Ace, 1986, ISBN 0-441-57101-8, $5.99, 295 pages

The sequel to Procurator picks up the action with our hero Germanicus as the new Emperor, determined to reduce graft and improve the Empire. Leaving Europe behind, he journies to the colonies across the Atlantic Ocean to confront the mighty human-sacrificing empire of the Aztecs, which just declared war on Rome.

Into the seemingly straight-up fight looms the American Plains Indians, who hate the Aztecs worse than the Romans and will ally for a price--freedom. Germanicus, accompanied by his faithful and stalwart bodyguard Rolf, leads a desperate attack on Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztecs. If it sounds like Spanish Conquistadors are storming the New World again, well, that's about how it occurs.

Not that it matters. Once again, Mitchell weaves a vivid tapestry of Roman might tinged with native magic. The Industrial Age chugs on as the Indians cling to traditional ways. His descriptions bring the action and background into focus and encounrage you to read into the wee hours of the morning. And there's a sequel, Cry Republic, which brings Germanicus into new dangers.

More in the Procurator series

Procurator
New Barbarians
Cry Republic