Rome, 509 BCE. A king still rules — but not for long. In a city built on obedience, a young nobleman learns to survive by pretending to be a fool. Lucius Junius Brutus has watched tyranny from inside the royal circle — and waited. When a crime of power shatters Rome’s trust, he steps forward to lead an oath that will change history: no king will rule Rome again. But overthrowing a tyrant is only the beginning. To found a republic, Brutus must defend law over loyalty, judgment over blood, and duty over everything he loves — even when the cost becomes personal. The Last Son of the Kings launches Series 14: The Boy Who Saw Rome Rise in the sweeping Voices of Time YA historical fiction collection — five hundred novels telling the stories of young people at the decisive moments of world history. Told in immersive first-person voice, this volume brings the fall of the Roman monarchy and the birth of the Republic to life with cinematic intensity and grounded historical detail. Perfect for YA readers, homeschool families, and classrooms, each volume includes homeschool-friendly study features , including: Historical timeline - Glossary of key terms - Sources and methods notes - Discussion and reflection guide Freedom was not given to Rome. It was sworn — and paid for in blood.