I grew up reading Conn Iggulden’s novels after I picked one up (maybe from my dad) and have always loved them for their excellent readability and flow, with a pace that throws you along to a dramatic ending.

I read Tyrant, the second in his Nero Trilogy without having read the first instalment Nero, but I needn’t have worried as it worked perfectly as a standalone. We meet Nero’s mother Aggripina and her husband the emperor Claudius as the book begins, but as Nero grows older and gets thrust further into positions of power the narrative focus shifts to him.

I am always slightly wary of the depictions of women in historical fiction written by (and largely for) men, as sometimes women only exist as 2D tools for male protagonists to express a fleeting feeling other than anger for a page or two.

But I was glad to see that Iggulden’s treatment of Aggripina was more nuanced than the misogynistic historical sources that dealt with her.
She was hugely ambitious - but also an incredibly deft political player, and her positive contributions during Claudius’ and Nero’s early reign show her skills in administration and navigating the Senate. This, coupled with an acknowledgement of her traumatic earlier life and how that must have shaped her experiences was a welcome addition to the novel for me, even if other women characters were fairly lacklustre.

Even with my paltry ancient history knowledge I know it all hits the fan with Nero, and his ‘villain backstory’ takes shape during this novel. No one starts off as a monster - we see the beginnings of his entitlement and selfishness develop largely unchecked by his family, with only his tutor Seneca trying to mould him into a just leader and a good person. I look forward to reading about how that goes in the final of the trilogy!

Thank you to the author and @michaeljbooks for an #ad #gifted copy of Tyrant for review, which is out now!

I will post on my instagram @charlottereadshistory on 28 June

Enjoyed this story about the rise of Nero in the time of the romans. I did wonder whether the tyrant was Nero or Agrippina as I think the story telling means it could be either. Regardless, a good story and well paced

DNF at 50%

I don't understand what Iggulden is doing with this trilogy. 1.5 books into a trilogy and Nero is still a kid, Agrippina is still the main character, and the series is still....dreadfully dull.

As her son Nero grows older, Agrippina manoeuvres towards power. She has wed her uncle Claudius so is now Empress and through ‘advising’ him she has married Nero to his daughter Octavia and had her son named heir. However when a reckless event means that Claudius’ own son Britannicus is in danger, he decides to rescind this order. Claudius conveniently dies and Nero is named Emperor. Agrippina sees herself as the power behind the throne but Nero has his own ideas.
This is another wonderfully entertaining novel from Iggulden. Deeply researched but with exciting storytelling it works incredibly well. I look forward to the final installment!

Following on from the previous book this is more about the politics and machinations of how he rose to power in Rome. Very different from his Greek war novels.Although I enjoyed the battles in the other books more, the writing is excellent and drew me in completely.

I am always impressed by the level of research this author does and how much of the story is rooted in fact. I look forward to the next.

Wow. Conn Iggulden is the master of historical fiction and this next instalment is no different. Tyrant continues the story of Nero and handles the double dealing and back stabbing of Roman politics brilliantly. This books delves much deeper into Aggripina’s mind and explores the relationship of Nero and his mother. An excellent addition to an already stunning back catalogue.

Conn Iggulden once again proves himself a master of historical fiction with Tyrant, the second novel in his epic trilogy chronicling the rise of Nero and the slow, sinister unraveling of Rome’s soul. This is historical storytelling at its absolute finest—gripping, intelligent, and darkly compelling.

The Roman emperors—Caligula, Claudius, and Nero—are vividly brought to life in all their terrifying complexity. Caligula’s madness, Claudius’s manipulation, and Nero’s chilling transformation are explored with a deft hand, but it is Agrippina who truly haunts these pages. Her portrayal is nothing short of chilling: equal parts political genius and unrelenting force of nature, she dominates the narrative like a specter, calculating and unstoppable.

The novel opens with a death—shocking and symbolic—and from there, the blood flows. Marriages become weapons, alliances turn to betrayals, and the corridors of power are painted with murder and manipulation. The plotting is taut and laced with tension, as Iggulden follows young Nero’s path from vulnerable pawn to the brink of monstrous power. The political machinations are as deadly as any battlefield.

There are strong echoes here of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Philippa Gregory’s Tudor dramas—dense with courtly intrigue, psychological insight, and a sense that history is a blade turned constantly toward its own characters. Iggulden’s attention to historical detail is immaculate, yet he never sacrifices momentum for exposition. The research is seamlessly woven into a narrative that races forward with the brutal energy of the Empire itself.

If Tyrant is about anything, it is the cost of ambition in a world where blood ties can be fatal and love is as dangerous as hate. As Nero begins his twisted ascent, the reader is left in a state of breathless anticipation—and a fair amount of dread—for what is still to come.

A brilliant continuation of the series. Iggulden’s storytelling is immersive, visceral, and impossible to put down. I eagerly await the final part of the trilogy.

Another masterclass from one of the best in the business.

Tyrant is as immersive as it is shocking. The rise of Nero told from the POV of the man himself and those closest to him. From the tutor Senaca who thought he could make an errant child into an honourable man, to the Praetorian Prefect who fell under his mother's spell and can't find a way out.

To Aggrippina herself, so wicked, so single minded, she willl do anything to see her son climb to the very top. It is a book where everything happens and nothing happens. A political chess match with more casualties than an ancient battlefield.

I found it fascinating, even knowing the history as well as I do. Iggulden has an easy prose that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked. Really looking forward to seeing how he tackles the latter part of Nero's reign. The great fire, and then the lead up to the year of the four emperors. Should be fascinating

Another great book in the Nero series, there are some seriously nasty people in the story, doing horrible things. But a great story based on fact, can’t wait for the final book in the series. Hope he gets what’s coming to him

I will give this book 5 stars
I loved reading this, it was the story of Nero. It was the 2nd installment in the history of Nero and his family
This book covers Emperor Claudius and his marriage to Neros mother Agrippina to Neros assencion to the throne of emperor. This novel bought the story and the characters alive it was powerful and intense
I am looking forward to the final installment.
I have not read much about this period before so it was extremely interesting.

Another great book from Conn Iggulden bringing to life the ruling characters from Ancient Rome.
This episode in the Nero series follows the intrigue and brutality of Agrippina as she manipulates events to secure Nero’s future.
I’m really enjoying this series and I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley and for Michael Joseph, Penguin, Random House my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

In this next instalment of the life of Nero. Conn Iggulden takes us through a period of history that changes Rome forever.
From a young boy to the heir to the throne, we see how he is transformed by the teachings of Seneca, and the desire of his mother Agrippina for him to be emperor, and she will do anything for her boy to succeed, even murder.
In the background we get to see the human side of a boy who has his own faults and desires, and a cruel streak that rivals his mother.
This a wonderful story written with huge emotion and understanding of this period of history.
I love the human side of the story and the fact it’s more about Nero, than the empire.
I think it’s fair to say Conn Iggulden really is a master of his craft and this book shows his considerable talent.
This novel is a very fine piece of writing, and one of the best books I’ve read this year.

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.