I bought this book whilst waiting at an airport for 4 hours and was half way by the time I had to leave. I have read the second book as well. The roman theme some say is ovedone bit I still find it fascinating. I was motivated by this book to find a non-fiction book on the history of Rome and was impresssed with the close adaptation of real events, albeit with some poetic license. For those of you that enjoyed this one you may enjoy The Last Legion as well, although not quite as good as emperor. Both of these books have a sort of M. Night Shamayalan ending in which the penny drops which I really enjoy. A good buy.