Title:  Fire on the Frontier: A Novel of Revenge and Redemption           

Author: Kenneth Kunkel 

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

Three men and one woman are ravaged with thoughts of revenge: Marcus Numitor, adopted by Romans after his parents were killed in a barbarian attack, Helena Salacia, a spirited Roman girl leading a double life, Arminius, barbarian by birth but now a Roman Commander, and Centurion Rakan, who faces moral dilemmas in his quest for justice.

Set in ancient Rome and its Northern Frontiers, Kunkel has produced an ambitious novel with a strong sense of place and time while still managing to feel fresh. Driven by an authentic cast and underpinned by thorough research, it provides an excellent reconstruction of a historical period.

The stories of the four central characters connect and overlap to a greater or lesser degree. Nonetheless, their stories are distinct, and this is reflected in the nuanced differences in prose and style for each.

Kunkel subtly tailors their narratives to their personalities. Any of the four could easily have their own novel, such is the level of detail and conspiracy he brings to their plotlines without forfeiting cohesion or believability.

Marcus Numitor impresses as the foremost character. He is an engaging, if an occasionally frustrating individual whose obsession with revenge becomes dangerously overwhelming.

Notwithstanding, his narrative appears to be following a somewhat predictable and entertaining trajectory especially when his path crosses with Helena’s, and their chemistry becomes undeniable.

But Kunkel makes two bold, unexpected, yet credible decisions integral to Marcus’s story. The earlier one concerns Helena, and the second undermines his existence.

These surprising and profound twists radically alter Marcus’s commitments and provide a sharp edge of unpredictability. Kunkel capably and convincingly steers Marcus and the reader through the turmoil and moves Fire on the Frontier into violent and emotive territory.

Helena is also more prevalent than Arminius or Rakan, certainly initially. Her premise is a recognizable one, women secretly training and fighting as gladiators to escape repressive households are not uncommon in the genre, but Kunkel gives her depth and identity.

Her story swells to become one of unexplored trauma and self-loathing which weaves through the lives and consciousness of the three men. Using her powerful narrative, Kunkel explores some weighty issues that have contemporary, thought-provoking relevance.

Her cohorts at Gladiator School are well-represented, especially Laurentia.  Cassia could’ve used more dimensions to her character, and her motivations concerning Helena feel like it has undiscovered potential.

Similarly, Arminius is possibly the weakest of the leading players, certainly in his opening chapters. At times, his story lacks clarity, but as the novel progresses, he comes into his own, particularly toward the end.

The undisputed star of Fire on the Frontier is Rakan who surely deserves his own detective series. He’s a marvelous invention, deeply human and forensically intelligent.

Despite the gruesome nature of his work, his narrative is entertaining. As he begins to draw closer to discovering the culprit for the murders at the Port of Ostia, it’s gripping stuff, especially in his tense exchanges with the odious Polybius, head administrator for the Port.

However, all narrative roads lead to the Teutoburg Forest and carnage. This conflict was a pivotal moment in world history and Kunkel’s attention to fact is impressive and consolidated by his interesting Author Notes.

Nonetheless, he never loses fictional continuity or interest. The battle scenes are choreographed with brutal energy and Marcus’s role in the slaughter is harrowing and exhilarating.

Kunkel delivers an exciting novel that offers much more than the usual sword and sandals epic. Driven by four complex, obsessive protagonists and their intriguing stories, Fire on the Frontier is an engrossing and rewarding read, full of heart, emotion, and historical insight.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.