Roman Boy

Set in 125 CE, this gripping historical novel is a fascinating insight into the life of a teenage boy in Ancient Rome.

At 15 years old, Lucius is ready to come of age, but he has no male relatives to sponsor him, so he asks his rich and powerful stepfather, Gaius Metellus Corbulo, to adopt him. However, when a prophecy suggests that Lucius will join the army and become more successful than his stepfather, Gaius is furious.  

Lucius is sent to Britannia, supposedly to work, but Gaius secretly engages an assassin to kill the boy. Managing to escape, Lucius joins the army under a false name in the hope that Gaius won’t track him down. He works hard and shows leadership and courage, so rises through the ranks. He longs to fight under his own name, but will this put his life in danger?  

With plot twists, treachery and bloody battles, this thrilling tale incorporates many aspects of Roman life, from worship and sacrifice to slavery and the treatment of women.

The black-and-white illustrations will help readers to visualise the historic settings and characters, while a brief section at the end provides some historical context.