So this is the final instalment in the epic Vespasian series which sees him finally installed as emperor of Rome. Not before some suitably tense battles though!
As with it's predecessors this book gives an accessible look at the life of a Roman fighter and general. The battle scenes are uncompromisingly in your face and there is plenty of death on both sides.
Against this backdrop you have the machinations of those who wish to wield power, suspicions about family members and a sweeping tour of, what was, a massive empire.
Given that Vespasian ruled for a decade, the book almost skips past his life once he becomes emperor and this seems a bit of a shame. Clearly he was a master warrior but it almost seems a disservice to focus purely on this aspect.
Thrilling though the battle scenes are I almost felt a little let down by the way the book came to such a quick ending with very little to say about his period of rulership.
Fans of the series will undoubtedly love it though and it does give an fascinating insight to the Roman Empire.
As with it's predecessors this book gives an accessible look at the life of a Roman fighter and general. The battle scenes are uncompromisingly in your face and there is plenty of death on both sides.
Against this backdrop you have the machinations of those who wish to wield power, suspicions about family members and a sweeping tour of, what was, a massive empire.
Given that Vespasian ruled for a decade, the book almost skips past his life once he becomes emperor and this seems a bit of a shame. Clearly he was a master warrior but it almost seems a disservice to focus purely on this aspect.
Thrilling though the battle scenes are I almost felt a little let down by the way the book came to such a quick ending with very little to say about his period of rulership.
Fans of the series will undoubtedly love it though and it does give an fascinating insight to the Roman Empire.