When Lord Bomilcar dies under suspicious circumstances during a hunting trip, his loyal servant Bruneus — a battle-hardened Celt with a heart as vast as the untamed landscape — finds himself thrust into a chain of events that will shape the destiny of those he holds dear.
As his young master, Himilco Bomilcar, wrestles with grief, the weight of his father’s shadow and the call for retribution, Bruneus steps in as both protector and mentor.
Together, as they seek justice for the death of Lord Bomilcar, the duo are drawn into the explosive decadence of Carthaginian politics, where the definition of loyalty is tested against the backdrop of vengeance and ambition.
Under the formidable leadership of Hamilcar Barca, the two prepare to join an audacious campaign into Iberia, a land brimming with seductive beauty and treacherous rivals.
Betrayal and alliances intertwine as Bruneus and Himilco navigate the dangerous tides of power, love and sacrifice. Their bond of friendship fosters an indomitable spirit, but will it be enough to support them as they face enemies from both within and beyond?
Will Bruneus and Himilco emerge victorious, or will they become casualties of a larger game that stretches all the way to the heart of Rome? Immerse yourself in a thrilling tale that will leave readers pondering one question: how far would you go to protect those you love?
Challenge to Rome by Griff Hosker is published on 30 November, 2026.
For more of this year’s new historical fiction, have a look at Historia’s list of over 210 books coming out in 2026.
