Brought to you by Penguin.

From the Sunday Times bestselling author Manda Scott, a high-octane, stirring and exciting historical adventure full of intrigue and action. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Robert Harris and Conn Iggulden.

TO SAVE ROME HE MUST PLACE HIS TRUST IN ANOTHER.

Sebastos Pantera, known to his many enemies as the Leopard and something of a lone wolf, is the spy the Emperor Nero uses only for the most challenging and important of missions. His next mission: to find the most dangerous man in Rome's empire and bring him to bloody justice.

His prey is cunning, subtle and ruthless. Saulos has pledged to bring about the destruction of Rome and her provinces and now fate, good luck and planning have given him the means to do so.

The brilliance of Saulos' plan will be difficult to combat, but Pantera has a new ally: a king in the making who could change the future of his people - a man he can finally trust. If they work together, they could bring a province back from the edge of ruin.

But first, they must attempt the impossible; an assault on an invulnerable fortress, where failure means death to them both.

'Intricately woven, cleverly plotted. Miss this at your peril!' -- BEN KANE

'Intelligent, historical...I was bereft when I turned the final page.' -- ROBERT LOW

'A dazzling, wonderfully crafted tale. Spellbinding.' -- GILES KRISTIAN

© Manda Scott 2011 (P) Penguin Audio 2021