I read the book Pharaoh before reading this, but I didn't really love it. It was alright, but I just felt there was something missing. Based on this, I was prepared to (wrongly) set this author aside and pass over any more of his books that I happened to come across. Then I stumbled upon this book and decided to give it a shot, and I'm so glad I did. I really liked it and can't believe I almost put it back on the shelf in the bookshop. I think I'll be looking out for more of Gibbins' books in the future.