So the bro-in-law gave me the second of these for Christmas, because he thought it looked good but couldn’t find the first.  I eventually got the first, and read it – and it’s good.  It’s an historical fiction go at Julius Caesar.  There’s enough lee-way in what’s not known about him, especially in his early life, that I guess you can get away with some playing around.  There are a few bits that I didn’t approve of – a few bits of poetic licence that I didn’t think were necessary, like Octavian being his cousin instead of grand-nephew.  However, if I mostly ignore that it’s meant to be historical, it’s a great story.  He’s a good writer – spins a good yarn – and I’m definitely going to be finding the next one.  I really, really liked the way he didn’t reveal Marcus’ full identity until the last page of the first book!  So clever.