Vinicius, a Roman patrician just returned from the wars in Armenia, falls in love with Lygia, a hostage taken in the northern wars and adopted by noble patricians Aulus and Pomponia Graecia. Little did he suspect, though, that Lygia is a Christian; he and his uncle, Petronius, react to this as typical pagan Romans, and seek to take Lygia for Vinicius by force. Over time, however, Vinicius changes, while Petronius doesn't. The author presents a vivid picture of the grandeur and corruption of Nero's Rome, and an incredibly compelling narrative of how the viewpoints of Vinicius and Petronius diverge as Vinicius approaches the new faith. Exploring the great fire and subsequent persecution, this novel is an excellent read. Purchase in Print | PDF (free)