Empire Resurgent (The Double-Edged Sword)
530 CE. After defeating the Persians at Dara, Flavius Belisarius, General of the Eastern Roman Empire, returns to Constantinople. While celebrating this triumph, Emperor Justinian and his wife, Theodora, introduce the brave young commander to Antonina, a fiercely independent, uninhibited woman of unparalleled beauty and intrigue. They soon marry, but their blissful union is short-lived due to the numerous long-distance conquest missions Belisarius chooses to lead. His priority is the re-establishment of the Roman Empire, not his wife. Antonina often finds herself lonely and unhappy during his absence and turns to her handsome godson for companionship. Will scandal cause Belisarius’s downfall on and off the battlefield?
Bruton’s first book in The Double-Edged Sword series is a fast-paced, action-filled story focusing on dramatic turning points occurring over four years during the restoration of the Roman Empire. Romance is skillfully woven into the plot, as are the issues faced by women in a male-dominated society. “Godlike” Belisarius and “goddess” Antonina are well-developed and engaging personalities, made more human by straightforward dialogue exposing their virtues and vices. Exchanges with family, friends, and associates range from humorous and light to heart-breaking and heavy, providing emotional depth to the characters. Battle scenes are vivid and brutal, and the settings are detailed and historically accurate. The use of famous quotes from various sources at the beginning of each chapter provides thought-provoking relevance to present-day issues. A worthwhile, informative read.
