Last Road to Rome | Susan Illene

Hesitating because you don’t like historical settings? Reconsider…

Early Goodreads reviewers are loving the historical elements of A Time of Gladiators and Fate:

“ATOGAF is fiction at it’s core, but the historical accuracy has been educational for me and wholly immersive. I found myself questioning if I could do what Grace has done? Would I survive if this happened to me? Could I use or eat that? It’s masterful in how the facts have been woven in.“ ~Lois (Goodreads)

“Susan has clearly done her research; every historical element feels considered and authentic. What I appreciated most is that she hasn’t glorified or glamourised Rome and that period into something it wasn’t. So much historical fiction sands down the brutality and complexity of the ancient world for the sake of spectacle, but this story resists that, and it’s so much stronger for it.” ~AJ (Goodreads)

Written by a veteran and history major, this book brings 1st-century Rome to life with gut-wrenching arena action, modern humor, and incredible female friendships. Yes, there’s a bit of romance, too. I won’t deny you’ll learn a few things about the period, but you’ll also get to watch how a modern woman tackles the foreign and ancient ways of life. Sometimes with aplomb, sometimes not. The sponge on a stick situation has definitely left early readers with conflicting thoughts.

A Time of Gladiators and Fate will give some urban fantasy and romantasy vibes, but it is also different enough to be a great palate cleanser from your usual favorite genres. It’s also a fun way to take a step outside your comfort zone. Plus, it has gladiators, so what’s not to love?

⚔️ Coming soon to Kindle Unlimited! Also available in hardcover for pre-order on major retailers. The paperback isn’t available for pre-order, but it will release on Amazon Friday, October 9th!

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon AU
Amazon CA

I am so excited to reveal the cover for A Time of Gladiators and Fate. This is a novel I’ve dreamed of writing for so long, and it’s a great pleasure to bring it to you soon. I’m working through revisions and beta reader feedback before it goes to the editor next month. The official release date is October 12th.

All the details about the book, including the cover, summary, tropes, and pre-order links are below. I am changing things up with this one by releasing it straight to KU (Kindle Unlimited). Having said that, the hardcover will still be widely available (and the Realm of Zadrya books will still go wide first to accommodate those already following that series).

If you’d like a taste first before committing, I’ll be posting the first three chapters late next week. It should give you an idea of whether or not you’re ready for the madness that ensues in this book.

As for audio, I’m going to run A Time of Gladiators and Fate (ATOGAF) by my audio publisher first, but if they’re not interested, I’ll handle it another way to make sure it happens. Regardless, it won’t release with the ebook, but I will get it out as soon as I can to those who prefer that format. Be sure to check back for updates.

Now, on to the cover!

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