The Sign of the Blood
A Dangerous Emperor Book 1
by Laurence O' Bryan
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Pub Date 23 Nov 2018 | Archive Date 8 Apr 2022
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Description
The first Christian emperor faces ruthless enemies on his journey to power.
"Exciting and original," SJA Turney, author of Praetorian.
Cool mist settles over the legion advancing toward the Persian army. Constantine, the son of an emperor, the Roman officer leading the attack, tells his men to halt - something is wrong.
Before long, the battle rages. He frees a slave named Juliana. She is half Persian and half Roman. As they are pursued to Britannia over land and sea, he learns that she can see the future - his future.
It is 306A.D., long before Constantine the Great converted to Christianity and became the first Christian emperor.
To ensure he survives, he must eliminate his enemies. But who must die first? The priestess, Sybellina, who joined them in Rome and practices dark and seductive magic? Or the brutal legion commanders who surround his father? Or, as Juliana suspects, are those who want him dead even closer?
A gripping historical novel about Constantine’s bloody rise to power, the woman who helped him, and the real reason he supported a persecuted Christian minority, a decision which changed the world into the one we know.
Advance Praise
“★★★★★ I absolutely loved Julianna. I couldn't wait for the story to swing back to her each time!” – Vine Voice, Verified Amazon Reviewer.
“★★★★★ This is without doubt one of the best historical novels I have read (and I read a lot !) Excellent characterisation, gripping story, very well written.“ - Verified Amazon Reviewer.
“★★★★★ Characters are well drawn and realistic in not being “perfection personified” story keeps moving at appropriate pace, landscapes well described” - A. Morgan, Verified Amazon Reviewer.
“★★★★★ I would recommend this book to anyone who has a liking for stories of the Roman Empire” - D. Ballantyne, Verified Amazon Reviewer.
“★★★★★ Author Laurence O’Bryan paints scenes with highly descriptive writing that puts you in the scene, making you feel you are right there witnessing the action.” - Robert Lalonde, Verified Amazon Reviewer.
“★★★★★ Brilliant book, that pulled me right in from the start. The characters are wonderful, full of life. I was swept up in this tale about Constantine.” Verified Amazon Reviewer.
“★★★★★ I have read many books and studied history for decades. This historical novel is comparable to the best such as Dear and a Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell.” – Augustine Redux, Amazon Reviewer.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9781912732197 |
| PRICE | |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Anthony P, Reviewer
Interesting time piece of Constantine, son of emperor. Story covers the political ramifications of royal family. I enjoyed the book.
Librarian 538143
The most appealing thing for me (aside from the setting!) about this book is the author's style. It is fast-moving while at the same time descriptive. Some characters, like Emperor Chlorus, voice their thoughts to the readers in an almost noir-like style. The variation of style and prose/dialogue is such that the page never gets bogged down in description, but also gives details for a mental image while dialogue is occurring. The pace of the action reminds me of Bernard Cornwell's series about the life of Julius Caesar (in a good way!).
Stephen W, Reviewer
I wont go into detail about the story as i dont want to spoil the book, but i will say that I wouldn't normally read this kind of book but I fancied a change of genre and i can honastly say this surprised me. I enjoyed the story and i felt connected with the characters. Pleaseantly surprised and brilliantly written, a must read for sure.
Aria H, Reviewer
I found this book to be well written with an interesting and engaging storyline and well developed characters that I became really invested in. I enjoyed the politics of the time that were woven into the story and it was fullof rich imagery and vivid descriptions. A great historical read.
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