The Blood of Gods by Conn Iggulden (historical fiction)

Having read exhaustively on the subject of this novel for years, in fiction, nonfiction, and from the primary sources in Latin, I was surprised and gratified at how good it is.  It was so much fun that I actually stopped myself from finishing it too fast so that I could enjoy it more.  Many people know the history and myths about the assassination of Julius Caesar through Octavian's defeat of his killers Cassius and Brutus at Philippi, but this author weaves the story together skillfully, carefully choosing a narrative, and the result is explosive.  Five stars.

Machiavelli: A Renaissance Life by Joseph Markulin (historical fiction biography)

Many times the author seems to be wishing he was writing a political and military analysis of Italy at the time.  It isn't a bad thing, and it would help any reader who wasn't familiar with the circumstances to understand Machiavelli's motives.  Overall, this long book is enjoyable, especially in depictions of day to day Florentine life and the love story, but it does have some slow sections.  There must have been some recent renewal of interest in Machiavelli, as I recently reviewed an analysis of his writings, and I just saw a new nonfiction biography on the shelves.

Death and the Courtesan by Pamela Christie (historical fiction)

This mystery set in Regency London (when King George was mad) led me away from the murderer by putting in obvious clues that tricked me.  That was pleasant fun, but I found some of the language the author used to be anachronistic.  The titular courtesan seemed to good to be true, with a perfect life and all kinds of wonderful people ready to help her.  There was much too much description of her fabulous house.  At the same time, however, she had some hateful characteristics like hogging the conversation and intellectual snobbery.  The didactic author herself didn't miss many chances to make her own worldview completely clear.  I'm not sure I would pick up another book in this series.

Queens and Mistresses of Renaissance France by Kathleen Wellman (nonfiction)

Interesting and fun review of how these women have been depicted and not depicted by their contemporaries and subsequent historians.  This type of nonfiction can get kind of dry, but Ms. Wellman keeps it snappy with lots of examples and new analysis.

Sons of Zeus by Noble Smith (historical fiction)

This is the first book in a series about the wars between Sparta and Athens and how they got started.  This book has several scenes of extreme violence.  The twists were a little predictable and the characterizations a little clunky with cliche, but it was fast-paced and interesting.

Why We Get Fat and What to do About It by Gary Taubes (nonfiction)

A truly readable version of Good Calories, Bad Calories, this book takes down the "calories in/calories out" myth scientifically.  It also follows the extensive history of the low-carb diet, and explains how and why we've veered away from what works.

I think the book needs an update/caveat.  The crux of Taubes' argument is that insulin response controls fat storage, but he goes on to say that artificial sweeteners are OK if a dieter needs something sweet.  Recently it has been shown that artificial sweeteners precipitate an insulin response.