SF Review

One feature of historical fiction that makes it so popular is an author with the ability to take the reader on a journey into the past.  By writing a fictional tale embedded in a specific historical period, the author enables the reader’s imagination to make ancient history come alive. 

In The Sword Fighter, Richard Dorsey takes the reader back to the year 79 BC in what was then known as the Roman Provinces of Hispania, the future countries of Spain and Portugal. The story centers on a young Hispanic Celt named Marco, the son of a prominent Hispanic family who toils at the craft of metalworking while perfecting his skills at the art of sword fighting. Civil unrest at the cruelty and exploitation of the occupiers has resulted in constant attacks by resistance fighters against towns garrisoned by Roman soldiers. 

Marco labors at his grandfather’s forgeworks in the mining town of Castello, when he is caught up in the fighting as rebel forces attack its garrison of Roman soldiers.  His journey as a sword fighter becomes interwoven with the rebels and the Romans when Marco discovers that his family and their cattle ranch are in danger of destruction.  As Marco leaves Castello and travels home, the Romans are wreaking vengeance on the countryside and converging on Marco’s home plotting to rob, kill and destroy his family. 

The Sword Fighter is a tale of greed, brutality, and family loyalty.   Readers meet the powerful, conniving Roman governor, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius and the avaricious Lucius Verres, envoy of the great Pompey who is leading the Roman marauders.  The author paints a compelling portrait of Roman deceit and corruption infiltrating the richness of provincial life which continues despite an exploitive regime. 

The novel is written as Book 1 of a promising series where the characters intertwine the social and military aspects of Rome’s bloody history of conquest and cruelty.  Further character development and an in-depth examination of Roman intrigue, class hierarchy and treachery are promised to flow from Book 1 into Book 2 and future series books. 

The action is page-turning.  The history of Rome as invader and conqueror is well documented.  In The Sword Fighter, the author shows us how the oppressed fought back.  In many respects, The Sword Fighter will remind us of today’s current conflicts.   Readers will recognize the never-ending pursuit of power and wealth cloaked in wars of national interest.  Cruelty and injustice are ignored, while innocent lives are lost under the banner of "civilizing the barbarian." I highly recommend the book to readers who enjoy being entertained while uncovering universal truths hidden among the facts of historical fiction. 

Tracy Roberts, Editor Writer Field Services