One of history's most notorious assassinations sets the stage for a
riveting tale of political intrigue, epic battle, and righteous
retribution in a new novel of ancient Rome from #1 New York Times
bestselling author Conn Iggulden.
THE BLOOD OF GODS
Julius Caesar has been cut down. His blood stains the hands of a cabal
of bold conspirators, led by famed general Marcus Brutus--whom Caesar
once called a friend. Have these self-proclaimed liberators bravely
slain a power-mad tyrant or brutally murdered the beloved Father of
Rome? Hailed as heroes by a complicit Senate and granted amnesty, the
killers eagerly turn toward plotting the empire's future under their
control. But Caesar's death does not rest easily with all of Rome. For
two men whose bonds of friendship, family, and fidelity to the emperor
are unbreakable, the shocking assassination is nothing less than
treason. And those responsible must pay with their lives.
Through countless battles and years of peace, Marc Antony has wielded a
sword and raised a cup at Caesar's side. Now, in the wake of the
cold-blooded coup, he is powerless against the political might of Brutus
and his treacherous senators. Yet with no weapons other than eloquence
and outrage, Antony will turn the tide of public opinion and spark a
rebellion that will set the streets of Rome ablaze. At the same time,
Gaius Octavian, adopted son and chosen heir of Caesar, has gained wealth
and influence beyond imagining. But the soul-deep wound of his father's
death will never be healed by gold or power. He will rest only with the
blood of the killers on his blade.
Drawn together by their common cause, Antony and Octavian marshal their
forces into an avenging army on a mission to reunite all that Caesar's
fall has torn asunder. Even as his cohorts flee for their lives--or fall
prey to vigilantes--a defiant Brutus vows never to relinquish what his
ruthless ambition has won him. As opposing legions join in mortal
combat, the destiny of Rome will turn on which of their commanders is
the mightiest and most cunning.
Marking the author's triumphant return to the setting of his celebrated
Emperor series, The Blood of Gods unfolds with unmatched power,
electric with the high-adventure storytelling, captivating historical
detail, and stirring battle scenes for which Conn Iggulden is renowned.
Praise for The Blood of Gods
"The seasoned Iggulden adeptly brings all the intrigue and action of the
era vividly to life, maintaining a historically authentic backdrop as he
fictionalizes Octavian's evolution from callow youth to Augustus, the
bold and fearless architect of a new chapter in Roman
history."--Booklist
"Iggulden does fine work in his deft character studies of the principals
and their various motives for alternately stirring up civil war or
defending a new empire in the borning. . . . With such strong and
willful people, you just know a clash is inevitable--and the best parts
of this good novel are those of fierce battles such as Philippi, in
scenes of 'oil and splinters and floating bodies.' Well-paced and
well-written . . . better than much historical fiction about the ancient
world."--Kirkus Reviews
"Iggulden plunges you into the full fury of the action and leaves you
gasping for more."--The Northern Echo (UK)
"[A] clever and convincing narrative."--The Sunday Times (UK)
