Book: The King's Gambit
Author: John Maddox Roberts
Pages: 288
Format: pdf,html,rtf,epub,lit,lrf,mobi
Language: English
ISBN10: 0312277059
While this works well as a mystery, what makes this story exceptional (and simply a great read) is how Rome comes alive in the narrative. Because it is told from the point of view of the protagonist as an old man, much of the history can be placed in context. Because he investigates as a junior official within a politically prominent family, Roman daily life can be presented from slaves to senators. The text has depth within its simplicity that makes it approachable and enjoyable. The only things that prevent this from being a 5-star review are somewhat excessive historical exposition, a too-obvious clue, and the fact that the author does a better job with the following books in this series: Catiline Conspiracy, Sacrilege, Temple of the Muses, and Saturnalia. Look for "Nobody Loves a Centurion," the sixth SPQR book, to be published in late 2001.
No comments:
Post a Comment