This novel is not how I expected it to be form the cover. It is a far, far, better tale than the cover purports. I expected this to be a book about battles with all given to bravery and blood; instead it seems to be about people making the best of their lot in life. Made all the more difficult by an overbearing and delusioned Emperor (from what little I know about this historical period that at least is spot on) who is convinced his will and want is all.
The preface to the novel is lengthy but gives you a feeling for how the citizenry and the elite feel under the castigations of Nero and also helps to illustrate just how far he will go to preserve his god-like self-belief.
Jumping then to the privations of his emissaries in conquered lands we arrive after the revolt in Britannia that caused the Romans to hastily withdraw and on to their exploits in Armenia, Syria and Judea.
Shaping up to be a very good tale, told well that will make you engage your brain - if only to deal with the names and places without the political machinations.
The preface to the novel is lengthy but gives you a feeling for how the citizenry and the elite feel under the castigations of Nero and also helps to illustrate just how far he will go to preserve his god-like self-belief.
Jumping then to the privations of his emissaries in conquered lands we arrive after the revolt in Britannia that caused the Romans to hastily withdraw and on to their exploits in Armenia, Syria and Judea.
Shaping up to be a very good tale, told well that will make you engage your brain - if only to deal with the names and places without the political machinations.