Master and God

Set in the reign of the Emperor Domitian in first-century Rome, Master and God is Lindsey Daviss meticulously researched epic novel of the life and times surrounding the last of the Flavian dynasty of emperors. In A.D. 81, Domitian seizes power upon the death of his older brother Titus and begins his reign as the Emperor of Rome. Afflicted by classic paranoia, the self-styled Master and God sees enemies everywhereand he is right. The Senate loathes him, his advisers are terrified, his wife cant be trusted and barbarians menace the frontiers. As he vents his suspicions, no one is safe... Gaius Vinius Clodianus is a reluctant Praetorian Guardthe Emperors personal bodyguardswho has survived physical and mental scars to rise to a high rank. Lucilla tends the privileged women at court; when Domitian's once talented rule unravels into madness and cruelty, she loses her patron. In the haven of their shared apartment, Gaius and Lucilla find solace together, yearning for normality while living in a reign of terror. Moves against Domitian are begun by his own household. Lucilla has to watch Gaius choose between love for her and the risk of death; between his sworn duty to protect the Emperor and conspiring to kill him for the good of Rome. Master and God is a compelling novel of the Roman Empirefrom the height of power to the depths of madnesstold from the perspective of two courtiers, unlikely friends who together are the witnesses to history. Review "Detailed and witty recounting of ancient Roman life, public and private, from the sure-handed Davis." -- Kirkus Reviews "Davis layers modern dialog and sensibilities on a lavishly described historical setting, creating a novel that is detailed and well paced." -- Library Journal "As weve come to expect, Daviss descriptions of Rome are vivid and lively ... a great yarn." -- The Daily Mail About the Author LINDSEY DAVISis the author of the New York Times bestselling series of historical mysteries featuring Marcus Didius Falco. She lives in London. Version : 5.0 Set in the reign of the Emperor Domitian in first-century Rome, Master and God is Lindsey Davis's meticulously researched epic novel of the life and times surrounding the last of the Flavian dynasty of emperors. Gaius Vinius is a reluctant Praetorian Guard - the Emperor's personal guard - and a man with a disastrous marriage history. Flavia Lucilla is also in the imperial court and she is responsible not only for having created the ridiculous hairstyle worn by the imperial ladies but for also making toupees for the balding and increasingly paranoid emperor. The two of them are brought together in an unlikely manner - a devastating fire in Rome - which then leads to a lifelong friendship. Together they watch Domitian's once talented rule unravel into madness and cruelty, until the people closest to him conspire to delete him from history. As an imperial bodyguard, Vinius then faces a tough decision Afflicted By Classic Paranoia, The Self-styled Master And God Sees Enemies Everywhere. As He Vents His Suspicions, No One Is Safe. A Reluctant Hero, Gaius Vinius Clodianus Is Hand-picked For High Rank In The Praetorian Guard A Brave Man Striving For Decency In A World Of Corruption And Deceit. Flavia Lucilla, Tending The Privileged Women At Court, Hears The Intimate Secrets Of A Ruler Who Plays With The Lives Of His Subjects As If He Were Indeed A Careless God. In The Dark Shadow Of Domitian's Reign, Clodianus And Lucilla Play Out Their Own Complex Tale Of Resilience, Friendship And Love. Unwilling Witnesses To Domitian's Descent Into Insanity, These Ordinary People Must Choose Between Their Sworn Duty To Protect The Emperor And An Act Of Courage That Will Change The Future Of Rome.