[.ca] The Roman Conspiracy (ISBN 0887767133)

Excellent:
I bought this book for my neice, and she really enjoyed it. Her enthusiasm spurred me to read it also, and I was very impressed with the accuracy of the historical setting, the likeable characters and the fast-moving action.

Disappointing:
This book was a dismal attempt at children's literature with wooden characters, hackneyed plot, and patronizing tone. Readers would be much better off looking to Rosemary Sutcliff's Eagle of the Ninth or James Watsons' Legion of the White Tiger (though I think that one may be currently out of print), to name but two, for a Roman fix for younger readers. It's too bad that Rowling's success has convinced publishers to print children's books that are obviously done quickly and with very little attention to the craft of writing.

A Great Read:
This is an exciting mystery/adventure that brings ancient Rome to life, with vivid young characters it is easy to like. The story has a good balance of tension, humour, warmth and heroism.