For fans of the movie Gladiator comes this bloody account of the
clashing of civilizations, as Attila the Hun, "The Scourge of God,"
struggles to overthrow the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire is weakening. In 367 AD, approximately eight years
after the great battle at Hadrian's Wall, Roman garrisons begin to hear
rumors of barbarian tribes massing to the north. By 449 AD, Attila, the
ruler of the Huns, has become the continent's most powerful monarch, his
reputation in battle earning him the title "The Scourge of God."
Anticipating an imminent attack by the Huns, Roman leaders negotiate
with one of Attila's lieutenants, convincing him to play the part of
assassin. He is joined on his mission by a Roman citizen, Jonas, an
ambassador dispatched to negotiate a peace treaty with the Huns. When
the plot is discovered, Jonas becomes a hostage, forced to fight for his
captors if he wishes to remain alive. But he soon learns that Attila
intends to conquer Rome itself, and is caught between two mighty
empires, both poised for one of the greatest conflicts the world has
ever seen. Jonas, knowing his life could be forfeit, has the potential
to tip the battle in either direction--and his decision will alter the
face of Western civilization.
For readers of historically nuanced thrillers and adventure stories by
authors like Bernard Cornwell and Colleen McCullough.
For readers interested in Roman and Barbarian culture and warfare.
