The Emperor's Spy cover art

The Emperor's Spy

Rome, Book 1

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The Emperor's Spy

By: Manda Scott
Narrated by: Philip Stevens
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

From the Sunday Times best-selling author Manda Scott, a high-octane, stirring and exciting historical adventure full of intrigue and action. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Robert Harris and Conn Iggulden.

AD 64. Rome is burning. Only one man can save it.

The emperor: Nero, emperor of Rome and feared by his subjects for his temper and cruelty, is in possession of an ancient document predicting that Rome will burn.

The spy: Sebastos Pantera, assassin and spy for the Roman Legions, is ordered to stop the impending cataclysm. He knows that if he doesn't, his life - and that of thousands of others - is in terrible danger.

The chariot boy: Math, a young charioteer, subject to the wiles and schemes of the emperor and the spy.

Who will win this game, where death stalks the drivers - on the track and off it?

©2010 Manda Scott (P)2021 Penguin Audio Action & Adventure Ancient Historical Historical Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Espionage Mystery Rome

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Critic reviews

"As exciting as Ben Hur, and far more accurate...." (The Independent)

"A gripping tale...." (Daily Mail)
All stars
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I tried this having loved the Boudica series by Manda Scott. Although I haven't found the characters as compelling as those in the stories about Boudica, it is nevertheless a great listen and I would recommend it to anyone to try, whether a fan of Manda Scott or new to her writing. Looking forward to the second instalment now.

An entertaining listen

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Having recently read the Boudica series which was excellent I was looking forward to this new series coming out, and I was not disappointed. Great story which follows on from the Boudica series, so I would suggest reading that 1st, as the characters link which makes it much more interesting. Brilliantly read as always by Philip Stevens who is probably my favourite narrator at the moment.

Great follow on to the Boudica Series

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Thoroughly enjoyed listening to another great story by Manda Scott. This really helped fill the void left after finishing the Boudica books & it was great to hear some familiar names in this story.
As always, Philip Stevens narration is spot on & a joy to listen to. Can't wait to get stuck into the next one!

A great follow up to the Boudica series.

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It’s a shame the chapter numbers don’t match the audio. Overall really good. Well worth listening to.

Really good story, well read.

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An exploration of the culture of Rome & her provinces & the tussle between the forces that hold her together & pull her apart told through the lives of real (Nero /Seneca) and imagined characters whose bravery & peril & love shine through. Thought provoking & inspiring.

Conjuring a world

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