“Scipio Africanus: The Man Who Defeated Hannibal” by Ross Leckie

“Scipio Africanus: The Man Who Defeated Hannibal” by Ross Leckie is an interesting account of what may have happened with the Roman leader before and after he defeated Hannibal. If you like the show “Rome”, you’d definitely like this book. The descriptions of the roman legions, the senate, the Latin, the ancient lusts for gold, glory and power, it’s all well packaged and would make you reminisce about those ancient times and what it might have been like… In the beginning of the book parallel narratives of both Scipio and Bostar (his servant) amuse and hasten the pace of the story. Then slowly the book sinks into one of those ‘I did this, he said that, we attacked him, they got killed…’ type of an account and interest meanders a bit. However, the narrative is easy enough and does captures the attention, at times even excites the imagination. But after all, like most sequels, this one doesn't live up to the glory of ‘Hannibal’. If you are a fan of good ancient action novels, pick up a copy of "Hannibal". If you’ve already read it and just feel like figuring out what went on with Scipio pre/post Hannibal's defeat, then this novel can be an 'okay' continuation of your trip.

-by Simon Cleveland