New author: Brook Allen

We've added Brook Allen to our list of authors publishing fiction set in ancient Rome, Brook has written three novels known as The Antonius Trilogy, which tells the story of Mark Anthony (or Marcus Antonius) from the age of eleven through to his relationship with Cleopatra and the war with Octavian:

1. Antonius: Son of Rome

For over two thousand years, Marcus Antonius--Marc Antony--has been one of history's most controversial men. His story was buried with him and written by his enemies. Now his entire saga is revealed in a compelling trilogy by Brook Allen.

After young Marcus Antonius's father dies in disgrace, he yearns to restore his family's honor during the final days of Rome's dying Republic. Marcus is rugged, handsome, and owns abundant military talent, but upon entering manhood, he falls prey to the excesses of a violent society. His whoring, gambling, and drinking eventually reap dire consequences. Through a series of personal tragedies, Marcus must come into his own through blood, blades, and death. Once he finally earns a military commission, he faces an uphill battle to earn the respect and admiration of soldiers, proconsuls, and kings. Desperate to redeem his name and carve a legacy for himself, he refuses to let warring rebels, scheming politicians, or even an alluring young Egyptian princess stand in his way.

2. Antonius: Second in Command

After proving himself as a formidable cavalry commander, Marcus Antonius finally earns a position at his kinsman Julius Caesar’s side. However, Caesar is an exacting general, demanding complete allegiance from his staff, even when his decisions put him at odds with the Senate. Marcus’s loyalty to Caesar comes at a cost, and he soon finds himself embroiled in mob violence and military mutinies. As civil war brings Rome’s Republic crashing down, many a relationship is torn asunder, including Marcus’s marriage. Determined to rise triumphant in Rome’s new era, Marcus faces his fears, his failures, and his enemies—not the least of whom is himself.

Amid the crisis of the Ides of March, Marcus must don the mantle of ruthlessness to carve his own legacy in Rome’s history. Enemies have been made, wills have been read, and heirs proclaimed. But in Rome’s civil unrest, blood answers only to blood.

3. Antonius: Soldier of Fate

Marcus Antonius has it all-power, prestige, a heroic military reputation, and the love of Queen Cleopatra. But as master of Rome's Eastern provinces and kingdoms, he must maintain peace, and in so doing, he sacrifices his own happiness, yoked within a loveless marriage and an eroding alliance. As Octavian's star rises, Marcus must compete with his rival's success, though it leads to an embittered struggle threatening to end their unity.

Once Marcus finally takes matters into his own hands, his fate becomes tied to the East-and Cleopatra. Far from Rome and his seat of power, a horrific campaign to fulfill Julius Caesar's vision will forever alter him. He is a man torn between two countries and two families, and ultimately-a soldier fated to be the catalyst transforming Rome from Republic to Empire.

Brook's novels are available in paperback and kindle format. If you want to read more about Brook and her work, her website is brookallenauthor.com and she posts on twitter as @1BrookAllen.

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