The Death of Kings (New ed)

The second volume in the acclaimed Emperor series, in which Conn Iggulden brilliantly interweaves history and adventure to recreate the astonishing life of Julius Caesar -- an epic tale of ambition and rivalry, bravery and betrayal, from an outstanding new voice in historical fiction. In The Gates of Rome, the young Julius Caesar had begun to make his mark when Rome was consumed by a devastating power struggle and he was forced to flee the burning city and join a war galley heading for Egypt.

Now we see the impetuous young man developing into a battle-hardened leader. After rapidly learning the ropes of life on board ship, Julius displays his leadership qualities as his crew gains a fearsome reputation patrolling the southern Mediterranean.

But these are dangerous waters, and no sooner has he led a memorable victory at Mytilene than the ship is captured by pirates. When they are finally set free on the north African coast, he gathers around him -- by astonishing strength of will -- a new force of men powerful enough not only to gain vengeance on the pirates, but also to suppress a new uprising by Mithridates in Greece. He returns to Rome a hero -- only for a new crisis to erupt.

A band of gladiators -- led by Spartacus -- has sparked a massive slave rebellion.

Without delay, Julius Caesar, Brutus and his other loyal followers must march north to confront the slave army that is threatening to destroy the Republic.