Review\n''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, watching all the big names -- Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Livia, Augustus -- from an angle never seen before.'' --Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of The Confessions of Young Nero\n''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\n''Riveting...This smart repartee captivates in every way...Well done.'' --Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Warsaw Protocol\n''Macleod gives readers a very rich picture of what the day-to-day life of the Vestal Virgins was like...as the book's lean, fast-paced plot advances. 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\n''A fantastic book with excellent research done into the history of Rome ... Those famous figures really came to life, as does everyday life in ancient Rome. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in historical fiction, and I look forward to the next book in the Vesta Shadows Series.'' --Portland Book Review\n''The Brides of Rome tells a familiar story of a harsh and brutal time, from an unfamiliar point of view ... The mix of characters from pompous, spoiled, greedy and weak to brave, benevolent and honorable made for a real page-turner ... A very enjoyable historical fiction.'' --Book Junkie Reviews\n''The novel's attention to period detail and the mores and attitudes of the times make this a fascinating story of Roman life, told from a wholly new perspective.'' --Midwest Book Review\nBook One in the Vesta Shadows Series--This must-read novel brings the Vestal order to life like never before. 
It is a world of power and privilege, secrets and sacred duty. It is the world of ancient Rome. And it is the esteemed Vestal Virgins -- priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the home and hearth -- who protect the Eternal Flame that protects the Eternal City. 
Dedicated to a thirty-year vow of chaste service, Priestess Pomponia finds herself swept up in the intrigue, violence, wars, and bedroom politics of Rome's elite -- Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian and his maneuvering wife, Livia -- all the while guarding the secret affection she has in her heart. 
But when a charge of incestum -- a broken vow of chastity -- is made against the Vestal order, the ultimate punishment looms: death by being buried alive in the ''Evil Field.'' 
In Brides of Rome, Book One in the Vesta Shadows series, Debra May Macleod skillfully re-creates the world of ancient Rome with all its brutality and brilliance, all its rich history and even richer legend. A true page-turner that is as smart as it is compelling, this must-read novel brings the Vestal order to life like never before. 
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 Roma

Brides of Rome: A Novel of the Vestal Virgins (Vesta Shadows Series, Book 1) (Vesta Shadows Series, 1) (Vesta Shadows, 1)

Literature & Fiction

Debra May Macleod

Genre Fiction

Blackstone Publishing

Book Two in the Vesta Shadows Series--The Gripping Sequel to Brides of Rome 
While Caesar rules the world, the Vestal Virgins wield hidden power. 
In the stratified world of ancient Rome, there are citizens and slaves, soldiers and senators, priests and priestesses -- and Caesar Augustus rules them all. Yet his authority holds only as long as the people believe the gods of Rome support him, particularly the beloved goddess of the home and hearth, Vesta. 
As chief Vestal Virgin, Pomponia continues to devote her life to protecting her order and the eternal flame of Vesta. She has risen to a position of esteem in Rome and is a valued member of Caesar's inner circle. But now a contagion ravages the city and tension rises among Rome's inhabitants. 
While she struggles to manage the Vestal order and maintain the favor of the goddess, Pomponia must now face a malevolent nobleman, Soren, whose machinations against her threaten not just her friendship with Caesar, but everything she loves. 
In To Be Wolves, Book Two in The Vesta Shadows series, Debra May Macleod takes us back to her richly crafted and meticulously researched vision of ancient Rome, artfully re-created with both historical and all-new characters, from conniving elites to celebrity slaves. An even bolder offering than its predecessor, this gripping sequel to Brides of Rome explores an even darker side of Rome. 
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 dramatizes 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.

To Be Wolves (Vesta Shadows Series, Book 2) (Vesta Shadows Trilogy) (The Vestal Virgins, 2)

About the Author\nDEBRA MAY MACLEOD is an author of historical fiction focusing on the ancient Roman religion of Vesta and the Vestal Virgins. She is privileged to have been invited to participate in research excursions in the Forum Romanum, the Forum of Caesar and Imperial Fora, including places inaccessible to the general public, and informs her writing and work with this invaluable perspective. Debra has a bachelor of arts (English, classics) as well as a law degree. She lives in Canada with her husband and son, visiting Italy often for research (and sun).\nFor the heroes of Rome, and its enemies, it is a time of reckoning. 
There is a saying in Rome: the Tarpeian Rock is close to the capitol. Meaning that even at the height of power, one is never far from a fall. As the Vestalis Maxima, Pomponia has guided her order through the collapse of Rome's Republic and the rise of the Empire. Her wit and piety have elevated the Vestals to a position of unprecedented prestige--and her friendship with Caesar Augustus has afforded her personally a life of political influence and privilege. She has been adored and untouchable. 
Yet that illusion of safety has been shattered by a ruthless enemy who continues to menace her from the shadows, his vengeful nature escalating to terrifying new heights that threaten not just Pomponia, but all those she cares for -- including the emperor himself. 
Worse, it seems that the gods are also turning against her when the Vestal order suffers an unparalleled crisis that Pomponia must answer for. Struggling to maintain her position, Pomponia looks to her slaves and a renegade charioteer for support as her complex relationship with her protégé, Quintina, brings painful secrets to light. 
Faced with threats from all directions, Pomponia must be willing to sacrifice everything -- even her own morality -- to protect her status, the Vestal order, and the lives of those around her. 
In Empire of Iron, the unflinching conclusion to the Vesta Shadows trilogy, Pomponia realizes that, like Rome itself, she must become even more ruthless than her enemies if she is to survive. 
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 dramatizes 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.

Empire of Iron: A Novel of the Vestal Virgins (The Vesta Shadows Trilogy)

Blackstone Publishing, Inc.

Review\n''The Brides of Rome tells a familiar story of a harsh and brutal time, from an unfamiliar point of view...The mix of characters from pompous, spoiled, greedy and weak to brave, benevolent and honorable made for a real page-turner...A very enjoyable historical fiction.'' --Book Junkie Reviews\n''A fantastic book with excellent research done into the history of Rome...Those famous figures really came to life, as does everyday life in ancient Rome. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in historical fiction, and I look forward to the next book in the Vesta Shadows Series.'' --Portland Book Review\n''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, watching all the big names--Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Livia, Augustus -- from an angle never seen before.'' --Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of The Confessions of Young Nero\n''A riveting imagined world ripped right from the pages of history, this smart repartee captivates in every way. It's atmospheric and tense, allowing the reader to easily conjure up what it must have been like to be a Roman vestal virgin. Well done.'' --Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Warsaw Protocol\n''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\n''Macleod gives readers a very rich picture of what the day-to-day life of the Vestal Virgins was like...as the book's lean, fast-paced plot advances. 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\n''The novel's attention to period detail and the mores and attitudes of the times make this a fascinating story of Roman life, told from a wholly new perspective.'' --Midwest Book Review\nBook One in the Vesta Shadows Series--This must-read novel brings the Vestal order to life like never before. 
It is a world of power and privilege, secrets and sacred duty. It is the world of ancient Rome. And it is the esteemed Vestal Virgins -- priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the home and hearth -- who protect the Eternal Flame that protects the Eternal City. 
Dedicated to a thirty-year vow of chaste service, Priestess Pomponia finds herself swept up in the intrigue, violence, wars, and bedroom politics of Rome's elite -- Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian and his maneuvering wife, Livia -- all the while guarding the secret affection she has in her heart. 
But when a charge of incestum -- a broken vow of chastity -- is made against the Vestal order, the ultimate punishment looms: death by being buried alive in the ''Evil Field.'' 
In Brides of Rome, Book One in the Vesta Shadows series, Debra May Macleod skillfully re-creates the world of ancient Rome with all its brutality and brilliance, all its rich history and even richer legend. A true page-turner that is as smart as it is compelling, this must-read novel brings the Vestal order to life like never before. 
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

Brides of Rome: A Novel of the Vestal Virgins (Vesta Shadows Series, Book 1) (Vesta Shadows, 1) (The Vesta Virgins)

When passion is punishable by death, can one priestess keep her emotions concealed and help steer the course of history?\nAncient Rome is a world of power and privilege, secrets and sacred duty. The esteemed priestesses of Vesta - the Vestal Virgins - are charged with ensuring the Eternal Flame in their temple never goes out. While it burns, Rome cannot fall. They are known as the Brides of Rome. 
Dedicated to a thirty-year vow of chaste service, Priestess Pomponia finds herself swept up in the intrigue, violence, wars and bedroom politics of Rome's elite - Julius Caesar, Marc Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian and Livia - all the while guarding the secret affection she has in her heart. 
But when a charge of incestum - a broken vow of chastity - is made against the Vestal order, the ultimate punishment looms: death by being buried alive. 
Debra May Macleod skilfully recreates the world of ancient Rome with all its brutality and brilliance, all its rich history and even richer legend. A true page-turner that is as smart as it is compelling, this must-read novel brings the Vestal order to life like never before. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Margaret George.\nPraise for Brides of Rome\n'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\nThe Vesta Shadows series\nThe 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.

Brides of Rome: A compelling novel of ancient Rome: 1 (The Vesta Shadows series)

Contemporary

Canelo

Peace is like a flame - easily extinguished. 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. Praise for Brides of Rome '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 series 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.

To Be Wolves: A breathtaking novel of the Vestal Virgins: 2 (The Vesta Shadows series)

Empire of Iron

It is a world of power and privilege, secrets and sacred duty. It is the world of ancient Rome. And it is the esteemed Vestal Virgins--priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the home and hearth--who protect the Eternal Flame that protects the Eternal City. Dedicated to a thirty-year vow of chaste service, Priestess Pomponia finds herself swept up in the intrigue, violence, wars, and bedroom politics of Rome's elite--Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian and his maneuvering wife, Livia--all the while guarding the secret affection she has in her heart. But when a charge of incestum--a broken vow of chastity--is made against the Vestal order, the ultimate punishment looms: death by being buried alive in the "Evil Field." In Brides of Rome, Book One in the Vesta Shadows series, Debra May Macleod skillfully re-creates the world of ancient Rome with all its brutality and brilliance, all its rich history and even richer legend. A true page-turner that is as smart as it is compelling, this must-read novel brings the Vestal order to life like never before.

Brides of Rome: A Novel of the Vestal Virgins (Vesta Shadows Series, Book1) (Vesta Shadows Series, 1)

To Be Wolves: A Novel of the Vestal Virgins (*LARGE PRINT)(Vesta Shadows Trilogy, Book 2 (Large Print)) (Vesta Shadows Trilogy (Large Print))

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Debra May Macleod. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Debra May Macleod