I was very glad I had the 8th book (Gladiators of Capua) ready and waiting when I finished this- it was sort of a cliff hanger. Also, I admire how well Laurence handles difficult subject matter (like death, and experts disagreeing) in a "young readers" book. It's not like kids don't actually feel these emotions and think these thoughts. But usually authors skim over them. Also, it was a page turner! Practically non-stop action. ( )

Were the Gods angry? Why was an epidemic quotidian fever killing thousands in Rome? Emperor Titus calls Dr. Mordecia to Rome to heal the sick. Dr. Mordecia's son Jonathan and his three friends--Lupus, Flavia, and Nubia --accompany the Doctor to help solve this mystery. Their sleuthing takes them into dangerous situations. Jonathan's personal mission is to reunite his parents. The most fascinating qualities of this novel are the uses of Latin and Hebrew vocabulary, history, Roman mythology, and the detailed descriptions of daily Roman life. I consulted Aristo's Scroll (glossary) frequently throughout my reading. ( )

Jonathan has a plan to bring his parents back together again. The emperor Titus calls for help from Dr. Mordecai when an epidemic hits Rome. Jonathan has some moral choices to make, and then things start to go horribly wrong. ( )