The author’s narrative technique of rapidly shifting viewpoints from chapter to chapter echoes a similar tactic by some of the bestselling writers in the fantasy genre, and for good reason: It keeps the story hurrying along in a compulsively readable way. Hammer is likewise skillful at changing tones; one chapter can be filled with high-stakes sorcerous tension, and the next can be, equally convincingly, lighthearted (Princess Cybele’s verbal sparring with Perseus is a perfect example of the latter). Unfortunately, these strengths don’t always offset the narrative’s weaknesses. Elements of the story are disappointingly derivative—the vampire lord is called Drahkul, Eldarus makes frequent references to the Three Rings of Power, and so on. The larger plot will be utterly beyond the comprehension of any newcomer—the author makes no concerted effort to fill in new readers about anything that’s happened in the series’ earlier entries. Readers encounter a very inventive world—one that features everything from Jinns to Greek mythology to Shaolin monks to the Monkey King, and in which the legions of Caesar can easily end up fighting hordes of vampires. Readers already up to speed on the many ongoing plot threads will find this volume a tense and fast-paced addition to Hammer’s engaging fantasy world. The plot thread involving Cybele’s growing—and ill-fated—feelings for Perseus is particularly effective, and Hammer does a good job of orchestrating the book’s suspenseful ending, which leads readers right on to the next installment.

A colorful and hyperactive section of a larger multicultural fantasy epic. - Kirkus Reviews