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brokebybooks's review against another edition
1.0
I give up. This series is added to my short list of books/series I just can't finish. I only stuck it out this long to see what happens with the relationship and characters. I don't even care anymore about the characters. They can all go die in a fire and I'd only sigh in relief. The mysteries often weren't engaging to me. It was just a very bland drag to find out if Marcus gets the girl and gets a better status.
vesper1931's review against another edition
5.0
It starts with Marcus Didius Falco, and his partner and enemy the Chief Spy Anacrites employed in the Great Census and turns into the investigation of a star gladiator's death.
rhosynmd's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
smcleish's review
3.0
Originally published on my blog here in January 2001.
It seems incredible that Davis' enjoyable Falco series could have already reached its tenth instalment, yet this is it. He has ended up working with one-time Empire Chief Spy Anacrites, whom he despises. The Emperor Vespasian is currently organising a tax census, and the two of them are given the job of investigating returns which seem too low, in return for a percentage of the extra they collect. They concentrate on a seedy but profitable industry, the supply of animals and gladiators for the circus. While they are carrying out an audit of one supplier, one of his lions is killed, and Falco becomes fascinated by the mystery of the animal's death.
Basically, if you like the other Falco novels, this one will please you too. It is amusing, and a well-constructed mystery. The background is not quite as well done as usual; this seems to be because Davies has smoothed out some of the rougher edges to counteract modern distaste for Roman popular entertainment. While Two For the Lions is not a good source of historical data on the circuses, it is fun, enjoyable and lightweight.
It seems incredible that Davis' enjoyable Falco series could have already reached its tenth instalment, yet this is it. He has ended up working with one-time Empire Chief Spy Anacrites, whom he despises. The Emperor Vespasian is currently organising a tax census, and the two of them are given the job of investigating returns which seem too low, in return for a percentage of the extra they collect. They concentrate on a seedy but profitable industry, the supply of animals and gladiators for the circus. While they are carrying out an audit of one supplier, one of his lions is killed, and Falco becomes fascinated by the mystery of the animal's death.
Basically, if you like the other Falco novels, this one will please you too. It is amusing, and a well-constructed mystery. The background is not quite as well done as usual; this seems to be because Davies has smoothed out some of the rougher edges to counteract modern distaste for Roman popular entertainment. While Two For the Lions is not a good source of historical data on the circuses, it is fun, enjoyable and lightweight.
assaphmehr's review
4.0
Falco (and Davis) explore and expose the life and death of gladiators.
Expect a lot of Anacrites, the antagonist we all love to hate, travelling to Northen Africa, some fighting action, and a general behind-the-scenes look at glafiator training and shows. Davis touches about the ambivalent attitudes of Romans towards gladiators: love the show, despise the performers. Notorious gladiators might enjoy some celebrity status, but generally all participants are despised as the dregs of society. This places an extra stress on Falco, because though he does not technically sell himself for appearance in the arena, being involved in this trade is still enough to damage his good name.
Be aware that while it's not necessary to read the books in order, it certainly helps - certainly so far into the series.
--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1445823325p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1457914061s/29500700.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
Expect a lot of Anacrites, the antagonist we all love to hate, travelling to Northen Africa, some fighting action, and a general behind-the-scenes look at glafiator training and shows. Davis touches about the ambivalent attitudes of Romans towards gladiators: love the show, despise the performers. Notorious gladiators might enjoy some celebrity status, but generally all participants are despised as the dregs of society. This places an extra stress on Falco, because though he does not technically sell himself for appearance in the arena, being involved in this trade is still enough to damage his good name.
Be aware that while it's not necessary to read the books in order, it certainly helps - certainly so far into the series.
--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1445823325p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1457914061s/29500700.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
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