Saturday, May 24, 2014

Rubicon by Steven Saylor

Rubicon: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor --- 276 pages

Julius Caesar has taken his troops across the Rubicon River, in contravention of Roman law, and is marching on Rome. His enemy and rival for control of the Senate, Pompey called "The Great One" because of his wealth and military achievements, withdraws his troops from the city, taking Senators and other supporters with him, leaving the city undefended, filled with wild rumors and verging on panic.

Just as Pompey is poised to depart, his young kinsman and protege Numerius is found strangled in the garden of  Gordianus the Finder, now living quietly in retirement in his house on the Palatine Hill, and trying his best stay out of the political crossfire. Pompey demands that Gordianus discover the murderer, and takes Gordianus' son-in-law Davus hostage. Gordianus knows that Pompey already harbors suspicions because Gordianus' son Meto is one of Caesar's most trusted aides.

He begins his investigation and soon discovers that Numerius had ambitions of his own and secret dealings unknown to Pompey. To protect his family, Gordianus must thrust himself into the midst of the fight between Pompey and Caesar, trading his life for theirs.

Set against the events of the Roman Civil War and the death throes of the Republic, the book is filled with the great names of history: Cicero, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, Marc Antony, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, and culminates with a vivid depiction of the Siege of Brundisium.

For more information about Steven Saylor, his Roma Sub Rosa Series and other works visit his web site by clicking HERE.

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