I just finished this book yesterday - it was an enjoyable read, and made me want to learn more about Christopher Marlowe, the English 16th century poet, as well as other historical figures in the novel that I was unfamiliar with. Although the story takes place mainly in the current period (the election of a new Pope), a lot of the plotlines are intertwined with both ancient Rome and Elizabethan England, which made it interesting for me. The pacing of the novel was typical of the genre, fast paced, "race against time", and I liked the primary characters. I didn't give it 5 stars because while there are some twists and unexpected events that occur, none are sufficient to generate a smile or an "aha!" while reading it. It was fine for what it was - a good beach read.