This is set in the post Punic Wars Roman Republic. Two young boys of noble birth get a glimpse into the future when they visit an oracle. Then we fast forward 30 years and the same boys are now senators. One made his name as a soldier in the Macedonian wars and the other as a wily politician. The scene moves from Rome to Spain and Illyria engaging families and their allies in the events and plots of the period.
The strength of the tale is the understanding of the power structures of Republican Rome. The factions and role of senators being different to the more familiar Imperial Rome. This does slow the pace of the story somewhat and involves a number of sub-plots that requires some skill in knitting them together.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the Conquest trilogy, but it is still a good read and I will probably persevere with the trilogy.
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