Rating: 
Summary: Arms of Nemesis
Review: Saylor's second novel in his Roma Sub Rosa series is surely a triumphant return after Roman Blood. I enjoyed the read through each plot twist and mysterious event. Saylor does an excellent job at elucidating each characters' motifs, points of view, and inner schemings. I especially liked the insight into the characters like Marcus Crassus, Mummius, and Faustus Fabius. Previously, these characters seemed almost mythic because they had been built up by hearsay and history; never before had I taken the time to examine the scale of their personal and political problems.
In addition, the novel is very urbane and progressive although it is set two thousand years ago. The day to day interaction between characters, as well as the social acceptance of things like affairs, homosexuality, and immoral acts for the greater good. I would recommend this novel, as well as all of Saylor's other novels (especially The House of The Vestals) to anyone who likes to read for entertainment and enjoys mystery.
Rating:
Summary: Arms of Nemesis
Review: Saylor's second novel in his Roma Sub Rosa series is surely a triumphant return after Roman Blood. I enjoyed the read through each plot twist and mysterious event. Saylor does an excellent job at elucidating each characters' motifs, points of view, and inner schemings. I especially liked the insight into the characters like Marcus Crassus, Mummius, and Faustus Fabius. Previously, these characters seemed almost mythic because they had been built up by hearsay and history; never before had I taken the time to examine the scale of their personal and political problems.
In addition, the novel is very urbane and progressive although it is set two thousand years ago. The day to day interaction between characters, as well as the social acceptance of things like affairs, homosexuality, and immoral acts for the greater good. I would recommend this novel, as well as all of Saylor's other novels (especially The House of The Vestals) to anyone who likes to read for entertainment and enjoys mystery.
Rating:
Summary: A first rate Roman whodunnit
Review: Saylor's story makes Rome of the first century, BC come alive. In the guise of Gordianus, we are allowed a glimse of Roman life and the dealings of some of the most famous men of ancient history. The depiction of Crassus is very true to the historical sources. The book also gives insight into the Roman concept of slavery, a more all-encompassing and more brutal type of slavery than ever occurred in colonial America. Also, its also a fun whodunnit as well.
Rating:
Summary: Arms of Nemesis
Review: Set in 72 B.C., during the slave revolt led by Spartacus, Saylor's ( Roman Blood ) second historical mystery follows Roman PI Gordianus the Finder to the resort of Baiae on the Bay of Naples. The cousin and factotum of Marcus Licinius Crassus, the wealthiest man in Rome, has been bludgeoned to death, apparently by two slaves who have run away. An ancient Roman law decrees that when a master is killed by a slave, the remainder of the household's slaves must be slaughtered. Gordianus and his adopted son Eco have three days to find the real murderer and save the villa's other 99 slaves. A convoluted plot reveals fraud, embezzlement and arms smuggling (spears and swords traded for silver and jewels); sensuously written subplots hinge on arcanic poisons and clandestine love affairs among a cast that includes a Crassus's second-rate philosopher-in-residence and a retired actor who doubles as a female impersonator. Richly detailed bacchanalian feasts and mesmerizing visits to the Sybil at Cumae lead to the spellbinding conclusion, reached during fierce gladiatorial combat. 35,000 first printing; BOMC alternate; paperback rights to Fawcett; author tour
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: Stephen Saylor has the wonderful talent of being able to evoke an era. His books conjure up Republican Rome far better than many movies and many archaeology lecturers! Almost as an aside they also have a great plot and characters.Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Strong Second Outing
Review: Steven Saylor succeeds where many writers of historical fiction fail, largely because of strong character development and the ability to make ancient society seem natural -not just a picturesque backdrop. While the murder mystery is entertaining and keeps your attention, it is the little details; political intrigues, conflicting philosophies, and secondary events such as the Spartacan slave revolt, which bring this novel to life. Gordianus is a true Roman, with the sensibilities of a Roman citizen. He does not come accross as a 21st century sleuth transported into a different age.
I was delighted that many actual figures from Roman history are featured in Saylor's novels; Cicero, Marcus Crassus, Pompey, etc.
Highly recommended -and certainly consider Saylor's other Roman novels as well.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping novel with a questionable ending.
Review: The novel was a masterpiece in terms of historic accuracy, plot, and characterization. However, while I otherwise loved and would recommend the novel, the ending raises questions. While I will not give away the ending, I will mention what I perceive to be a logical flaw. The identity of the murderer boils down to a choice between a Greek and a Roman. And, this murder takes place during the Spartican Rebellion ... a time when Romans had no love for Greeks and trusted them even less. Assume for a moment that a Greek accused a Roman of murder. If you were a Roman during that time ... and if the accused Roman replied to this accusation, "No, it was the Greek who did it and now lies to save himself," who would you believe? Simple. You'd take the Roman's word. Sadly, the Roman refuses to respond -- making the book's ending seem more like the ending of a Perry Mason TV show where the murderer just throws up his hands and cries, "OK, I did it." This ending was unworthy of the great novel before it.
Rating:
Summary: Not Roman Blood, but still a great read
Review: The only reason why I gave this one 4 stars is because I didn't like it as much as I liked Roman Blood, the first book in the series. But this book is a great read. Saylor keeps you guessing right up until the end. The addition of a sidekick(although he is much more than that) for Gordianus in his adopted son Eco is welcome. This relationship is special and has a sweet turn at the end. I love how Saylor titillates the reader with the stories of Mummius and Olympias and their surprise love interests. The author's exhaustive research is apparent in the intriguing details of classical food, potions, funerals, and other aspects of daily life of different classes of ancient people. The plight of slaves was conveyed with profound sympathy. Having experienced two suspenseful and beautifully written books so far, I will be sure to finish the Roman Sub Rosa series with enthusiam.
Rating:
Summary: Much better than I expected
Review: The other "Roman mysteries" I've read are by Lindsey Davis, books I can't say that I really like for several reasons. But this book, the first I read from Steven W. Saylor gives me hope that there are good mysteries set in a fairly historically accurate Rome afterall. My first summer class I'm teaching will be reading this this early June and we'll talk about the historical and social realities behind the book. I'm glad I took the risk of buying this book. I look forward to reading more Saylor books, especially those with Gordianus whose detective skills seem to fit well into the late Republican period of Rome. Little seemed strained or "modern" not even the attitudes toward slavery which were, even then, a mixture and varied from person to person, class to class.
Rating:
Summary: Much better than I expected
Review: The other "Roman mysteries" I've read are by Lindsey Davis, books I can't say that I really like for several reasons. But this book, the first I read from Steven W. Saylor gives me hope that there are good mysteries set in a fairly historically accurate Rome afterall. My first summer class I'm teaching will be reading this this early June and we'll talk about the historical and social realities behind the book. I'm glad I took the risk of buying this book. I look forward to reading more Saylor books, especially those with Gordianus whose detective skills seem to fit well into the late Republican period of Rome. Little seemed strained or "modern" not even the attitudes toward slavery which were, even then, a mixture and varied from person to person, class to class.
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