14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best yet, 2 Jun 2006
The latest episode in the life of Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, untypical member of a typical Roman aristocratic family, takes him to Cyprus, with a commission to suppress the growing piracy of the region. His resources are meagre and his opponents seem to have the advantage of him, even when his "toy navy" is augmented by the support of visiting Egyptian princess Cleopatra in search of some excitement. Things are complicated further when the Roman governor of Cyprus is murdered and Decius feels he has to investigate this as it's bound to have a connection with the piracy, trade shenanigans, and possible criminal involvement of people in high places.
The story is nicely paced, and while some might feel that Decius (like Lindsay's Davis's Falco) is at his best in Rome the change of scene is well handled and the atmosphere of a nervous Roman province captured. It is also good that the author is letting Decius grow in maturity as he gains years and political experience, without his losing his stubborn investigative streak. All in all, one of the best in the SPQR series.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cyprian Capers, 20 Oct 2010
This review is from: Spqr IX: The Princess and the Pirates (Hardcover)
Once again our hero Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is off on his travels.
here we are transported to Cyprus newly under Roman Rule after Beranice and the Egyptians were kicked out or where they?
Decius arrives to lead his ramshackle fleet to oust the pirates and runs into a mystery murder.
All is not what it seems and we are up to our toga armpits in an enjoyable romp.
Cleopatra figures and this fills in the detail of Cleo, the early years.
Perhaps not as good as others in the series BUT dear reader still light years ahead of Roberts rival writers. (Phew alliteration or what?)
We get the fascination explanation of the Aphroditian cult (thats Venus to our Latin friends),we learn a little about Roma's treatment and attitude of its empire and islands. Learn about pirates and learn that once again politics is at the centre of everything like some bloated spider tending her webs far and wide.
The clues are all there dear reader in this mix of whodunit and why.
Old friends arrive in the nick of time and some story arches over the previous 9 books neatly come to fruition.
Action, humour and a sprinkling of sex makes this a welcome addition to the series.
Better to read the former on the series to get the background behind the characters would in my opinion be a sound investment.
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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good but not great, 29 Oct 2005
This review is from: Spqr IX: The Princess and the Pirates (Hardcover)
I am usually a huge fan of the SPQR books and was so excited about the latest edition being out, I was a little disappointed. In this latest adventure we are in Cyprus as Decius chases pirates and investigates the murder of the local governor. It is nice to see the return of several characters from the previous books; MIlo is here as is Cleopatra but the action is for lack of a better word, provincial. When the action is removed from Rome, I find the story lacks a vital element which makes it fun. Worth a read if you are a fan of the series but I would not start off with this one.
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