A review by melbsreads
Gates of Rome by Alex Scarrow

3.0

3.5 stars. It was only a matter of time before this series tackled Ancient Rome, and it did it in a pretty great fashion. The idea of a multi-national group of people going back in time from The End of Days to try and change the course of history was fun, but then I spent a decent chunk of time cringing (as, I suspect, I was supposed to) when the Vice-President of the US took over and decided that they should announce themselves by blasting Born in the USA on the way into Rome, and that they should inform Caligula that they were there to teach him about "The American way". Because UGH UGH UGH UGH UGH. Mostly because it was a multi-national group and why the hell should America get to be in charge, but partly because the Vice-President (who was an asshat) clearly had no idea of how much of the modern world came from Roman practices and ideals. History: it's important, kids.

So yeah, I liked seeing the team explore Ancient Rome. But I could have done without the douchey Vice-President of America Will Rule the World proportions. And I especially could have done without a robot that looks and talks like Spongebob Squarepants, because that is officially the WORST IDEA OF ALL TIME.