The Blood of Gods

Book excerpt: The assassination of Julius Caesar sets the stage for a riveting tale of political intrigue, epic battle, and righteous retribution in this thrilling novel of Ancient Rome from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Emperor: The Gates of Rome. “[Conn] Iggulden plunges you into the full fury of the action and leaves you gasping for more.”—The Northern Echo (UK) Julius Caesar has been cut down. His blood stains the hands of a cabal of bold conspirators, led by famed general Marcus Brutus—whom Caesar once called a friend. Hailed as heroes by a complicit Senate and granted amnesty, the killers eagerly turn toward plotting the empire’s future under their control. But Caesar’s death does not rest easily with all of Rome. For two men, the shocking assassination is nothing less than treason. And those responsible must pay with their lives. Through countless battles and years of peace, Marc Antony has wielded a sword and raised a cup at Caesar’s side. Now, he is powerless against the political might of Brutus and his allies. Yet with no more than eloquence and outrage, Antony will spark a rebellion that sets the streets of Rome ablaze. And Caesar’s adopted son and chosen heir, Gaius Octavian, will rest only when the blood of the assassins is on his blade. Drawn together by their common cause, Antony and Octavian marshal their forces into an avenging army. When the opposing legions finally clash, Rome’s destiny will rest in the hands of the mightiest and most cunning commander of men. Ancient Rome comes to vivid life in Conn Iggulden’s Emperor series: THE GATES OF ROME • THE DEATH OF KINGS • THE FIELD OF SWORDS • THE GODS OF WAR • THE BLOOD OF GODS