Written by: Richard Foreman
Submitted By: Alexandra O'Brien
Not sure if I'd say that Sword of Empire is better than the Sword of Rome series, but it's certainly it's equal. Where the author previously had a Sharpe-like centurion serving under Julius Caesar Sword of Empire has a centurion, Gaius Maximus, serving under the more philosophical Emperor of Marcus Aurelius. The dialogue is often humorous and touching and the action scenes are bloody, pacey and well done as with previous books by the author. The structural similarities between Sword and Rome may be considered a strength and weakness. Basically if you've enjoyed Sword of Rome you'll enjoy Sword of Empire. Am still undecided on whether I like the heroine or not, but loved the character of Rufus Atticus (a satirical, aristocratic optio).
For the most part Praetorian can be read as a stand alone, though there are a couple of story lines and characters that you feel need to be and will be developed in future books in series. Wanted book to carry on, but as a novella (I reckon book is about 35, 000 words long) it'll still satisfy fans of author and genre.
