Engaging at the jump, even if it gets a bit dense (Romans have like six names to share and they get to roll dice on which order the names appear). I didn't really know anything about the setting or the era before I went into it, and I found it really fun and enlightening. This may not be the most historical account (I have no idea) but the little details add a lot of sugar. Lots of blood, death and a few funny jokes.

The whole time I was waiting for Claudius to be Emperor. I was waiting for that part to hit the whole time. I think I was about 70% through before it started dawning on me. This is the story of how he GETS there. Or, I guess, some men have greatness thrust upon them.

While I enjoyed this one, I am hesitant on starting the sequel (where we actually get to see Claudius be Emperor). Lotta Rome for one month. [EDIT: now I'm annoyed I don't know what Claudius will do to get to the point he is at the beginning of the book, so onto the sequel I go!]