Rome: The Coming Of The King ~ M.C. Scott

A little while ago I wrote about the first book M.C. Scott's Rome series, which I found to be the reason that I entertain reading more novels of the Roman Empire period. In this second instalment, the author neither disappoints nor dissuades me from reading more from this period.



After the great fire of Rome, Nero has dispatched his spies in search of those seeking to destroy Rome and establish a new order. Set primarily in Roman Judea where Syrians, Judeans and Romans struggle for supremacy. The resulting tensions provide for a constant flow of action, deception, growth and alternative responses, which keep the reader engaged in the story. There is nary a moment where one wants to put the book down. The characters are still a joy to follow regardless of whether they are loved or despised; there is a need to know what will happen next to these people whose depth knows no bounds. In addition, the prose draws the reader in and captivates. There is no wasted word, which can sometimes seem dry, but there is none of that from Scott.

I enjoyed this book more than the first one and I quite liked it. I felt so strongly about this that I have already begun the third, (I will write about this one once complete as well) in anticipation of the fourth due out in April where I reside.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.