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kyle977's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first in the series as I got the middle few books at a second hand shop, but not the beginning few books. So I was dropped in head first.
And I really liked it! So much of the ancient Rome books focus on military history, I like that this series focuses more on the politics and city life and the concerns of the ordinary citizens. I really liked Gordianus and his adopted son Eco. I enjoyed how the series takes real events that happened in history (in this book's case, the death of Clodius) and uses that to interweave a compelling story. I enjoyed the depictions of Cicero and Tiro, as well. There are a few historical figures that pop up that you can probably guess, but I won't mention them.
The only downside of the book I felt was the pacing. If it had been 30-50 pages shorter, it would have been much tighter. I imagine Saylor was trying to get across just how hectic the civil unrest of Rome at this period felt like, but parts of the middle dragged a bit.
I'm excited to continue with this series, and see what happens with Gordianus and Eco!
And I really liked it! So much of the ancient Rome books focus on military history, I like that this series focuses more on the politics and city life and the concerns of the ordinary citizens. I really liked Gordianus and his adopted son Eco. I enjoyed how the series takes real events that happened in history (in this book's case, the death of Clodius) and uses that to interweave a compelling story. I enjoyed the depictions of Cicero and Tiro, as well. There are a few historical figures that pop up that you can probably guess, but I won't mention them.
The only downside of the book I felt was the pacing. If it had been 30-50 pages shorter, it would have been much tighter. I imagine Saylor was trying to get across just how hectic the civil unrest of Rome at this period felt like, but parts of the middle dragged a bit.
I'm excited to continue with this series, and see what happens with Gordianus and Eco!
brandur's review against another edition
3.0
Amazing subject matter and it was amazing being taken through the Caesarian period and being introduced to some of the most famous Romans in the history of the Republic/Empire. The only thing lacking was a plausible narrative; it details an incident, but then has the protagonist proceed to mostly bumble his way around as the leaders of the time randomly request his presence in various impromptu meetings (and this pattern lasts for the rest of the book). Still well worth reading though.
chuckri's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn't bad as history, but there wasn't much of a mystery element to it. Gordianus doesn't do much to unravel what happened in Clodius' murder until late in the book.
traveller1's review against another edition
4.0
Another Gordianus detective story, and entertaining as always. The story of the death of Clodius, the ramifications thereof, and all told from the perspective of the one man who can sort the entire mess out. In the background the two "great men" Caesar and Pompey can be seen drifting apart.
* just a note on the description blurb for this novel. Did anyone see a gay subtext? Not me.
* just a note on the description blurb for this novel. Did anyone see a gay subtext? Not me.
julieputty's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyable mystery, complete with a who's who of the fall of the Roman republic.
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