Emperor: The Gods of War

Book excerpt: Julius Caesar’s final destiny will be decided not by legions, but by his friend Brutus and a bewitching Egyptian queen named Cleopatra in this thrilling novel of Ancient Rome from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Emperor: The Gates of Rome. “Delightfully entertaining historical fiction.”—Booklist 53 B.C.: Fresh from victory in Gaul, Julius Caesar leads battle-hardened legions across the Rubicon river—threatening Rome herself. Even the master strategist Pompey is caught unprepared by the strike and forced to abandon his city. The armies of Rome are poised to face each other at last in civil war, led by the two greatest generals ever to walk the seven hills. For Caesar, the campaign against Pompey will test his military genius and his appetite for glory as the greatest fighting machine the world has ever seen divides against itself in a bloody conflict that sets brother against brother until victory or death. But another kingdom beckons—a world of ancient mysteries and languid sensuality, where a beautiful, bewitching woman waits to snare Caesar’s heart. From the spectacles of the arena to the whispered lies of conspirators, Emperor: The Gods of War brings to life a world of monumental drama: of politics and passion, ruthless ambition and private grief, and the corruption of power itself. And at its heart is one extraordinary friendship—marked by fierce loyalty and bitter betrayal, with dark events shrouded in noble ideals. Ancient Rome comes to vivid life in Conn Iggulden’s Emperor series: THE GATES OF ROME • THE DEATH OF KINGS • THE FIELD OF SWORDS • THE GODS OF WAR • THE BLOOD OF GODS