by SophiaMcDougall (Author)
In 2756 AC (2003 AD in Christian terms), magnetic railways span Roman territory from Persia to Terranova, and mechanised crucifixes are ranked along the banks of the Thames. As volume one of ROMANITAS opens, Marcus Novius Faustus Leo, heir apparent to the Imperial throne, is mourning the death of his parents following a tragic accident. However, as information about the last days of his father's life becomes known to him, Marcus realises that his father's death was no accident and that his own life is in danger. Meanwhile, an escaped slave girl called Una, who possesses the power to look inside others' minds, struggles to save her brother, Sulien, from a London prison ship. In a fortune teller's stall in a Gallic flea-market, Marcus, Una and Sulien's paths cross, and the fate of the Empire rests on their shoulders...
Format: Paperback
Pages: 544
Edition: Reprint
Publisher: Orion
Published: 22 Mar 2006
ISBN 10: 0752877097
ISBN 13: 9780752877099
Book Overview: ROMANITAS takes you into an amazing world which is recognisably contemporary and yet also far removed from our own. It combines the 'what if' magnetism of FATHERLAND and the epic scale of GLADIATOR. Will appeal to every age group from young adults upwards. Has the same cross-genre appeal of Philip Pullman's HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy. This first-time author is only 24 and is extremely promotable. She also has a breadth of imagination beyond belief. Supported by a huge marketing/pr campaign - 'Romanitas.com' has already been registered. The ROMANITAS novels are destined to be a major series (and brand) for many years to come. 'A fast moving, compelling story, brilliantly imagined' Conn Iggulden. '[A] hugely imaginative debut' Mirror. 'A thoroughly good read ... vividly imagined ... elegant, lively writing' Sunday Telegraph. The second in the trilogy, ROME BURNING, is published in Orion trade, Autumn 06.