Although superficially similar to the Falco series by Lindsey Davis, I found this book to be much superior.
To me, Gordianus is the more real character of the two - more human, more fallible, less of a wise cracking smart arse. Okay, so the book wasn't as funny (although there is wit) but it seemed to be a richer novel because of this.
The sights and sounds of Roman life are graphically detailed - perhaps a little too much in the scenes set on a galley - the author has obviously done stacks of research, but he wears it lightly, and facts aren't crammed in at the expense of plot.
I'll be searching out more by this author!
