Tishtry's story is told from her point of view throughout the novel. This has the dual advantage of helping readers to identify with her, and of building suspense as treachery unfolds, only to be recognized by Tishtry and the reader at the last moment. Both dialogue and narrative have a smooth, colloquial style.

The author uses Latin forms for place names and features of the games, even when an English equivalent exists. (For example, tunica for tunic; Roma for Rome.) The Latin plural forms, in particular, sometimes create a jarring effect. Specialized terms from the games and other Roman customs are defined in a glossary. However, there is no map. A map showing Tishtry's travels or just the eastern Roman empire would have been a useful addition.

Although there are many novels set in the Ancient Roman world, few use a similar setting or protagonist. The...