Good idea, the union of both Christian and Classical Mythos to withstand the new Slavic Interlopers, but it is dully told. ( )

Another 'historical fantasy' by Harry turtledove. He seems to be the master at these type of books, creating a more or less real world historical place and then adding some fantasy elements. This book concerns Thessalonica in the time of the Roman Christian era, just before it is to be overwhelmed by barbarians, but this time the barbarians include fantasy creatures. A very good book, it reminds me a lot of his early book, Agent of Byzantium, which is one of my favorites. ( )