Blood and Steel

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.

Reviews

Praise for BLOOD & STEEL:

‘Absorbing, rich in detail and brilliant’ THE TIMES

Praise for IRON & RUST:

‘An amazing story of bloodlust, ruthless ambition and revenge’
THE TIMES

Praise for Harry Sidebottom:

‘Sidebottom’s prose blazes with searing scholarship’ THE TIMES

‘Superior fiction, with depth, authenticity and a sense of place’ TLS

‘A storming triumph…wonderful fight scenes, deft literary touches and salty dialogue’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

About the author

Dr Harry Sidebottom teaches classical history at the University of Oxford, where he is a lecturer at Lincoln College. He has an international reputation as a scholar, having published widely on ancient warfare, classical art and the cultural history of the Roman Empire.

Blood & Steel is the second book in his bestselling series, Throne of the Caesars, and follows Harry Sidebottom’s acclaimed and bestselling series, Warrior of Rome. He divides his time between Oxford and Newmarket in Suffolk, where he lives with his wife and two sons.