I couldn't put this book down from the very first page - Stephen Baxter has combined his usual powerful imagination and vivid writing with some fascinating historical research to create a really memorable and thought-provoking novel. If you're interested in British history, the Roman empire, or the roots of modern religion then you'll love this. Actually that makes this sound a bit dry and it isn't - it's full of superb characters, action and adventure and an epic mystery spanning centuries. It also makes you think again about the nature of civilisation, empire, and nationhood. I couldn't wait to read the next book after I finished this - Baxter has held back from revealing too much at this stage but this just makes me want more! I sense and hope that that there is one of Baxter's trademark mind-expanding conclusions coming up a few books down the line. I can't wait!