In this first book of the Nero trilogy we meet the future leader of Rome as a child.
Born into the family line of Augustus on his mother’s side, the ever ambitious Agrippina. We see she will do anything she can to mould her son into the future emperor of Rome.
She deals with a group of cut-throat people from soldiers to senators and even emperors, but nothing will stop her from putting her son and her dreams first.
Conn Iggulden has always been the gold standard of historical writers and Nero is a perfect example of it.
Filled with his ability to immerse the reader into the period of history he writes about. You can’t help but be charmed by his wonderful writing style and his unique storytelling.
I’m a massive fan of his work and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Nero by Conn Iggulden is a must read for fans of the movie Gladiator. Atmospheric and tense, you will feel like you are in ancient rome as you race through this novel. Can't wait for the second instalment

I used to read a lot of historical fiction and, for some reason, lost interest in the genre. As such, I was keen to give a straightforward historical novel another try and really enjoyed this first in a trilogy about the life of Nero, by Conn Iggulden.

This sees Nero’s early life and, indeed, he is still a child at the end of this volume. Much is about his mother, Agrippina, who begins the novel married to a drunken ex-charioteer, by whom she has finally had a child after several years. She loves her son fiercely, but he is a danger to many as she is related to the Imperial family. Indeed, on the death Tiberius, her brother, Caligula, becomes Emperor. The author tells the story of Caligula’s increasing violent, out of control behaviour, and the fear that Agrippina correctly feels for him.

We then see the unlikely Claudius become Emperor and Agrippina’s manipulations to try to keep her son safe. Overall, a very interesting account with a realistic portrayal of the times and characters. I would definitely read more by Iggulden who is obviously a master of his craft. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

This is the first of three books detailing the life of Nero. This one focuses on his very early life. If I’m honest, this was essentially a book about Agrippina and I sort of wish it was titled accordingly too. A ruthless woman positioning herself to control Rome through her son is surely a worthy title subject for a novel! I enjoyed this but it was nothing new if you’re already well versed in Tiberius/Caligula/Claudius’s reign.

Definitely worth picking up if you’re an Ancient Rome fan! 3.5 stars 🌟 thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

Nero by Conn Iggulden

I love many books by Con Iggulden but, unfortunately, this was one of those I didn't get along with, perhaps I'm too familiar with the history. This is well-trodden ground and I didn't find much that was new in it but it certainly doesn't shy away from the brutality and cruelty of the era it portrays. I think it might have proven too much for me and so I did struggle. These people have few redeeming features! If you're less familiar with the history of Nero and his equally reprehensible relatives, then this may well be for you.

I'm not sure this book should be called 'Nero', as the young Lucius as he was known, is a secondary character. For me this seemed like Conn Iggulden going back to doing what he did so well with his Caesar and Ghengis books, and that is taking a character from their very beginnings and telling their story in full.

This book then, is more of Agripinna, Nero's mother, rather than the future emperor himself. I have read countless novels based on this era, and I have to admit I was indifferent coming to this one. What would another book on Rome's classical era bring? Surely there would be nothing covered here that Manda Scott, Simon Scarrow or Robert Fabbri etc haven't already done to death.

But, it is a Conn Iggulden book. Written with the staple authoritative, clean prose that never veers from the characters' thoughts. I learnt about Nero's father (I won't try and spell his name here) and that he was a charioteer and raced for the Greens. I learned that Nero spent part of his childhood living in the slums of Rome, when his father was killed and his uncle sent his mother to prison.

Iggulden draws you into Rome, its brutality and its glory, and brings it back to life with such seemless ease. Agripinna's story is fascinating. She survived so much, with nothing but a family name and her own wits and beauty. Hers is a story that deserves to be told. I note other reviews on Goodreads stating the book has a rather abrupt ending. And that is true enough. We leave Agripinna on the shores of Britannia, Emperor Claudius having just proposed. The wild isles of Britain are still to be conquered, but I feel the meat of this tale will take place far away from the white cliffs of England, and in the melting pot that was Rome in its pomp. I can't wait to see what happens next!

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
All we have come to expect from this Master Author of this genre, excellent research and writing. Absolute quality from first to last page, atmospheric with a real feel for time and place, superb characterisation.
Completely and totally recommended.

Conn Iggulden brings ancient Rome to life in his new series Nero.
This book covers the reign of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius, but mainly focuses on Agrippina - Nero's mother - her deadly ambition and scheming in the most brutal of times.
This is a great read, full of power games and political intrigue, and it builds the scene up well for the next book.
Conn Iggulden is a master storyteller when it comes to historical fiction. If you haven't read any of his books, I highly recommend them.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC

This is an engaging historical fiction novel of the early Roman emperors. The story revolves around Agrippina, the sister of the infamous Caligula. While Women had no financial independence or power, Agrippina continues to survive and rise in the brutal, treacherous world of Roman politics. Her focus is the survival of her only son Lucius. This is a wonderfully gripping read that creates a vivid portrayal of the political intrigue and power struggles in Ancient Rome.
Looking forward to the next instalment.

Commencing in ad37 this is a fast running retelling of a period in Roman history where Agrippina, niece of Claudius begins her calculating and cold blooded journey into a place in Roman history as the infamous catalyst for murder of anyone and everyone in her path to power. Given at the age of 13 to Gnaeus, a wealthy military Roman she is now maturing into full blown beauty enhanced by a Machiavellian temperament for deceit and scheming which will lead to a rip roaring adventure through numerous betrayals, poisoning of adversaries , massacres and butchery without conscience or regret. Although a story told on numerous previous occasions , this book holds its own in terms of research, familial drama and disloyalty . The final battle between Emperor Claudius taking an army to conquer Britain is a bloodthirsty carnage in a conclusion that delivers the bravery and foolishness of that period and changed the face and culture of Britain permanently. Many thanks to Author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I knew from reading Tacitus and Suetonius during my Ancient History degree that the Julio-Claudian dynasty were a pretty nasty bunch on the whole, but this first instalment of the “Nero Trilogy” brings the historical figures to life in a way that reveals the true brutality of the period in glorious technicolour.

Although called “Nero”, this title mainly focuses on the exploits of Nero’s mother Agrippina during the last few months of the reign of Tiberius, followed by her brother Caligula, and then by her uncle Claudius. During the reigns of these powerful men, Agrippina is manipulative and scheming, certainly, but is above all a survivor who realises the tenuous position that herself and her son hold in the ruthless Roman Empire.

The author takes artistic license with a fair few details, but the bulk of the story is true to historical sources and obviously very meticulously researched. It was fascinating to see the seeds being planted that will lead to the Nero becoming the tyrant we know through the ancient historians, but told in such a contemporary and accessible way. The pacing was perfect and I’m very excited for the next in the series!

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

The story flowed well enough, the characters were built well but I found the story a far cry from Nero. His name was hardly mentioned and it seemed to be set after he had died.
The story came across as believable and well written and well thought out. Diving through history to get potential storylines is obviously one of the authors forte’s, the crimes and punishments feel realistic when dealing with an emperor and his elite guards.
Not the author’s greatest piece of work but a decent read

Iggulden’s narrative style isn’t my usual cup of tea, and I was aware of this going into this book but I had hoped (as a classicist, working in academic classics publishing, and with a specialism in Roman history) that my opinion could be changed for Nero. Unfortunately, I just wasn’t quite gripped enough. I think a general enthusiast of ancient history would enjoy this, but I couldn’t bear to read about Gnaeus, and I also agree with other reviewers that ‘Agrippina’ (not Nero) should have been the selling point or title of the novel. I’m not sure why she has been sidelined in this way when this is essentially her story, and that’s a shame.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for this ARC.

I didn’t realise this was a first instalment when I first started reading this book. I think to avoid confusion it should be Part 1 Agrippina‘s story. I was confused as I kept waiting for Nero, and I think he was only mentioned a couple of times
Anyway that would be my only criticism. The book itself is very well written and gripping, I couldn’t put it down. Wow that Agrippina is a ruthless determined woman. I enjoyed learning a bit more of the history of Rome, even if it was quite brutal.
This is my first book by the author, but I will be reading the next instalment, now that I know it’s not a standalone book

Conn Iggulden has once again brought to life ancient Rome, its rulers and its people in this compelling tale of intrigue and brutality.
We see a succession of emperors leading up to the arrival of one of Rome's most famous sons Nero.
I'll look forward to the next installment of this story with bated breath.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent read, fact and fiction to give it a bit more depth. Agrippina Is the main character throughout who seems to become a different person as the book progresses and the birth of her son Lucius who you would protect no matter what. Quite gruesome at times, but adds to putting you in the time and place. Look forward to the next instalment.

This is the first book in the trilogy! It is fast moving and lots of back stabbing involved! Some part are very detailed and gruesome! There was so much going on during this time in Roman era and i enjoyed all the twist and turns of what a mother would do to try and get her child to the top!
I enjoyed reading this, even the gruesome parts of the storyline and looking forward to the remaining 2 books!

Nero is book one of the Nero Trilogy set in Ancient Rome.

This book covers the early years of the boy who will one day become the infamous emperor. When the story begins, we are introduced to his parents. His father is an ex-chariot racer, who now spends much of his time drunk, while his mother, Agrippina, is a descendant of the Emperor Augustus.

Rome is a politically dangerous place, particularly when the ailing Tiberius returns from Capri to clean Rome of usurpers. He brings with him Agrippina’s brother, the next heir to the imperial throne. It is to her brother that Agrippina turns when she needs a favour, but it becomes a costly deed in times of terror.

Upon the death of Agrippina’s brother, her uncle becomes the next emperor. With thoughts of her own son and his future, she is determined to keep close to her uncle, even travelling with him on his campaign in Britannia.

This was a good start to the series. The violence and back-stabbing of the era is expected, but it is balanced with other elements of the Roman years. I particularly enjoyed the latter part of the book with the journey to Gaul and the invasion of Britannia.

The author’s notes at the back of the book were also very helpful, explaining the liberties taken with the changing of names, to help the reader where real-life characters shared similar or the same names.

I was already a big fan and this just cements Iggulden’s place for me as one of the best historical authors around. An absolutely immersive experience throughout that throws you into the politics of Ancient Rome for a journey you’ll not forget in a hurry.

Really enjoyed this (fictional) reassessment of Nero, but OMG, he made Caligula leap off the page. Very much hope as well as the sequel to this (as it only covers early Nero) he does a book (or more) on Tiberius (and Sejanus) and Caligula. As always with Conn, the sense of place is excellent and the story rattles along, whilst also including some meditations on the nature of mane / evil and the perennial nurture vs nature debate. 10/10 Highly recommended