel and tangent Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, many of the citizens are left suffering and in fear. Etermilus turns into an unexpected hero, as he becomes a revolutionary leader in his own right, and is the one who can bring light back in these dark times.
  
  This book follows the drama of the fall of the Roman Empire, allowing you to delve into all aspects of that historical time. I'm not sure what genre I would list this book under. It had a bit of everything- from drama to action, to love and crime. All aspects of this book are combined in a beautifully written way. I have read quite a few books in this historical fiction genre- especially ones targeting ancient Rome. I have not read very many books involving the fall of the empire (many seem to stick to the glory times of that period). I felt this book was done in a very unique way with a story that hadn't been over-written by other authors. It was a read that I didn't get that sense of 'deja vu' that I sometimes get when reading books in a similar genre. This one wasn't written like any other book I've read.
  
  The story moved at a perfect pace, keeping me on my toes from the first chapter to the last page. Between the storyline there are moments of betrayel, love, fighting for one's virtues, sticking up for the good, finding the bad, and sacrifice. I've rarely read a story that affected so many of my emotions in such a short period of time- taking me on a roller coaster of hope, despair, pity, and admiration for the characters involved.
  
  Eterlimus is your stereotypical hero. He's the kind of character that leaps from the pages and is vividly created in your imagination. The Roman setting around him is brought to life beautifully with vivid detail. I so easily fell into this story and all of it's twists and turns. It was such an easy read- transporting me to another time and place in the most entertaining of ways. I'm definitely a fan. I love the historical fiction genre- especially Roman inspired pieces, and this one has definitely made me an even bigger fan.
• 
  Jihan Akar

  قرأت اتريليموس باللغة العربية. جذبني الإسم جدا خاصة ان الحضارتين الرومانية والإغريقية مبهمتان بالنسبة لي ولا اعلم عنهما سوى القليل جدا.
  اعجبتني فكرة الكاتب بان يقتنص قصة رومانية وبدأت مخيلتي بالابحار فزادت توقعاتي بحسن الكتاب.
  عندما بدأت القراءة تحطمت توقعاتي تماما! بالعادة افضل انهاء ما بدأت حتى لو لم اتمتع بما افعل. ولا أفضل اعطاء السلبيات ولكني لم اجد اي امر ايجابي غير اسم الرواية وكون احداثها تدور بالحقبة الرومانية.
  لغة السرد ركيكة الى ابعد الحدود، الحبكة مهترئة، الدراما سريعة وضعيفة جدا، اللغة ادنى من بسيطة، الابعاد والحقائق التاريخية شبه معدومة، العديد العديد من الاخطاء النحوية، الصرفية والمطبوعة.
  حبذا لو أعيد انشاء هذا الكتاب، او لو قام الروائيون بتأليف او ترجمة كتب جميلة تأخذنا بين ثنايا الاغريق والرومان.
• 
  Tracey Meredith

  It is Rome at the time of Kings and powerful Romans are already doing what powerful Romans do- plot: for revenge, for more power. Eterlimus has his own reasons for revenge and as the master of the local brothel visited by the rich and powerful, he also has the opportunity. Intrigue and political machinations abound as Rome tries to rid herself of the hated tyrants that hold her. You know what's going to happen; but who will survive the fall out?
  
  If you like your stories with a shovelful of intrigue and suspense, you'll enjoy this.
• 
  Atheer

  الكتاب كان ممتع وجعلني أعيش الأجواء الرومانية وأشعل خيالي بإحداث هذه القصة ، تعقيبي على النهاية تمنيت لو أني عرفت مصير بروتس الخائن ..
  وهناك شيء أخر اود قوله هو أن إترليموس رغم عمله كـ قواد وهو وظيفة دنيئة ومحرمة ، إلا أنه كشخصه كان رجلاً بكل كلمة ولايزال لديه قلب كبير رحوم ، افتعال امور فاحشة او سيئة هذا لايعني أنه شخص سيء بالكامل .. شكراً عبد العزيز حمزة رواية ممتعة .. ننتظر جديدك ..
• 
  Mohammed Kably

  ��ي تصوير بدييع لروما في عهد ما قبل الميلاد يحاكي عبدالعزيز حمزة واقعاً مريراً حدث ولازال يحدث في عالمنا العربي.
  تصوير أكثر من رائع . مفردات فيها شمولية للوصف و لغة بسيطة. تعايش أثناء قراءتك للرواية ذلك الزمان البعيد بكل قيمه و ثوابته.
  
  صراحة ذكرتني كثيرا برائعة البؤساء لفيكتور هوجو.
• 
  Bedon Issm

  A pimp with a councils
  
  The book was straight forward it has God attributes, I wish it was more distribution of the life style and the period . We'll done
• 
  Dalia

  رواية جميلة وخفيفة
• 
  Bakr Azam

  بصراحة امتعني الكتاب خاصه اني بدءت في قراءته مع بدايتي لمتابعة مسلسل Rome.
• 
  Mohammed

  اعجبني الكتاب جدا بصياغة جذابة وتاريخ يدعوا للتفكر. هذه تجربتي الاولى في القراءة في التاريخ الروماني ولن تكون الأخيرة