SPQR IX: The Princess and the Pirates by John Maddox Roberts
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(Paperback - Reprint)
- Pub. Date: January 2006
- 208pp
- Sales Rank: 140,283
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Product Details
- Pub. Date: January 2006
- Publisher: St. Martin's Press
- Format: Paperback, 208pp
- Sales Rank: 140,283
- Series: SPQR Series, #9
- ISBN-13: 9780312337247
- ISBN: 0312337248
- Edition Description: Reprint
Synopsis
The many fans of Roberts's SPQR series take the amazing similarity between the Rome of 83AD and our own cities. The Italian metropolis has recognizable politicans, warring leaders, all sorts of criminals and the stalwart enemies of crime—especially the
Publishers Weekly
In Roberts's gripping ninth Roman historical (after 2004's The River God's Vengeance), former aedile Decius Caecilius Metellus is dispatched from Rome by his patrician family to deal with a resurgence in piracy to Cyprus, where he encounters the young Cleopatra, whose true allegiances remain obscure. With scant resources, Metellus seeks recruits from the dregs of Cyprian society and attempts to whip his forces into a squad capable of ending the violent pillaging. His focus shifts when Silvanus, the island's Roman governor, is found dead, asphyxiated by a mouthful of frankincense. The economics of the international trade in that aromatic spice prove relevant as Metellus suspects a connection between the assassination and his primary mission. The occasional colloquial phrase jars ("Rosy-fingered Dawn was performing her daily act as we pulled up by the naval wharf"), and Roberts has the misfortune of suffering by comparison with Steven Saylor, whose latest Roman mystery, The Judgment of Caesar, used the historical Cleopatra to much better effect. Still, longtime fans and those interested in the Roman Republic will enjoy this crafty puzzle. Agent, Eleanor Wood at Spectrum Literary Agency. (June 27) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
More Reviews and RecommendationsBiography
John Maddox Roberts is the author of numerous works of science fiction and fantasy in addition to his well-loved SPQR mysteries. He and his wife live in New Mexico.
Customer Reviews
Great historical mysteryby harstan
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May 10, 2005: In the year 703 Rome, Decius Metellus wants to know why after serving two years as an aedile during which his popularity rose to unprecedented heights because he did so much good works, he can?t be elected predator. The answer is simple: Politics. The Metellus family has different candidates they want to run for office this year and they think Decius needs more seasoning in the military arena...................... Rome has recently annexed Cyprus from Egypt resulting in a resurgence of piracy in the area. Decius is sent there to break up their operation but when he arrives he finds a teenage Cleopatra there who gladly lends her vessel to his three ship armada. Although he is not certain he can trust the princess, he accepts her help and once he starts investigating, he realize there is a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of the Cyprian government. Trapping and catching the conspirators will prove to be the most difficult assignment of his life........................ John Maddox Roberts has the gift to describe a bygone era so perfectly that readers actually believe they are there. The author keeps his series fresh by constantly changing the location from Rome so although the protagonist remains the same, the far flung Roman Empire is described in exquisite meticulously researched detail. As usual, SPQR IX is a vivid and well designed historical mystery................... Harriet Klausner
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