Getorix ~ Paperback ~ Judith Geary

Raiders clad only in blue paint and Celtic helmets strike in the heart of Rome's wealthiest households-at a monument to a Roman victory over the Celts. Lucius Lutatius, son of the Roman general, is taken prisoner and the bull's head device found at the scene points to Getorix, son of the defeated Celtic leader. Getorix, aided by two slaves from the Lutatius household and an old druid, must rescue Lucius from the raiders, then save him from members of his own family-if Getorix is to fulfill his vow to honor his father with a sacrifice and return to his homeland. Based on the historical events of 100 BCE, at the pivot point between the Roman Republic and the Empire. "Authentic setting, dialogue, and characterization beckon readers to travel to worlds of long ago. ... the themes...are as applicable today as they were in the past."- Foreword Magazine "Fast-paced and exciting story filled with great dialogue and lots of historical detail. Rome is brought to life as a living, breathing city; everyday life and complicated politics are woven into the story without feeling crammed in, and readers of all ages will be able to relate to the characters. Very enjoyable and very recommended."- Heather Domin, Historical Novel Review "The view of the life of Roman slaves is one rarely seen, particularly for young people. The friendship between the two boys, Celt and Roman, both misfits in their own cultures, and how they help each other to grow touches deep chords." - Ann Chamberlin, award-winning author of Gloria: The Merlin and The Saint. "Rome at the height of its power, when political and social intrigue ran rampant. ... hard to imagine a more exciting ... introduction to this vital period in our history." - Terry Roberts, Director of the National Paideia Center, author of A Short Time to Stay Here "Very few authors have the skill to pull their reader into the time and place as if they are actually there, walking along the streets, experiencing sights, sounds, and smells. Judith Geary does this with much finesse, which this reviewer finds even more admirable due to the fact that she writes about ancient history circa 100 BCE. Her portrayal of the political turmoil in Rome at that time through characters and scenarios is fascinating and informative. The plot is fast-moving and suspenseful and readers will be reluctant to put the book aside." - Christy Tillery French, Midwest Book Review "With deceptive ease, Judith Geary leads the reader through a maze of Roman politics and religious thought. ... The story is chock-full of details of Roman life during this historical period, interwoven so skillfully in the fabric of the pages the reader, caught up in the unfolding drama, is unaware of the impeccable research that went into the creation of this superbly ambitious novel. The story is peopled with characters from history as well as fictional characters sprouting from Geary's fertile imagination. Suspense is established in the first pages, sweeping the reader along with the mounting travails of the young protagonists until the very end. There is no rest for the weary in this captivating tale of friendship, loyalty, love, political intrigue and honor." - Danielle Bussone, All About WomenAuthor BiographyJudith Geary discovered her love of historical fiction in writing classes focused on speculative fiction. Tapping history for tips on world building, she was hooked by the real thing. Her love of the details of life in the ancient world illuminates her historical fiction. Geary joined Bob and Barbara Ingalls in forming High Country Publishers in 2001 and continued to edit for its successor, Ingalls Publishing Group until its closure at the death of its founder, Bob Ingalls. Geary's background includes an MA in Education from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and continued graduate work in writing, editing, literary criticism and involvement in regional writers' organizations. In her other life, Geary teaches at Appalachian State University (since 1985) She is the Senario Director for the NC Affiliate of Future Problem Solving International and an evaluator for the international competition. Her first novel, GETORIX: The Eagle and The Bull, a Celtic adventure in ancient Rome, and the related curriculum were endorsed for classroom use by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Southern Regional Education Board's Educational Technology Cooperative (representing 16 states.) It was a Book of the Year from High Country Writers organization and a finalist in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards in both the historical fiction and YA historical fiction categories.