John Maddox Roberts's alternative history Hannibal's Children is an interesting expedition to answer the question "What if Hannibal of Carthage had succeeded in his bid to conquer Rome during the second Punic War?"

Roberts, author of The Catiline Conspiracy and several other titles revolving around ancient Rome, opens his novel with a few words of history to acquaint the reader with the particulars of the Punic War. He then launches into his experiment, taking the reader onto the floor of the Roman Senate, which is voting to accept Hannibal's terms of surrender, namely that the Romans leave their beloved seven hills and never return. The novel then moves forward 200 years, when the descendants of the exiled Romans have carved a new empire from the barbarous north called "Roma Noricum." An expedition is sent south to assess the strength of Hannibal's descendants--a journey that takes the scouts through Rome and across the Mediterranean to the hearts of Carthage and Egypt, which have risen to great power and wealth in the absence of Rome.

Roberts is a bear for details, especially those of a military nature. His fascination with Roman military prowess is evident as he skillfully and vividly re-creates the might of the legions. Likewise, his speculative re-creation of Roman, Carthaginian, and Egyptian societies is colorful and rich. Unfortunately, Roberts runs out of gas in his third act, leaving plot lines dangling, character development unfinished, and the reader stuck hoping for 300 more pages or wishing for a sequel. Despite this flaw, the book is a fascinating experiment that brings the ancient world to life. --Jeremy Pugh


From Publishers Weekly
What would have happened if Hannibal had received the reinforcements necessary for him to topple the Roman Empire? That fascinating "what if" is the central premise of Roberts's (the SPQR series) latest historical novel, which begins with the arrival of Philip V of Macedon and his formidable army at a pivotal point in the series of wars between Carthage and Rome, allowing the brilliant Hannibal to force a surrender in which the Romans are driven north out of Italy. Fast-forward a hundred years: the Romans are plotting their revenge against Hannibal's progeny, starting with a trade mission-cum-military espionage expedition led by Marcus Scipio. Scipio does a thorough job of sizing up the capabilities of the Carthaginians before leaving behind his rival, Titus Norbanus, to manage that situation in Carthage while he embarks on a similar expedition to Egypt. He then plans an ingenious series of maneuvers to retake Italy, pitting the Carthaginians against the Egyptians while manipulating both the queen of Egypt and Hannibal's heir, Hamilcar II, before a series of dramatic battles that feature the innovative war technology of the era. Roberts occasionally gets bogged down in military minutiae and cultural rituals, but his portraits of the various leaders and rivals are first-rate and his knowledge of the period is unassailable. He does an admirable job of navigating through a difficult and challenging conceit, providing plenty of reflective material for history buffs while constructing an intriguing story line that pays tribute to the ingenuity of the Romans. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Just over a century after the triumphant army of Carthage expelled the Romans from Italy, the children of those exiled Roman families launch a campaign to reclaim their heritage. A small diplomatic delegation led by young commander Marcus Scipio enters the Carthaginian capital and meets with the descendants of the legendary Hannibal, the priestess Zarabel, and her brother and rival, Hamilcar II, forging relations that initiate unforeseen consequences for Carthaginians and Romans alike. The author of The King's Gambit and The Catiline Conspiracy provides a well-researched and vivid alternate history of the rivalry between Rome and Carthage. Recommended for most sf and general fiction collections. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"215 B.C. The Third Punic War has left Rome defeated and in ruins. Under the leadership of the legendary Hannibal, the troops of Carthage are prepared to slaughter their enemies to a man. But Hannibal gives them a chance: exile or extermination. And so, the Romans will vacate their native land, carrying what they can, heading north of the Alps to Noricum. Any man who sets foot in Roman territory again will be killed on sight. Hannibal thinks he has brought peace with honor. But he has made a grave miscalculation." 100 B.C. For one hundred and fifty years, the Romans in exile have channeled the rage of defeat into the pursuit of perfect military discipline. Now a small but resourceful army has been strengthened - by time, by training, and by unexpected military applications of the brilliant innovations of Archimedes the Greek - into a ferocious war machine. From the rich Carthaginian colonies in Egypt, to the walled shores of Carthage itself, they have one eye on revenge and the other on conquest. In the ultimate battle for supremacy, Rome will never be found second best.

FROM THE CRITICS

Midwest Book Review

A fascinating alternate history novel...The Reader is immersed in the culture of Rome.

Publishers Weekly

What would have happened if Hannibal had received the reinforcements necessary for him to topple the Roman Empire? That fascinating "what if" is the central premise of Roberts's (the SPQR series) latest historical novel, which begins with the arrival of Philip V of Macedon and his formidable army at a pivotal point in the series of wars between Carthage and Rome, allowing the brilliant Hannibal to force a surrender in which the Romans are driven north out of Italy. Fast-forward a hundred years: the Romans are plotting their revenge against Hannibal's progeny, starting with a trade mission-cum-military espionage expedition led by Marcus Scipio. Scipio does a thorough job of sizing up the capabilities of the Carthaginians before leaving behind his rival, Titus Norbanus, to manage that situation in Carthage while he embarks on a similar expedition to Egypt. He then plans an ingenious series of maneuvers to retake Italy, pitting the Carthaginians against the Egyptians while manipulating both the queen of Egypt and Hannibal's heir, Hamilcar II, before a series of dramatic battles that feature the innovative war technology of the era. Roberts occasionally gets bogged down in military minutiae and cultural rituals, but his portraits of the various leaders and rivals are first-rate and his knowledge of the period is unassailable. He does an admirable job of navigating through a difficult and challenging conceit, providing plenty of reflective material for history buffs while constructing an intriguing story line that pays tribute to the ingenuity of the Romans. (May) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal