The Gladiatorial Games Didn’t Just Happen. They Had to Be Made. Rome, 80 AD. They called it the Flavian Amphitheatre. We call it the Colosseum. It hosted brutal gladiatorial combats, exotic wild animal hunts, naval battles, and the re-enactment of extraordinary mythological adventures. But behind every spectacle was a team of people making it all possible: sourcing celebrity gladiators and dangerous animals, ordering sand for the arena floor, and even figuring out how to flood the Colosseum. Marcus, manager of the Games, is haunted by the loss of his wife and child in Pompeii’s fiery destruction. Althea, his scribe, seeks her place in the world as a freedwoman, learning to speak her own heart amidst the chaos. Together with an ex-prostitute, a retired Vestal Virgin, a runaway slave boy and others cast aside by Rome, they form a found family whose loyalty, courage, and love are tested at every turn. Step behind the scenes of Rome’s greatest spectacle and follow Marcus, Althea, and their companions through fire, water, earth, and air. Experience the danger, drama, and tender moments of life lived in the shadows of the greatest amphitheatre ever built. Life, love and loyal friendships in a crumbling apartment block in a shabby part of Rome. (Please note that the paperback copy comes as one large volume). I adored this backstage pass on the workings at the colosseum. A clever idea, and one that works brilliantly. Bobs and Books Packed with tension, drama and superb characters, I was addicted to this read. Bobs and Books I could feel myself being transported back in time to Ancient Rome; a wonderfully detailed and engaging read! 5 Stars. Bookish Hermit Powerful and evocative: Addey does a great job of recreating ancient Rome, its decadence and opulence, and the challenges of spectacular inaugural games of the Colosseum. Don't miss an unforgettable journey into the extravaganza and grandeur of ancient Rome. Chez Maximka An exceptional tale brilliantly told. A piece of historical fiction that will live long in the memory. A tale of loyalty, heartache, respect and integrity. Pickled Thoughts and Pinot A thrilling story of the Colosseum... human and real. A triumph. MJ Porter An immersive experience. I didn't want to finish From The Ashes. A story that most definitely educated and entertained me at the same time, the characters felt like a part of me... The fact and fiction are so tightly woven that you can't distinguish between the two. Beyond the Books