A good second instalment in the series following Agricola across the empire in a time of turmoil in Rome. Turney paints the main character and his close friends/family to be the ultimate ‘good guys’ and so it is very easy for the reader to dislike the ‘bad guys’ with whom Agricola battles against. A really interesting read through a period I have little knowledge about and sets the scene brilliantly for the next book.

I sometimes felt that as I was reading, the book drifted from a story to more of a timeline of events. This did slightly take away the magic of feeling involved in Agricola’s struggles and put me on more of a back seat just watching from a distance. I do know there was lots of ground to cover in this book as is acknowledged by Turney at the end. Overall I really enjoyed the book and the addition of Luci as a steadfast sidekick with deadpan humour chucked in amongst the seriousness for me, is great.

this was a strong Roman historical adventure element that I was looking for and enjoyed the use of Ancient Rome. I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed getting to know the characters in this universe. It was a strong entry in the Agricola world and am excited for more from Simon Turney.

The amazing rise of a Roman legend, continued from the first book with Agricola’s first steps on the Cursus Honorium to his military career after the Year of the Four Emperors. I’m sad there won’t be a third novel.