SPQR I:The Kings Gambit (SPQR) by Roberts, John Maddox, Vance, and Simon

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SPQR I:The Kings Gambit (SPQR) from Science Fiction

SPQR I:The Kings Gambit (SPQR)
Available from Amazon
Price: $43.80
Updated on 12-28-2008.

Features

Audio CD: 6 pages

Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks, Inc.; Unabridged edition (July 1, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1433227509

ISBN-13: 978-1433227509

Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces ()

Product Description
When Decius, the highborn commander of the local vigils of Rome, investigates the garroting of a lowly ex-slaved and the disembowelment of a foreign merchant, he uncovers a world of corruption at the highest levels of his government.

About the Author
John Maddox Robert has written numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical SPQR mystery series. His latest book in the series, SPQR VI: Nobody Loves a Centurion, will be published later this year. He lives in New Mexico with his wife.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: The King's Gambit (SPQR I) (Paperback) Note: This was originally published under the title "SPQR." Decius Caecilius Metellus, the Younger, is an elderly Roman statesman in the days of Augustus recounting his hazardous youth during the twilight of the Republic. In the story he is a very junior official who, to the great dismay of his noble political family, has a talent for "snooping." Everyone tells him not to look too carefully into a murder in his district. He is faced with the dilemma of following his superiors' advice, or doing his duty to the Senate and the People of Rome even though it may put him in danger. Should he allow himself to fall into the corruptions of his time, or live up to the nobility of Rome's Golden Age (which he realistically admits probably never existed)? While this works well as a mystery, what makes this story exceptional (and simply a great read) is how Rome comes alive in the narrative. Because it is told from the point of view of the protagonist as an old man, much of the history can be placed in context. Because he investigates as a junior official within a politically prominent family, Roman daily life can be presented from slaves to senators. The text has depth within its simplicity that makes it approachable and enjoyable. The only things that prevent this from being a 5-star review are somewhat excessive historical exposition, a too-obvious clue, and the fact that the author does a better job with the following books in this series: Catiline Conspiracy, Sacrilege, Temple of the Muses, and Saturnalia. Look for "Nobody Loves a Centurion," the sixth SPQR book, to be published in late 2001.

SPQR I:The Kings Gambit (SPQR)
List Price: $60.00
Available from Amazon
Price: $43.80
Updated on 12-28-2008.