Borderlands Series

‘The Britons are like the red kite and hunt what they can but we are the Empire’s eagles that take what we want.’

It has been twelve years since Faustus Valerianus first arrived in Britain, a centurion in the conquering Roman army. Many battles have been won, many allegiances gained. But those victories hide a more complex truth.

In West Britain, the powerful Silures led by King Loarn plot their rebellion, fighting back against the now diminished strength of their Roman occupiers. Faustus, whose mother was born to this tribe, finds himself trapped between loyalty to the army and compassion for his mother’s people.

With a fragile peace on a knife edge, the smallest spark could incite chaos. And a sudden, terrible tragedy that rocks Faustus and his family, fracturing the relationship between him and his sister Silvia, promises to be that very moment.

With a great, final conflict on the horizon, and with Silvia potentially the key to it all, Faustus must not only come to terms with the realities of his position, as soldier and head of the family, but lay the demons that haunt him to rest if he is to ever achieve his own peace.

But what peace is even possible, for a bird of prey?

A beautifully presented Ancient Roman epic of familial strife, ruthless battles and fierce love, perfect for fans of Manda Scott, Rosemary Sutcliff and Bernard Cornwell.

Loyalty to your people. Loyalty to Rome. Only one can remain

‘Wonderful, distinct characters’ Conn Iggulden

Centurion Faustus Valerianus marched with Julius Agricola on his six-year campaign to conquer the north of Britain. With Agricola now returned to Rome, Faustus is sent to Hibernia with exiled Irish prince Tuathal Techtmar to reclaim his throne, to crown a new king.

But victory is a fleeting thing, and back in Caledonia fears grow that the land won so convincingly may soon slip away. Both here, and across the narrow sea, Rome’s control and influence are at greater risk than ever before.

As events cascade towards a climactic, devastating battle, Faustus must finally come to terms with his heritage, resolve his complicated love for a British woman, and lay his father’s shadow, still stalking him from the afterworld, to rest, once and for all.

An aching, poignant tale of love, family and warfare in the age of Rome, a must read for fans of Conn Iggulden, Manda Scott and Rosemary Sutcliff.

Will Britain take him in… or mark him as its enemy?

‘A brilliantly realised world of Imperial ambition and native resistance’ Simon Scarrow’Wonderful, distinct characters’ Conn IgguldenFaustus Valerianus is the son of a Roman father and a British mother, a captive sold among the spoils after Claudius’s invasion.

Now both parents have died within a month of each other, and so he sells the family farm and enlists, joining legendary general Agricola’s campaign to conquer the entirety of the British Isles culminating in a devastating battle amongst Caledonia’s dark mountains.

But Faustus will have to contend with more than ferocious British warriors and whip-cracking elements. For the bonds of blood can weigh heavy on one’s soul. The call of his mother’s true people. His father’s restless shadow. Faustus must carry them with him

A deeply moving, gripping, epic historical drama, perfect for fans of Rosemary Sutcliff, Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow.

Praise for Shadow of the Eagle ‘Faustus is a fascinating character and it’s a treat to see how he negotiates the challenges he faces. His duties in the service of Rome comprise a truly Faustian pact!’ Simon Scarrow

‘I adored Faustus and Constantia in particular. Great sense of humour throughout. This is a terrific read’ Conn Iggulden

‘I only need one word to describe this stunning novel: masterful’ Anthony Riches, Sunday Times bestselling author of Wounds of Honour

‘Blood, steel, honour, and a deep and gripping tale of the Roman army on the frontier of the empire. Hunter has created an instant classic’ S J A Turney, author of the Marius’ Mules series

‘A haunting, historical epic’ Gordon Doherty, author of Sons of Rome

‘Enthralling and authentic historical roman fiction, that brings the period alive and keeps you turning the page’ Alex Gough, author of Emperor’s Sword