The Black Stone
On sale
5th June 2014
Price: £19.99
AD 273.
Obsessed by the solar religions of the east, the emperor Aurelian sets out to obtain every sacred object within his realm. But one – a mysterious rock said to channel the power of the sun god – lies beyond his reach. Warrior-priest Ilaha has captured the legendary stone and is using it to raise an army against Rome.
For Imperial agent Cassius Corbulo and ex-gladiator bodyguard Indavara, stopping him constitutes their greatest challenge yet. Assisted by a squad of undercover soldiers and a Saracen chieftain, they trek south across the deserts of Arabia, encountering sandstorms, murderous money-lenders and a ruthless German mercenary.
And when they finally reach Ilaha’s mountain fortress, they face thousands of warriors who will give their lives to protect him … and the black stone.
Obsessed by the solar religions of the east, the emperor Aurelian sets out to obtain every sacred object within his realm. But one – a mysterious rock said to channel the power of the sun god – lies beyond his reach. Warrior-priest Ilaha has captured the legendary stone and is using it to raise an army against Rome.
For Imperial agent Cassius Corbulo and ex-gladiator bodyguard Indavara, stopping him constitutes their greatest challenge yet. Assisted by a squad of undercover soldiers and a Saracen chieftain, they trek south across the deserts of Arabia, encountering sandstorms, murderous money-lenders and a ruthless German mercenary.
And when they finally reach Ilaha’s mountain fortress, they face thousands of warriors who will give their lives to protect him … and the black stone.
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Reviews
'Brown promises to be one of the most exciting sword-wielding writers in an ever-popular arena.'
Praise for AGENT OF ROME: THE SIEGE:
'A masterful debut from a new author completely at home in this era'
'Perfect pace, vivid combat sequences and superb characterisation'
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'Once the action kicks off you won't be able to put it down.'
'Brown has given this Roman military/adventure story a great twist in having Cassius hail from the secret service ranks ...<i>The Siege</i> is also a character study and offers a rare glimpse into 3rd century Rome and her occupation of Syria.'
'A thrilling and fascinating coming-of-age adventure'
'If you love Scarrow, adore Iggulden and of course admire Scott, then make sure you add Brown to your list. Great stuff.'
Praise for AGENT OF ROME: THE IMPERIAL BANNER:
'The Imperial Banner is Roman adventure at its best... brutal action leavened by a cynical brand of military humour, history, mystery, romance and an almost tangible sense of cohesion and camaraderie amongst Cassius and his cohorts. It's a formula that works well in so Brown's capable hands... Cassius's next assignment can't come too soon!'