'Raptor' by Gary Jennings is a historical fiction novel that follows the fictitious memoirs of Thorn, a hermaphrodite who embarks on a journey during the time of Theodoric the Great and the Ostrogoths. Thorn navigates through a world filled with historical events, battles, and intrigues, taking on different identities as necessary to survive. The book delves into themes of violence, taboo sex, and a critical perspective on religion, all while providing a deep historical context and exploring the complexities of the human condition.

The writing style of Gary Jennings in 'Raptor' is praised for its detailed descriptions that vividly paint pictures of war, sex, religion, and cultural clashes. Readers appreciate Jennings' ability to intertwine historical facts with fiction seamlessly, creating a storyline that keeps them engaged and intrigued. The characters, especially Thorn, are complex and multi-dimensional, adding layers of depth to the narrative and making the novel a compelling read.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Thorn being the center of focus, showcasing an intersex identity while navigating social and political landscapes.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is immersive and richly detailed, characterized by graphic depictions and historical accuracy while addressing complex themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Thorn, an intersex protagonist, navigating a series of historical events during the decline of the Roman Empire, ultimately intertwining with Theodoric the Great's rise to power.

Setting:

The story is set in the late 5th century, detailed with historical accuracy and diverse geographic locations across Europe.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow but picks up, reflecting a mix of drawn-out exposition and engaging action.

That happened during my childhood in the great round valley called the Balsan Hrinkhen. I was perhaps twelve years old, and I was at my scullion labors in the abbey's cookhouse, and a certain Brother ...

Notes:

The novel features a hermaphrodite protagonist named Thorn.

Thorn is abandoned at a monastery as a foundling, identified only by a Runic letter.

The story is set during the time of Theodoric the Great and the Goths after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.

Thorn's character experiences a graphic sexual awakening while in a monastery and a convent, which some readers found uncomfortable.

Thorn embarks on a journey through central Europe, guided by a woodsman named Wyrd, who becomes a father figure.

The protagonist often compares themselves to a raptor, symbolizing their amoral nature.

Thorn has a secret identity as Veleda, allowing them to navigate different societal roles as needed.

There are significant discussions about religions and women's roles during the late Roman Empire in the novel.

Thorn journeys to Constantinople, experiencing its customs and the emperor's palace.

The plot outlines the rise of King Theodoric, detailing historical achievements that earned him the title 'The Great'.

The novel mixes historical facts with fictional elements, focusing on the life of an intersex character during political upheaval.

Many reviewers noted that the structure of Raptor is similar to Jennings' previous work, Aztec, which led to predictability in the plot.

The book contains graphic violence, torture, and taboo sexual themes, consistent with Jennings' style.

Readers have criticized the protagonist for being overly perfect and lucky, which challenges suspension of disbelief.

Raptor was published in the 1990s, is currently out of print, and does not have an ebook edition available.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are high content warnings for graphic violence, sexual assault, and taboo sexual themes.

From The Publisher:

In the great cities of a dying empire and on the battlefields of Roman legions, Thorn, an abandoned waif, witnesses human beings at their most brutal and their most noble. Reprint.

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About the Author:

GARY JENNINGS was known for the rigorous and intensive research behind his novels, which often included hazardous travels--exploring every corner of Mexico for his Aztec novels, retracing the numerous wanderings of Marco Polo for The Journeyer, joining nine different circuses for Spangle, and roaming the Balkans to do Raptor.

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Raptor

Gary Jennings