Ace, 1984, ISBN 0-441-68029-1, $5.99, 234 pages

Perhaps propelled by the success of the movie Gladiator, Procurator postulates that the Roman Empire did not fall, but saved itself when Pontius Pilate refused to crucify a particular fellow. Now Rome has embraced the early Industrial Age and boasts the equivalent of trains, rifless, tanks, oil pipelines, and ironclads. The only thing that hasn't changed are the barbarians, who continue to pester the frontiers.

Procurator Germanicus, minor cousin to the Emperor, gets posted to a remote spot in the north to stop said barbarian incursions. Only this time, the barbarians can kill from a distance using mind powers, and they intend to strike a blow against the Empire. Our hero "decides" to use himself as bait and attack the source of the powers--the "Purple Village" of the religious leaders called zaims. Only he must watch his back, for a revolt looms in the distance and Romans must fight Romans--and zaim-led forces too--before his work can be completed.

For alternative history buffs, this is a great book to see what Mitchell believes a Roman present would be like. And better yet, now that he's gotten you so involved with the character, there's a sequel and also a third book in the series.

More in the Procurator series

Procurator
New Barbarians
Cry Republic