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A Dangerous Emperor #1
The Sign of The Blood
A compelling tale of power, destiny and desire from an award winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author.
Cool mist settles over the legion sneaking toward the Persian army. Constantine, the son of an emperor, the Roman officer leading this raid, tells his men to halt - something is wrong. Have they been seen in the pre-dawn light? Before long, the battle rages. Eventually 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 now 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?
An electrifying 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.
Reviews of previous books by the author:
“A delight,” Yorkshire Evening Post.
'… superbly executed…' Irish Examiner.
'Well written, beautifully descriptive, and with smart dialogue and a compelling air of menace throughout,' The Lancashire Evening Post.
'A brisk plot…which draws the reader into a conspiratorial rapport,' Telegraph.
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2018
297 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Laurence O'Bryan
18 books700 followersThere are five novels in my Puzzle thriller series, three in my series about the life of Constantine the Great and three in my Conspiracy thriller series.
My roots go back to a small estate deep in the Mountains of Mourne, near the Silent Valley, in County Down, Northern Ireland.
I went to school in Dublin, drank way too much, studied English and history, then business, then IT at Oxford University. While a student, I worked as a kitchen porter in a club near the Bank of England.
After that I spent ten years working in the City of London, the creaking hub of world finance.
Now I have three kids and a day job helping writers & publishing companies with their social media and digital marketing.
In 2007 I won the Outstanding Novel Submitted award at the Southern California writer’s conference. That helped.
I founded the Dublin Writers Conference in 2015. My research has taken me all over the world, from San Francisco to deep in the Arab world. I like looking at the stars and listening to the stories of strangers.
My roots go back to a small estate deep in the Mountains of Mourne, near the Silent Valley, in County Down, Northern Ireland.
I went to school in Dublin, drank way too much, studied English and history, then business, then IT at Oxford University. While a student, I worked as a kitchen porter in a club near the Bank of England.
After that I spent ten years working in the City of London, the creaking hub of world finance.
Now I have three kids and a day job helping writers & publishing companies with their social media and digital marketing.
In 2007 I won the Outstanding Novel Submitted award at the Southern California writer’s conference. That helped.
I founded the Dublin Writers Conference in 2015. My research has taken me all over the world, from San Francisco to deep in the Arab world. I like looking at the stars and listening to the stories of strangers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 20, 2018
From the first scene with Juliana, the slave captive, to the final chapter, this story of Constantine’s rise to power is truly engaging. Like all Roman fiction, and especially during the later period, the research is never easy, but the author paints a truly vivid picture of life at the bottom of the social strata as well as the luxury at the top. Spite, jealousy and thoughtlessness are there in plenty, but so are comradeship, love and loyalty.
As a Roman-themed writer myself, I’ve read a lot of Roman historical fiction – Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane, Ruth Downie, Douglas Jackson, Conn Iggulden, Robert Fabbri and the incomparable Lindsey Davis. This series looks set to join these as the must-reads of the imagined Roman world. Recommended.
As a Roman-themed writer myself, I’ve read a lot of Roman historical fiction – Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane, Ruth Downie, Douglas Jackson, Conn Iggulden, Robert Fabbri and the incomparable Lindsey Davis. This series looks set to join these as the must-reads of the imagined Roman world. Recommended.
October 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Sign of the Blood." I am a history buff and, along with straight history, enjoy reading historical fiction.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters who, with their various relationships, grew through the book. I was definitely engaged - loved some, hated others.
The book is along the lines of "The Robe" and "Ben-Hur," though later in the Roman Empire's timeline.
The author's writing style brings the characters to life. I could almost see their faces. Descriptions of land- and seascapes were also vivid. I really appreciated that ability.
The book is well written and I didn't find myself fussing about poor grammar or bad spelling. I would offer it to mid- to late teens and adults. Having knowledge of the history of the Roman Empire is helpful, but the author provides the necessary context without getting lost in minutiae.
The book surpassed the blurb, and I look forward to reading another book by this author.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters who, with their various relationships, grew through the book. I was definitely engaged - loved some, hated others.
The book is along the lines of "The Robe" and "Ben-Hur," though later in the Roman Empire's timeline.
The author's writing style brings the characters to life. I could almost see their faces. Descriptions of land- and seascapes were also vivid. I really appreciated that ability.
The book is well written and I didn't find myself fussing about poor grammar or bad spelling. I would offer it to mid- to late teens and adults. Having knowledge of the history of the Roman Empire is helpful, but the author provides the necessary context without getting lost in minutiae.
The book surpassed the blurb, and I look forward to reading another book by this author.
April 21, 2021
Excellent historic fiction
O'Bryan did an excellent job on showing Roman history. I enjoyed the fictionalized account as one of my favorite courses and High School was Latin to where we got to read The Chronicles of Caesar. O'Bryan provided personal touches with his characters. I recommend the book.
O'Bryan did an excellent job on showing Roman history. I enjoyed the fictionalized account as one of my favorite courses and High School was Latin to where we got to read The Chronicles of Caesar. O'Bryan provided personal touches with his characters. I recommend the book.
December 22, 2019
Wonderful book
This is the backstory of how Constantine became emperor of Rome in the western empire. There are great internal family intrigues and people trying to manipulate Constantine.
This is the backstory of how Constantine became emperor of Rome in the western empire. There are great internal family intrigues and people trying to manipulate Constantine.
April 21, 2020
Enjoyable
A good story. If you're looking for light reading with pretty accurate history then this is a good.series.to.read. Book two is next.
A good story. If you're looking for light reading with pretty accurate history then this is a good.series.to.read. Book two is next.
December 20, 2019
Entertaining until...
Mr. O'Bryan tackles an unknown piece of history with a unique premise. Who was Crispus' mother, and what was her relationship with Constantine? Mr. O ' Bryan makes the story entertaining and fairly plausible. The facts of the historical timeline are a little off, but this is done to help the story. I wanted better prose and character development, but it was still entertaining. My main issue was the graphic, useless sex. It served no purpose and became creepy. The main character spits/vomits and does not swallow. Why I need to know this is baffling. Another character is always described by the placement of her breasts. The books passes the time and covers some interesting times in Roman history.
Mr. O'Bryan tackles an unknown piece of history with a unique premise. Who was Crispus' mother, and what was her relationship with Constantine? Mr. O ' Bryan makes the story entertaining and fairly plausible. The facts of the historical timeline are a little off, but this is done to help the story. I wanted better prose and character development, but it was still entertaining. My main issue was the graphic, useless sex. It served no purpose and became creepy. The main character spits/vomits and does not swallow. Why I need to know this is baffling. Another character is always described by the placement of her breasts. The books passes the time and covers some interesting times in Roman history.
March 20, 2019
A truly exciting and enjoyable read!
The Sign of The Blood is the first book by Laurence O'Bryan I have read. It is a compelling and well-researched fictionalization of Emperor Constantine's rise to power in Rome. The well-crafted narrative quickly hooks the reader and maintains the reader's interest throughout the story. The characters are well-developed and believable. I found myself getting really drawn in by several of the characters and anxious to find out what happens to them next. In particular, the tension between the characters Julianna and Sybellina was amazing and very well done.
O'Bryan's highly descriptive writing style firmly places the reader right in the scene. You certainly feel like you are part of the action. The book does contain some adult situations but they are tastefully done and are certainly not gratuitous.
One minor observation I would make (and, it is not a criticism ... more a personal preference of mine) is simply that I have a great imagination myself and therefore sometimes felt there was just a bit too much description. A bit more could have been left to my imagination. But then again, this is the same way I felt about Zane Grey westerns and I read all of them. And, Zane Grey was certainly a great author.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction.
The Sign of The Blood is the first book by Laurence O'Bryan I have read. It is a compelling and well-researched fictionalization of Emperor Constantine's rise to power in Rome. The well-crafted narrative quickly hooks the reader and maintains the reader's interest throughout the story. The characters are well-developed and believable. I found myself getting really drawn in by several of the characters and anxious to find out what happens to them next. In particular, the tension between the characters Julianna and Sybellina was amazing and very well done.
O'Bryan's highly descriptive writing style firmly places the reader right in the scene. You certainly feel like you are part of the action. The book does contain some adult situations but they are tastefully done and are certainly not gratuitous.
One minor observation I would make (and, it is not a criticism ... more a personal preference of mine) is simply that I have a great imagination myself and therefore sometimes felt there was just a bit too much description. A bit more could have been left to my imagination. But then again, this is the same way I felt about Zane Grey westerns and I read all of them. And, Zane Grey was certainly a great author.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction.
April 2, 2020
"Everything would have been so different if the Persians hadn't come."
But come they did, and Juliana's life was irrevocably changed forever. No longer free, she is sold into slavery. Her life is now at the mercy of her master.
Constantine dreams of the day he can escape Galerius' grasp and stand on the battlefield next to his father. But right now, he must concentrate on staying alive. A chance discovery may well help him take control of his destiny once and for all. If he can defeat the Persians, if he can bring honour to his name then maybe, just maybe, his father will name him as heir and one day he too will become an Emperor.
From the Battle of Satala to the death of an Emperor, The Sign of the Blood (A Dangerous Emperor, Book #1) by Laurence O'Bryan is the unforgettable story of Constantine the Great's rise to power.
With an elegant turn of phrase and a visceral understanding of what makes history worth reading, O'Bryan has given his readers a Constantine that is incredibly real in the telling. Constantine is a young man who wants to achieve recognition, who wants to become a man whom his father, Emperor Constantius Chlorus, would be proud of. At the beginning of this tale of Emperors and Empires, Constantine is at the mercy of Emperor Galerius. Historical sources tell us that there were numerous plots by Galerius to end Constantine's life but without much success. O'Bryan gives his readers a very lucid account of Constantine's struggle with being at the mercy of Galerius, and also his subsequent flight from the man who had blighted his life for many years.
Constantine is a very likeable character in this story. He is an honourable and kind man whose struggles with his destiny and what that destiny might mean for everyone around him. He is appalled by acts of unnecessary violence by men such as Governor Martinianus, and he cannot stand aside and remain silent about the injustice that he bears witness to. O'Bryan has certainly painted a portrait of how and why Constantine became who he was.
The other protagonist in this tale is a young girl, who has both Persian and Roman blood running through her veins. Rescued from the Persians by Constantine, Juliana's story is tragically moving. From slave to free woman, Julianna is the kind of protagonist a reader can get behind and root for. Although fictional in the telling, Juliana brings so much to the narrative of this novel, and she really drives the plot forward. Through her, O'Bryan describes what life was like for a slave and how it wasn't just a brutal master a slave had to fear — sometimes it was the other slaves as well. I feared for Juliana's life on more than one occasion, she really does go through the mill — it is one trauma after another. O'Bryan has her respond to the events that befall her in a very human way. Juliana is a strong character because she has to be if she wants to survive, but the emotional trauma that she suffers is evident throughout this book.
There are a host of secondary characters in this novel, which bring something unique to the story, and they all have their parts to play. I thought O'Bryan's portrayal of Lucius Aurelius Armenius was sublime. O'Bryan's depiction of the priestess, Sybellina, brings something very sinister to the plot as well.
Writing historical fiction set during the Roman Empire is incredibly challenging. The "history" of the period is often not consistent with the sources — for inscriptions, and the scribes who documented the history are often biased in their account of events. There are primary sources aplenty but the authenticity, the truth, is often hidden behind almost two thousand years worth of political propaganda. Therefore, I have tremendous respect for authors who write about the Roman Empire. But, I am particularly respectful of those who write about the Crisis of the Third Century which saw the Roman Empire's near collapse under the combined pressures of civil wars, peasant rebellions, political instability and barbarian invasions. This was a time when Roman resilience was tested to its limits. O'Bryan's book begins just after this crisis in 297 AD. He has portrayed the turn of the 4th century with a lavish sense of opulence. Nothing, it seems, is beyond the telling — from the Persian camp to the grandeur of the Imperial Palace. O'Bryan takes us on a journey of historical discovery and architectural brilliance. He writes with such skill and authority that I could almost smell the stench and fear of the slave markets — the metallic taste of blood on the battlefields.
It is the battle scenes that are portrayed with such vivid attention to the historical detail where O'Bryan seemingly comes into his own — they are lucid, evocative, and all too graphic in the telling. The fear, the despair, and the adrenaline of the soldiers as they fought to stay alive rang clearly out through the crystalline prose and expressive narrative. It is clear to see that O'Bryan was in his absolute element as he composed these scenes. The ambush by the Roman army of the Persians camp was especially vivid in the telling. Kudos Mr O'Bryan. Kudos, indeed.
There are many distressing scenes in this book that some readers will find very upsetting. O'Bryan does not shy away from the absolute horror that women and children faced when captured by the enemy. Nor does he sugarcoat what it was like to be a slave during this era. The romantic notions of The Roman Empire, the staggering architectural triumphs, and the extravagant lifestyle that the Imperial family and the patricians lived are overshadowed by the brutality of what life was like if you were a plebeian or a slave. Therefore, it is fitting that O'Bryan explores the fragility and frailty of the human condition throughout this book. We see humanity at its best and its worst. This attention to detail, along with a story that is impressive as it is splendid, made this novel unputdownable.
The Sign of the Blood (A Dangerous Emperor, Book #1) by Laurence O'Bryan is a book that is especially hard to turn away from. It captured my attention from the opening sentences and did not let go of me until the final full-stop. It is an enthralling story from start to finish.
The Sign of the Blood is a must-read for fans of battle heavy Historical Fiction and for anyone with an interest in Constantine the Great and Ancient Rome.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
May 5, 2019
A compelling historical novel about Constantine's rise to power the slave Juliana who helps him see his future and learn he needs to eliminate his enemies and Sybellina who practices dark and seductive magic
Juliana felt very real and I found myself not able to put the book down always waiting for more information about her. Reading about Constantine's family was very interesting and well written, you can tell the thought and research that went into writing this novel from the historical background of the characters explained in the beginning to the meaning of the title.
I cant wait to read more of this trilogy.
Special Thanks to Laurence O'Bryan and Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy of the book.
Juliana felt very real and I found myself not able to put the book down always waiting for more information about her. Reading about Constantine's family was very interesting and well written, you can tell the thought and research that went into writing this novel from the historical background of the characters explained in the beginning to the meaning of the title.
I cant wait to read more of this trilogy.
Special Thanks to Laurence O'Bryan and Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy of the book.
November 16, 2020
Ever wonder how Constantine got to the throne? Wonder no more! I knew he served in England, but I never realized how convoluted his early story was. And this is only part one; we have a way to go before he sees the mystical dream of the cross before the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Although he was the oldest son of the Western Emperor Chlorus, Constantine was not the favored one, for his father had put aside Constantine’s mother Helena and married an aristocrat, Theodora. The new empress wanted her own son to be the heir—though at the time of this story he was only a child—and did everything in her power to quash Constantine and his mother. Initially, Chlorus sent Constantine east to serve under the nasty and brutish junior Emperor Galerius, which is where the story begins. Constantine survived the nefarious court and returned to his father, expecting to be welcomed back. He was in for a rude awakening!
His father exploded. “You’re starting the wrong way with me, Constantine. I didn’t plan to tell you this now, but I perhaps I should.” He stood over Constantine, daring him to rise up against him. His finger poked Constantine’s shoulder. “After the festival is over you will go to Treveris. There you will be appointed a Prefect of the city and you’ll learn the art of administration. Then perhaps you’ll understand why we appreciate our governor at Massilia.” His tone had turned dismissive.
“What!” Constantine spat out the word.
His father stepped back and was examining him coolly, his hand by his dagger. Constantine tried to calm himself. He could die here if he pushed things too far. He’d heard stories of fathers who’d killed their sons during minor disagreements.
With all this background, Constantine is not the central figure in this novel. Our protagonist is the fictional Juliana (we learn that in the Historical Background), a slave girl rescued by Constantine and purchased by his friend Lucius. Juliana is a bit stand-offish and very protective of her own dignity and chastity. She travels with the royal party all the way to Britain, acknowledged by Constantine but rarely speaking to him—at least at first. Much of the drama is seen through her eyes. Just to complicate matters, an alluring priestess/spy/enchantress named Sybellina visits Chlorus’s court, who drives much of the action and has her own agenda; Juliana quickly gets on her bad side when she refuses to cooperate with her.
So what we have is a young Constantine who hasn’t found himself yet, his friend Lucius, a Christian surreptitiously pushing his religious agenda, an ailing emperor of the West who wants to do the right thing but who squirms under the influence of his wicked empress, a scheming priestess whose motives are difficult to fathom, and a slave girl whose background activities influence events. There’s a lot of jumping between scenes and a few diversions, complex plot lines and multi-layered intrigues. Surviving his second major threat, Constantine has nowhere to go but forward!
His father exploded. “You’re starting the wrong way with me, Constantine. I didn’t plan to tell you this now, but I perhaps I should.” He stood over Constantine, daring him to rise up against him. His finger poked Constantine’s shoulder. “After the festival is over you will go to Treveris. There you will be appointed a Prefect of the city and you’ll learn the art of administration. Then perhaps you’ll understand why we appreciate our governor at Massilia.” His tone had turned dismissive.
“What!” Constantine spat out the word.
His father stepped back and was examining him coolly, his hand by his dagger. Constantine tried to calm himself. He could die here if he pushed things too far. He’d heard stories of fathers who’d killed their sons during minor disagreements.
With all this background, Constantine is not the central figure in this novel. Our protagonist is the fictional Juliana (we learn that in the Historical Background), a slave girl rescued by Constantine and purchased by his friend Lucius. Juliana is a bit stand-offish and very protective of her own dignity and chastity. She travels with the royal party all the way to Britain, acknowledged by Constantine but rarely speaking to him—at least at first. Much of the drama is seen through her eyes. Just to complicate matters, an alluring priestess/spy/enchantress named Sybellina visits Chlorus’s court, who drives much of the action and has her own agenda; Juliana quickly gets on her bad side when she refuses to cooperate with her.
So what we have is a young Constantine who hasn’t found himself yet, his friend Lucius, a Christian surreptitiously pushing his religious agenda, an ailing emperor of the West who wants to do the right thing but who squirms under the influence of his wicked empress, a scheming priestess whose motives are difficult to fathom, and a slave girl whose background activities influence events. There’s a lot of jumping between scenes and a few diversions, complex plot lines and multi-layered intrigues. Surviving his second major threat, Constantine has nowhere to go but forward!
October 23, 2020
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Sign of The Blood by Laurence O'Bryan, is a riveting fictionalization tale of the iconic Constantine the Great's rise to power.
The author catapults you into the cruel, and harsh world of 297 A.D. to 306 A.D. This is an era where Christianity moved forward from a persecuted radical religion, to that in becoming the most powerful influencer religion in the Roman Empire. With uniquely-descriptive prose, O'Bryan, deftly weaves threads of historical characters and vibrant fictional, to create a colourful fabric affording the reader, unique insights to the stunning life of Constantine and a fierce in-slaved girlthat comes from beyond Hadrian’s Wall.
A fabulous representation to storyline, the author delivers a compelling, intriguing novel. I was completely engaged with its absolutely fantastic characters that totally captivated and fascinated me. The strength of this novel handsdown is the author’s fabulous characterizations and precision details. Rich battle scenes of war and blood to lustful carnage. Easy to follow narration that held my attention from the very first page until the last. I absolutely loved the characters and how realistic they were given the time period. This is a treasure of book to buy and keep in your library.
My first read, from this highly talented author, I am excited to read more work from the author Laurence O'Bryan
The Sign of The Blood by Laurence O'Bryan, is a riveting fictionalization tale of the iconic Constantine the Great's rise to power.
The author catapults you into the cruel, and harsh world of 297 A.D. to 306 A.D. This is an era where Christianity moved forward from a persecuted radical religion, to that in becoming the most powerful influencer religion in the Roman Empire. With uniquely-descriptive prose, O'Bryan, deftly weaves threads of historical characters and vibrant fictional, to create a colourful fabric affording the reader, unique insights to the stunning life of Constantine and a fierce in-slaved girlthat comes from beyond Hadrian’s Wall.
A fabulous representation to storyline, the author delivers a compelling, intriguing novel. I was completely engaged with its absolutely fantastic characters that totally captivated and fascinated me. The strength of this novel handsdown is the author’s fabulous characterizations and precision details. Rich battle scenes of war and blood to lustful carnage. Easy to follow narration that held my attention from the very first page until the last. I absolutely loved the characters and how realistic they were given the time period. This is a treasure of book to buy and keep in your library.
My first read, from this highly talented author, I am excited to read more work from the author Laurence O'Bryan
December 15, 2018
Top-Notch Entertainment
This is a novel about the rise to power of Constantine the Great. As a young man, Constantine is sent to live with Emperor Galerius as a way to keep his father in check. When he is finally allowed to go home to take his place beside his father, he finds all is not as he had hoped—his father has remarried and his new wife would have her own son become Emperor.
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. The erotic scenes are depicted with restraint, yet you may find yourself taking the odd cold shower before you finish the book. An entertaining read and a hard one to put down.
This is a novel about the rise to power of Constantine the Great. As a young man, Constantine is sent to live with Emperor Galerius as a way to keep his father in check. When he is finally allowed to go home to take his place beside his father, he finds all is not as he had hoped—his father has remarried and his new wife would have her own son become Emperor.
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. The erotic scenes are depicted with restraint, yet you may find yourself taking the odd cold shower before you finish the book. An entertaining read and a hard one to put down.
February 22, 2019
I do always love a historical epic. Lucius is by far my favourite character <3. The plot itself is consistent along with the writing (great job editors) and I'm honestly very happy with the read.
Personality, I prefer stories that set the scene in certain situations with more in-depth descriptions of the surrounding which isn't common in this book. That is fair though considering how packed and story driven it is from paragraph to paragraph.
All in all, it's a nice read if you're looking for history, a bit of magic and wonder, Lucius and a great Roman Adventure.
Personality, I prefer stories that set the scene in certain situations with more in-depth descriptions of the surrounding which isn't common in this book. That is fair though considering how packed and story driven it is from paragraph to paragraph.
All in all, it's a nice read if you're looking for history, a bit of magic and wonder, Lucius and a great Roman Adventure.
March 28, 2019
Excellent
I am new to Laurence O’Bryan. I enjoyed his historical fiction account of the early years of Constantine the Great. It is always wonderful to imagine the daily toils that historical figures experienced; the people who influenced them; the struggles that shaped them. Mr. O’Bryan gives us all this insight along with intrigue and against the changing backdrop of the growth and persecution of Christianity from as far east as Syria in the Eastern Roman Empire to Rome and Gaul in the Western Roman Empire.
I am new to Laurence O’Bryan. I enjoyed his historical fiction account of the early years of Constantine the Great. It is always wonderful to imagine the daily toils that historical figures experienced; the people who influenced them; the struggles that shaped them. Mr. O’Bryan gives us all this insight along with intrigue and against the changing backdrop of the growth and persecution of Christianity from as far east as Syria in the Eastern Roman Empire to Rome and Gaul in the Western Roman Empire.
November 17, 2019
Solid historical fiction revolving around an enslaved girl who is involved with soon-to-be Emperor Constantine. The historical information was thorough and immersive. I found it a little difficult to care about any of the characters - they seemed static and some of their relationships felt rushed. I didn't prefer how much unnecessary graphic sexual scenes there were but it's hard to find Roman historical fiction without that. Overall a good read.
I received a complimentary copy through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 4, 2019
An exhilarating and exciting read!
This was a real page turner of a book, an imagined tale of the early life and loves of the first Christian emperor, Constantine. A life that was filled with intrigue, jealousy and murder. Constantine did what was necessary to ensure his own succession. Was he a genuine convert to Christianity or someone who cunningly played the hand that fate had dealt him? Who knows, but this was a well researched novel. Well recommended!
This was a real page turner of a book, an imagined tale of the early life and loves of the first Christian emperor, Constantine. A life that was filled with intrigue, jealousy and murder. Constantine did what was necessary to ensure his own succession. Was he a genuine convert to Christianity or someone who cunningly played the hand that fate had dealt him? Who knows, but this was a well researched novel. Well recommended!
June 25, 2020
If you enjoy historical fiction novels with multiple complex characters then this is the book for you. I found it to be a slow read and in certain areas, I was lost due to a change in POV. However, the characters are well developed and as a reader, I became engrossed in their stories. I would continue to read the series.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author through Voracious Readers Only
*I received a complimentary copy from the author through Voracious Readers Only
September 6, 2021
Storytelling—where the past comes alive.
O’Bryan paints memorable scenes, with authentic characters, historical relevance, and thrilling plots. A must read for those who enjoy historical fiction, but truly it is a thrilling book for all. As a reader I became involved with the people, cultures, and of course the mystery of the adventure. Great novel— looking forward to reading books 2&3.
O’Bryan paints memorable scenes, with authentic characters, historical relevance, and thrilling plots. A must read for those who enjoy historical fiction, but truly it is a thrilling book for all. As a reader I became involved with the people, cultures, and of course the mystery of the adventure. Great novel— looking forward to reading books 2&3.
April 17, 2019
Great book with an interesting plot. The erotic parts were amazingly described and weren't forced or uneffective. My favourite characters was Juliana because of how complicated but understandable she was. The story was very long but worth it. If you are into historical fiction you should read this book.
July 2, 2019
Having been lucky to receive a complimentary copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only I was looking forward to reading it. It didn't disappoint as I enjoyed this novel - it was a good enough pace, the characters were well described and I was interested in them to want to continue reading to see the outcome. The descriptions of the locations were very good - I could imagine myself there!
July 12, 2019
Hail Caesar!
The rise of the Roman Emperor Constantine is well told in this book. I like the action, intrigue, romance, and historical nature. The main characters are very believable. The images of life at this time are vividly depicted. I was fully engaged in the story as I read through to the end.
The rise of the Roman Emperor Constantine is well told in this book. I like the action, intrigue, romance, and historical nature. The main characters are very believable. The images of life at this time are vividly depicted. I was fully engaged in the story as I read through to the end.
October 25, 2019
Although a historical novel set in the time of Rome, the twists and turns of gaining power and retaining it was not all that different than the goings on today. The clothes and the weapons have changed but the backstabbing, double crossing and greed are the same. In reading a well written historical novel one realizes there is much to learn and understand from that time till today.
January 31, 2020
A human insight into the convoluted Roman times
I hadn't realised this was a second series book it was so easy to get into, the characters are so well written and believable without too many convoluting Roman names,lots of twists and turns in the story and placing it in the history quite nicely,got to read the next one now
Lily Keirby
I hadn't realised this was a second series book it was so easy to get into, the characters are so well written and believable without too many convoluting Roman names,lots of twists and turns in the story and placing it in the history quite nicely,got to read the next one now
Lily Keirby
June 22, 2020
Book one of a series of to books
I have to say this book hooked me from the start. The is book is about Constantine as a young man. His journey to become the King is the basic plot. I have to say the slave Juliet is my favorite character. She goes from humble slave showing over time she is a very strong woman who happens to be a slave. I am looking forward to the next book.
I have to say this book hooked me from the start. The is book is about Constantine as a young man. His journey to become the King is the basic plot. I have to say the slave Juliet is my favorite character. She goes from humble slave showing over time she is a very strong woman who happens to be a slave. I am looking forward to the next book.
December 12, 2020
Sign of Blood
Well written but not for me,no action of note mostly about love
And women , I expected some Roman battles and action.
The Author knows his business but as said the loves of a slave girl isn’t what I expected.
Pity because he can write well,but not enough to keep me engrossed.
Well written but not for me,no action of note mostly about love
And women , I expected some Roman battles and action.
The Author knows his business but as said the loves of a slave girl isn’t what I expected.
Pity because he can write well,but not enough to keep me engrossed.
March 31, 2019
It was just good reading enjoyed it it.didn't have to work out all the drama..an not a fan of fantasy.just fun
Too kill a couple of lazy Saturday&Sunday with.didn't want too have to get all mixed up in anything
Heavy just easy
Too kill a couple of lazy Saturday&Sunday with.didn't want too have to get all mixed up in anything
Heavy just easy
May 25, 2019
An enjoyable read
The subject matter I find very interesting and the detail was incredible - the author certainly knows the period. For readers of historical fiction and definitely worth a read. Look forward to the next one.
The subject matter I find very interesting and the detail was incredible - the author certainly knows the period. For readers of historical fiction and definitely worth a read. Look forward to the next one.
July 7, 2019
Details and history can be seen throughout the entirety of this fascinating book. If you're interested in the complexity of the past along with a thirst for a book to sink your teeth into, this is definitely for you!
July 27, 2019
This was a very interesting read that I got via Voracious readers, I enjoyed it since I have always been interested in history. It was my first book I have ever read from this author and I really wasn't disappointed
August 2, 2019
Historical fiction about Constantine the Great
A very interesting tale of the trials & tribulations of Constantine the Great in his early years. A well told story of Roman intrigue at the highest levels.
A very interesting tale of the trials & tribulations of Constantine the Great in his early years. A well told story of Roman intrigue at the highest levels.
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