Impressive that the author is maintaining his high standard in this series, and even improving in all aspects. AD317: the current Dux Limitis Germaniae, Commander of the German Border, has been killed, ostensibly by barbarian Chamavi Franks, to whom he is delivering a "subsidy", i.e., bribe, of precious metals, for their good behavior. In steps Aurelius Castus, as his replacement. As he tells soldiers under his command, he has come to restore order. In so doing he steps on the toes of higher-ups, by decisions they feel should be the caesar Crispus's; or those of the teenager's regent. Crispus is Constantine's illegitimate son. There are the same skirmishes between Romans and Franks, several foiled assassination attempts on the young Caesar's life, and an ambush and another attempted assassination on Castus's life. There's an exciting trip upriver, fight with Saxon pirates, and trip back to Colonia after shipwreck. Sabinus, his son, is with him and abducted at one point. I like how Castus has revealed himself as father. A climactic battle between Chamavi Franks and Romans restores order in the province; villains get their comeuppance. Castus meets after many years Marcellina, who appeared in Book 1 and is now a widow with daughters; I feel there will be a burgeoning low-key romance since Castus's wife, Sabina, is conveniently "out of the picture". I'm glad of this turn of events. I never liked her from her first appearance; I felt she and Castus were too different in temperament and class for a marriage to last and that she was unworthy of him.

This book was satisfactory in all respects. Castus has become a favorite character; this novel only emphasizes my feeling. Most highly recommended. ( )