The Byzantine Saga (Books 1–4)

By Richard Blake

Deal Ends: Mon 16th March

“A masterfully wrought thriller set in the dying light of the ancient world.”– Historical Fiction ReviewsConstantinople, 617 AD.Roderic of Aquileia is condemned to death in the bowels of the Imperial capital. A teenage Gothic forger with nothing left to lose, he is plucked from his chains by Alaric, the Emperor’s enigmatic Lord Treasurer. Offered a brutal choice—death or total obedience—Roderic is swept into a world of code-breaking, covert missions, and political subterfuge.From the decadent court of Constantinople to the perilous borderlands of Thrace and the scheming palaces of Ravenna, The Byzantine Saga follows Roderic’s transformation from condemned criminal to imperial agent—spy, assassin, and apprentice to the most dangerous man in the Empire. As the Eastern Roman Empire teeters on the brink of collapse under the twin threats of the Avars and the Persians, Roderic must navigate a treacherous path of shifting alliances, ruthless ambition, and forbidden loyalties.Will his wits and training be enough to survive a world where truth is relative, trust is fatal, and every choice may lead to empire—or execution?"The Empire is not a people. It is a contagion."The Byzantine Saga is an explosive historical thriller box set for fans of Robert Harris, Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, and Steven Saylor.What reviewers are saying:“Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.”— Derek Jacobi“He knows how to deliver a fast-paced story and his grasp of the period is impressively detailed.”— The Mail on Sunday“A rollicking and raunchy read . . . Anyone who enjoys their history with large dollops of action, sex, intrigue and, above all, fun will absolutely love this novel.”— Historical Novels“It would be hard to over-praise this extraordinary series, a near-perfect blend of historical detail and atmosphere with the plot of a conspiracy thriller, vivid characters, high philosophy and vulgar comedy.”— The Morning Star“Vivid characters, devious plotting and buckets of gore are enhanced by his unfamiliar choice of period… Nasty, fun and educational.”— The Daily TelegraphIncludes all four thrilling novels in one box set: Game of Empires, Death in Ravenna, Crown of Empire, and The Devil’s Treasure.