I received this book from the author, Mitchell James Kaplan.

After the death of Christ, Romans continued to spread its influence throughout Europe. An ambitious general named Vespasian was tasked with claiming Albion (later Britain). In one village a fierce warrior named Muirgheal attempts to reason with Vespasian, hoping to avoid a massacre. Vespasian doesn’t negotiate. He kills the villagers, taking a young girl named Aislin, Muirgheal’s niece, hostage. He rapes, impregnates her, and abandons her as he continues his rout of Albion.

With nothing left in the world, Aislin vows she will someday exact revenge on Rome. As she travels into the world, making her way, she experiences many difficulties. Life is hard but she finds kindness with strangers. While in Rome, she is imprisoned for starting a fire. Rome burns.

Her cellmate is a Judean named Paulus. She hears of a man being called the Messiah. She sees the Zealots and Pharisees, Judeans and Romans fight each other. Ironically, she finds herself at the mercy of the very man she swore she would kill. Will he show her mercy a second time and allow her to live?

Mitchell James Kaplan has written a book that weaves politics, religion, and lifestyles into a captivating story. He immerses you into the turbulence of the times showing the disparity between classes and religions. He brings you full circle as the girl vowing vengeance is transformed into the woman who faces the future ruler of Rome.

This story is deep, rich, and haunting. Mitchell James Kaplan possesses the magnificent ability to breathe life into history with words. Reading this story is an exhilarating experience. I haven’t read a story with such lyrical prose in a long time. This story is wonderful and when combined with the beauty of Kaplan’s words, you wish it continued forever.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻 (plus a million more)

Additional Thoughts: I’ve always enjoyed stories about the Romans and their way of life. It was one of my favorite periods in history. The characters in this story are vivid and mesmerizing. The struggles they endure certainly put our current conditions into perspective.

I am so happy to have the opportunity to read and recommend this magnificent, lyrical book. Mitchell James Kaplan is an author of extraordinary talent.