In the heart of a fractured Rome, as Pompey the Great triumphs in Hispania against a sea of rebellion, a fire stirs on the slopes of Vesuvius.
Here, in the shadow of the mighty volcano, an unprecedented alliance of slaves and gladiators dares to challenge the very foundations of power. Their thirst for freedom is ignited by a shared dream — an insatiable hunger for a life beyond chains.
For Tesserarius Lucius Porcianus, the tides of rebellion offer a glimmer of hope. Recently promoted and eager to reunite with his family, Lucius has long been estranged from his son, who has grown up in the shadow of his absence.
Yet, as he journeys back home, the reality of a crumbling empire unfolds before him. The elite leaders of Rome –drunk with arrogance and avarice — underestimate the fury of those they sought to subjugate. With chaos on the horizon, Lucius finds himself thrust into a pivotal role, grappling with the weight of leadership and the moral dilemmas that accompany it.
As loyalties are tested and sacrifices made, Lucius must navigate a world where fate hangs by a thread. Each choice he makes could tip the scales towards freedom or doom, as the rebellion gathers momentum, threatening to engulf everything he holds dear. Will Lucius rise to the occasion, inspiring courage in those around him, or will the sacrifice of his comrades be in vain?
Sacrifice by Griff Hosker is published on 24 October, 2025. It’s the second book in his Roman Rebellion series.
Our round-up of over 200 historical books to look forward to in 2025 has many more suggestions for you to look at.
