In the shadows of the Roman Colosseum, a young slave woman discovers friendship, belonging, and the fragile beginnings of love.
Rome, 80 AD. Althea has always lived unseen. A slave scribe, she records the words of powerful men while silencing her own voice.
But when she is sent to serve Marcus—the man charged with preparing the Colosseum’s first Games—her life begins to change. Haunted by the loss of his family in Pompeii, Marcus teeters on the edge of despair. To save him, Althea must step beyond obedience and into courage.
Amid the roar of the arena and the demands of an Emperor, Althea forms unexpected bonds: a sharp-tongued prostitute, a retired Vestal Virgin, a runaway boy, and others cast aside by Rome. Together, they become more than survivors. They become family. And in Marcus’ sadness, Althea begins to glimpse the tender possibility of love.
From the Ashes is a sweeping story of resilience, found family, and one woman’s journey to claim her freedom in a world built on power. Both action-packed and deeply emotional, it reveals the hidden lives of slaves, gladiators, and survivors behind the Roman Colosseum, and the quiet strength that can rise from ruins. Perfect for readers who enjoy immersive Roman historical fiction such as The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper, Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn, and Pompeii by Robert Harris.
Genre and subgenre: Historical fiction with a slow burn romantic subplot.
Setting and time period: Ancient Rome, first century Rome and Pompeii. Emperor Titus, Emperor Domitian. Flavian Dynasty.
Themes and Topics: Gladiators, gladiatorial games and combat, daily life in Ancient Rome, the Colosseum, found family, slow burn romance.
Target audience: adults (men and women)
Series Information: part of a four-book series (the Colosseum series) including From the Ashes (Book1), Beneath the Waves (Book2), On Bloodied Ground (Book3) and The Flight of Birds (Book4)
Awards and Recognition: Editor’s Choice by the Historical Novel Society
Comparisons to Other Works: For fans of Elodie Harper (The Wolf Den), Kate Quinn (Mistress of Rome), Robert Harris (Pompeii), as well as Lindsay Davis, Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane who all write books set in Ancient Rome.
