Fortune's Favorites

3rd book in McCullough's Masters Of Rome series. Fortune's Favorites begins with Lucius Cornelius Sulla returning from a victorious campaign against Mithridates Of Pontus. The chapters roll through his life - his career as Dictator, the purges and proscriptions, his retirement to a life of debauchery. The rest of the book focuses on the rise of the new Roman stars - Pompey Magnus and Gaius Julius Caesar. Pompey builds a reputation as a military man and , as the book ends, is joint consul with Crassus. Caesar has finally managed to escape the limitations of his priesthood. He is no more the Flamen Dialis and is free to embark on military campaigns. He helps bring Bithynia into the Roman fold. Kidnapped by pirates, he is ransomed, and takes his revenge by crucifying his captors. His reputation grows, and he gathers friends and foes. His career has begun in earnest. The latter part of the book touches on the slave rebellion of Spartacus. McCullough, as in her other books, has a straightforward writing style and her meticulous research presents a clear picture of life in Ancient Rome. A huge book, but a must read for all who are fans of ancient Rome."