69

What's a broke patrician to do when Rome keeps dealing him a bad hand? Otho starts his life as an unremarkable social climber with one big talent: charming people who are way out of his league. This knack lands him in a love triangle with his best bud Emperor Nero and the stunning Poppaea Sabina-a woman so beautiful she could launch a thousand ships, or at least one spectacular scandal.

When Nero inevitably claims Poppaea, Otho finds himself "promoted" to governor of Lusitania, which is really just exile with a fancy title. For years, he stews in the provinces, dreaming of revenge and the day he'll return to Rome. That day finally comes when Nero offs himself, and the Senate hands the throne to the crusty, heirless Galba.

Otho's plan? Convince Galba to adopt him as his son and heir-despite having no money, no military experience, and no real backup plan if it all goes south. Did I mention he's up to his eyeballs in debt and his creditors are starting to ask awkward questions like, "Where's our money?" It's 69AD, time is running out and every bad decision catching up to him, Otho goes all in for the Roman Empire's biggest prize.

In this razor-sharp dark comedy of ambition, betrayal, and poorly thought-out schemes, Otho's journey proves one thing: history might be written by the winners, but it's the losers who have all the fun.

Perfect for fans of I, Claudius and Glorious Exploits