This third volume of McCullough's 'Masters of Rome' series concerns Lucius Cornelius Sulla's rise to Dictator of Rome and his eventual retirement, as well as the budding careers of both Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar. I enjoyed this work more than the second book, but not quite as much as the first. I have to keep reminding myself that it's fiction, because the minute details seem very real. ( )

This is the third, and in many ways, the most engaging of MaCullough's Masters of Rome series. It touches upon the final years of the Roman Republic, the dictatorship and fall of Sulla, the rise of Pompey and the early years of Julius Caesar. McCullough challenges the reader through an accurate portrayal of the Roman culture, with its terminology and ceremonies. ( )

Ottimo romanzo storico. Godibilissimo nonostante la lunghezza (800 p.). Lo raccomando agli amanti della storia di Roma ! ( )

The third chunky volume in McCullough's Ancient Rome series following events during the last years of the Republic and starting to narrow down to the life of Gaius Julius Caesar. I liked this one as well as, or even better than the first. Less confusing troop movements and political machinations prominent in The Grass Crown and more story -- Sulla's dictatorship, decline and death; Pompey Magnus' rise (what a tool he was!); and Caesar's early manhood. Also an interesting small side story of Spartacus and his slave revolt.

I am continuing to really enjoy this series -- Fortune's Favorites will hold a special place in my heart as I read it contemporaneously with visiting Ancient Rome. Walking the ruins of the Forum Romanum, peering into the Curia, standing at the still recently adorned burial mound of Caesar. Goosebumps. . . ( )

First class research, first class recreation of an alien culture. Sulla in his old age, a physical wreck, as malignant as ever and now with power to achieve his ends. He is ambitious for himself, and eager for revenge: but he also has a deep sense of Roman traditions and his cruel reign does as much to set Rome back on her constitutional feet as it does to satisfy his personal needs. It is hard to paint a sociopath with a sympathetic brush, but McCullough has done it. ( )