Between 264 BCE, when the Roman army crossed into Sicily, and the death of Hadrian nearly three hundred years later, Rome became one of the most successful multicultural empires in history. In this vivid guide to a fascinating period, David Potter explores the transformations that occurred along the way, as Rome went from republic to mercenary state to bureaucratic empire, from that initial step across the Straits of Messina to the peak of territorial...

Young Hylas--goatherd, Outsider, thief--is hunted by powerful warriors who want him dead and have kidnapped his sister. Hylas is forced to flee his home, but not before a mysterious stranger gives him a bronze dagger. While on the run, Hylas must use his skill and wits to survive a shipwreck and a great white shark attack, befriend a dolphin, and help Pirra, the runaway daughter of a High Priestess. Together with Pirra, the dolphin, and the valuable...

Hylas has returned to his homeland, and the fate of the world rests on his shoulders: He must find the prophesized dagger of Koronos and keep the Crows from wielding it in battle, or they will rule the land forever. But he must also locate Issi, his lost sister, to keep her safe from the impending war. Torn between his duty and his family, Hylas and Pirra split up to conquer their tasks. But fate has many surprises for them, and neither challenge...

Hylas and Pirra finally arrive in Egypt, only to find that the dagger Userref guarded is missing. Even worse, Telamon and the Crows are also in Egypt to hunt for the dagger, and they'll stop at nothing until they get what they've come for. But when Hylas realizes where the dagger is hidden-in Egypt's ancient tombs, buried with the restless souls of the dead-it's going to take all of his courage to slip inside. And as his otherworldly visions grow...