This was a another good book in what I thought was a trilogy, but at the end of the book in the author's note we find out another book is planned. These are certainly good adventures, and I do like Ben Kane as an author. He has quickly become one of my favourite historical fiction authors, although on balance I preferred The Forgotten Legion Trilogy to this series; admittedly there isn't much in it. If you like historical fiction I would recommend his books. ( )

This third volume of the Hannibal trilogy picks up almost straight from where book 2 leaves off. I was very quickly drawn into the trials and tribulations of the three main characters that I have grown fond of. Aurelia and Quintus/Crespo, the Roman brother and sister and Hanno, a Carthaginian soldier under the command of Hannibal.

The Roman soldiers who lost against Hannibal in an earlier battle have been sent to Sicily to lay siege on Syracuse, never permitted to return to Rome. Quintus is among this group. He is pleased to be in the company of his best mate and his favourite centurion though. His life in camp is made difficult when reinforcements arrive and trouble begins. He is sent out on all sorts of patrols, battles and intelligence missions.

Hanno has been sent to Syracuse by Hannibal in an effort to obtain information and to provide guidance for the Syracusan soldiers. He too is involved in all sorts of soldierly activities.

Aurelia is told of her husband being involved in a tragic accident. He is also in Sicily. Against advice and her own better judgement she heads off to try and see him before his likely death. The waters between Rome and Sicily are a dangerous place to be though and Aurelia finds herself up for sale at the slave market.

I enjoyed this book as much as the first two. Reading the author's note at the end of the book revealed what I suspected, there is another volume yet to come. Needless to say I will be keeping my eye out for it. Ben Kane does a great job with his characterisation and I look forward to reading about what happens with this trio next.
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