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Swords Around the Throne
Swords Around the Throne
Swords Around the Throne
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Swords Around the Throne

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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
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 7, 2016
ISBN9781468313505
Swords Around the Throne

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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I'm sure this will become a favorite Roman series and Castus a favorite character. Well written with nonstop action, this one finds Centurion Castus, after his saving the life of Emperor Constantine, now promoted to a Protector [one of the elite bodyguard of the emperor]--a "sword around the throne". Although this promotion means higher status [and his meeting his lady-love, Sabina], it is at best a mixed blessing; the gauche, naïve Castus is thrown headlong into the murky palace politics. Although he states on several occasions he hates them and envies his colleagues in the VI Legion and other legionaries he comes into contact with, we find he still copes very well, in spite of lies, betrayals, treachery and assassination attempts. He still remains honest, stalwart, loyal and kind, although his low self-esteem will still show itself in his thoughts on occasion.The climax comes at the Siege of Massilia [present-day Marseilles] before which the empress tasks him to find a way to surrender the city to Constantine, and to thwart the imperial ambition of her own father who is leading a rebellion. "Find men not afraid of dying," she commands. And so he does and devises a dangerous plan for relief of the city. Outstanding to me were this siege and also the attempted escape over the aqueduct by him and several of his Protector comrades. I felt characterization was deep, even those of secondary figures. My estimation of Sabina went down several notches with her calling attention to Castus's ugliness at one point--to his face; I still don't quite trust her. I hope that eventually Castus and Marcellina, the envoy's daughter from Book 1 will get together; I like her better than Sabina. I'm eager to see how Castus develops and the march of Constantine to hold onto power. Very highly recommended.

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Swords Around the Throne - Ian James Ross

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