Agrippina is still as devious and power-hungry in this second instalment of the Nero trilogy as she manoeuvres and manipulates her way around her husband the Emperor Claudius to make sure her son Lucius, is his next heir.
As this book progresses, the main focus moves to the young Nero and the start of his reign.
With real historical figures, events, full of political intrigue, this book does a good job of building up to the final instalment.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again Conn Iggulden is the master storyteller when it comes to historical fiction.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC. 5*

Conn Iggulden’s Tyrant is another masterclass in historical fiction from one of the genres very best in the business.

This novel, the second in the series combines rich historical detail with vivid storytelling that brings Rome to life. Set in a time of political upheaval and brutal conflict, the novel explores power, loyalty, and survival in a way that is both authentic and gripping.

One of the standout features of Tyrant is Iggulden’s brilliant prose. His writing is fluid, punchy and balanced.

The novel's historical depth is another of its great strengths. Iggulden skillfully weaves real events and figures into the fabric of the story. Clearly there has been meticulous research which enhances the authenticity of the narrative without overwhelming it.

What elevates this book, is the captivating characters. Nero really is an asshole of the highest order and Agrippina is single minded, devious and disgustingly ambitious too. These two will stop at nothing to lead Rome.

Tyrant is a richly written and thoroughly engaging novel that showcases Conn Iggulden at his best. It earns its four stars with its compelling blend of style, substance, and leaving me wanting more!

The second Conn Iggulden novel on Nero lives up to previous series on historical figures. His mother Agrippa is described as a supreme plotter with the conscience of a stone as in this episode the demise of her husband Claudius suddenly becomes vital as her plans for Nero are suddenly threatened. His early education with three friends under Seneca and the Praetorian Burrus forms the early chapters in what is a truly excellent tale.Political machinations and treachery go hand in hand in the story told at breakneck speed. Remarkable!

I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have read of Conn Iggulden’s and was so looking forward to this second book in his Nero trilogy. I’m sorry to say that I am really disappointed.

Nero is still a child when the book opens. His mother, Agrippina, has married Emperor Claudius and persuades him to adopt her son, changing his name from Lucius to Nero. There is little to like about Nero who is, quite frankly, a brat! Seneca is drafted in to tutor him and his classmates and has more success at disciplining them than his predecessors. Claudius’ son, Britannica, is the dynastic heir but Agrippina persuades Claudius that Nero should be his heir to protect Britannica from harm. She also persuades him to marry Nero to Octavia, Claudius’ daughter, to secure the bloodline. Agrippina is devious, scheming, and power hungry. She thinks that she will be the power behind the emperor when her son takes over.

These are the foundations for this part of the trilogy. Iggulden pads out the sparsity of known facts with scenes that do not move the storyline on, interesting and well researched though they are. For example, the description of the naumachia, a public entertainment consisting of a mock naval battle on ships manned with British slaves who must fight to the death or gain their freedom by winning, goes on and on and on but has little relevance to Nero’s life specifically. Personally, I was bored. In fact, I found that many other episodes were drawn out to the point where any suspense or excitement was quite drained by the denouement.

Having reluctantly said all this, I will look forward to the last book of the trilogy because I am sure that it will be better than this very average book.

With thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, for a review copy.

Another superb piece of historical fiction from Conn Iggulden, with the focus of this trilogy being the rise of Emperor Nero.

Tyrant is the second book of the series, continuing directly on from Nero, and it is just as good, if not better. Political plotting and family scheming continues unabated, but there are also some superb action sequences, the standout being the naumachia.

As ever, Igglulden brings historical characters to life so effortlessly, making events of the past so gripping and thrilling.

Roman history has always fascinated me and when it's told so vividly like this, I'm reminded why.

A thrilling read and a very solid 4.5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph | Penguin Random House for the ARC!

History comes to life in this excellent second installment of Iggulden's saga about the Roman Emperor Nero.

As Nero's scheming mother Agrippina marries Emperor Claudius, her husband has no idea of her plans for her son. That, he will have to find out the hard way! And the Roman empire will ultimately pay the price...

The author has an exceptionally good set of skills when it comes to the art of writing historical fiction, and he puts it to use very effectively in this novel.

I have adored everything that I've ever read from Conn Iggulden and this new release is no different. Just pure brilliance from start to finish and I can't recommend it enough!

Conn Iggulden is back with the second installment of his Nero trilogy. It opens with Julia Agrippina marrying the ailing Emperor Claudius. Claudius formally adopts her son Lucius Ahenobarbus and gives him a new name of Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.

Seneca is brought back from exile to act as his tutor and to turn him into a man of the Imperial house from a petulant boy.

Agripinna and Nero plot to bring him to the Imperial throne ahead of his siblings and the story twists and turns with Roman intrigue.

Iggulden has a rare talent for taking history and creating thrilling novels.

Bring in "Inferno" the final installment!

I would like to thank Penguin Michael Joseph Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.