Ao longo de vários meses fui-me forçando a voltar aqui, e se lia com gosto, sempre que o largava, não voltava a sentir grande tentação de voltar para o terminar. Existiam sempre outros livros que me apelavam mais. Por isso decidi simplesmente desistir de o terminar.

Ao escrever estas linhas dou-me conta que tal aconteceu porque não havia aqui nada que já não tivesse encontrado no primeiro livro. Harris limita-se a estender o enredo com peripécias, sem oferecer mais nada. Não desgostei do primeiro, mas está longe de se poder considerar um trabalho de relevo, limitando-se a historiar partes da vida de Cícero sem grande trabalho de aprofundamento da sua pessoa.

Somando tudo, parece-me que o grande problema destas obras de Harris é que não nos fazem sentir que estamos verdadeiramente na época. Harris limita-se a pegar num conjunto de factos dessa altura e a enredá-los numa estrutura narrativa para nos entreter, como tantos outros autores de ficção histórica.

Really quite fine - solid Harris, political intrigue ala Cicero.

Unlike first book (Imperium) this one does set up a sequel.

I think this book is called Lustrum in other parts of the world than the US.

of course, this book is no great literature. But as a historical novel, it ranks among the best I've read so far - not only due to its accuracy

I didn't enjoy this as much as I did #1. But, it was a great read nonetheless. That vile human, Julius Caesar, he of mythical status for ICSE students in India, really does come into his own here. He is cunning, shrewd and immoral - a perfect contrast to Cicero. However, I did find the numerous dramatis personae to be hard to follow at times.

But, it does a great job at the end by creating excitement for what's to come in #3. Can't wait to read it.

I liked this more than the first volume, especially part when Cicero is in decline and being pursued by MAGATS.

“Because in this village of yours I too would aspire to be the first man, but failing that I would at least aspire to be a free man, and what is wicked about you, Caesar—worse than Pompey, worse than Clodius, worse even than Catilina—is that you won’t rest until we are all obliged to go down on our knees to you.”

amazing story that covers Ciceros year as consul and the 4 years after. the book goes into the rise and end of Catalina which is a direct result of ciceros actions. part one shows the power and wits cicero had while he was in the most powerful position in government at the time, however as he was stepping down caesar began to rise. the parallels between these two are insane and are made very clear in this novel, especially with the last line, “[cicero] resumed his journey, in the opposite direction to caesar.” while i could speak forever about the first catilinarian speech, i want to talk more about caesar. Harris sets up all the characters and their relationships perfectly. caesar is a man who’s motivated by his need for power and want to make everyone submit to him. he used political power for his own benefit and pride and will do anything to secure his spot in power. while i have not read the other books harris describes the series saying, “Thus Imperium describes the rise to power, Lustrum the years in power and Dictator the repercussions of power." the transition into dictator is clear, with cicero being exiled and the senate in fear, there is no hope in republic being saved.