In this thrilling novel by Jennifer A. Nielsen, the captivating author of the bestselling Ascendance Trilogy, readers are taken on a gripping adventure filled with greed, power, and destiny. The story follows Nic, a young slave working in the oppressive mines outside of ancient Rome. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is forced to enter a sealed cavern, rumored to hold the legendary treasures of Julius Caesar.
As Nic explores the cavern, he stumbles upon an extraordinary discovery: an ancient bulla, a powerful amulet once belonging to Caesar himself. This is no ordinary treasure, as the bulla is infused with magic so potent that it was once reserved for the gods. With this artifact now pulsating through his veins, Nic's desire for freedom ignites, setting him on a perilous path.
However, Nic soon realizes that he is not alone in his pursuit of freedom. A ruthless conspiracy brews as various factions in Rome seek to exploit his newfound powers for their own ends. Traitors and spies lurk at every corner, each more desperate than the last to control the fate of Nic and the empire itself. The stakes soar higher as Nic finds himself at the heart of a rebellion that threatens to ignite a war against the Praetor, aimed at dismantling Rome from within.
To navigate this treacherous landscape, Nic must learn to harness the extraordinary magic bestowed upon him. The choices he makes could not only determine his own fate but also the future of Rome. Join Nic on this exhilarating quest filled with unexpected twists, intricate conspiracies, and the ultimate test of courage, loyalty, and self-discovery.
