Hudson’s historical novel follows a cast of characters facing the decline of the 5th-century Roman Empire.

It is 409 CE in northern Gaul. Nehtan is a 17-year-old slave owned by a centurion named Marcellinus. The Romans maintain a military presence in Gaul; sometimes, relations with the locals turn hostile. When the wagon train Nehtan travels in is attacked, everyone but her is killed. Enter 19-year-old Fromus, a Roman from Britannia who is part of a delegation sent to meet Emperor Honorius. He happens upon Nehtan on his journey and decides to take her along. Fromus is not used to meeting someone like Nehtan, as he “had never been so near to a non-patrician for such a long time.” The ruling class in Britannia are unhappy with their situation—they are threatened by barbarian groups like the Saxons and receive little help from the Empire. Fromus’ delegation is in Gaul “to profess loyalty” and ask Honorius “for permission to raise militia for defense against barbarian raiders” and against a usurper named Constantinus. Even if “Most of Gaul is safe,” the journey to Italy will not be easy. Fromus’ backstory is dense with exposition, detailing the uneasy emergence of Christianity and an empire under duress while “Gaul is in flames” and “Italy is full of Goths”; this portion of the narrative may require re-reading to fully appreciate the situation. Readers will be rewarded for their attention; this complex time is an astounding, oft-overlooked period in ancient history. The story delivers compelling violence and danger, such as when one character “mounted and forced his horse to canter almost blindly in the tumbling snow.” Hudson effectively conveys the waning of a mighty empire through the difficulties his characters endure.

A well-observed period narrative overflowing with conflict and intrigue.