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The African Emperor
BLOOD UNDER THE SUN
Septimius Severus dreams of escaping the prosperous North African city of Lepcis Magna and making his mark on the greatest empire the ancient world has ever known. But ambition is a dangerous companion in a world shaped by war, political intrigue and shifting loyalties.
When violence engulfs his homeland, Severus is forced to choose between the people he loves and the empire he has always struggled to understand. Every decision carries a cost, and every sacrifice brings him one step closer to a destiny he never imagined.
Guided by the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius, tested by friendship and betrayal, and driven by an unrelenting determination to survive, Severus begins the extraordinary journey that will one day make him master of Rome itself.
Inspired by the remarkable life of the African-born Roman emperor Septimius Severus, Blood Under the Sun is the opening novel in The African Emperor, an epic seven-part historical fiction series blending political intrigue, military adventure, family drama and dry humour with immersive storytelling and unforgettable characters.
When violence engulfs his homeland, Severus is forced to choose between the people he loves and the empire he has always struggled to understand. Every decision carries a cost, and every sacrifice brings him one step closer to a destiny he never imagined.
Guided by the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius, tested by friendship and betrayal, and driven by an unrelenting determination to survive, Severus begins the extraordinary journey that will one day make him master of Rome itself.
Inspired by the remarkable life of the African-born Roman emperor Septimius Severus, Blood Under the Sun is the opening novel in The African Emperor, an epic seven-part historical fiction series blending political intrigue, military adventure, family drama and dry humour with immersive storytelling and unforgettable characters.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2026
About the author
Steve Exeter
15 books51 followersSteve Exeter is the author of the Francine Witt Mystery series, a sharply observed, wine-soaked collection of modern whodunits that blend the wit of Agatha Christie with the irreverent charm of Bridget Jones. The series has developed a growing cult following, drawn to its layered mysteries, feminist edge, and the irresistible voice of its flawed, fiercely relatable heroine.
His novels are known for their intricate plotting, vivid sense of place, and a narrative style that balances humour with emotional depth. Across the Francine Witt books, Exeter weaves together high society, history, and hidden secrets, creating immersive mysteries that unfold with both elegance and bite.
In addition to his novels, Steve is an accomplished filmmaker. His award-winning short film, Òran na h-Eala (Song of the Swan), is a vivid dream exploration of Moira Shearer’s heart and mind, just before and after she agreed to star in Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s beloved cinema classic The Red Shoes. The film has received critical acclaim for its creativity, emotional resonance, and striking visual style.
His novels are known for their intricate plotting, vivid sense of place, and a narrative style that balances humour with emotional depth. Across the Francine Witt books, Exeter weaves together high society, history, and hidden secrets, creating immersive mysteries that unfold with both elegance and bite.
In addition to his novels, Steve is an accomplished filmmaker. His award-winning short film, Òran na h-Eala (Song of the Swan), is a vivid dream exploration of Moira Shearer’s heart and mind, just before and after she agreed to star in Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s beloved cinema classic The Red Shoes. The film has received critical acclaim for its creativity, emotional resonance, and striking visual style.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 15, 2026
Interesting read
Historical novel, first in a series. Follows Septimius Severus, a man from Northern Africa with great ambitions, a love for his people and a desire to understand the political workings of Rome. He is faced with adversity and violence and his desire to serve his people demands great sacrifice.
Historical novel, first in a series. Follows Septimius Severus, a man from Northern Africa with great ambitions, a love for his people and a desire to understand the political workings of Rome. He is faced with adversity and violence and his desire to serve his people demands great sacrifice.
July 17, 2026
The beginnings of the story of Roman emperor Septimius Severus told with enough action and flair to make for an exciting read. Besides the adventure, the author explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, honor and ambition. The characters are well-crafted and the adventure draws the reader in. Would highly recommend. Looking forward to the next book.
July 22, 2026
An Epic Recommendation
What I enjoyed most was the development of Septimius Severus as the protagonist. His evolution marked by ambition, loss, and the challenges he faces makes him a believable character who’s easy to follow on his journey to power. It’s an excellent start to a series that promises great things to come. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical novels with well-developed characters, a well-crafted setting, and a plot full of intrigue, strategy, and adventure. It’s a page-turner that masterfully balances military action, family drama, and the politics of the era. It draws you in with the scale of the events but wins you over with the intimacy of its emotions. There are historical novels that simply recount events from the past, and then there are books like this one, which achieve something much more difficult and beautiful: making you feel the dust of the road, the heat of the sun, and the human heartbeat of those who lived centuries ago.
What I enjoyed most was the development of Septimius Severus as the protagonist. His evolution marked by ambition, loss, and the challenges he faces makes him a believable character who’s easy to follow on his journey to power. It’s an excellent start to a series that promises great things to come. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical novels with well-developed characters, a well-crafted setting, and a plot full of intrigue, strategy, and adventure. It’s a page-turner that masterfully balances military action, family drama, and the politics of the era. It draws you in with the scale of the events but wins you over with the intimacy of its emotions. There are historical novels that simply recount events from the past, and then there are books like this one, which achieve something much more difficult and beautiful: making you feel the dust of the road, the heat of the sun, and the human heartbeat of those who lived centuries ago.
July 24, 2026
Blood Under the Sun is a fascinating start to the story of Septimius Severus. Born into a mixed family in the prosperous North African city of Lepcis Magna, Severus is ambitious from an early age and determined to make his name in Rome. Steve Exeter follows him as war, political intrigue, friendship, and betrayal begin pulling him toward a future he could not yet imagine.
Since this is the first book in a seven-part series, it covers only the beginning of what promises to be a much larger journey. Based on the life of the real Septimius Severus, the novel offers an interesting glimpse of Roman North Africa and the complicated path that eventually took him to the imperial throne.
A fun read for people who enjoy fast-moving historical fiction and lesser-known corners of Roman history.
Since this is the first book in a seven-part series, it covers only the beginning of what promises to be a much larger journey. Based on the life of the real Septimius Severus, the novel offers an interesting glimpse of Roman North Africa and the complicated path that eventually took him to the imperial throne.
A fun read for people who enjoy fast-moving historical fiction and lesser-known corners of Roman history.
July 18, 2026
This story is about Septimius Severus, born in the North African city of Lepcis Magna. Septimius craves power, but it won't be easy for him to get it. He is surrounded by warlike individuals and constantly shifting loyalties. Like Game of Thrones set in ancient Africa, the reader travels with the protagonist as he gradually becomes more influential. We also meet interesting historical figures like the enigmatic Marcus Aurelius.
Can Severus take hold of the destiny that feels is his by right? Or will he fall short of his enormous ambitions? You will have to read to find out. The journey is definitely worth taking, as this book is well written, carefully plotted, and perfectly paced.
Can Severus take hold of the destiny that feels is his by right? Or will he fall short of his enormous ambitions? You will have to read to find out. The journey is definitely worth taking, as this book is well written, carefully plotted, and perfectly paced.
July 24, 2026
Blood under the Sun by Steve Exeter is the exciting debut novel of The African Emperor historical fiction series. I was very excited to come across this historical novel with its uncommon focus on Septimius Severus, a Roman Emperor born in Africa. The series follows his personal life and the challenges he must overcome before he becomes emperor. I enjoyed the world building and felt like I really travelled back in time. However, the book isn’t slow or overly detailed, but focuses on dramatic life challenges and intrigues. Anyone who enjoys historical novels with a good dose of mystery and suspense will love this book. I am really looking forward to more novels in this book series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews