Book Jacket

 

rank 212 (+4)
word count 31560
date submitted 23.04.2010
date updated 02.09.2010
genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Childr...
classification: universal
incomplete

The Green Bronze Mirror

Lynne Ellison

 

Teenage girl finds ancient mirror which transports her in time to Roman Britain, where she is taken into slavery.

 

Karen is on holiday at the seaside in twentieth century England. She finds a bronze mirror, green with age, almost buried in the sand. Looking into it, she is transported back in time to the Roman Empire. She encounters a Roman officer who mistakes her for a runaway slave. She is sold several times, ending up in a wealthy household in Nero's Rome, as nursemaid to the children of the family. She falls in love with a Greek slave boy, witnesses gladiatorial games, and joins a group of early Christians. When the Great Fire of Rome comes, she is forced to flee from persecution, and hides in the catacombs, where she learns the secret of how to return to her own time. She faces many hair-raising adventures before she can return home.


PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BOOK IS ALREADY IN PRINT. A limited (100-copy) printed edition is now available from http://www.amazon.co.uk and from http://www.cnposnerbooks.co.uk from only 23p
This printing has eliminated the erros in the earlier ( 2009) version
An e-book version is now available on Smashwords (http://www.smashwords.com) for US$1.49 A Kindle edition is also available from Amazon

 
 

tags

1960s, ancient history, ancient rome, catacombs, children's historical fiction, christian fiction, druids, early christianity, girls' fiction, gladiat...

on 30 bookshelves

on 89 watchlists

175 comments

 

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ccpup wrote 1 day ago

What an intriguing premise for a story. Good pace, interesting character in Karen and I greatly enjoyed how you brought to life the sea, the dunes, the sandy beach. Very effective.

Jonathan
MARTUK ... THE HOLY

Jake Rowan wrote 1 day ago

This has a great premise and the writing in chapter one was expressive, except the dialogue with Anne didn't sounded particularly natural. Once Karen was taken to the Roman fort, I began to lose interest and I felt the MC was a little too composed. I didn't buy her throwing the mirror away if she thought that was how she'd got there, she would hold onto it. I think you need to worry less about explaining every detail (e.g. how she speaks Latin) and up the suspense and action. Jake

SareyFairy wrote 1 day ago

Hi Lynne

What a lovely story.
This would be a great book to get children's interest in history peeked. If it was me reading this when I was growing up, I would have been ravenous for history as your book is so exciting.
I can clearly see why a publisher wants to publish this again. It deserves to be out there in children's hands.
Backed with pleasure.
Kind regards
Sarah

LL Rook wrote 2 days ago

Very light and adventurous beginning.

My only mis-giving is that the actions and dialogue of the MC seems more like an 8 year old, 10 at the oldest, than a 15 year old. I don't think you'd want to make her seem older though, because then you'd lose the "magic and wonder" your story holds...15 year olds generally aren't fun... (speaking as a mother who has three teenagers)

Good luck with this!

Eunice Attwood wrote 4 days ago

I like the concept of this book and your style of writing. A very original tale. I have read so many books on this site, I may have already backed it, as it seemed vaguely familiar, but even if that is the case, it deserves another spell on my shelf. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Becca Boo wrote 4 days ago

Good work! An interesting concept, too. I love history myself, so I could easily see myself in your novel.

Rebecca

jbrogden wrote 5 days ago

I love this - it's the sort of thing my 11-year old Roman-addicted daughter would jump on. Has echoes of the Eagle of the Ninth and Susan Cooper's Dark is Rising books. Great stuff.

James

D. L. Stroupe wrote 5 days ago

A very good opening. I particularly liked the way she watched her feet hit the sand and the water splashing up - it's exactly the sort of thing a young girl would do. The opening exchange between sisters also felt very right. I liked the name Zenocrates too - different but familiar all at the same time. Good luck with this. =)

Peter Wild wrote 6 days ago

Excellent writing, nice story, should be a great success.
Backed with pleasure!
Peter Wild
Double Action

MillieC wrote 8 days ago

Hey Lyn,
From the first paragraph, I knew that this book would be one of the few that I loved on authonomy. I have backed you, and will probably recommend you on my page as I really am impressed with the premise.
I will be back but backed for now!
Millie x

Vall wrote 9 days ago

Hi Lynn
I enjoyed reading the first few chapters of your book (all I had time to do). You write simply - and this is a difficult skill to acquire. I'm sure this will be a resounding success - the very best of luck.
Vall
Midwyf

celticwriter wrote 11 days ago

Hi Lynn, love the genre. Nice style which is an easy read, your journey path is refreshingly consistent, good structure. Nice!

Sincerely,
jim
jack & charmian london

Henry Fleet wrote 12 days ago

Hi Lynne, many thanks for your comments. I'm happy to back The Green Bronze Mirror. I think the style would be very accessible to a young adult audience, and the story is engaging. Your description of the chase across the roofs of the tenement buildings is very evocative- I really like your focus on the vernacular architecture.

I'm glad to hear it has had interest from a publisher, and wish you all the best.

Adelina Geisler wrote 12 days ago

Hi Lynne, what an interesting idea! And in true children's/YA style, she forgets her home and fear and enjoys finding out about where she has ended up! A good read and happy to back it. Congratulations on getting it published. Thanks for backing mine & for your comment, too.
Best wishes,
Adelina

chvolkoff wrote 14 days ago

There something in this story that is doubly interesting. First, it is fun to read, and a greatly entertaining story for young adults and older adults alike. But second, it is also a great way to learn history! I have a weakness for stories that take place in ancient times, and it is great to have a contemporary witness actually being there and describing it for us as well as living in the times. Very well done, well written, compelling, and of course, backed!

Sly80 wrote 14 days ago

As this is already in print, I'll just sit back and enjoy the read rather than dividing my attention looking for edits. A girl alone on the beach with her imagination, being Lawrence of Arabia, at least until her sister disturbs her. Soon she's back into her own world, drawing sand pictures, exploring, unearthing an ancient mirror, 'Suppose she had found something of real historic interest!' Yep, as the arrival of the soldiers proves. She asks herself all the right questions, but none of them help with the predicament. Still, I like her attitude, 'without looking in the rotten thing again and landing somewhere in the Ice Age!'

What follows is a fascinating insight into what real Roman Britain must have been like; a testament to your expertise, research and imagination, Lynne, e.g. 'tiled in the Roman manner, looking like corrugated brick', 'the date should be now A.D. 63', 'If she did not come up to his required standard he would sell her. It was as simple as that'. And sell her, he does, to a man who is sailing to Rome - more entertaining and informative adventures lay ahead. The Green Bronze Mirror is ideal for older children and young adults ... backed.

Summer D'Vine wrote 14 days ago

The Green Bronze Mirror - I enjoyed the first two chapters. It moves at a fast pace, which is terrific for YA books and gets right into the action. I always like when characters, like Karen, are up to challenge and don't spend too much time doubting the reality of the situation. Gladly already backed.

All the best,
:-) Summer D'Vine, Women of the Trees

bluegirl09 wrote 15 days ago

A brilliant children's book, with a brilliant plot that is certain to appeal to a lot of readers! Karen is a great MC, someone to whom readers will relate. The writing flows well and engages the reader perfectly. Wonderful descriptions draw the reader straight into Karen's adventure. Great work, it's wonderful that you've gotten it published!
Selena Hallahan - 'With Teeth'

Ariom Dahl wrote 16 days ago

This is an interesting fantasy which is likely to appeal to teenage girls. I’ve enjoyed the first couple of chapters. Karen is very practical and matter-of-fact about her transference back to Roman times. I didn’t spot any terrible typos or horrid grammatical glitches. Happy to back it for you and pleased to see you’ve had it published.

chinyeree wrote 17 days ago

This is very well written! I love the sense of adventure! i really liked the first few chapters and can't wait to get deeper! Best of luck!

Valley Woman wrote 18 days ago

Lovely, a young girl with a rich imagination, an ancient relic and time travel! Your dialogue and description moves this story along at a nice pace. I think children should enjoy this tale.

Patricia
All Saints' Day

Kaychristina wrote 18 days ago

Lynne, you've taken me back to the days of the Famous Five... but I can see for kiddies today, this has so much more. Imagination and history done in style - required reading, I'd say.

Backed with my best wishes for a renewed success with this wonderful story,

From Kay
(Waystation to Prosperity Street)

Eveleen wrote 20 days ago

The green bronze mirror is a children's book and young aduls will surely love it.
Backed. Eveleen

Pat Black wrote 20 days ago

I've been dreaming of going away on holiday all day, so I was delighted to check into your first chapter - excellent evocation of a day at the beach, plus family relationships; siblings can indeed by adored and ignored in the same breath! I liked the flights of fancy in Karen's mind, as well as the discovery of the mirror, front and centre, taking us into your plot. This is all about escapism, a very strong start indeed.

Best

P

PCreturned wrote 20 days ago

An interesting story, beautifully described.

Backed with pleasure. :)

Pete

Betty K wrote 22 days ago

Wow. You have really done a great job of research of this era. I love time travel books. Best wishes with sales on this one.

Betty K "Destiny's Weave"

Elijah Enyereibe Iwuji wrote 22 days ago

Lynne,

This is an engaging and engrossing tale.It reads well and grabs attention. Very impressive. Goodluck.

R.A. Baker wrote 23 days ago

Having been written when the author was young, featuring a young heroine, this adventuresome tale will certainly appeal to your target audience. Well done.

Euphemus wrote 24 days ago

Great story Lynne. A refreshing book with an interesting storyline.
Glad I have backed it.
David (Flawless Murder)

Cherokeeknight wrote 24 days ago

Good evening Lynne, I enjoy the story. Very well written and descriptive. I would watch the repetition though. You have the same words in too close a proximity. Also watch the ly words. I know you want the waves to flow in majestically, but you need to find a way to make them feel majestic to the reader without describing them as being majestic. Hope you get the grist of what I mean. In another sentence shortly thereafter you write (She was down at the far end of the bay now,) Feels wrong to me, but it could just be me. I don't think the word (down or now) is needed. (She was at the far end of the bay) sounds better to me. That doesn't make it right just because I think so. Also instead of (picnickers rarely came) I would use, picnickers seldom came. I know they are the same in meaning but I have a reason for the thought. Reason being the same as mentioned above. I forgot I have already mentioned it but in reality editors do frown on the over abundance of the dreaded ly words such as rarely, quickly, and the like. You have a variety of them sprinkled lavishly throughout your story.
All in all a very good read in need of a light edit. Well worth reading and backing.

Nick
Invasion From Within

hajp49 wrote 24 days ago

You have a very engaging writing style that draws a reader right into your story. Your premise is interesting and encourages the reader to keep reading. Well done. Backed.

H. Schaefer 'Tales of Brave Ulysses'

Joanna Carter wrote 25 days ago

What en enjoyable read. The historical aspect is fascinating, and the writing is a treat. On my shelf.
Joanna Carter
Fossil Farm

Paul_aucuparius wrote 26 days ago

This is very good, it reads very well and grabs the attention. It will especially suit the younger reader being full of action and adventure. This deserves to be successful.

Backed.

Best wishes

Paul

Eileen Kardos wrote 26 days ago

This is good idea for the younger market, and it sounds both exciting and informative.
best wishes from
Eileen Kardos
The Noodle Trail

nsllee wrote 27 days ago

Hi Lynne

Great idea and pitch - YA fantasy involving ancient Rome? I'm there! Beautiful description of Karen at the beach, really spot on, just how an adolescent girl might feel, complete with irritating younger sister. Something about the prose reminds me of Philippa Pearce. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

CarolinaAl wrote 27 days ago

This is an engrossing story. Very believable characters and vivid scenes. Convincing dialogue. Backed.

Frank James wrote 28 days ago

To Lynne Ellison (The Green Bronze Mirror)

I'm very sorry that something had gone amiss at this end with regards to your book appearing on my bookshelf. I have corrected the mistake and hope that you can acept my apology. Good Luck!

Frank James (The Contractor)

Inky36 wrote 29 days ago

Hello Lynne,

A very interesting story you have here. I have enjoyed the first chapter. I liked the scene between Karen and her sister, a typical sibling thing. The dialogue is believeable and your descriptions are good too.
Good luck and best wishes,
Lisa.
Grimeon's Pass.

Frank James wrote 29 days ago

This is a good story, well written. The central character (Karen) is used to open up a novel of ancient Rome. Unfortunately I'm packing a bag and will be missing for a few days. I might be able to liberate a laptop for personal use and will be able to absorb a few more chapters. I have no problem backing this book.
Good Luck.

Frank James (The Contractor)

Duncan Watt wrote 30 days ago

Hi Lynne ...

A very unusual and interesting theme. Good plot and strong central character. I think this is written just right for you target audience. 'Backed'. Regards ... Duncan.

Christopher J Miles wrote 30 days ago

Hi Lynne, this is a beautifully written book that I'm sure will sell well. I've saved it to my watchlist to read with my son! Many congratulations on a fine piece of work and GOOD LUCK! Chris Miles - Dog Soldiers.

Rachel Bull wrote 30 days ago

I enjoyed your story so far, it is imaginative, original and well written. I like the fact that you immerse the reader into the action early on, especially given that this is a children or young adults book. Good luck.
Rachel

Strayer wrote 32 days ago

The Green Bronze Mirror should do well in sales. When I'm at the local library, I see a lot of adults, well, they look like adults, take out children and young adult books. I enjoyed reading your book and I wish you the best of luck with it.

M. A. McRae. wrote 35 days ago

I was interested in your story, but feel it lacks emotion. I think you could write a much better story now that you are older. Aside from the lack of feeling, (in my opinion,) it was well written, with an easy flow, and I noticed no errors of grammar or spelling. Congratulations on such an early success. Marj.

Markal wrote 36 days ago

Don't mirrors just give you the creeps?

Mark.

Rome wrote 36 days ago

A book that delves into a delightfully, imaginative tale rippling with historical depth, pure fun and loads of well-crafted adventure!

Charming!

Rome
Directives for Murder
Beyond the Shadows

snave wrote 36 days ago

Very well written and intrigueing to say the least. Sure that this will go a long way - snave

Hi,
Thou I am a teenager but I enjoyed reading this. Very well written.

All the best,
Backed with wishes,

S. Vinay kumar
The ark and the aroma of peril.

delhui wrote 37 days ago

Dear Lynne --

We are always intrigued by time travel stories, and The Green Bronze Mirror did not disappoint! Karen is in for it as a Roman slave, but what a fantastic look through the history. We have not come across anything set in this time period, and we truly enjoyed reading about Karen's adventures. BACKED. -- Delhui, The Long Black Veil

CharlieChuck wrote 38 days ago

I don't read many children's books, so can;t comment on suitability for different age groups etc,. Saying that, this has good pace and an easily likeable main character.
Good luck with this
Charlie