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A Dangerous Emperor #2
The Road To The Bridge
Torn between love and duty Constantine faces disaster.
Juliana, his mistress, has been kidnapped by a raiding party and taken to northern Germania, out of reach of his legions.
Ignoring his mother’s demands for him to marry quickly, Constantine assembles a Roman cavalry cohort and heads into the endless forest. Somewhere far ahead is the meeting place of the tribes where Juliana is facing a fight to the death among a people who collect skulls as ornaments and are ruled by a queen with a strong blood lust.
Constantine then finds out that his young son has been taken to Rome as a hostage. His only hope of rescuing him is to march on the city.
Battered and in disarray, he and his legions finally reach the city walls. His Saxon allies have defected. He is seriously injured, and every key battle his army has won, was because of his personal intervention. Then his closest friend, the leader of the Christians in Rome, also defects to the enemy.
Is this the end for Constantine?
The Battle of the Milvian Bridge was one of the most important in history. This story tells us what could have happened that stormy day in 312 A.D. and who the women were who changed the course of the battle.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2019
71 people are currently reading
34 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 1, 2020
"When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall"
307 AD. Constantine, the son of the Emperor Constantius Chlorus, now seats on his father's throne and ruled from Treveris, the capital of the western Roman Empire. Everything was going well when one day his mistress Juliana has been kidnapped by a Saxon raiding party and taken to northern Germania while their son mysteriously disappeared from the palace. Constantine assembles a Roman cavalry cohort and heads into the endless forest to find her but failed. Heartbroken he was forced into marriage with Fausta, the sister of Eastern Roman Emperor Maxentius, but the thoughts of Juliana never left his heart.
Meanwhile deep in the forest of Germania Juliana is facing a fight to the death among a people who collect skulls as ornaments and are ruled by a queen with a strong blood lust, whereas in Rome, Lucius, Constantine's friend and the leader of the Christians was forced by Emperor Maxentius to betrayed Constantine and joined him. Besides them, there was a priestess of Minerva, Paulina who acts as a double agent for both the emperors, Maxentius and Constantine, but where her loyalties lie is uncertain.
Soon everything changes again when Constantine finds out that his young son has been taken to Rome as a hostage on the orders of emperor Maxentius. Now his only hope of rescuing him is to march on the city. But before reaching the city he had to win many battles and also cross the Milvian Bridge, where the final battle will be fought.
Is this the end for Constantine?
Review:
🗡I didn't like the cover of the book at all because it simply copy-pasted the book 1 cover, however, the title is appropriate keeping in mind the final battle.
🗡found all the characters are very well described. Juliana developed a lot in this book, but the characters of Fausta and Lucius felt somewhat left out.
🗡The plot narrated from the POV of Constantine, Juliana, Lucius & Paulina basically deals with the circumstances leading to the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
🗡Loved how Laurence had brought the ancient Roman world into life, but his over descriptive detailings makes the book sometime dull and plodding.
🗡Liked the spell bounding fighting scenes in the book but disappointed to find it didn't have a face-off scene between Constantine and Maxentius in the final battle.
🗡Loved how Laurence had spun the conspiracy leaving the reader doubting the motives of the various characters and make them guess who was on what side of the war.
🗡In spite of the few events which seem implausible, I found the interweaving of historical fact and the fiction in the book quite believable.
🗡Felt the climax of the book ambiguous. Although Constantine succeeded in uniting the east and the west Roman Empire, he fails in the personal front.
🗡I would have appreciated the book more if it had provided a map and historical note at the end for a better understanding of the reader.
Overall I enjoyed reading the book and looking forward to a 3rd book. If you are a fan of this genre and love Roman history I highly recommend you read it.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
307 AD. Constantine, the son of the Emperor Constantius Chlorus, now seats on his father's throne and ruled from Treveris, the capital of the western Roman Empire. Everything was going well when one day his mistress Juliana has been kidnapped by a Saxon raiding party and taken to northern Germania while their son mysteriously disappeared from the palace. Constantine assembles a Roman cavalry cohort and heads into the endless forest to find her but failed. Heartbroken he was forced into marriage with Fausta, the sister of Eastern Roman Emperor Maxentius, but the thoughts of Juliana never left his heart.
Meanwhile deep in the forest of Germania Juliana is facing a fight to the death among a people who collect skulls as ornaments and are ruled by a queen with a strong blood lust, whereas in Rome, Lucius, Constantine's friend and the leader of the Christians was forced by Emperor Maxentius to betrayed Constantine and joined him. Besides them, there was a priestess of Minerva, Paulina who acts as a double agent for both the emperors, Maxentius and Constantine, but where her loyalties lie is uncertain.
Soon everything changes again when Constantine finds out that his young son has been taken to Rome as a hostage on the orders of emperor Maxentius. Now his only hope of rescuing him is to march on the city. But before reaching the city he had to win many battles and also cross the Milvian Bridge, where the final battle will be fought.
Is this the end for Constantine?
Review:
🗡I didn't like the cover of the book at all because it simply copy-pasted the book 1 cover, however, the title is appropriate keeping in mind the final battle.
🗡found all the characters are very well described. Juliana developed a lot in this book, but the characters of Fausta and Lucius felt somewhat left out.
🗡The plot narrated from the POV of Constantine, Juliana, Lucius & Paulina basically deals with the circumstances leading to the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
🗡Loved how Laurence had brought the ancient Roman world into life, but his over descriptive detailings makes the book sometime dull and plodding.
🗡Liked the spell bounding fighting scenes in the book but disappointed to find it didn't have a face-off scene between Constantine and Maxentius in the final battle.
🗡Loved how Laurence had spun the conspiracy leaving the reader doubting the motives of the various characters and make them guess who was on what side of the war.
🗡In spite of the few events which seem implausible, I found the interweaving of historical fact and the fiction in the book quite believable.
🗡Felt the climax of the book ambiguous. Although Constantine succeeded in uniting the east and the west Roman Empire, he fails in the personal front.
🗡I would have appreciated the book more if it had provided a map and historical note at the end for a better understanding of the reader.
Overall I enjoyed reading the book and looking forward to a 3rd book. If you are a fan of this genre and love Roman history I highly recommend you read it.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 23, 2020
Well written; thoroughly entertaining.
I had not read Book 1 of the series but had no trouble picking up the story and was immediately hooked.
The author expertly weaves tales of three protagonists: the historical Constantine, at this time one of four emperors of the so-called Tetrarchy and ruling from Gaul; Juliana his lover, who is kidnapped by raiding Saxons; and Lucius, his aide and a Christian, who spies at the court of a rival emperor in Rome.
The result is a fast-paced, action-packed, thoroughly entertaining historical novel: intriguing characters (including strong and crafty women), hair-raising fight scenes that dramatically depict the brutality of ancient combat, and twisting intrigue worthy of Game of Thrones.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction or novels of action and adventure.
I had not read Book 1 of the series but had no trouble picking up the story and was immediately hooked.
The author expertly weaves tales of three protagonists: the historical Constantine, at this time one of four emperors of the so-called Tetrarchy and ruling from Gaul; Juliana his lover, who is kidnapped by raiding Saxons; and Lucius, his aide and a Christian, who spies at the court of a rival emperor in Rome.
The result is a fast-paced, action-packed, thoroughly entertaining historical novel: intriguing characters (including strong and crafty women), hair-raising fight scenes that dramatically depict the brutality of ancient combat, and twisting intrigue worthy of Game of Thrones.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction or novels of action and adventure.
December 25, 2019
Great book
This second book deals with the armies of Constantine battling their way to Rome against the emperor Maxentius. The characters in this book are very well described and the fighting scenes descriptions are great.
This second book deals with the armies of Constantine battling their way to Rome against the emperor Maxentius. The characters in this book are very well described and the fighting scenes descriptions are great.
January 6, 2020
Considering that this book is a sequel to 'The Sign of the Blood', which I haven't read, it was surprisingly easy to pick up the storyline of most of the main characters. Constantine and his mistress Juliana, are brilliantly portrayed by the author as complex, compassionate yet brutal characters.
The story is convoluted, with a number of associated sub-plots weaving their way through the novel. There are several strong, ruthless women in the tale, which makes a refreshing change from other novels of this genre.
Clearly the author has undertaken historical research into the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, the immediate aftermath and the bloody retribution. I am not sure that I understand, or fully agree with, the publisher’s assertion that this was one of the most important battles in history.
The book is a good read, even though some of the events are somewhat implausible. I will definitely read the sequel to this book.
The story is convoluted, with a number of associated sub-plots weaving their way through the novel. There are several strong, ruthless women in the tale, which makes a refreshing change from other novels of this genre.
Clearly the author has undertaken historical research into the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, the immediate aftermath and the bloody retribution. I am not sure that I understand, or fully agree with, the publisher’s assertion that this was one of the most important battles in history.
The book is a good read, even though some of the events are somewhat implausible. I will definitely read the sequel to this book.
December 26, 2019
A diverting tale
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found the interweaving of historical fact and the fiction very believable. One small criticism is that I found the authors style of writing slightly confusing initially, ie jumping from one set of characters actions to another sets actions without any apparent reason . Having said that by the end I understood how the author spun the conspiracy leaving the reader doubting the motives of the various characters
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found the interweaving of historical fact and the fiction very believable. One small criticism is that I found the authors style of writing slightly confusing initially, ie jumping from one set of characters actions to another sets actions without any apparent reason . Having said that by the end I understood how the author spun the conspiracy leaving the reader doubting the motives of the various characters
January 8, 2020
I am a big fan of Roman history and this was a first I have heard of this! I had not read the book that was before this one,some made sense some did not! What a war this was! I really got lost I think and I really tried to finish the book,I just couldnt! Thanks Net Gallery for letting me read it,I'm sorry to do the author and Net Gallery!
February 28, 2020
Thankyou to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and the author, Laurence O'Bryan, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Road To The Bridge in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I thought this book provided a good read. The storyline was compelling and makes Ancient Rome come alive.
Worth a read.
I thought this book provided a good read. The storyline was compelling and makes Ancient Rome come alive.
Worth a read.
June 29, 2020
Good second book in the series
I have enjoyed this series starting with Book one filled by this the second in the series. I have enjoyed the journey of Constantine and Julia. They have been developed nicely in the series. I especially enjoyed reading this journey from the point of view of Julia. I am looking forward to book three in the series.
I have enjoyed this series starting with Book one filled by this the second in the series. I have enjoyed the journey of Constantine and Julia. They have been developed nicely in the series. I especially enjoyed reading this journey from the point of view of Julia. I am looking forward to book three in the series.
January 1, 2020
Great book with an absolutely totally believable plot, actual characters as well as some made up characters to flesh out the story line, along with some clever twists. Everything you could ask for and more.
I just did.
A b c d e c h h i n o l m n o l q
I just did.
A b c d e c h h i n o l m n o l q
January 3, 2020
Great read
Loved this book. Great action and great characters. Looking forward to the next one now hope it won't be long. Its flowing reading and highly enjoyable. If you are a fan of this genre i highly recommend you read it
Loved this book. Great action and great characters. Looking forward to the next one now hope it won't be long. Its flowing reading and highly enjoyable. If you are a fan of this genre i highly recommend you read it
May 14, 2020
Page turning account worth reading
Continues high standard of history and adventure . Technically well put together fast paced narrative. Manages some fresh takes on familiar subject
Continues high standard of history and adventure . Technically well put together fast paced narrative. Manages some fresh takes on familiar subject
August 1, 2020
Riveting Read
It took a little time to get into the geek and know all characters but once done the novel was a good read changing the pace and circumstances of each principal character made all the .it's interesting a good read enjoyable
It took a little time to get into the geek and know all characters but once done the novel was a good read changing the pace and circumstances of each principal character made all the .it's interesting a good read enjoyable
February 9, 2020
Excellent read, throughly enjoy it, looking forward to the next book.
July 11, 2020
A bridge not to far
An excellent story,which kept you wondering how it would end,As Constantine became an emperor who was rather an enigma afterwards.
An excellent story,which kept you wondering how it would end,As Constantine became an emperor who was rather an enigma afterwards.
July 18, 2020
Rather far-fetched story but an enjoyable read. Enjoyed the second half especially. Battle scene brought to life brilliantly. Looking forward to Book 3.
October 17, 2020
Worth reading and a very good story.
April 5, 2021
Great book
Fast pace action this is great historical fiction very entertaining hard to put down enjoyed the book very much yes
Fast pace action this is great historical fiction very entertaining hard to put down enjoyed the book very much yes
April 13, 2021
Good read
I’ve never read a story on the emperor Constantine and this didn’t disappoint. Good plot and storyline. I also enjoyed the intrigue. Great job, Laurence.
I’ve never read a story on the emperor Constantine and this didn’t disappoint. Good plot and storyline. I also enjoyed the intrigue. Great job, Laurence.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews