School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Jonathan, Flavia, Nubia, and Lupus are involved in solving another mystery in this latest installment in the series. This time, they are trying to find the "Prometheus" who opened a "Pandora's Box" to destroy Rome. The evil from the box is the plague. Jonathan's father, Dr. Mordecai, is also summoned to help care for the sick. The detectives have several suspects, including other doctors and even the emperor. In the course of the investigation, many aspects of Roman life and politics are skillfully woven into the narrative: architecture, medical practices, gods and goddesses, slavery, etc. Titus's destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and his relationship with the Jewish Queen Berenice provide insight into the tenuous ties between the Romans and the Jews during this period. This mystery has many twists and turns, but familiarity with the characters and their situations is helpful. The ending clearly indicates that another sequel is on the way. Fans of the previous six titles will come away from the story with a good sense of Rome during A.D. 80.-Lana Miles, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Two new entries explore ancient Rome's darker side. First, young detective friends Flavia, Jonathan, Nubia, and Lupus try to discover the source of a plague, and a villain sets a devastating fire; then they must rescue Jonathan from being mauled to death in the Colosseum. The pace is lightning quick, and the details of life in 80 C.E. are fascinating. Glos. [Review covers these Roman Mysteries titles: The Enemies of Jupiter and The Gladiators from Capua.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
