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rui_leite's review against another edition
3.0
3.5, really, but just because I wanted it to be longer.
(Also, PLEASE Saylor, don't waste the chance of having a "Diana, The Finder" spin-off, I swear I'd read that in a heartbeat).
(Also, PLEASE Saylor, don't waste the chance of having a "Diana, The Finder" spin-off, I swear I'd read that in a heartbeat).
saramar's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
escan's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pretty tame entry, I think, in terms of the fact that there's no immediate threat to Gordianus' life, just about everyone knows when Caesar actually does die, and Rome has finally emerged from the various wars which have pervaded the past 4 or 5 novels. I did like that Gordianus finally gave Diana a chance to prove her own worth as a detective, and the set-up for future events was super interesting (i.e. the hints at Brutus' independent streak and the glimpses of Octavius before he became Augustus). The mystery itself was decent, and I really enjoyed the interviews with figures like Vercingetorix, Arsinoë, and Cleopatra - the glimpses into their own personally miseries were very moving.
sophiewilliams's review against another edition
3.0
Left this a bit long to review and now struggling to say what happened... Not the best sign for the book, but enjoyed it while I was reading it.
mgcco's review against another edition
3.0
Hieronymus, Gordianus' Massilian friend, sums up what I think of The Triumph of Caesar (p.288): "You used to appreciate a puzzle, Gordianus--the more baffling, the better. What's become of your powers of deduction? Gone to Hades, along with your powers of observation, I suppose."
Maybe it was the author's intention to lay down the groundwork for Gordianus' eventual retirement. After all, he has been Rome's number one private investigator for three decades. But still, I found the plot a little thin (But I still love you, Gordianus!). And the story's villain! I knew it was him, but I refused to believe it until I read his name. He's too insignificant to figure in the twist, I suppose.
I do hope with all my heart that this is not the last (in the series). I gave The Triumph of Caesar three stars because I know that there will be plenty of room for improvement in the next book. I hope...! (cross fingers)
Maybe it was the author's intention to lay down the groundwork for Gordianus' eventual retirement. After all, he has been Rome's number one private investigator for three decades. But still, I found the plot a little thin (But I still love you, Gordianus!). And the story's villain! I knew it was him, but I refused to believe it until I read his name. He's too insignificant to figure in the twist, I suppose.
I do hope with all my heart that this is not the last (in the series). I gave The Triumph of Caesar three stars because I know that there will be plenty of room for improvement in the next book. I hope...! (cross fingers)
ganglari's review against another edition
3.0
Not the greatest of Roma Sub Rosa, but it is still one of the best "Ancient Era Detective/Forrest Gump"-series out there. However, I just feel that as we're approaching events that are well known to all, Saylor has less room to manoeuvre, and the books start to resemble a history lesson. Still, a very enjoyable history lesson it is.
tartancrusader's review against another edition
2.0
Not up to the usual standard. Gordianus is made to look ineffectual and the way he finally solves the puzzle is ridiculous
d_tod_davis's review
3.0
3 1/2: Another entry in the series that's a little thinner on the mystery and heavier on the historical events. There's always a reward in spending time with characters we've watched grow and evolve over 12 books, and even though it's not really a series highlight, it's still an enjoyable and quick read.
plantbirdwoman's review against another edition
2.0
I had read all the books in this series about Gordianus the Finder, but it had been so long since the last one I read - "A Gladiator Only Dies Once" - that I found I had forgotten a lot about the history of the characters and I had a hard time picking up the thread here. Once I did, I just couldn't get that interested somehow. The writing seemed flat.
I think part of the problem is that, since I last read this series, I discovered John Maddox Roberts and Lindsay Davis, both of whom are much better writers of this genre, in my opinion. In comparison, Saylor's characters seem pretty thin.
Also, I found his seeming insistence on the importance of Julius Caesar's homosexual experiences a bit forced and off-putting. No doubt he had such experiences - although perhaps not as many as Saylor seems to think - but I just doubt that they were that big a factor in his life.
On the plus side, as usual, the book seemed well-researched and contained a wealth of historical detail. I only wish it had been presented in a more compelling and interesting manner.
I think part of the problem is that, since I last read this series, I discovered John Maddox Roberts and Lindsay Davis, both of whom are much better writers of this genre, in my opinion. In comparison, Saylor's characters seem pretty thin.
Also, I found his seeming insistence on the importance of Julius Caesar's homosexual experiences a bit forced and off-putting. No doubt he had such experiences - although perhaps not as many as Saylor seems to think - but I just doubt that they were that big a factor in his life.
On the plus side, as usual, the book seemed well-researched and contained a wealth of historical detail. I only wish it had been presented in a more compelling and interesting manner.
chuckri's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
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