Set at the heart of a Roman dynasty drenched in danger, intrigue and Machiavellian power struggles, the first book in Conn's brand-new series follows empress Agrippina's battle to secure her son Nero's succession
Ancient Rome, AD 37
The fate of a dynasty hangs in the balance. Into this fevered forum, Agrippina, granddaughter of Emperor Augustus, gives birth to a son: Nero. Imperial blood courses through their veins but will offer no protection. If they are to survive amongst tyrants, they must learn to walk a razor's edge.
Agrippina knows all too well that darkness and power plays of Machiavellian proportions lie at the empire's shadowy heart. She faces soldiers, senators, rivals, silver-tongued pretenders, each vying for position.
But even in her darkest moments, Agrippina sees the glint of opportunity. She will shape this boy into Rome itself - the one all must kneel before.
But first, mother and son must survive . . .
About the Author
Conn Iggulden is one of the most successful authors of historical fiction writing today. He has written three previous bestselling historical series, including Wars of the Roses. Dunstan is a stand-alone novel set in the red-blooded world of tenth-century England, and The Falcon of Sparta is a stand-alone in which Iggulden returns to the Ancient World. The first book in his new Athenian series, The Gates of Athens, was a Sunday Times top five bestseller. Protector is the latest instalment in the Athenian series.
Industry Reviews
Deft and robust storytelling, that whips through the history with plenty of blood, guts and plot-twists
- The Times
It’s another stonking read from one of the world’s leading authors of historical fiction, Iggulden’s flair for bringing the past to life and passion for historical sparkling like a polished legionary's gladius . . . Conn Igguden remains a hero to history . . . [A] Blockbuster historical novel
- Daily Express
With merciless power and back-stabbing violence, this is an enticing trilogy
- Woman's Weekly
Iggulden, a master of the historical novel, again turns his attention to ancient Rome [. . .] He is uncommonly adept at summoning appearance and personality, at building exhilarating action scenes [. . .] Lydia Leonard narrates the novel [. . .] her strong voice carries the ring of the notorious woman's forceful will but softens into tenderness when she addresses her horrid little son, Lucius. Leonard modulates her tones to capture the many other characters, including the subtly stammering Claudius, and does it so deftly that there is no confusion about who is speaking when
- Washington Post, audiobooks to get you through the summer heat
This pacy, bloody and impeccably researched novel will have you on tenter-hooks throughout
- iNews
