In the 1st century AD, Rome is a superpower with a vast empire, countless military victories and numerous enemies. But it is about to face its greatest threat yet: an invading species from another galaxy, known as the Hagrans. This race of beings has been observing Earth for decades and is more advanced than any adversary Rome has ever encountered. With their eyes set on eventually claiming Earth as their prize, they invade Rome and enslave its citizens, using them to transform the city into a Hagran capital, with the intent of decimating all the humans on Earth once they have fulfilled their purpose. But the Hagrans underestimated the resolve and ingenuity of their prey. Now the fate of Rome and of the world, lies with an unlikely hero: an ordinary blacksmith, named Gannicus. Blending science-fiction, historical fact and inventive creativity, Astral Empire is a thrilling, action-packed saga that will take you on a wild journey to brave new worlds.
This is Strachan Coutinho’s debut novel, although he has always had a knack for writing exciting and suspenseful stories. He currently works as a veterinary nurse and lives in Chelmsford, Essex, UK.