In the Heart of Darkness by David Drake & Eric Flint

Belisarius, a Roman general, goes to India to spy on the Malwa. His “magic” crystal informs him that the Malwa have their own “link” to the future. His adventures as a spy, turncoat and redeemer comprise the main plot line. The subplot of his wife, Irene the spymaster and Theodora the empress provide the corollary subplots.

Flint and Drake do a great job with heroes. They paint larger than life characters with noble characteristics. They also have no problem portraying strong, butt kicking female protagonists. I enjoy the empowerment of the female characters. The portrayal of ruthlessness as both positive and negative, depending on who is using it, causes one to ponder ethics in general.

I enjoyed the book, I recommend it. It is a good series and I intend to finish it. ( )

The second in Flint and Drake's Belisarius series. Two supercomputers from the far future have travelled back to the ancient world. One, in India, is driving the Malwa empire to cruel world conquest. The other, in Justinian's Constantinople, is guiding the great general Belisarius to stand against them. War, mayhem, intrigue, and weapons development ensue. ( )

The second in Flint and Drake's Belisarius series. Two supercomputers from the far future have travelled back to the ancient world. One, in India, is driving the Malwa empire to cruel world conquest. The other, in Justinian's Constantinople, is guiding the great general Belisarius to stand against them. War, mayhem, intrigue, and weapons development ensue. ( )

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A gripping tale. The characters are compelling and heroic. The story is imaginative and exciting. ( )