Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Lost Scrolls of Archimedes is a work of historical fiction set in the ancient times of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman society, and was penned by author Tom Roberts. True to the brutality and hard living of those times, the book contains explicit language usage, scenes of a sexual nature and graphic violence. The first in the Lost Artifacts saga of historical stories, this novel focuses on the brilliant and devastating ideas of the great Greek scholar, Archimedes. We meet young Marcus, a student of the great man, who intends to protect his scrolls with his very life. But when one goes missing and gives the Roman Consul Octavian a chance at building a weapon of mass destruction, Marcus must do all he can to counter the attack.
I adore ancient history and its many adaptations, and there are some really excellent educational points in this tale for readers to learn about Archimedes and his influence on physics and scientific invention. These lessons are woven into a truly compelling narrative that contains plenty of action, interpersonal drama and big adventure thrills along the way. Author Tom Roberts puts lots of effort into the creation of a realistic atmosphere in which to set the action, bringing the difficult and hard-edged lives of ancient people to life. Marcus too is a highly relatable character with a modern kind of intelligence that the audience can get behind, yet he fits his period well. Overall, Lost Scrolls of Archimedes is a true must-read for ancient history fans.
LOCAL WRITER TOM ROBERTS WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD, ANNOUNCED AT 2019 FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. October 21, 2019: Orlando, Florida. The Florida Writers Association, Inc., (FWA) has announced that Tom Roberts of Pensacola, Florida won a prestigious Royal Palm Literary Award (RPLA). Tom’s winning entry, Lost Scrolls of Archimedes, won the Gold award for Unpublished Historical Fiction Novel. The manuscript placed 4th overall for Unpublished Book of the Year for all genre categories.
The award was announced at FWA’s recent four-day annual conference in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This annual competition, which received 513 qualified submissions, was RPLA’s eighteenth.
“This is the most competitive RPLA we’ve ever had,” said Chris Coward, RPLA chairperson. “The RPLA administrative team, judges, and entrants did an amazing job.”
In all, the competition covered 28 adult genres and 5 Youth genres, with published and unpublished entries considered separately. There were five grand awards, as well.
Published Book of the Year: Historical Fiction, by Mark H. Newhouse
Unpublished Book of the Year: Young Adult OR New Adult, by Robin Mimna
Best Children’s Book: Children’s Picture Book, by Rita M. Boehm
The Dahris Clair Memorial Award for Plays: by Al Pessin.
The Candice Coghill Memorial Award for the best youth entry: “Michael,” Poetry, by Samantha Leslie in the 12-15 age category
“A win at any level can help any writer market their manuscript or published book, and the detailed feedback from the judges is invaluable for all entrants,” Ms. Coward said.
“It is a real honor to receive this type of recognition,” said Mr. Roberts. “I know FWA works hard for months judging the submissions. It is a great organization for Florida writers.”
The Florida Writers Association, 1,500 members strong and growing, is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization that supports the state’s established and emerging writers. Membership is open to the public.
The Royal Palm Literary Awards competition is a service of the Florida Writers Association established to recognize excellence in its members’ published and unpublished works while providing objective and constructive written assessments for all entrants.
For additional information, visit the FWA website: floridawriters.net, where you’ll also find more about RPLA and the complete list of 2019 winners.
