A fabulous foray into the past, AD238 is the Year of the Six Emperors and makes for a fascinating and compelling tale. This is the second in the ‘Throne of the Caesars’ series, it’s best to start at the beginning with ‘Iron and Rust’ and read the books in sequence, otherwise you really will miss out on the story. There are a lot of characters jostling for dominance, however the chapter headings with dates and locations really helps to contain the story so it doesn't run away from you. The Roman way of life, culture and principles of the times are intriguing and sit perfectly alongside the warring factions. The author creates a world that is easy to imagine, this was a particularly hazardous time to be an Emperor, to live a long life it was best not to enter the power struggling political arena, however it’s remarkable place to be able to visit from the safety of your armchair. ~ Liz Robinson
A 'Piece of Passion' from the publisher...
‘Harry Sidebottom is an extraordinary writer, who, whether in the closed-doors, small-room power-play of imperial politics, or on the grand-scale narrative of epic set-piece battle, underpins his thrilling storytelling with incredible authenticity and historical insight. His Throne of the Caesars promises readers fiction where Patrick O’Brian meets A Song of Ice and Fire.’ - Katie Espiner, Publishing Director, HarperFiction
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
| Recommendations: |
From the bestselling author of WARRIOR OF ROME comes the second book in an epic new series set in third century Rome; a dramatic era of murder, coup, counter-rebellions and civil war. In a world of battle and betrayal men will fight - and kill - to sit on the Throne of the Caesars. Rome, AD238 Emperor Maximinus' reign hangs in the balance. At the helm of an empire that is bleeding manpower and money to sustain his wars in the north, rebellions flare in the far reaches of its territories. In Africa, Gordian the Elder and Younger are proclaimed as the new Augusti. A family descending from the imperial bloodline, they represent a chance for the establishment to take back the empire. In Rome, the first blood of the revolt is shed when an assassin murders Maximinus' prefect and announces to Rome that their ruler is dead and the Gordians have taken the throne. Still bitter at having a soldier from the barracks wearing the imperial purple, the Senate endorses the rebellion: the Gordiani are hailed as Emperors. But as chaos descends on the capital, news reaches Maximinus of the betrayal. A man of war, he acts with decisive brutality and violence. On the dusty plains outside Carthage, bloody battle will determine the fate of the Roman empire.
Blood and Steel features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Books with reviews by our Reader Review Panel, eBooks of the Month, Fiction, Recommendations
Blood and Steel is available in Paperback, Hardback
Blood and Steel was written by Harry Sidebottom and published by Harper an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Blood and Steel has 419 pages
Yes it is part of The Throne of the Caesars Series series
£12.59
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