I enjoyed this second book in the Belisarius series as much as I had enjoyed the first one, and for pretty much the same reasons. The characters were likeable (except the ones you weren’t supposed to like) and funny, and the story was interesting.

As with the first book, the characters are slightly over-the-top and without many shades of gray. However, there were a couple missteps here and there on the part of the good guys, as opposed to the first book where everything always went exactly as planned. I enjoyed that because it added a little more tension to the story.

The science fiction element is still mostly in the background story-wise, but we start to learn more about it in this book. I look forward to seeing how that aspect of things will develop and be further explained as the series progresses. This book tied up several major plot threads that had been woven throughout these first two books, so I also look forward to seeing what will happen in the next book. ( )

In the Heart of Darkness by David Drake & Eric Flint

Belisarius, a Roman general, goes to India to spy on the Malwa. His “magic” crystal informs him that the Malwa have their own “link” to the future. His adventures as a spy, turncoat and redeemer comprise the main plot line. The subplot of his wife, Irene the spymaster and Theodora the empress provide the corollary subplots.

Flint and Drake do a great job with heroes. They paint larger than life characters with noble characteristics. They also have no problem portraying strong, butt kicking female protagonists. I enjoy the empowerment of the female characters. The portrayal of ruthlessness as both positive and negative, depending on who is using it, causes one to ponder ethics in general.

I enjoyed the book, I recommend it. It is a good series and I intend to finish it. ( )

The second in Flint and Drake's Belisarius series. Two supercomputers from the far future have travelled back to the ancient world. One, in India, is driving the Malwa empire to cruel world conquest. The other, in Justinian's Constantinople, is guiding the great general Belisarius to stand against them. War, mayhem, intrigue, and weapons development ensue. ( )

The second in Flint and Drake's Belisarius series. Two supercomputers from the far future have travelled back to the ancient world. One, in India, is driving the Malwa empire to cruel world conquest. The other, in Justinian's Constantinople, is guiding the great general Belisarius to stand against them. War, mayhem, intrigue, and weapons development ensue. ( )

A gripping tale. The characters are compelling and heroic. The story is imaginative and exciting. ( )