The Scourge of God

by William Dietrich
Nonfiction
ISBN #0-06-073499-X
334 pages

Reviewed by Dana E. Blozis, independent book reviewer

Author William Dietrich scores another winner with his latest novel, The Scourge of God, a novel of the Roman Empire.

In 451 A.D., the Roman Empire is upset when the emperor’s sister Honoraria is caught in a compromising position with one of her servants. To save herself from lifelong imprisonment, she summons Attila the Hun to her rescue, setting off a series of events that will threaten the entire empire.

In anticipation of the brutal wars to come, the Romans send a convoy of diplomats to Hun country to persuade one of Attila’s lieutenants to betray his leader. Among the diplomats is young scribe Jonas Alabanda, trying to make a name for himself as a historian rather than a warrior like his brother. In an ugly twist of fate, however, Atilla’s lieutenant is not swayed and the Roman’s evil plot is uncovered. The diplomats are held hostage and subjected to torture, as Attila plans an appropriate punishment.

The Huns gather forces to fight the war of wars and to seize the entire Roman Empire. As the battle plan is developed, Alabanda, now a fierce warrior, plans his escape with Roman maiden Ilana.

The Scourge of God is written in Dietrich’s usual engaging, articulate style. Full of action, the story contains an appropriate amount of history, action, and romance, offering something for a wide range of audience tastes. Like Dietrich’s Hadrian’s Wall, this novel will keep readers riveted with the fast paced action, betrayal and battles throughout. Once again, Dietrich produces a novel worth reading again and again.