How to rule an empire and get away with it

Parker overlays a military fantasy with a comedy of mistaken identity in this fun, standalone return to the Roman Empire--inspired world of Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City. Notker, a jobbing actor and playwright, is known around the City for his uncanny impersonations of notable bigwigs. When venerated war hero Lysimachus is killed by an enemy trebuchet, a trio of influential conspirators coerce Notker into impersonating him to keep public morale up amid an ongoing siege. As it happens, Lysimachus was bedding Notker's old flame and fellow thespian, Hodda, who is also roped into the ruse. As the pair becomes increasingly tangled in a web of lies, the unknowing Senate appoints Lysimachus as Emperor, expecting him to lead the war against ruthless King Ogus and his hordes of warriors. Parker front-loads this entertaining yarn with his best jokes and set pieces, leaving the final act to settle into by-the-numbers battle strategy. Still, with Notker possessing all the charm, wit, and resourcefulness of a Shakespearean fool, readers are ensured a good time and a barrel of laughs to boot. (Aug.)

The city of Classis is under siege, but since it has been for the past seven years, none of the citizens pay much attention anymore, despite the large rocks that are periodically lobbed over the city walls. When Classis' most beloved personage, Lysimachus, is killed by one of those rocks, the government is quick to cover it up, but now they're faced with a problem. Lysimachus, savior of the city, can't die. Enter Notker, playwright, actor, and self-professed liar, whose specialty is playing Lysimachus. Notker is convinced by government officials that it is in his best interest to continue his impersonation of the famed hero, albeit on a much larger stage. Notker's greatest role will offer him fame, fortune, and the opportunity to save Classis--if it doesn't kill him first. VERDICT Parker's (Sixteen Ways To Defend a Walled City) latest epic fantasy proves that all the world is, indeed, a stage, and Parker himself is a master impresario. Readers will enjoy his comedic take on how politics are comprised of equal parts lies, incompetence, and the foolishness of humanity--with just enough flashes of brilliance to save the day. Recommended for fans of Terry Pratchett and Mary Gentle's Grunts.--Elisabeth Clark, West Florida P.L., Pensacola