Rubicon: A Novel of Ancient Rome (Novels of Ancient Rome) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Steven Saylor (Author) "Pompey will be mightily pissed," said Davus..." (more)
Key Phrases: toga day, cohort commander, rim road, Great One, Numerius Pompeius, Appian Way (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Steven Saylor's seventh installment in his Roma Sub Rosa series begins with a character saying, "Pompey will be mightily pissed." Scholars might argue that there is no evidence of this particular synonym for anger ever being used in 49 B.C., but the author would no doubt respond that poetic license includes doing whatever it takes to bridge the gap for modern audiences. And indeed, the head of the Roman Senate is mightily pissed. Rome is on the verge of another civil war, and the forces of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony have crossed the Rubicon River and are marching toward the capital. To top it all off, one of Pompey's favorite cousins has been garroted to death.

Before Pompey flees the city, he asks Rome's greatest detective, Gordianus the Finder, to solve the murder. But Pompey has reason to distrust Gordianus, who may have an allegiance with Caesar. To force his loyalty, Pompey seizes the detective's son-in-law, and makes him join his household army. By doing so, he ensures that Gordianus's involvement in the coming conflict will be a very personal one. Confused and troubled, Gordianus walks through Rome toward the house of his former friend and mentor, the poet Cicero. "All around me, I felt the uneasiness of the city, like a sleeper in the throes of a nightmare." Awakening from the nightmare, surviving the chaos, and solving this whodunit will be the Finder's toughest battle yet. --Dick Adler --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly
Even readers not drawn to historical settings should explore Saylor's impressive series (Murder on the Appian Way, etc.) set in ancient Rome. Saylor's protagonist, Gordianus the Finder, whom Cicero characterizes as "the most honest man in Rome," is an astute citizen and a detective for the Senate. An independent thinker, Gordianus has freed his slaves, marrying one, and adopted several orphans whom he has raised as his own sons. But at 61, the wily Gordianus finds his survival instincts pushed to the utmost, for Rome is on the verge of civil war and all must be careful with their alliances. Caesar has crossed the Rubicon with his army, and his rival, Pompey, the head of the Roman Senate, is about to abandon the city, leaving its citizens without laws and protection. In the midst of this turmoil, Pompey's favorite cousin and trusted courier is murdered in Gordianus's garden. Infuriated, Pompey orders the sleuth to find the killer, insuring his loyalty by impressing one of Gordianus's relatives into his own army. While Gordianus copes with this treacherous mix of family and politics, a heightened frenzy overtakes Rome as it awaits Caesar's possible invasion. Saylor writes about ancient Rome as naturally and comfortably as if he had lived there, capturing both its glory and brutality. Finely shadowed characters and an action-packed finale make this a praiseworthy addition to a series that deserves wide attention. Agent, Alan Nevins; author tour.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Books; 1st edition (September 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312971184
• ISBN-13: 978-0312971182
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #51,309 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 7 in The Roma Sub Rosa Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fans of the Roma Sub Rosa books will be genuinely surprised., July 21, 1999

By	Bruce Trinque (Amston, CT United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Rubicon: A Novel of Ancient Rome (Hardcover)

I have been reading all of Steven Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" novels (featuring the First Century BC detective Gordianus the Finder) since he began publishing them nearly a decade ago. The historical background for the series is superbly researched, and the reader inevitably learns much about Ancient Rome. Moreover, the plots and characters are intricate and compelling. With "Rubicon" Saylor has reached a new level, delving deeper into Gordianus's soul than he has ever done before. And Saylor has done something which is very difficult for the author of a series to accomplish -- in "Rubicon" he genuinely surprises the reader.

I would urge people, however, to first read the other novels in the "Roma Sub Rosa" cycle before approaching "Rubicon," so that they better understand Gordianus and his family.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saylor skillfully brings history to life, May 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rubicon: A Novel of Ancient Rome (Hardcover)

In RUBICON, Steven Saylor plunges the reader into the chaos and intrigue of the Roman Republic's last civil war. Less a whodunnit than a vivid, panoramic historical novel with mystery elements, RUBICON nonetheless features all the trademarks of Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" series -- vivid characters, polished writing, and brilliantly unexpected plot twists. The siege of the Italian port city of Brundisium is masterfully rendered, as are the terrors of traveling through a countryside ravaged by war and poisoned by suspicion and fear. Fast-paced, well researched, and exciting, RUBICON offers all that any reader of historical fiction could ask for. It's one of Saylor's best.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Saylor Book yet!, September 18, 2000

By A Customer

Part of the Roma Sub Rosa series, this has to be Saylors best book so far! It has everything a good book needs: history, political strife, mystery, death, and best of all a shocking ending. Saylor's high caliber writing and eye for detail is not lost on this book. What makes this book entirely worth the price is the unexpected twist at the end that prepares us for the next book (Last Seen in Massalia) I can't wait!!