FINALLY!!! This one is LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG! I did not realize when i started it how long it was going to be. If you can get past that, its a good book. Lots of historical references and the author does a good job with the narrative as it doesn't seem like a dry history text either! There is excellent focus on the characters and their places in history, their flaws and strengths and relationships. I would recommend it, just be warned it is HUGE! I read this one as an audio book and thought it would never end... :)