Tyrant: The Ruthless Rise of Roman Emperor Nero, The Sunday Times Bestselling Series Continues

The Nero Trilogy #2

by Conn Iggulden

BLOOD, BETRAYAL, AND THE BATTLE FOR ROME’S THE DARK AND TWISTED JOURNEY OF NERO’S ASCENT TO POWER


--

A MARRIAGE BLESSED IN BLOOD . . .

On the wedding day of Emperor Claudius to Agrippina, a senator lies dying in his own home. Yesterday, this senator was betrothed to Octavia, Claudius’s daughter.

Now blood gushes from his slit wrists.

Agrippina’s elevation to empress changes so many things. Claudius is convinced to adopt her thirteen-year-old son Nero, naming him his new heir.

And those angered by his wife’s presumption? They face dashed hopes, endure terrible accusations, or suffer a merciless death.

Yet Nero – still a boy – is vulnerable. Tutored by Seneca, he vies with his brother and fellow heir Britannicus for their father’s favour. He learns to fight. He learns to love. So what if his mother wants him to marry his sister-cousin Octavia? Rome has been scandalised before.

But those who have survived Agrippina, and the families of those who didn’t, have long memories and short knives. They seek chances to get close – to taste the blood of this ruthless plotter and her son.

Rome has always been dangerous.

To rise there, as Nero is to discover, others must fall – even emperors . . .

–

PRAISE FOR CONN IGGULDEN

'Breathtakingly good’ Bernard Cornwell

‘Deft and robust storytelling, that whips through the history with plenty of blood, guts and plot-twists’ The Times

'Pacy and propulsive, cracking with energy, violence and stirring speeches, Iggulden chronicles power struggles, political machinations and the bloodthirsty ravages of up-close combat' Daily Mail

‘A master of the historical novel’ Washington Post

Readers love Nero

'Iggulden draws you into Rome, its brutality and its glory, and brings it back to life with such seamless ease' ***** Reader Review

'Absolute quality from first to last page, atmospheric with a real feel for time and place' ***** Reader Review

'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' ***** Reader Review

'An absolutely immersive experience throughout that throws you into the politics of Ancient Rome' ***** Reader Review

‘Another gripping page turner from the peerless master of historical fiction’ ***** Reader Review

Conn Iggulden, Sunday Times bestseller, June 2024

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Roman, Fantasy

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

About the author

Also publishes under author name C.F. Iggulden.

I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.

My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.

I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.

That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.

Conn Iggulden

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I could have done without the sex scenes but they do happen. 😂

It’s sad how things are still the same. People fighting for power. And when it’s families it’s disappointing. It would be terrible to literally not be able to trust anyone. 😢

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book much more than the first book of the trilogy. At the beginning of this book, Nero is now 13. That is a big improvement over the infant Nero. We can now see who he is becoming, and how he is shaped by his mother, the scheming, treacherous, murderous Agrippina. This book also has Claudius, who is one of my favorite emperors to read about. Agrippina pretty much has him under control. Nero, on the other hand, is not so easy to manipulate. After the first book, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to continue with the trilogy. But book 2 was very entertaining and now I am looking forward to book three.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mizuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

(1.1) So there is a bee at the bookcover of the first book and we have snake on the second book's!!!

(1.2) In the first book Nero was five years old and at the beginning of the sequel he was 13.

(2) Sea battle, with sharks! Yaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhooooooooo!!!

(3) He could feel the end coming, whatever that might mean.

(4.1) By the end of the book, More plots from mommy dear. 🤣🤣🤣

(4.2) But I can't say I understand Agrippina, she was already an empress and her son now sat on the throne, so why must she continue to do battles with her son over power? I mean........she could have just gone into retirement and enjoyed herself.

(5) I had recently watched Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (2023) and it's quite impressive!!!!

My review for the first book: Nero: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Extra:

The awesome artwork by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, from his manga My name is Nero (Chinese translation: 一代暴君)




(Link: https://mangadex.org/title/75edfbac-7...)

PS: years ago I read "Caligula" by Camus and I love it!

[Charlie Hasler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iggulden at his best. Can't wait to read the final book of the trilogy.

[Dave C · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[John Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much as book 2 for some reason, even though this book actually had Nero in it. In this one, Nero is a teenager and Seneca and Agrippina are preparing him to lead one day. He is showing signs of serious anger issues that will one day lead to heinous acts.

[Kels · Rating 4 out of 5]

nero was too much of a diva for rome and no one knew what to do with him

[Alexander Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tore through this one. Full of action and back-stabbery!

[Jake Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pages had to keep turning and they did not let up. You expect nothing less from a master of Historical Fiction, but Conn Iggulden delivers again

[Annelies - In Another Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucius is adopted by his stepfather Emperor Claudius and takes on the name of ‘Nero’. His mother Agrippina, the empress, even ensures that he is appointed heir to the throne, above his stepbrother Brittanicus, Claudius’ biological son. But Nero is young and always looking for adventure with his friends. He doesn’t like his mother’s constant interference in his life.

In this second book of the trilogy, Nero is finally a little older and we follow Claudius’ reign further. We see Agrippina’s power grow and she arranges for Nero to be taught by the Stoic Seneca. His lessons prove to have a good influence on him, as does the Praetorian Burrus, who keeps an eye on things. But when Claudius begins to question Nero as his successor, Agrippina takes action and Nero becomes emperor. And that young emperor has to make some tough choices.

I think Tryant is a much more focused novel than the first book ‘Nero‘ was. Nero really develops his own character here, as do his two friends Otho and Serenus, Seneca, Burrus, and of course Agrippina and Claudius. The intrigues follow one another in quick succession. In between, we get a fight scene in a naumachia, a pop-up arena that is flooded with water and is supposed to provide bread and circuses. I didn’t think those scenes were badly written, but they suddenly slowed down the pace of the story, even though there is a certain symbolism in them that you only understand at the end of the book.

I really liked the ending. It was gripping. Agrippina is an incredible historical figure. That woman experienced so much in one lifetime and really symbolizes the bloody Julio-Claudian dynasty. In this novel, she’s a real schemer who drew power to herself—and I liked that presentation as it will probably come very close to how she came across. The transition of power to Nero is well done. I do agree with Iggulden in his historical note that what we know about Nero is mostly negative propaganda influenced by his successors and that it’s not easy to see the real man behind the myth. Iggulden tries to give him a more moderate and human perspective.

So I’m looking forward to the final book. Although I have to say I still prefer Iggulden’s series on Caesar.

Dutch review:
Lucius wordt door zijn stiefvader Claudius geadopteerd en krijgt de naam Nero. Zijn moeder Agrippina, de keizerin, zorgt er zelfs voor dat hij vroeger volwassen wordt verklaard en aangesteld wordt als troonopvolger, boven zijn stiefbroer Brittanicus, de biologische zoon van Claudius. Maar Nero is jong en op zoek naar avontuur en vindt al die bemoeienissen van zijn moeder maar niets.

In dit tweede boek is Nero eindelijk wat ouder en volgen we de heerschappij van Claudius verder. We zien Agrippina's macht groeien en ze regelt dat Nero les krijgt van de stoicijnse Seneca. Diens lessen blijken een goede invloed op hem te hebben, net als praetorian Burrus die mee een oogje in het zeil houdt. Maar wanneer Claudius vragen begint te stellen bij Nero als opvolger, neemt Agrippina actie en wordt Nero keizer. En die jonge keizer moet ook harde keuzes maken.

Ik vind dit deel al een veel beter boek dan het eerste boek. Nero krijgt hierin echt zelf een karakter, net als zijn twee belangrijke vrienden Otho en Serenus, Seneca, Burrus en natuurlijk Agrippina en Claudius. De intriges volgen elkaar op. Tussendoor krijgen we een vechtscène in een naumachia, een pop-up arena die onder water staat en voor brood en spelen moet zorgen. Ik vond die scènes niet slecht geschreven, maar ze haalden de vaart plots uit het verhaal, ook al zit er een zeker symboliek in die je op het einde van het boek past begrijpt.

Het einde vond ik echt goed en pakkend. Agrippina is een ongelofelijk historisch personage, die vrouw heeft in één leven zoveel meegemaakt en staat echt symbool voor de bloederige Julius-Claudiaanse dynastie vind ik. Dit verhaal maakt van haar een echte schemer en een vrouw die zelf macht naar haar toetrok - wat ze ook was en dat vind ik mooi. En de overgang van de macht naar Nero is gewoon goed gedaan.

Ik kijk dus wel uit naar het volgende boek. Al moet ik blijven zeggen dat deze boeken niet van hetzelfde niveau zijn als de Caesarboeken.

[Terry Rudge · Rating 4 out of 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!

[Adam Lofthouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conn Iggulden writes great historical novels, and I think I have maybe read them all to date! He is a fine writer whose work I always enjoy. His foray into fantasy is equally enjoyable. All the same, in this latest volume about Nero, I failed to get into this as deeply as I have with other works by this author. Have I just read too much of it? Or is the subject and story of Nero too well known, so that this story lacked surprise for me?

I did enjoy the story, well told as always. The rise of the young Nero here includes some of his infamous acts, and Nero is so well known because those acts make for quite a story. Neither can I fault much in Iggulden's telling - although one niggle: there is an amusing story that Nero has with the younger son of Claudius, Britannicus, that gains him a nickname. But the story and the nickname are lifted straight from Iggulden's earlier work, Dunstan. Self plagiarisation may not be morally wrong, but for anyone who has read Dunstan, the effect of that is going to fall pretty flat. Of course, if you never read Dunstan and never will then it will work well.

That was a small thing though, and I can't put my finger on why I didn't really enjoy this work. Yet I did enjoy it and I will happily keep reading this series and continue to recommend this author. Good stuff from an accomplished writer.

[Rhys Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one of the weaker Conn Iggulden books I’ve read (and I’ve read them all). The middle section was tedious, it just felt like filler for the sake of it. The final part with the demise of Agrippina was a great re-telling though.

Looking forward to seeing how he writes Nero’s madness in ‘Inferno’ next year.

[Sumit · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩? 𝙋𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙡, 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙛𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝙄 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙨, 𝙗𝙤𝙮 – 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙖! 𝙄 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙡𝙚 – 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩. 𝙄 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙧, 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙡𝙮. 𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙?’

🗡Tyrant, the 2nd installment in the Nero trilogy, is a gripping work of historical fiction that chronicles Emperor Nero’s early life—from Agrippina’s marriage to Claudius to Nero’s calculated rise to power—told through the compelling perspectives of the mother-son duo.



The story opens in 49 AD Rome with the marriage of Agrippina and Claudius—an event that reshapes the political landscape and sets in motion a deadly game of power, one that claims more victims than a battlefield. On one side, we follow Nero—still a boy—being guided by Seneca and Praetorian Prefect Burrus, as he competes with his brother and fellow heir Britannicus for their father’s favor. On the other hand, Agrippina maneuvers through intrigue and manipulation, determined to see her son ascend to the throne—no matter the cost.

‘𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙡𝙛’𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙, 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖. 𝙒𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙬𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙖, 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙖𝙪𝙡… 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙖𝙚𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙜𝙮𝙥𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙪𝙨, 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙩.’

🗡Iggulden once again demonstrates his mastery in blending historical fact with fiction. His meticulous research shines through, lending authenticity to the narrative without ever overwhelming it. The plot is tightly woven, delving into themes of power, loyalty, and survival, while the rich historical detail and vivid storytelling bring ancient Rome to life. The writing is fluid, punchy, and balanced, with accessible prose that keeps you hooked throughout.

🗡The characterization is one of the novel’s strongest aspects. Nero is portrayed as tyrannical, self-indulgent, and increasingly debauched, while Agrippina emerges as a scheming, ruthless, and deeply ambitious force. They are both deeply unlikable—and yet, you can’t help but stay invested in their journey. Supporting characters like Seneca, Burrus, Claudius, and Octavia are noteworthy, though they receive comparatively limited exploration.

🗡The climax is satisfying, though it leaves you wanting more. If you’re familiar with history, you’ll already have a sense of where events are headed, so I’ll avoid spoilers. That said, it only heightens the anticipation for how the next book will tackle the later, darker phase of Nero’s reign.

Overall, Tyrant is a richly crafted and thoroughly engaging novel that showcases Iggulden at his best. It’s a must-read for history enthusiasts and comes highly recommended.

𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)

[Lachlan Kneebone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first Conn, keen to read about Nero’s very happy ending in the final book

[dianne beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. His research into his subject is extensive. I especially love reading his acknowledgement at the end where he talks about his sources and what he added.

[Axie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ottimo romanzo storico. Iggulden non mi delude mai. Voto: 8

[Laura Fradin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. This is so clearly historical fiction written by a man. All action and telling you what happens. No character develops or introspection. One step above reading a nonfiction account of Nero.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Can’t wait to read ‘Inferno’ the next in the series Conn Iggulden composes a brilliant story of the Emperor Nero! ⚔️

[Hamid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a somewhat withering view of the previous book but think this definitely steers in a better direction. I still think Iggulden is too quick to suddenly jump, which I think continues to undermine some of the character development. Eg Iggulden nods towards Nero's obsession with/patronage of the arts but it seems to come out of nowhere. It's not driven by his mother. It's not driven by his experiences with his tutor etc. There's no real seed planted for it, it just kind of teleports in. Perhaps his publisher is keen to keep him at a page limit? In any case, it can be somewhat jarring.

Saying that, the exploration of the relationship between mother and son is well done. The tension grows over time. While the jealousy/hatred of Britannicus could have been explored in better depth, at least it's there. Look forward to the third.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[T.J. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review first appeared on my Substack newsletter, Omnivorous.

Warning: Full spoilers for the book follow.

A few months ago I was totally blown away by Conn Iggulden’s novel, Nero, which focused on the life of its title character and his mother, Agrippina the Younger, arguably one of the most formidable and ruthless women of ancient Rome. Now, with Tyrant, he returns us to the uncertain and deeply dangerous world of 1st century Rome, as Agrippina and her son Nero have to navigate the fraught and perilous halls of the Palatine.

As she was in the first book, Agrippina is a source of much of the narrative energy, mostly because she’s a much more interesting character than Nero. She’s the one, after all, who has the real mastery of politics and power, of how to use her gender in ways that get her what she wants. Nothing illustrates this better than her subtle manipulation of her husband/uncle Claudius, whom she convinces to name Nero his heir rather than his own son Brittanicus. Ultimately, as we all know, she had to have her husband poisoned in order to keep him from changing his mind about Nero, and it’s this event, more than perhaps any other event in the book, that shows just how willing she is to maintain power. Though it’s clear that she never really loved Claudius in the first place, it’s still rather shocking to see her be so willing to dispense with him once he becomes a threat to her even though, at the same time, one can hardly be surprised that a woman reared among the other Julio-Claudians would have a hard-hearted approach to matters of the heart.

Agrippina, much to her dismay, finds that her son isn’t nearly as compliant as she might like. Indeed, the young man is coming into his own, and he has begun to chafe at his mother’s dominance of his life. Iggulden convincingly paints Nero as a bit of a spoiled brat, a young man who, devoid of real fatherly influence in his life, is prone to self-indulgence and to wanting to get his own way, no matter what it might cost others. And, while he may not be the cruel despot that history often paints him as being–not yet, anyway–there’s no doubt that he does have a bit of a cruel streak. However, Iggulden is also at pains to make it clear that this is a result as much from growing up in a family notorious for its in-fighting and its poisonings of one another.

Nero, moreover, proves that he’s a very dangerous foe indeed, particularly once Agrippina begins to conspire against him. Even though she is his mother, this doesn’t mean that she is blind to her son’s flaws and, once it becomes clear to her that he is a danger to both her and to the two children left behind by Claudius, she realizes that it’s a fatal game in which only one of them can survive. Iggulden has an expert grasp of his narrative, and he keeps on the edge of our seats as we watch this redoubtable woman try to cling to power, even though we know how this ends: with a Praetorian’s blade ending her life.One can’t help but wish that it were otherwise.

By the time the novel ends Nero is at the height of his powers, freed from his mother’s influence and ready to become the emperor that he knows that he can be. As he’s sure to discover in the third volume, however, being the most powerful man in Rome might seem like a dream come true, but it’s also a very lonely position to occupy. His tendency to indulge in his own ego will be something that will come back to haunt him, as will his desire for his friend Otho’s wife, Poppaea.

Iggulden is one of those historical fiction writers who has a keen eye for detail, and he does an excellent job of immersing us in the world of 1st century Rome, whether it’s in the halls of the Palatine or on the sands (and waters) of the arena. However, he doesn’t let historical detail bog down the story or overshadow character development, and all of the individuals we meet have their own depth, their own arcs, and their own personality quirks. As a result, we

It’s also worth pointing out that he also draws our attention to several side characters whose lives and actions have a profound impact on the unfolding of history. There’s Seneca, for example, the asthmatic statesman whose tutoring of Nero bears some (but not enough) fruit, and there’s Burrus, the Praetorian ally of Agrippina who, alerted to her efforts to assassinate her son, ends up betraying her to her doom. Though these characters aren’t always the center of the story, they do nevertheless add layers of complexity and depth to the story, allowing us to see how Nero’s life and his reign impacted both those in positions of power and those who occupied the lower rungs of the social ladder.

As I so often conclude these reviews: Suffice it to say that I loved this book. I mean, I’m a sucker for historical fiction set in ancient Rome but, even so, Conn Iggulden has given us something special. There are precious few books–let alone fiction ones–that give Agrippina her due, and this one more than delivers. She might be dead by the end of the book, but that doesn’t mean that her influence isn’t still going to be felt by her son and those she has left behind. Burrus, Seneca, and all of those who think that they will be able to control the new young emperor are soon going to find that his paranoia and his ruthlessness can be turned just as easily against them as against his mother.

I just have two problems. One, how on Earth am I going to be able to wait for the third volume in this series? Two, what am I going to do after I finish it?

Time enough to answer those questions, and in the meantime, go out and treat yourself to this fantastic book.

[Zoë Routh · Rating 5 out of 5]

rich texture and characterisation

My favourite historical fiction author delivers a brilliant second instalment of the Nero saga. Steeped in evocative details, the story showcases the evolving twisted psychology of Nero, his mother Agrippina, his friends and sycophants, and loyal servants. It’s an extraordinary story made all the more fantastic as it’s anchored in historical fact, with some allowances made for the two thousand years that have passed since the events transpired.

Loved this book and am looking forward to the conclusion.

[Jonathan Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

With "Tyrant," the second installment of his Nero Trilogy, Conn Iggulden deepens and surpasses the story he began in "Nero." Where the first volume established the political machinery of Agrippina's Rome, this one throws open the gates, letting ambition, fear, and brutality surge through with even greater force. It is a novel of expansion, thematically and emotionally, and one that never loses control of its pacing or purpose.

While Agrippina remains a magnetic presence, "Tyrant" marks a clear shift in focus toward Nero himself. No longer just the heir-in-training, Nero begins to act, first tentatively, then decisively, in ways that reshape the court around him. The novel is interested in that moment when tutelage gives way to self-assertion, when power is no longer borrowed but claimed. It's a transition handled with remarkable subtlety. Nero is not yet the monster of legend, but we see the architecture of that myth being built one impulsive decision, one betrayed mentor, one broken bond at a time.

The historical sweep is considerable, yet Iggulden's touch remains precise. His Rome is a system with teeth, an empire that devours its own even as it dazzles. Iggulden carefully threads real historical figures and events through the narrative, never letting research overwhelm the story. For example, Iggulden uses a courtroom trial over a banned religious cult as a dramatization of early Christian persecution. It studies how ideology, law, and performance intersect under imperial rule.

The 'naumachia,' a staged sea battle, is among the novel's most memorable sequences—not because of spectacle alone, but because Iggulden uses it to reveal character under pressure. The appearance of Caractacus, a defeated king forced to fight for Roman entertainment, offers a counterpoint to Nero's ascent: one man tested through humiliation, another through unchecked authority. It articulates broader themes like what Rome demands from the conquered, what dignity can survive under the imperial gaze, and how theater and power often converge.

What sets "Tyrant" apart from its predecessor is its broader scale and its acceleration. The narrative doesn't pause to admire itself. Instead, it ratchets tension with each chapter, moving from political intrigue to deadly spectacle with an urgency that feels earned, not manufactured. "Tyrant" is a novel that understands how to move history forward without dragging characters behind it.

Iggulden's prose remains lean and effective, never ornamental but never perfunctory. He writes with clarity and control, allowing the emotional and moral stakes to surface through action rather than exposition. The quiet horror of political pragmatism, the slow erosion of loyalties, and the calculated performances of power are rendered with the kind of narrative discipline that rewards attentive readers.

"Tyrant" is not a mere bridge between books. It builds on the foundation of “Nero,” but it also stands as the stronger novel, bolder in scope, more unrelenting in pace, and clearer in its moral questions. In Iggulden's hands, Rome is not romanticized but laid bare: a machine that rewards audacity and punishes hesitation. "Tyrant" is historical fiction with a pulse and a purpose.

This review is based on an advance reader copy provided by Edelweiss and Pegasus Books.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. 'Tyrant,' book two of the Nero trilogy by Conn Iggulden, doesn’t disappoint. An ageing emperor who appeases his younger wife. A fatherless son, wild and untameable. His ruthless mother, single-minded, unscrupulous, determined her son should rule. This is the story of Nero’s ascent to the most powerful seat of all.
In his portrayal of Roman history, Iggulden’s writing bears his research lightly. Never once did I sense a fact included superfluously, everything was there for a reason. Where historical accounts are thin, Iggulden adds his own fictional interpretation. The result is a gripping story of political machinations not unfamiliar to today’s global governments, where ambition and dominion drive everything; loyalty is fragile, words have double meanings, while at the heart of it all are money and power.
Where Nero was the story of Agrippina, 'Tyrant' is the story of her son Lucius, now re-named Nero. A headstrong teenager, Nero is out of control. His mother persuades her husband Emperor Claudius, and now Nero’s adoptive father, to name Nero as his heir in place of his natural son Britannicus who is the butt of Nero's ridicule. An education is arranged at the hands of statesman and dramatist Seneca and praetorian Burrus. A combination of political power struggles, subterfuge, a spot of teenage shoplifting and reckless charioteering, 'Tyrant' shows Rome at its bloodiest and most dangerous. Plenty of plot twists, betrayals and plotting set against excessive wealth.
I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of the naumachia, a naval battle in a flooded amphitheatre between ships crewed by prisoners of war. I was willing on Caractacus; first seen in 'Nero,' as king of the Catuvellauni in Britain he fought the Romans many times but was captured and taken to Rome as a prisoner. He provides an interesting comparison on the nature of leadership, responsibility and power.
Conn Iggulden’s portrayal of Nero is compelling, despite the darkness, brutality and often insanity of the story. It’s a tribute to his storytelling that the writing does not descend into hyperbole. 'Tyrant' is the story of Nero from boy to man, as he breaks free of the influence of his mother. A really entertaining read.
The final book of the trilogy is 'Inferno.'
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

The story is interesting enough and certainly since this is a historical novel of well known characters, you don't need to have read the first book to jump right in here with this second in the trilogy. At times, this felt very misogynistic, with the women either being scheming or infantile, with little nuance in between. But certainly the research is there to create a picture of Rome during the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Story: Agrippina has survived her insane brother Caligula and terrifying exile. Now, married to Claudius, she uses her beauty to manipulate the weak emperor and further her own ends. In the shadow is her son from her first marriage, Lucius, now renamed to Nero. She has great plans for her headstrong son and has no qualms about killing anyone in her way.

There are two main characters here, though this really felt like Agrippina's book (you could argue she was the 'tyrant' of the title). We get a picture of her scheming contrasted with Nero growing up into a spoiled and headstrong teenager (read: sociopath). We also get a picture of Nero's childhood allies, who will gain great power when he eventually takes the throne.

There were several issues I had with the book that took away from my enjoyment of the story. For one, there was far too much focus put on the British - this is a book about Rome and yet the author takes every chance he could plausibly get to talk about Britain (including giving a POV to British side characters and even sprinkling in Welsh references). Second, I wish the women would have been as more than harpies or petulant children. The male characters all have far more diverse and interesting personalities than any of the female characters. But at least Nero wasn't written in a way that we are supposed to actually like him.

In all, an easy to read historical novel about the last emperors in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Vic Tumwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first: this is a Conn Iggulden series (others being the mongols - Genghis, Kublai; the Europeans – war of the roses, Henry, Richard, Margaret of Anjou; more Romans – Caeser, Anthony, Cleopatra, Augustus; the Greeks Xanthippus, Xerces – you get the drift) book 2 of 3, meaning it gets to get read. Second, I judged a book by the cover (hey, don’t judge me!) which is something any judge would advise against and precisely what I went and did for this read. Tis the tale of Rome’s fourth emperor, Nero. But this tale cannot be exclusively about him – it is also about the people in his life who unwittingly or otherwise got him to that position of absolute power. Or “the purple”. In my opinion, even more than Nero as a central figure in the story is his mother. That Agrippina! Sister to an emperor (Caligula), wife of an emperor (Claudius – her uncle!) and mother to an emperor (Nero). Given the amount of influence the Roman empire exudes even today from all those 2000 years ago, I think history would be a lot different if she never existed. The story thus far has covered Tiberius and Caligula, two simply horrible people who cause horrible things and into this horrible situation gets born Nero, not called Nero at the time but Lucius Ahenobarbus, after his dad. And even though the history is accurate, Iggulden’s narrative, or fictions used to fill in the gaps really do make for an interesting story. We all know about the Roman empire, that bastion of gentility and kindness, a true hallmark of love all the way from …aaaand I’m B.S’ing you at the highest levels! Ha! Rome was brutal. Life was cheap. Corruption rampant. A martial way of life and almost constant war was par for the course. And this is what – or more of what Senor Iggulden brings to life in the best way possible. So even though I don’t really like reading series books, for fear of disappointment when and if “book 2” doesn’t quite match up to the original, I am trembling in anticipation for the last installment of this one. By the way, Agrippina dies – ooooh…I shoulda said ‘spoiler alert’, but then you know this is a story about ancient Rome. Just about everybody dies.