Read my review of Rome by Ben Kane

 

For an empress to rise, a city must fall...

Rome, 410 AD

Half-sister to Emperor Honorius, unmarried and powerless, twenty-year-old Galla Placidia watches from the shadows as imperial policies are made and unmade.

Her plans to gain power and influence are halted when the city is besieged and captured by a vast army led by Alaric the Visigoth. Taken hostage, travelling out of Italy, Galla Placidia falls in love and marries a barbarian king.

At a time when Rome's power is fast dwindling, its authority diminishing year upon year, she embarks on a dangerous and remarkable journey towards the imperial throne.

But what price must a woman pay for power?

This is the compelling story of a little-known, remarkable woman whose burning ambition saw her, against all odds, become empress of Rome.

Book Review

✰✰✰✰✰

Rome by Ben Kane is the sort of historical novel that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. You’re dropped straight into the heat, grit, and politics of the ancient world, and it all feels so vivid you can practically hear the marching boots and the roar of the crowd.

What really stands out is how Kane writes his characters. They’re tough, stubborn, and a bit rough around the edges, but they feel genuinely human. You end up caring about them far more than you expect, and every close call or emotional blow lands with real impact. The friendships and rivalries feel completely natural.

The action scenes are brilliantly done. Kane has a knack for writing battles that are exciting without ever becoming confusing. The pacing is spot on, and there’s always something at stake, so every fight feels meaningful rather than just another bit of violence.

The quieter moments are just as strong. The book gives you a real sense of what daily life might have been like—loyalty, fear, duty, hope, and all the messy bits in between. It’s not just grand historical events; it’s the personal stories that make the world come alive.

All in all, Rome is gripping, atmospheric, and hugely entertaining. It’s the kind of book you sit down with for “just one chapter” and suddenly an hour has gone. If you enjoy ancient history, strong characters, or simply a cracking good story, this is an easy five-star read.