gilroi's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I really enjoyed the first book, so I was genuinely surprised by the precipitous dip in quality between novels.
I don't know if I'm just especially sensitive to pacing, but this book's pacing was just awful, treacle-slow even though the fact that the characters are running out of time-- have little time to begin with, to save the lives of almost a hundred people!-- is constantly remarked upon. The investigation crawled at a snail's pace until the final ~15% of the book, in which all was revealed in monologues (something I don't generally love but understand is occasionally a staple of mystery fiction). The denouement happens off screen. The final few chapters are retrospectives where characters discuss events that have already happened for the benefit of the reader. The ending is ultimately saccharine, far too much for a book that is trying to highlight the evils of slavery.
Ultimately, the book felt weirdly like a cozy mystery, which is not what I go to for fiction set in Ancient Rome.
I was thoroughly disappointed. If the next book in the series wasn't about an event in Roman history I find interesting, I'd tap out completely.
I don't know if I'm just especially sensitive to pacing, but this book's pacing was just awful, treacle-slow even though the fact that the characters are running out of time-- have little time to begin with, to save the lives of almost a hundred people!-- is constantly remarked upon. The investigation crawled at a snail's pace until the final ~15% of the book, in which all was revealed in monologues (something I don't generally love but understand is occasionally a staple of mystery fiction). The denouement happens off screen. The final few chapters are retrospectives where characters discuss events that have already happened for the benefit of the reader. The ending is ultimately saccharine, far too much for a book that is trying to highlight the evils of slavery.
Ultimately, the book felt weirdly like a cozy mystery, which is not what I go to for fiction set in Ancient Rome.
I was thoroughly disappointed. If the next book in the series wasn't about an event in Roman history I find interesting, I'd tap out completely.
mattgroot1980's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
elusivity's review against another edition
3.0
Found this one hard to get through, mostly due to the description of slave life in Ancient Rome. The sheer injustice of it; and to think, every human culture throughout much of History believing enslavement of their fellows to be perfectly acceptable and good. Makes me hate humans. Of course, that it bothered me so much can only be to Saylor's credit. Rather, the 3 stars is because I didn't think this was a good mystery.
Some thriller-like element, much running around and not really picking up clues until it is almost too late. On the other hand, Meto comes into Gordianus's life, Eco recovers his voice, and Bethesda is pregnant. Life is going very well for our Finder.
Some thriller-like element, much running around and not really picking up clues until it is almost too late. On the other hand, Meto comes into Gordianus's life, Eco recovers his voice, and Bethesda is pregnant. Life is going very well for our Finder.
mayabelang4's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
5.0
Fun and easy reads through which to learn Roman History
Shows one of the more unflattering sides - the practice of slavery
Shows one of the more unflattering sides - the practice of slavery
booksandrabbits's review against another edition
4.0
Very well researched and written snapshot of Roman life amongst a gripping main plotline
sophiewilliams's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoy the characters and the way that the case is solidly implanted in it's historical setting.
shahrun's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable, well researched murder mystery tour of ancient Rome! I found author's note at the end interesting. I like it when author's point you in the direction of further information, if you would like to do some more research on after enjoying what you have just read.
jbleyle63's review against another edition
4.0
There was a certain poignancy in reading this one following the recent passing of Kirk Douglas which prompted another viewing of one of my favorite films Spartacus. The slave revolt of Spartacus looms large in this one as our protagonist Gordianus the Finder is summoned from Rome to an estate on the Gulf of Naples where the cousin of Marcus Lucinius Crassus has been bludgeoned to death. Since the body was left prominently in the atrium of the villa with "Sparta" etched nearby on the floor, primary suspicion falls on two runaway slaves who are presumed to have joined the Spartacan revolt. The calculating Crassus [one can readily imagine Laurence Olivier's performance of this historical character from the Douglas film] reluctantly employs Gordianus at the urging of his cousin's widow to investigate the murder. This inquiry is made all the more pressing because Crassus plans to execute the household's 99 remaining slaves as the grand finale to gladiatorial games in honor of dearly deceased just two days away.
Another well researched and entertaining novel in Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series!
Another well researched and entertaining novel in Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series!
fbone's review against another edition
3.0
Saylor's second in this series takes place 8 years after his first title during Spartacus' slave war. I enjoyed the well-researched Ancient Roman references and details; Marcus Crassus, painting, cuisine, resort villas, galley slaves, funeral customs and general Roman laws. The mystery part was weak but better than his previous book. Word skill and dialogue were improved also.