Well, what do you think?
I have to admit I was a tiny bit anxious that this cover couldn’t possibly be as good as the cover of The Governor’s Man. But I needn’t have worried; my publisher Sharpe Books has done me proud again. I’m terribly pleased, and will be even more excited tomorrow.
Yes, they’re telling me 29 July is publication day for The Carnelian Phoenix. So I’ll be back then with the link to my brand-new ebook, and later this month with a date for the paperback.
Book review of the month
Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for a terrific Roman adventure and can’t wait till Quintus, Tiro and Julia barrel back into action on Friday, here’s a five-star review I wrote for Alistair Forrest’s new swashbuckler about the Battle of Actium. All a bit before my (third century) time, but with a Greek hero, Eurycles, who Quintus and Tiro would have liked a lot:
Alistair Forrest’s many fans will be familiar with his dashing Roman historical novels of the clever Agrippa and his spy network, set against the civil wars of the first century BC when the Republic of Rome became the greatest empire of the ancient world.
In Sea of Flames he gives us the story of Greek sailor Eurycles and the Amazonian Zara. The apparent heir of the assassinated Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, has joined forces with the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. But his inheritance is being contested by the boy Octavian, and the epic battle for Rome is set to take place. Eurycles has the death of his father to avenge, and his recruitment by Octavian’s spymaster Agrippa embroils the doughty Spartan and his loyal ship’s crew in the iconic showdown between Antony and Octavian.
Eurycles and Zara must choose sides, and when Zara’s brother, the famous geographer Strabo, is held captive by the cruel general Publicola, Agrippa gets his new allies.
The tension ramps up as the Battle of Actium begins. Alistair Forrest knows his sea battles, and every oarstroke, every flight of fire from the bolt-throwers, every twist and turn of Eurycles’ ship rings true as the great sea battle rages. A tremendous account of a pivotal battle, with engaging characters and a breathtaking and emotional climax.
Will the lovers win out? Will Eurycles and his ship Hera survive? Read this riveting thriller to find out.
Highly recommended.
Just started Carnelian. Loving it.
Having read both The Carnelian Phoenix and Sea of Flames, all I can say is read them both! Great historical novels, both of them.