Emperor: The Field of Swords
Author: Conn Iggulden
Amazon info
Here's a basic rule of reading. Before you start reading a book, check to make sure whether the book is the first book of a series or the nth book. I started "The Field of Swords" only to realize that I had started a great series - only I was starting it at the 3rd book!
And, while we are on basic rules - I have always thought that physics students should be required to read "lay" versions over the summer before diving into the mathematical treatments in their classes. Well, a great way to study history is to read fictionalized accounts which are more personal and more easily remembered before studying the "drier" stuff in school.
On the "Field of Swords" - in a word, it was just like his book on Genghis Khan - engaging story, outstanding fight scenes, and you actually learn things. Iggulden again gets credit for his fight scenes, J.K. Rowling should study his writing before she ever undertakes any type of fight scene (wand-based or otherwise) in a book.
Recommended: To all who have read the first two books of the series (Emperor: The Gates of Rome and Emperor: The Death of Kings).