DOMINUS
dominus book 1
BOOK REVIEWS
"If you enjoy fantasy historical fiction, with touches of real history, this book is a wonderful read...The author’s ability to paint the picture of the time and place are spectacular. You can picture everything, from Rome, to the estates which are the main scenes for the action of the book! I look forward, with great anticipation, to read further stories in this series. This book is so well written, kept my interest, and riled me up to some very unusual points for me. I just want to read more and more of JP’s writing. This is a terrific book, and I expect the series to just keep getting better."
Warren, GGR Reviews
"It’s a pretty rare thing when I can say a book hooked me completely just from the prologue and epilogue but really, everything that happened between those two chapters was the icing on the proverbial cake. Dominus, as a whole, reads something like a long prologue to the promise of something more; what’s inside the covers of this installment is the slow burn, where the introduction of all the players needed to happen now so the real meat of the story arc can be told in the next book. The build up to the storyline between Gaius and Allerix was a little like torture at times, but my need to see what would happen between these two men kept me turning pages, and has left me anxious for more. If you go into Dominus expecting a detailed historical drama or a simple genre romance, your expectations are off base. Read this novel for the bounteous pleasures of the flesh and the promise of the mystery yet to come that JP Kenwood has delivered so handily."
The Novel Approach
"Dominus is the first book in a historical Roman series with an overarching plotline. This book is incredible. Set in AD 107, J.P. Kenwood takes the reader on one of the most intense reading journeys I’ve been on in a while. Gaius Fabius is a Roman general potentially in line to be the next Roman emperor. He’s a fierce and powerful warrior with a lusty appetite and dominating spirit, and he is in the market for a new pleasure slave. Allerix is a captured Dacian who just had his world torn apart by the Romans. Enslaved and sold to the general who destroyed his people, Allerix now has to adapt to the life of a Roman pleasure slave while plotting his revenge.
The basic plot of the book sounds simple, but there is nothing simple about this beautiful and intricate book. Dominus (which is the Latin word for master) introduces the reader to the wonderful and erotic world of aristocratic Romans and their pleasure slaves. This book introduces the main characters and sets the stage for more drama and suspense to follow in book two. Luckily, book two is out already, so there’s no real cliffhanger since you can instantly grab up the next book."
Amazon reader
"I usually don’t go for the history fiction but this is so so good. I love Gaius he’s amazing. Love his boys they all have so much personality. But hot damn do I love Allerix. He dominated the role. Most of the time I don’t know if he’s faking affection or he really has feelings for Gaius. Gaius on the other hand I know is obsess with Alle. I already know some of the facts of the story is based on, so I know somethings are not going to work out for Gaius but I do hope that Alle return his feelings for him. And get some little bit of happiness for a while. I was so sad for what happened to Lucius. He’s such an amazing character. Can’t wait to read the other books."
Amazon reader
"This was outstanding. I'm in love with this book. It was impossible, for me, to put it down.
I was captivated by the beautiful characters. I guess that was what I enjoyed the most of it. Every single character, even the one who show up for short time, had something interesting about them. Everyone so intriguing.
The writing was also so beautiful. There were times when I had to stop and reread things, just because of how beautifully written they were. It was a wonderful experience.
The plot was good, but I see it as a part of something bigger. I think we are only getting to know the world and the dynamics around the characters and allies and enemies right now, so even if it was good, it isn't a finish story yet, which brings me joy because I want so much more.
Overall, it was fantastic. I can't get enough and I can't recommend it enough. It was a magnificent book."
Amazon reader
"I enjoyed being immersed into this story set in ancient Rome at the time of Trajan MUCH MUCH MUCH more than I expected to, and the characters of Gaius Fabius and his pleasure slaves very compelling, especially the newly-acquired Dacian, Alle. This is a story arc that continues over multiple volumes, and I can't wait to read the rest! Highly recommended!"
BookBub reader
"Oh my God this was brilliant!!! Absolutely fantastic! It kept my attention from the beginning until the end. It made me cry and it made me laugh. It surprised me and I just fell in love with all the characters! It's such a fantastic book. Interesting plot, intriguing characters and so well written. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was excellent! I highly, highly recommend it! I'm going to start the second one right away!"
BookBub listener
"Wonderful world-building, Imperial Roman Empire setting, beautiful slaves and imposing master personally responsible for destroying the main character slave's country...of course I loved this book! A modern era archeological expedition frames the story, though I could have done without it. It'll probably be important, though. The setting feels completely real: lush and luxurious and often pastoral. What I loved most was the relationship between Gaius and Lucius. Both complex men and in a complex situation. I also really enjoyed that Gaius' wife was likable and pragmatic, which is much truer to ancient matrimony than jealous shrews. Some of the use of modern language in ancient Rome threw me out of the story at times, but not enough to disrupt the erotic action. And yes, there's a cliffhanger, which I knew going in, so I had the next book already in line. Readers who dislike cliffhangers (here, here) are advised to do the same. Trust me, you're going to want that book after reading this one."
Goodreads reader
"Now this is an unexpected series. It doesn't fit in any mold and it doesn't follow any rules....and it works. It was delightful and emotional, sexy and thrilling and if I have any complaints, then that this is the first in a series and the end of the book is really not the end of the story. If you are uncomfortable with cliffhangers, wait until the series is completed. But keep it on your radar because it is so very unconventional and good to read. If you are in a "oh my god, not the same story again"-funk - this is your way out."
Goodreads reader
"If book one is any indication of the potential of this series then I am hooked! Dominus is a great start to what promises to be a page turning adventure. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Well crafted storyline, interesting characters, steamy sex scenes this book is definitely going to the top of my historical fiction pile!"
Goodreads reader
"If you love historical romance, with political intrigue, murder, and a healthy dose of sexy times, then this book is for you ! The book is so well written, I could feel the stone tiles beneath my feet, and hear the scraping of the ceramic bowls the characters ate from. The fragrant oils, and spicy meats all described so well, it helped form a mental picture of the houses and market places they traveled through. The characters of the story are all written with their strengths, and faults, and I found myself pulling for each of them. I'm riveted to my seat, watching their story unfold. JP Kenwood has written a masterpiece that brings history to life."
Goodreads reader