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From the Ashes

Melissa Addey

Genre: Historical fiction

Rome, 80AD. A gigantic amphitheatre is being built. The Emperor wants gladiatorial Games on an epic scale. But Marcus, the man in charge of creating them, has just lost everything when Pompeii was obliterated by Vesuvius. Now his scribe Althea must ensure the Colosseum is inaugurated on time – and that Marcus makes his way out of the beckoning darkness.

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Rome, 80AD. A gigantic new amphitheatre is being built. The Emperor has plans for gladiatorial Games on a scale no-one has ever seen before. But the Games don’t just happen by themselves. They must be made. And Marcus, the man in charge of creating them, has just lost everything he held dear when Pompeii disappeared under the searing wrath of Vesuvius.

Now it will fall to his scribe Althea to ensure the Colosseum is inaugurated on time – and that Marcus makes his way out of the darkness that calls to him.

Can a motley crew comprising a retired centurion, slaves, a prostitute and an ex Vestal Virgin pull off the greatest gladiatorial Games ever seen? Or will they fail and find themselves in the arena as punishment?

Follow the quick-witted and fiercely loyal backstage team of the Colosseum through the devastation of Pompeii, plague and fire.

Editor’s Choice, Historical Novel Society