As the Romans Do (nonfiction) by Alan Epstein

An interesting and fun romp through Rome written by an American who moved there.  This is set about 15 years ago, and has a few slow spots, but it worth it for those who love the city.

Conspirata by Robert Harris (historical fiction)

Good stuff about Cicero's life and adventures, part of a series.  I've enjoyed all of it.

Julian by Gore Vidal (historical fiction)

I was told I'd love this, and it was a national bestseller, but I didn't think it was that great.  It was interesting and competent, but not wonderful.

Death in the Ashes: A Fourth Case from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger by Albert A. Bell, Jr. (historical mystery)

This is a great series for those who love mysteries and those who love Roman history.  I'm both, and I'm impressed by Bell's ability to comment on Roman life in a non-intrusive way.  I've reviewed others in the series before, and this book is seriously good.  I read the book quickly because it was so much fun.

Defenders of the Faith: Charles V, Suleyman the Magnificent, and the Battle for Europe 1520-1536 by James Reston, Jr. (nonfiction)

With an amazing cast of characters like Henry VIII, Francis I, Charles V, Suleyman, Ibrahim Pasha, Barbarossa, and Martin Luther, you can't go wrong.  This is good stuff, never a boring recitation of facts.  The book has a reach that isn't so broad that it dilutes itself.

Spartacus by Aldo Schiavone (nonfiction)

At first, I wasn't going to check this out at the library because I have four other books going and I've read a lot about Spartacus lately.  Well, I'm glad I did!  There is so little preserved about him in the ancient works, but Schiavone gives a convincing, breezy analysis of the social conditions that led to Spartacus' rise.  Four and a half stars, even in translation.

The Children of Henry VIII by John Guy (nonfiction)

Good but not amazing, some interesting information about the relationships between the children themselves.

The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones (nonfiction)

I can see why this was an international bestseller.  The book explains the deeds and characteristics of this dynasty in an accessible manner, without too much silly stuff that would annoy those who know more about the period.