Nero

Set at the heart of a Roman dynasty drenched in danger, intrigue and Machiavellian power struggles, the first book in Conn's brand-new series follows empress Agrippina's battle to secure her son Nero's succession

Ancient Rome, AD 37

True Roman justice begins and ends with one man's hand around another's throat . . .

The fate of a dynasty hangs in the balance.

Into this fevered forum, Agrippina, granddaughter of Emperor Augustus, gives birth to a son: Nero. Imperial blood courses through their veins but will offer no protection. If they are to survive amongst tyrants, they must learn to walk a razor's edge.

Agrippina knows all too well that darkness and power plays of Machiavellian proportions lie at the empire's shadowy heart. She faces soldiers, senators, rivals, silver-tongued pretenders, each vying for position. One mistake risks exile, incarceration, execution. Or, worst of all, the loss of her infant son.

But even in her darkest moments, Agrippina sees the glint of opportunity. Her son is everything. She is a kingmaker. She will shape this boy into Rome itself - the one all must kneel before.

But first, mother and son must survive . . .

About the author

Conn Iggulden is one of the most successful authors of historical fiction writing today. He has written three previous bestselling historical series, including Wars of the Roses. Dunstan is a stand-alone novel set in the red-blooded world of tenth-century England, and The Falcon of Sparta is a stand-alone in which Iggulden returns to the Ancient World. The first book in his new Athenian series, The Gates of Athens, was a Sunday Times top five bestseller. Protector is the latest instalment in the Athenian series.