This one was pretty action-packed. I loved the ending, as I totally didn't see it coming. Great book. Someone should really think of making this series into a tv series. I would SOOOO love to watch this. ( )

Another cracking book in this series, with a shocking twist near the end. Shorter than his others, but very pacy and tense, so no worse for that (one or two have felt a bit padded). ( )

Ókori Rómát szeressük. ( )

Once again Steven Saylor breathes life and msytery into the world of late Republican Rome, and honor and ethic into ours. Gordianus and his family share the stage with Pompey, Caesar, Cicero and the Senate and People of Rome in a way which impels the reader to enter Gordianus' world - and examine his own in its context. While the historical backdrop makes the novel available, perhaps enjoyable, to readers who have not explored the full Roma sub Rosa series, the development of Gordianus and his family through the series is a rich reward for the reader who will explore the whole. One does nor turn back after crossing the Rubicon, whether en route to Rome or on a journey of the soul. Saylor invites one to cross the Rubicon with Gordianus, and to examine oneself in the crucible of the Soul. Caesar risked his honor and his life to cross that river. Caught like all of Rome between Pompey and Caesar, with his son in Caesar's tent and his son-in-law in Pompey's power, Gordianus comes to the bank of that dreadful river and stares into the unknown. Gordianus makes crossing the Rubicon personal, and Saylor brings the crossing forward to your soul. You cannot come away from Saylor's novel without knowing when and what you can and will risk when you stand on the far bank and stare into the mystery across your Rubicon. Cross it. ( )

I think Saylor is the best of the mini-genre of ancient roman detectives (can't really use the word classical) This is quite a late one in the series and Julius Caesar has a role. Gordianus' sons is Caesar's aide whilst his son-in-law is Pompey's hostage. Not the best isn the series but interesting. ( )