This was a difficult book for me to read, Roman history not my favourite period. The change in the pace of the writing at times rushed the reading along at a great pace but at others the text was bogged down with detail. Vespasian is in between a rock and a hard place. The fate of his men and his beloved son, Titus, all hang in the balance. But unknown to Vespasian, Nero has committed suicide, catapulting Rome into political turmoil. Sabinus, Vespasian's brother, is caught between the warring factions of Aulus Vitellius, a cruel opportunist, and the noble Marcus Salvius Otho, who finds himself severely outnumbered.With a contested throne and an army at his disposal, now may finally be Vespasian's time--to ascend, to conquer, to achieve what countless prophecies have foretold and take control of Rome itself....................