In this thrilling sequel to War at the Edge of the World, a centurion’s promotion sends him to the royal court, a place more dangerous than a battlefield.
Rome is in peril and the old order is changing. Centurion Aurelius Castus has been summoned back from his post in Britain to find himself caught up in a treacherous conspiracy threatening to bring down Emperor Constantine.
Rewarded for saving the emperor’s life in battle, Castus is promoted to the Corps of Protectores, the elite imperial bodyguard—the swords around the throne. But he soon discovers the court can be as dangerous as the battlefield; behind the gilded facade of empire, there are spiraling plots, betrayals, and seductions. A nest of traitors. And one relentless enemy who threatens the future of Rome . . .
Swords Around the Throne is the thrilling sequel to War at the Edge of the World and brilliantly brings the Late Roman Empire to life.
Praise for Swords Around the Throne
“Hugely enjoyable. The author winds a tension spring to an explosion of fast-paced events. If you like Scarrow you’ll love this.” —Conn Iggulden
“Lifts the curtain on a neglected but fascinating period of Roman history with a deft hand and a keen eye. Highly recommended.” —Anthony Riches
Ian James Ross renewed his love for ancient history, specifically the late antiquity period, during his yearlong stint as an English language teacher in Italy. He has been researching and writing about the later Roman world and its army for over a decade. He made his fictional debut with the Twilight of Empire series, which includes War at the Edge of the World, Swords Around the Throne, and Battle for Rome.