21 BC. After the turbulence of civil war, Augustus Caesar now rules Rome. Yet his authority is fragile, holding only so long as the people believe Rome’s gods support him, particularly the beloved goddess of home and hearth, Vesta.

Pomponia, now chief Vestal Virgin, continues to devote her life to the goddess. She has risen to a position of esteem in Rome and is a valued member of Caesar’s inner circle. But when a contagion starts to ravage the city, tensions rise among Rome’s inhabitants.

Meanwhile, a malevolent nobleman called Soren starts plotting against her, threatening not just her friendship with Caesar, but everything she loves...

Return to the meticulously researched world of Debra May Macleod’s ancient Rome in this gripping sequel to Brides of Rome. Perfect for fans of Colleen McCullough and Stephanie Dray.

'A fascinating look inside the lives of the enigmatic Vestal Virgins of Rome, who tended the sacred flame of Vesta in her temple in the Forum. But they were at the heart of Roman politics as well, true 'brides of Rome' who had a ringside seat in events of Roman history, and had a hand in them as well. Macleod lets us enter their forbidden and mysterious lives in a page-turning story of the birth of the Roman empire'
Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of The Confessions of Young Nero

'In an age of murderous warlords and ruthless politicians (often indistinguishable from one another) the seemingly benign Vestals could hold the balance of power. Debra May Macleod has written a fascinating mystery set within the relentlessly masculine world of Roman power politics, but seen through the lens of a unique, all-female institution. The Vestals did not just tend Rome's sacred flame. They guarded Rome's secrets'
John Maddox Roberts, author of the Edgar-nominated SPQR Roman Mystery series

'Riveting... This smart repartee captivates in every way'
Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Warsaw Protocol

'Macleod gives readers a very rich picture of what the day-to-day life of the Vestal Virgins was like. This is very intelligent and well-researched Roman historical fiction, populated with very strong female lead characters (including a scene-stealing rendition of Livia). A fine start to a promising series' Historical Novel Society

The Vesta Shadows trilogy spans decades, from 45 BCE to 14 CE. It follows the life of the Vestal priestess Pomponia Occia, who is inspired by the real Vestal Occia who lived during this time, serving in the Temple of Vesta for more than fifty years.

Set during the tumultuous years that saw the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus - and beyond - it dramatises some of the major historical events that occurred during her lifetime while simultaneously bringing ancient Rome to life with fast-paced, engrossing and visceral storylines played out by a striking cast of characters.