“Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning.”
We here at What We Reading are celebrating the weird, wonderful, and brutal era of ancient Rome! With gladiator duels, unmatched decadence, and power-hungry senators constantly on the brink of political assassinations, it’s no wonder that ancient Rome has become a favourite setting for historical fiction novels. This fascinating era changed the course of Western history, and its legacy inspires historians even today. So, join us as we journey through the best ancient Roman historical fiction books, exploring the rich and captivating tales of this influential era of history.
Daughters Of Rome (The Empress of Rome #1) – Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn’s Empress of Rome series takes readers on a thrilling journey back to the height of Roman might and intrigue in Daughters of Rome, the first book of the series. The story is set in the year 69 AD, during the tumultuous Year of Four Emperors, a time when bloodshed from the palaces spills into the streets. This gripping tale follows the lives of two women, Cornelia, the quintessential Roman wife, and her reserved sister Marcella, as they try to navigate love and politics amidst the chaos of their time.
Imperium (Cicero #1) – Robert Harris
In his Roman historical fiction masterpiece, Imperium, Robert Harris skillfully weaves together a dramatic and enthralling tale of the lives of Tiro and Cicero. Imperium, meaning ‘supreme power’, was the ambitious life goal of Cicero, a young man living in a time when the Roman Republic was taking its initial steps towards becoming a superpower. Harris delves into the incredible wit, drive, and intellect of one of Rome’s greatest minds, as Imperium follows Cicero’s daring challenges against formidable figures like Crassus, Pompey, and even Caesar himself.
The Gates Of Rome (Emperor #1) – Conn Iggulden
The Gates of Rome, the first book in the Emperor series, is a masterful investigation into the rise of Julius Caesar in the heart of the Roman Republic. With stunning visual descriptions, author Conn Iggulden brings to life the thrilling tale of two young boys, dreaming of glory and honour in the mightiest empire the world had ever known.
The book takes readers on an epic journey, from the decadence of the streets of Rome to the bloodied fields of battle, offering intimate glimpses into love affairs, political intrigue, and gruesome betrayals. Iggulden’s writing is vivid and engaging, making it impossible to put the book down.
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A Day Of Fire – Stephanie Dray, Ben Kane, E. Knight, Sophie Perinot, Kate Quinn, And Vicky Alvear Shecter
A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii is a compelling literary masterpiece that vividly brings to life six captivating stories from six different authors, set in the midst of the greatest natural disaster in ancient history. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in Pompeii, a once-thriving resort town with a population of 20,000, it was a cataclysmic event that changed the course of history. The force of the eruption was equivalent to 100,000 times the thermal energy of the United States’ atomic bombings on Japan, leaving behind a devastating aftermath of destruction and loss.
Through interwoven tales, this novel transports readers to the heart of the chaos, from an heiress whose wedding day will never come to a priest and his mistress seeking redemption as their beloved city burns around them. With rich storytelling and meticulous attention to historical detail, A Day of Fire is a haunting and unforgettable exploration of the human experience in the face of catastrophic events.
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The Course Of Honor – Lindsey Davis
The tumultuous first century in ancient Rome was marked by the tyrannical and bloodthirsty reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, as well as the chaos of the Year of the Four Emperors. However, amidst the intrigue and strife, there emerged Vespasian, the son of a senator, who would become a beacon of peace and prosperity for a ravaged empire.
The Course of Honor, a Roman Historical Fiction book by Lindsey Davis, offers a captivating tale told through the eyes of Caenis, a female slave and Vespasian’s forbidden love. This poignant story chronicles Vespasian’s dramatic ascent up the ranks of Roman society, and the heartbreaking consequences it brings to the one who loves him most. With rich historical details and a gripping narrative, The Course of Honor is a compelling exploration of power, ambition, and forbidden love in ancient Rome.
Island Of Ghosts – Gillian Bradshaw
Imbued with meticulous research and masterful storytelling, Island of Ghosts by Gillian Bradshaw is a captivating work of historical fiction. Set in second-century Europe, the novel follows the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius as he strikes a peace pact with the Sarmatian Barbarians, exchanging eight thousand horsemen.
Readers are immersed in the journey of Ariantes, a warrior prince sent to live and fight among a nation that was once his enemy. As Ariantes navigates the complexities of preserving his own customs and culture while adapting to his new surroundings, he discovers that survival and prosperity may require sacrificing cherished beliefs. Island of Ghosts is a riveting tale that delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the cost of assimilation in a vividly portrayed historical setting.
Hannibal: Enemy of Rome (Hannibal #1) – Ben Kane
Ben Kane’s Hannibal: Enemy of Rome is a gripping and action-packed novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous Second Punic Wars. Kane takes readers on a gripping journey as two young boys, Hanno and Quintus, are torn apart by the fierce rivalry between Rome and Carthage.
Despite their differences, the boys forge a bond that the brutalities of war put to the test, as Hannibal Barca, the brilliant Carthaginian general, leads his army across the Alps to strike at the heart of the Roman Republic. With its vividly depicted battle scenes, complex characters, and high stakes, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and military epics alike.
Feast Of Sorrow – Crystal King
Set against a backdrop of the wealth and decadence of Ancient Rome, Crystal King’s debut novel is the story of the man who pioneered the world’s oldest cookbook, and how his ambition would eventually lead to his dramatic downfall. Feast of Sorrow tells the story of the young cook, Thrasius, whom the infamous gourmet Marcus Gavius Apicius hires. Apicius, a man obsessed with lavish parties and exotic foods, welcomes Thrasius into his home.
Thrasius quickly falls in love with Apicius’ daughter, Passia. However, as Apicius continues to climb the ranks of Roman society, his disregard for anyone who might stand in his way soon draws the attention of enemies across the city. Before long, he and his new family find themselves at the mercy of the most powerful forces in Rome.
Shadow Of The Eagle (The Borderlands #1) – Damion Hunter
Faustus Valerianus is the son of a Roman father and a British mother, a captive sold off as a spoil of war following Cladius’ invasion. When his parents die within a month of each other, Faustus sells his family estate and enlists in general Agricola’s campaign to conquer the remaining free lands of the British Isles.
There, Faustus is forced to contend with ferocious Britons and the hostile elements in the shadows of the Caledonian mountains, culminating in one of the most fabled battles in the ancient world. But, nestled deep in the heart of enemy territory, Faustus will find himself torn between his Roman roots and the calling of his mother’s people…
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
