Conspiracies of Rome (Death of Rome Saga Book One) (Aelric 1)

Review 'I can't resist recommending this first volume of a promised trilogy. Set during the last pangs of Imperial Rome, with a vivid account of the machinations of the early Church, it is well-informed, atmospheric and beautifully written.' -- Literary Review 'In a rollicking new historical adventure series, the hero Aelric is a sort of randier version of Sharpe with an eye for the girls and a taste for the odd vat of wine ... this is rip-roaring historical fiction which avoids taking itself too seriously. Great fun.' -- Western Daily Press 'The best historical novel I have ever read' -- L. Neil Smith 'An enjoyable read' -- Historical Novel Society 'Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.' -- Derek Jacobi About the Author Richard Blake is a lecturer, historian, broadcaster, and writer. Perfect for readers of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, Conspiracies of Rome is the thrilling first book in the new seven-part DEATH OF ROME SAGA. Rome, 609 AD. Empire is a fading memory. Repeatedly fought over and plundered, the City is falling into ruins. Killers prowl by night. Far off, in Constantinople, the Emperor has other concerns as The Church is beginning to flex its own imperial muscle. Enter Aelric of England: young and beautiful, sexually uninhibited, heroic, if ruthlessly violent - and hungry for the learning of a world that is dying around him. A deadly brawl outside Rome sucks him straight into the high politics of Empire. Soon, Aelric is involved in a race against time to find answers before he ends up as just another corpse in the gutter. The first in a sharply-written trilogy set in crumbling 7th Century Rome which introduces the most compelling anti-hero since Flashman The first book in Richard Blake's brilliant DEATH OF ROME SAGA.