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SPQR #9
SPQR IX: The Princess and the Pirates: A Mystery
As I walked back through the City, my mood was moderately elevated. This appointment did not displease me nearly as much as I pretended. Like most Romans I abhorred the very thought of sea duty, but this was one of the rare occasions when I was looking forward to getting away from Rome..... For years I had complained of the disorder of the City, and now that it was gone, I found that I missed it. All the peace and quiet seemed unnatural. I did not expect it to last.- Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger in SPQR The Princess and the PiratesHis two years of aedileship over, Decius is ready for his next adventure. He would rather do anything than join the war with Caesar in the dismal forests of Gaul, so he and his slave/protégé Hermes find themselves on a mission to rid the Mediterranean of pirates. They set off with shoddy ships and sailors to the island of Cyprus, where a young Cleopatra is staying. Between her impressive crew and the ex-pirate Ariston providing insider knowledge of that cutthroat occupation, Decius thinks he stands a good chance of bringing himself some glory. That would be too simple, though. The ruler of the island, Silvanus, is murdered in a most peculiar fashion and Decius, as a guest in his home, has a sacred duty to find and punish the guilty party. Because world relations are already strained, he would rather not suspect Cleopatra, heir to the Egyptian throne. But she has plenty of reasons to hate Rome and murder runs in her family. Another guest and suspect is Gabinius, who is in exile and could have easily given up loyalty toward his friend if it meant a quicker return to Rome. In the meantime, Decius is being humiliated in his pirate hunt, and as if this weren't enough, Aphrodite herself seeks Decius's help by appearing to him in a dream vision. As Decius investigates world trade, the island history, and the new kind of piracy plaguing the waters, he is finding connections more menacing than he had ever imagined possible. In this ninth book in the series, Roberts crafts another skillful mystery, this time fervently pulsing with the collision of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian interests.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
17 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
John Maddox Roberts
126 books253 followersaka Mark Ramsay
John Maddox Roberts is the author of numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical SPQR mystery series. The first two books in the series have recently been re-released in trade paperback.
John Maddox Roberts is the author of numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical SPQR mystery series. The first two books in the series have recently been re-released in trade paperback.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 19, 2022
This time, Decius is sent to Cyprus to lead a small flotilla of ships to hunt down and destroy pirates. He runs head first into a nest of political and criminal conspiracies, and is lucky to get out alive. Since Cyprus is a peaceful Roman area (having taken it from the Egyptians), this time he is able to bring Julia along who is a great help.
The mystery is a bit more complicated and difficult to puzzle out than previous SPQR series, and Decius is a bit older and wiser, or at least more diplomatic and smoother with authorities. He's definitely out of his depth though, and does not really know what he is doing.
The book is short, and it has a bit of padding (a visit to a village that was brutally raided by the pirates), and is a bit heavier on mysticism and Decius' beliefs but is well handled overall and an interesting slice into history.
The mystery is a bit more complicated and difficult to puzzle out than previous SPQR series, and Decius is a bit older and wiser, or at least more diplomatic and smoother with authorities. He's definitely out of his depth though, and does not really know what he is doing.
The book is short, and it has a bit of padding (a visit to a village that was brutally raided by the pirates), and is a bit heavier on mysticism and Decius' beliefs but is well handled overall and an interesting slice into history.
May 10, 2011
So this book started along similarly to all the others except that at some point (did I miss a book?) Clodius is killed and Milo exiled. Um, WHAT?!?!?! Way to completely skip over two of the main plot points of the entire series that probably would have made a full book in and of themselves. This felt like the chicken's way out. Anyway, this book was very much in line with all the others excepting this point.
February 7, 2017
The title is a bit misleading, as our buddy Decius doesn't actually fight pirates.
Surely enough, he is sent to Cyprus to fight pirates, and even allies himself with a sixteen year old Cleopatra because he needs her yacht as an auxiliary, but pirates are few and far between.
Eventually, there's a murder, and Decius figures it out, but most of the novel is Decius wandering about Cyprus trying to figure out what's going on.
Not bad, but perhaps not the best in the series.
Surely enough, he is sent to Cyprus to fight pirates, and even allies himself with a sixteen year old Cleopatra because he needs her yacht as an auxiliary, but pirates are few and far between.
Eventually, there's a murder, and Decius figures it out, but most of the novel is Decius wandering about Cyprus trying to figure out what's going on.
Not bad, but perhaps not the best in the series.
October 10, 2021
I had read several of these "SPQR" books like 15-20 years ago and decided to read another for fun, and this book was solid. The characters are entertaining, and the murder mystery reasonably well done although not particularly complex. I could have used more action, for a story allegedly about fighting pirates there is literally no fighting pirates.
I will include a quote I really liked: "He had the true aristocrats distaste for people who earned their own money instead of stealing or inheriting it."
I will include a quote I really liked: "He had the true aristocrats distaste for people who earned their own money instead of stealing or inheriting it."
August 9, 2012
Recommend: Yes
Pros: Very short concise book; characterization, plot, setting, are all strong.
Cons: Very short. The ending was a little off.
The Bottom Line:
Best book in the nine book SPQR series (at the time of review, 9 book series). Very quick read, very enjoyable dip into this time period. Historical/Murder/Mystery.
Full Review:
This book is the ninth book in the SPQR series. The SPQR murder mystery series follows the career of Decius Caecilius Metellus during the last days of the Roman Republic (this particular book occurs in 50 B.C., or as Roberts notes at the end of the book: the 703rd year of the city of Rome). The Metellus family are a prominent family, though on the decline.
The SPQR series and the Gordianus the Finder series (by Steven Saylor) both occur at roughly the same time period in history, so comparisons between the two are common. The SPQR series, as mentioned, follows a relatively a youngish man from a well-placed family, while the Gordianus the Finder series follows a much older man from the lower classes of society. Both men solve murder mysteries, and both, on occasion, meet up with historical characters. For instance, both Decius and Gordianus run into Cleopatra in their most recent novels (at the time review written). Saylor's book (The Judgment of Caesar) though, deals with an old man returning his ailing wife to her homeland, in an attempt to restore her health (and occurs in 43 BC, mostly in Egypt). Roberts book, on the other hand, deals with a younger man still trying to climb the political ladder, and meets up with Cleopatra before she is Queen (in roughly 50 BC), and before the Caesar-Pompey civil war (which is in the final stages in Saylor's book). Also, unlike Gordianus, who is married to an ex-slave (his own), Decius is married to the niece of Julius Caesar.
I was surprised to find out that I ended up rating Robert's book slightly higher than Saylor's 10th Gordianus book. I wasn't surprised, though, to find that I had rated this Roberts book as the highest rating of all the books in the SPQR series. On the whole, Saylor's series is better, but Roberts series is still a very enjoyable read.
Roberts book is about a youngish Senator on the rise in the 703rd year of the city of Rome (officially, the city of Rome was founded in 753 BC, take away 703 years, and you get 50 BC) who, after serving for two years as an aedile, is tasked by his family (actually by the Senate, the family has already set aside its resources to elect candidates and cannot, yet, push Decius up to the next position of power) to go off to fight the pirates springing up in the Eastern Mediterranean. Roberts book is very well-written, gripping from beginning to a weak ending. While not the best book Roberts has written, in my opinion, it is the best book in the series. Robert's book, for the most part, is tightly written, needing just 188 pages (the rest is a glossary) to tell a very good story. The characters are, for the most part, fully formed personalities. The plot is strong. I gave Robert's book 4.39 stars out of five.
Pros: Very short concise book; characterization, plot, setting, are all strong.
Cons: Very short. The ending was a little off.
The Bottom Line:
Best book in the nine book SPQR series (at the time of review, 9 book series). Very quick read, very enjoyable dip into this time period. Historical/Murder/Mystery.
Full Review:
This book is the ninth book in the SPQR series. The SPQR murder mystery series follows the career of Decius Caecilius Metellus during the last days of the Roman Republic (this particular book occurs in 50 B.C., or as Roberts notes at the end of the book: the 703rd year of the city of Rome). The Metellus family are a prominent family, though on the decline.
The SPQR series and the Gordianus the Finder series (by Steven Saylor) both occur at roughly the same time period in history, so comparisons between the two are common. The SPQR series, as mentioned, follows a relatively a youngish man from a well-placed family, while the Gordianus the Finder series follows a much older man from the lower classes of society. Both men solve murder mysteries, and both, on occasion, meet up with historical characters. For instance, both Decius and Gordianus run into Cleopatra in their most recent novels (at the time review written). Saylor's book (The Judgment of Caesar) though, deals with an old man returning his ailing wife to her homeland, in an attempt to restore her health (and occurs in 43 BC, mostly in Egypt). Roberts book, on the other hand, deals with a younger man still trying to climb the political ladder, and meets up with Cleopatra before she is Queen (in roughly 50 BC), and before the Caesar-Pompey civil war (which is in the final stages in Saylor's book). Also, unlike Gordianus, who is married to an ex-slave (his own), Decius is married to the niece of Julius Caesar.
I was surprised to find out that I ended up rating Robert's book slightly higher than Saylor's 10th Gordianus book. I wasn't surprised, though, to find that I had rated this Roberts book as the highest rating of all the books in the SPQR series. On the whole, Saylor's series is better, but Roberts series is still a very enjoyable read.
Roberts book is about a youngish Senator on the rise in the 703rd year of the city of Rome (officially, the city of Rome was founded in 753 BC, take away 703 years, and you get 50 BC) who, after serving for two years as an aedile, is tasked by his family (actually by the Senate, the family has already set aside its resources to elect candidates and cannot, yet, push Decius up to the next position of power) to go off to fight the pirates springing up in the Eastern Mediterranean. Roberts book is very well-written, gripping from beginning to a weak ending. While not the best book Roberts has written, in my opinion, it is the best book in the series. Robert's book, for the most part, is tightly written, needing just 188 pages (the rest is a glossary) to tell a very good story. The characters are, for the most part, fully formed personalities. The plot is strong. I gave Robert's book 4.39 stars out of five.
May 24, 2012
With The Princess and the Pirates, the reader hits the ground running: the protagonist's archenemy is dead, one of his best friends exiled, his family's power fading. But these issues weren't really tackled in this book; instead they served as a backdrop to Decius' adventures in Cyprus.
Somehow, I could not reconcile the image of Decius as a pirate-hunter with Decius the politician or even Decius the soldier. But I guess well-born Romans were really trained to be all-around "servants" of the Senate and the People. Cleopatra in this book did not really dazzle, and I think the eventual development of her character (in this book) did not do the very interesting intro justice. Still liked the book though, and it's better than the last one for me.
Somehow, I could not reconcile the image of Decius as a pirate-hunter with Decius the politician or even Decius the soldier. But I guess well-born Romans were really trained to be all-around "servants" of the Senate and the People. Cleopatra in this book did not really dazzle, and I think the eventual development of her character (in this book) did not do the very interesting intro justice. Still liked the book though, and it's better than the last one for me.
October 4, 2016
In terms of plotting and characterizations, it not one of the best, but it is an interesting look into the twisted way money, power and politics influenced trade and commerce. Most of the main characters have been thoroughly drawn by now and Roberts never wastes much effort anyway on the side characters.
The title is somewhat misleading as there are pirates and a princess in the story but the twain never really meet.
The title is somewhat misleading as there are pirates and a princess in the story but the twain never really meet.
February 18, 2025
Läsning 2: Vid omläsning är denna tydligt bättre.
Läsning 1: Denna var riktigt bra, men inte lika bra som många av de andra.
Läsning 1: Denna var riktigt bra, men inte lika bra som många av de andra.
March 11, 2019
This was a nice addition to the SPQR series.
Much to his dismay, Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger gets assigned to Cyprus to deal with a new tide in piracy. The story is fairy typical for this series, as the main "mystery" doesn't happen until a good ways in. I don't mind that, as we then get glimpses into the ancient world through the eyes of Decius. The titular princess is the famous Cleopatra (as a teenager), who inserts herself in Decius's duties of hunting the pirates, adding her barge to his meager fleet of ships, giving him a total of four.
Julia Minor eventually joins him on the island. I liked learning more about the cult of Aphrodite on the island. Milo also eventually joins the group, arriving later than Decius would have liked. Decius gets into his usually troubles and scraps, always with Hermes at his side. I can always trust JMR to provide us with good banter between the two.
Unlike some of the other books, I didn't guess the culprit, and--like Decius--had started suspecting the wrong person, while guilty of some minor involvement, but not enough that Decius, for once, lets it slide. There was some good side characters in this one too, and of course, an attractive female (not Cleopatra) that almost manages to ensnare Decius. His weakness for beautiful woman is still prevalent, but his fear of Julia's wrath is stronger. She still hasn't let him forget about the German princess--and that was before they were married. Thankfully, Hermes--for once--has his wits about him and intercedes when he sees Decius is far too compromised to think straight.
My biggest complaint would have to be that the book starts with Clodius, long time foil for Decius, already dead. His murder, and the events that took place after it, including Milo's exile, would have made for a great book. And while I normally don't like it when JMR relies too heavily on a historical event, considering the built up animosity between Decius (our protagonist) and Clodius, it seems odd to then skip over this key event.
Much to his dismay, Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger gets assigned to Cyprus to deal with a new tide in piracy. The story is fairy typical for this series, as the main "mystery" doesn't happen until a good ways in. I don't mind that, as we then get glimpses into the ancient world through the eyes of Decius. The titular princess is the famous Cleopatra (as a teenager), who inserts herself in Decius's duties of hunting the pirates, adding her barge to his meager fleet of ships, giving him a total of four.
Julia Minor eventually joins him on the island. I liked learning more about the cult of Aphrodite on the island. Milo also eventually joins the group, arriving later than Decius would have liked. Decius gets into his usually troubles and scraps, always with Hermes at his side. I can always trust JMR to provide us with good banter between the two.
Unlike some of the other books, I didn't guess the culprit, and--like Decius--had started suspecting the wrong person, while guilty of some minor involvement, but not enough that Decius, for once, lets it slide. There was some good side characters in this one too, and of course, an attractive female (not Cleopatra) that almost manages to ensnare Decius. His weakness for beautiful woman is still prevalent, but his fear of Julia's wrath is stronger. She still hasn't let him forget about the German princess--and that was before they were married. Thankfully, Hermes--for once--has his wits about him and intercedes when he sees Decius is far too compromised to think straight.
My biggest complaint would have to be that the book starts with Clodius, long time foil for Decius, already dead. His murder, and the events that took place after it, including Milo's exile, would have made for a great book. And while I normally don't like it when JMR relies too heavily on a historical event, considering the built up animosity between Decius (our protagonist) and Clodius, it seems odd to then skip over this key event.
February 27, 2017
Been a while since I read one of the books in this series. I pretty much binge-read all of those I could get hold of in my library a few years ago...they were just so much fun to read! If you're a weirdo who's into detective stories & 1 century BC Ancient Rome period, this series is just a complete goldmine.
The gap between reading this one and the last one sort of dulled my ability to recognise one Roman name from another, I'm afraid I went "wait, who dat again?" a few too many times towards the end... But I really don't blame Roberts for that.
In the years between the last Decius book and this one I've read some pretty stellar adventure/historical celeb/detective stories, so in a way the prose style of these books seems a bit spare in comparison (considering what a florid language Latin is), but then again it just fits our narrator/protagonist's characterisation so well, and why would we complicate our experience of a case in Ancient Roman surroundings with overly complicated style...
As many have pointed out here, don't expect a naval adventure. And even the titular princess - who does appear quite a lot in the book - is actually not really that important in the end. This is not so much a spoiler, as a disclaimer. But it's always nice to see good ol' Cleo pop up in fiction. And this instance was no exception.
I don't quite know how I'd compare this book with the other ones in this series that I've read, because it's been quite a while since the others. But I know I had enough fun - even if the case itself was not necessarily the most exciting. Learning a bit more about ancient Cyprus and Aphrodite was actually pretty cool. So consider this a weaker 4, but still an above average experience!
The gap between reading this one and the last one sort of dulled my ability to recognise one Roman name from another, I'm afraid I went "wait, who dat again?" a few too many times towards the end... But I really don't blame Roberts for that.
In the years between the last Decius book and this one I've read some pretty stellar adventure/historical celeb/detective stories, so in a way the prose style of these books seems a bit spare in comparison (considering what a florid language Latin is), but then again it just fits our narrator/protagonist's characterisation so well, and why would we complicate our experience of a case in Ancient Roman surroundings with overly complicated style...
As many have pointed out here, don't expect a naval adventure. And even the titular princess - who does appear quite a lot in the book - is actually not really that important in the end. This is not so much a spoiler, as a disclaimer. But it's always nice to see good ol' Cleo pop up in fiction. And this instance was no exception.
I don't quite know how I'd compare this book with the other ones in this series that I've read, because it's been quite a while since the others. But I know I had enough fun - even if the case itself was not necessarily the most exciting. Learning a bit more about ancient Cyprus and Aphrodite was actually pretty cool. So consider this a weaker 4, but still an above average experience!
December 13, 2024
Die Geschichte spielt im Jahr 51 v. Chr. Decius Caecilius Metellus wird nach Zypern entsandt, um die dort wütenden Piraten zur Strecke zu bringen. Auf der Insel, die Rom eben erst den ptolemäischen Ägyptern abgenommen hat, trifft er die Prinzessin Kleopatra und allerhand illustre Leute. Spätestens als der Statthalter Silvanus brutal mit Weihrauch erstickt wird, ist klar, dass er in ein Wespennest gestochen hat.
Die Geschichte beginnt ziemlich behäbig, gewinnt aber zum Ende hin an Fahrt. Des Rätsels Lösung ist zwar antikengerecht, haut den heutigen Leser aber nicht vor Begeisterung vom Stuhl. Es gibt viel Zeit- und ein bisschen Lokalkolorit. Im direkten Vergleich zur CVT-Reihe von Hans-Dieter Stoever richtet sich SPQR offenbar an ein dezidiert erwachsenes Publikum - wir finden eine Reihe sexueller Anspielungen und es fließt reichlich Wein.
Roberts steckt tief in der römischen Welt und er vermittelt sie ohne störenden Zeigefinger oder allzu belehrende Exkursionen - die Infos fließen unterhaltsam in die Story, keiner muss einen Einser in Latein mitbringen, um den Krimi zu verstehen. Es wirkt alles sehr sauber recherchiert, und auch die Geisteshaltung der Figuren erscheint mir authentisch. Nur ein Anachronismus ist mir aufgefallen - auch Roberts lässt im antiken Europa Truthähne rumlaufen, die waren aber in jener Zeit auf Amerika beschränkt.
Mein Fazit: Kann man sich gönnen, wenn man eine Neigung zum alten Rom hat (und die haben wir Männer ja angeblich alle).
Die Geschichte beginnt ziemlich behäbig, gewinnt aber zum Ende hin an Fahrt. Des Rätsels Lösung ist zwar antikengerecht, haut den heutigen Leser aber nicht vor Begeisterung vom Stuhl. Es gibt viel Zeit- und ein bisschen Lokalkolorit. Im direkten Vergleich zur CVT-Reihe von Hans-Dieter Stoever richtet sich SPQR offenbar an ein dezidiert erwachsenes Publikum - wir finden eine Reihe sexueller Anspielungen und es fließt reichlich Wein.
Roberts steckt tief in der römischen Welt und er vermittelt sie ohne störenden Zeigefinger oder allzu belehrende Exkursionen - die Infos fließen unterhaltsam in die Story, keiner muss einen Einser in Latein mitbringen, um den Krimi zu verstehen. Es wirkt alles sehr sauber recherchiert, und auch die Geisteshaltung der Figuren erscheint mir authentisch. Nur ein Anachronismus ist mir aufgefallen - auch Roberts lässt im antiken Europa Truthähne rumlaufen, die waren aber in jener Zeit auf Amerika beschränkt.
Mein Fazit: Kann man sich gönnen, wenn man eine Neigung zum alten Rom hat (und die haben wir Männer ja angeblich alle).
February 20, 2020
I Wish There Were More
I've read the entire SPQR series twice now, and I fervently wish John Maddox Roberts would continue where the last book ends... This novel, The Princess & the Pirates, is one of my favorites in the series. The princess is 16 year old Cleopatra; the pirates are based in Cyprus where the novel is set. Good action and insights into Roman naval traditions. Decius Metellus is in character as an arrogant but admirable young admiral in duty to gain street cred for his political ambitions back home in Rome. As usual, Roberts converts you into a Roman aristocrat quickly as you walk the streets of 1st Century BCE Roman Cyprus, attend the social g a gatherings, and stumble home with a wine buzz while avoiding street thugs lurking in unpolished dark corners. Wonderfully written. More, please!
I've read the entire SPQR series twice now, and I fervently wish John Maddox Roberts would continue where the last book ends... This novel, The Princess & the Pirates, is one of my favorites in the series. The princess is 16 year old Cleopatra; the pirates are based in Cyprus where the novel is set. Good action and insights into Roman naval traditions. Decius Metellus is in character as an arrogant but admirable young admiral in duty to gain street cred for his political ambitions back home in Rome. As usual, Roberts converts you into a Roman aristocrat quickly as you walk the streets of 1st Century BCE Roman Cyprus, attend the social g a gatherings, and stumble home with a wine buzz while avoiding street thugs lurking in unpolished dark corners. Wonderfully written. More, please!
May 25, 2023
The ninth in John Maddox Roberts’ SPQR series is a disappointment. In The Princess and the Pirates our protagonist Decius Metellus finds himself assigned by the Roman Senate to rid the Mediterranean of the pirate menace. In Cyprus he encounters Cleopatra and the murder of the governor. Good run up narrative and plot but a disappointing denouement and flaccid resolution. A let down in an otherwise inventive and pleasurable series.
August 8, 2017
Another good little story from this series but not as captivating as those featured in other SPQR books. Nevertheless, as normal it is well written and emphasises another corruption that existed in the Roman world and one that Decuis has to deal with.
July 8, 2018
Great story, poor proofing.
There were a couple of typos in the Kindle version, minor stuff. But the paragraph structure for dialog was poorly rendered. It was often difficult to determine which line belonged to which speaker.
There were a couple of typos in the Kindle version, minor stuff. But the paragraph structure for dialog was poorly rendered. It was often difficult to determine which line belonged to which speaker.
September 10, 2020
Entertaining as always. Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is sent to Cyprus to clear out some pirates but, as usual, gets involved with a murder. Listened to the audio version which was narrated by John Lee who did a first-rate job.
September 18, 2023
Another excellent Roman mystery solved by the politically involved Aristocratic Decius. Quite a worthy addition to the SPQR series. Cleopatra is featured in this volume making her second series appearance and the first as an interesting adult.
September 6, 2025
I enjoyed this entry, but perhaps not as much as the others. With all the emphasis on ship-based fighting, I was surprised that the climax occurs on a basement rather than on deck. However, it was lovely for Hermes to finally become a freedman.
October 15, 2017
What one expects from the SPQR series: palace intrigue, corruption, and the prowl for power. Roberts does a good job of incorporating history into his story without wonking out on it.
September 26, 2022
I do enjoy these little mysteries, and found this one to be particularly fun.
December 27, 2020
Great fun)
January 14, 2015
Decius has finished two years as aedile so about two years has passed since the last book. Clodius and Crassus are both dead in the background. There is a fleeting reference to the battle Crassus was killed at without even mentioning he has died. The only evidence of Clodius being dead is in explaining why Milo is exiled. I am glad that we got to skip that episode as this version of Milo is so much fun and such a good friend to Decius. His guilt is only by wrong place wrong time rather than the other version where it was a deadly planned ambush. I hope that this won't be his final appearance maybe a trip to Massilia is in the offing for Decius. Decius has been sent to clean up some pirates in Cyprus and finds Cleopatra in residence with a soon to be murdered governor. Yet again there is more than meets the eye and Decius is up to his eyeballs in a mess of Roman politics. He sorts it out as usual in an amusing if unseen manner
January 26, 2013
Η ένατη αυτή SPQR περιπέτεια δεν αποκλίνει από το επιτυχημένο (και αγαπημένο) ποιοτικό ύφος που χαρακτηρίζει τη σειρά στο σύνολό της . Είναι ένα μικρό ιστορικό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα με άρτια πλοκή και γρήγορη, σπιρτόζικη δράση. Μετά από τη Ρώμη, τη Γαλατία και την Αλεξάνδρεια ήρθε ο καιρός να επισκεφτούμε την Κύπρο. Το βιβλίο ξεχωρίζει για τη ζωντάνια και την αυθεντικότητα που προσδίδει στην εποχή που περιγράφει. Αβίαστα και πλήρως εναρμονισμένα με την κύρια αφήγηση παρατίθενται πλήθος λεπτομερών πληροφοριών για τον τρόπο ζωής και σκέψης των ανθρώπων. Η βαθμολογία (3/5) οφείλεται στο ότι, παρότι απόλαυσα το βιβλίο, δε με συνεπήρε εξίσου με κάποια άλλα της σειράς (όπως το "Σατουρνάλια και αίμα", "Ο θάνατος του εκατόνταρχου" και "Ένα νομικό ζήτημα")και προτείνεται κυρίως σε παλιούς φίλους της σειράς και όχι σε αυτούς που θέλουν να την αρχίσουν.
September 21, 2013
The author does a very good job setting the stage for each of these books. Details about the city, names of the roads, types of buildings (temple, apartment block, gladiator training school, etc) are given so the reader feels a part of the story.
"The Princess and the Pirates" was not quite as engrossing as the previous book, "The River God's Vengeance". I got bored half way through the book but managed to finish it. Sometimes this happens with an author...not every book is fantastic.
It's still a very good series. Puts me in mind of the "Marcus Didio Falco" series written by Lindsey Davis. As with that series, be sure you read the SPQR series IN ORDER or you will loose the "flow" of the stories.
"The Princess and the Pirates" was not quite as engrossing as the previous book, "The River God's Vengeance". I got bored half way through the book but managed to finish it. Sometimes this happens with an author...not every book is fantastic.
It's still a very good series. Puts me in mind of the "Marcus Didio Falco" series written by Lindsey Davis. As with that series, be sure you read the SPQR series IN ORDER or you will loose the "flow" of the stories.
December 27, 2012
This is number nine in a terrific mystery series set in the late Roman Republic period.The main character, Marcus Decius Metellus, is a swashbuckling rake on his way up the Roman political ladder who also has a talent for solving crimes in the midst of historical events. Besides great stories, this series is also very enjoyable historical fiction; especially for an Ancient Rome buff. The author definitely belongs in the class of others in the genre such as Steven Saylor and Lindsey Davies. Consider this a rating for the series as a whole.
July 30, 2008
Another great read in the Roberts' historical mysteries series set in Rome and featuring the adventures of Decius Caecilius Metellus. Set during the time of Caesar, Decius is married to Caesar's cousin, Decius receives a commission to fight the pirates in the Eastern Mediterranean and goes to Cyprus where he deals with Cleopatra, the pirates, as well as the muder of the Roman governor of the island.
August 24, 2015
A quick, pleasant read. This time in Cyprus, our here is charged with defeating the pirates, something he works at with his customary directness, however, not all is smooth sailing. There is a conspiracy between the pirates at sea and officials onshore, with smuggling, murder, and mystery. Decius comes close to death once, but is rescued in the nick of time.
The ending, again, seemed too abrupt. This is a feature of every series novel I have read.
The ending, again, seemed too abrupt. This is a feature of every series novel I have read.
September 16, 2013
My least favorite of this series thus far. Decius is off chasing "pirates" around Cyprus with Cleopatra. Unfortunately the plot of this installment drags quite a bit. Normally I enjoy Roberts detail and attention to the simple things in Roman life, but this story lacks these points. The overall "mystery" is also quite weak. Too bad.
February 8, 2015
Auch in diesem Band der Reihe erfährt der Leser viel über römische und dieses Mal auch ägyptische Geschichte. Nach wie vor finde ich Decius und Hermes, Julia und Titus Milo, sogar Kleopatra überaus sympathisch. Allerdings tragen nicht alle Personen zur Handlung bei. Für so einen dünnen Krimi gibt es zu viele Personen und eine eher schwachen verkomplizierte Handlung.
November 3, 2010
Decius goes to Cyprus under Rome's orders to stamp out pirates that have been raiding in the area. When he gets ther he finds a young Cleopatra who demands to work with him. I love this series and its characters. But this was not my favorite.
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