The Terror of Constantinople
610AD. Invaded by Persians and barbarians, the Byzantine Empire is also tearing itself apart in civil war. Phocas, the maniacally bloodthirsty Emperor, holds Constantinople by a reign of terror. The uninvaded provinces are turning one at a time to the usurper, Heraclius.
Just as the battle for the Empire approaches its climax, Aelric of England turns up in Constantinople. Blackmailed by the Papacy to leave off his career of lechery and market-rigging in Rome, he thinks his job is to gather texts for a semi-comprehensible dispute over the Nature of Christ. Only gradually does he realise he is a pawn in a much larger game.
What is the eunuch Theophanes up to? Why does the Papal Legate never show himself? How many drugs can the Emperor’s son-in-law put up his nose before he loses his touch for homicidal torture? Above all, why has wicked old Phocas taken Aelric under his wing?
To answer these questions, Aelric has nothing but beauty, charm, intellectual brilliance and a talent for cold and ruthless violence on his side.
Praise for the Novels of Richard Blake
‘Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.’ - Derek Jacobi, star of I Claudius and Gladiator
‘Vivid characters, devious plotting and buckets of gore are enhanced by his unfamiliar choice of period…. Nasty, fun and educational.’ – The Daily Telegraph
‘He knows how to deliver a fast-paced story and his grasp of the period is impressively detailed.’ – The Mail on Sunday
‘A rollicking and raunchy read . . . Anyone who enjoys their history with large dollops of action, sex, intrigue and, above all, fun will absolutely love this novel.’ – Historical Novels
‘It would be hard to over-praise this extraordinary series, a near-perfect blend of historical detail and atmosphere with the plot of a conspiracy thriller, vivid characters, high philosophy and vulgar comedy.’ – The Morning Star
Richard Blake is a pseudonym for Sean Gabb, who is an historian, writer and university lecturer. He lives in Kent with his wife and daughter.
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About the Author
Richard Blake is a pen name used by the British author Sean Gabb, known for his historical novels set in the late Roman and early Byzantine periods. Blake's novels are notable for their meticulous research and attention to historical detail. He has created a series of novels that take place during the tumultuous years following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Here are some of the key aspects of Richard Blake's historical novels:
Setting: Most of Richard Blake's novels are set in the 7th century AD, a period of significant political, religious, and cultural upheaval in Europe. This is the time when the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) was facing numerous challenges, including the rise of Islam, internal conflicts, and the Lombard invasion of Italy.
Protagonist: The central character in many of Blake's novels is Aelric, a Roman clerk and scholar. Aelric finds himself caught up in the tumultuous events of his time and becomes embroiled in various political and military intrigues.
Historical Accuracy: Richard Blake is known for his commitment to historical accuracy. He carefully researches the historical context, including political, social, and religious aspects, to create a vivid and authentic portrayal of the period.
Themes: Blake's novels often explore themes of power, corruption, religious conflict, and the clash of civilizations. They provide a window into the challenges faced by individuals and societies during a time of profound change.
Series: The Aelric series, consisting of multiple novels, follows the adventures and trials of the main character as he navigates the complexities of the Byzantine Empire and the wider Mediterranean world.
Some of Richard Blake's notable novels include "Conspiracies of Rome," "The Terror of Constantinople," "The Blood of Alexandria," and "The Curse of Babylon," among others.
It's important to note that while Richard Blake's novels are grounded in historical research, they also incorporate elements of adventure and intrigue to make the stories engaging for readers. If you have an interest in historical fiction set in the late Roman and early Byzantine periods, Richard Blake's novels may provide an entertaining and informative reading experience.