Quinn delivers a compelling twisty tale of love, murder, and intrigue in this fourth book in her The Empress of Rome series. We view the complicated man behind the mask of Emperor Hadrian through the eyes of several point of view characters including Hadrian's wife Sabina, his lover Antinous, and a fictional Praetorian/Legate Vix, among others. Although the story continues the loves, hates and alliances of previous books, I couldn't help think the core of this one was Hadrian. The main characters find themselves compelled by his personality, power, and entangled by his dark genius. 
 I enjoyed Quinn's version of this inscrutable emperor, particularly her take on his love for the young Antinous. I've read other non-fiction and fictional takes on this historical love affair and it's aftermath and Quinn's story ranks among the most touching. Highly recommended.