This note contains spoilers for the book.

By David Drake and Eric Flint. This seems to be the start of a very alternate ancient history series, and nothing is explained. But a Roman emperor floats around the room on his throne, and the empire in India has weird advanced technology (and bad attitudes). And the Facets clearly contain an artificial or alien intelligence.

I don't know that I'll continue. I suspect if I knew the proper history of the mideast through to India in the period I'd appreciate the cleverness better. And since the evil invaders seem to be using a religious cover for their activities, I'm always silling to see them defeated. But this one was a bit too far afield for me to really engage with easily.