New historical fiction books to read in 2025

Reading lists

Best-Penguin-Podcast-episodes-for-aspiring-authors_Hero-Desktop_Penguin

Features

The best Penguin Podcast episodes for aspiring writers

Nero

TYRANTS AREN'T BORN. THEY'RE RAISED. 
 
Travel to the heart of a Roman dynasty drenched in danger and intrigue in master storyteller Conn Iggulden's bold and brilliant return to Rome as he tells the story of Nero – last of the the Julio-Claudian emperors . . .'This pacy, bloody and impeccably researched novel will have you on tenter-hooks throughout' iNews 
 
'Deft and robust storytelling, that whips through the history with plenty of blood, guts and plot-twists' The Times 
 
'Epic and in a class of his own' Daily Mirror 
 
---- 
 
ANCIENT ROME, AD 37 
 
It begins with a man’s hand curled around another’s throat. 
 
Emperor Tiberius first dispatches a traitor. 
 
Then his whole family. 
 
Next all his friends. It is as if he never existed. 
 
THIS IS ROMAN JUSTICE. 
 
Into this fevered forum, a child is born. 
 
His mother is Agrippina, granddaughter of Emperor Augustus. But their imperial blood is no protection. The closer you are to the heart of the empire, the closer you are to power, intrigue, and danger. 
 
She faces soldiers, senators, rivals, silver-tongued pretenders, each vying for position. One mistake risks exile, incarceration, execution. Or, worst of all, the loss of her infant son. 
 
For Agrippina knows that opportunity waits, even in your darkest moments. Her son is everything. She can make this boy, shape him into Rome itself – the one all must kneel before. 
 
BUT FIRST, THEY MUST SURVIVE . . . 
 
This then is the story of Nero's birth and raising under the watchful and scheming eye of his mother Agrippina – a woman every man crossed at his peril. 
 
---- 
 
PRAISE FOR CONN IGGULDEN 
 
'Breakthtakingly good’ Bernard Cornwell 
 
‘Magnificent’ The Times 
 
'Pacy and propulsive, cracking with energy, violence and stirring speeches, Iggulden chronicles power struggles, political machinations and the bloodthirsty ravages of up-close combat' Daily Mail 
 
Readers love Nero: 
 
'Iggulden draws you into Rome, its brutality and its glory, and brings it back to life with such seamless ease' ***** Reader Review 
 
'Absolute quality from first to last page, atmospheric with a real feel for time and place' ***** Reader Review 
 
'It was fascinating to see the seeds being planted that will lead to the Nero becoming the tyrant we know through the ancient historians, but told in such a contemporary and accessible way' ***** Reader Review 
 
'An absolutely immersive experience throughout that throws you into the politics of Ancient Rome' ***** Reader Review 
 
 
Conn Iggulden, Sunday Times bestseller, June 2024

Deft and robust storytelling, that whips through the history with plenty of blood, guts and plot-twists

This pacy, bloody and impeccably researched novel will have you on tenter-hooks throughout

It’s another stonking read from one of the world’s leading authors of historical fiction, Iggulden’s flair for bringing the past to life and passion for historical sparkling like a polished legionary's gladius . . . Conn Igguden remains a hero to history . . . [A] Blockbuster historical novel

With merciless power and back-stabbing violence, this is an enticing trilogy

Iggulden, a master of the historical novel, again turns his attention to ancient Rome [. . .] He is uncommonly adept at summoning appearance and personality, at building exhilarating action scenes [. . .] Lydia Leonard narrates the novel [. . .] her strong voice carries the ring of the notorious woman's forceful will but softens into tenderness when she addresses her horrid little son, Lucius. Leonard modulates her tones to capture the many other characters, including the subtly stammering Claudius, and does it so deftly that there is no confusion about who is speaking when

Washington Post, audiobooks to get you through the summer heat

CONN IGGULDEN is one of the most successful authors of historical fiction writing today, with bestselling series on Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan and the Wars of the Roses, as well as two stand-alone novels: Dunstan, set in the red-blooded world of tenth-century England and The Falcon of Sparta, in which Iggulden returns to the Ancient World. Both instalments of his Athenian series, The Gates of Athens and Protector, and his recent Golden Age series, Lion and Empire, are Sunday Times bestsellers. Tyrant follows on from the Sunday Times bestselling Nero in Iggulden's most recent series

Ancient Rome, AD 37 
 
The fate of a dynasty hangs in the balance. Into this fevered forum, Agrippina, granddaughter of Emperor Augustus, gives birth to a son: Nero. Imperial blood courses through their veins but will offer no protection. If they are to survive amongst tyrants, they must learn to walk a razor's edge. 
 
Agrippina knows all too well that darkness and power plays of Machiavellian proportions lie at the empire's shadowy heart. She faces soldiers, senators, rivals, silver-tongued pretenders, each vying for position. 
 
But even in her darkest moments, Agrippina sees the glint of opportunity. She will shape this boy into Rome itself - the one all must kneel before. 
 
But first, mother and son must survive . . .

Empire

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 
 
JOIN PERICLES, THE LION OF ATHENS, ON A JOURNEY TO SECURE THE FATE OF THE ATHENIAN EMPIRE 
 
'The master historical storyteller' DAILY EXPRESS 
 
'Iggulden draws the Greek world convincingly and he is strongest writing battle scenes' THE TIMES on the Golden Age series 
 
'The sights, sounds and smells of Athens bring history to life with gripping brilliance' DAILY MIRROR 
___________ 
 
THE GOLDEN AGE OF ATHENS: 
THE JEWEL IN THE GREEK EMPIRE 
 
Standing like a colossus over the city is Pericles: 
politician, general, architect of the city&rsquo;s fortunes. 
 
Yet some look on jewels with envy. 
 
Forever a threat from the south, 
Sparta will not kneel to its rival. 
From their ranks rises a young boy 
&ndash; ruthless, courageous, hungry. 
Soon he will lead them . . . 
 
Pericles is no longer young. 
His city is divided &ndash; against the Spartan threat, against him. 
Can Athens&rsquo; most famous son rouse its citizens to war? 
 
Will the Lion of Athens roar one final time? 
 
------------ 
 
Praise for the Golden Age Series 
'Pacy and propulsive. Crackling with energy, violence and stirring speeches' DAILY MAIL 
 
'Iggulden draws the Greek world convincingly' THE TIMES 
 
'The master historical storyteller. This swords-and-sandals epic brings the ancient world to life' DAILY EXPRESS 
 
___________ 
 
Praise for Conn Iggulden 
 
'Pacy and propulsive, cracking with energy, violence and stirring speeches, Iggulden chronicles power struggles, political machinations and the bloodthirsty ravages of up-close combat' DAILY MAIL 
 
'Iggulden tells an absolutely cracking story . . . The pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent' THE TIMES 
 
Empire, Sunday Times bestseller, June 2023

The sights, sounds and smells of Athens bring history to life with gripping brilliance

Iggulden tells an absolutely cracking story...the pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent

Iggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction

Breathes new life into the darkest and most dramatic of times

Pericles returns to Athens as its leader: the empire's beacon of light in the dark. 
 
But the threat of Sparta - Athens's legendary rival - looms large on the horizon. When a sudden catastrophe brings Sparta to its knees, Pericles sees a golden opportunity to forever shift the balance of power in his city's favour. 
 
For sometimes the only way to win lasting peace is to wage war. 
 
Sparta may be weak, but their power is far from extinguished. Soon a ruthless young boy steps forward to lead the Spartans back to greatness. 
 
As the drums of battle draw closer, can Pericles rise once more? 
 
Or will the world's greatest empire fall under his watch?

Lion

ENTER THE BATTLEFIELDS OF ANCIENT GREECE WITH THE EPIC BESTSELLER FROM MASTER STORYTELLER CONN IGGULDEN 
 
'Pacy and propulsive . . . Crackling with energy, violence and stirring speeches' DAILY MAIL 
 
'Iggulden draws the Greek world convincingly and he is strongest writing battle scenes' THE TIMES 
 
'The master historical storyteller. This swords-and-sandals epic brings the ancient world to life' DAILY EXPRESS 
 
THE FIRST BOOK IN CONN IGGULDEN'S EPIC NEW SERIES THE GOLDEN AGE 
_______ 
 
Pericles stands in the shadow of his father: a man who once saved Athens. 
 
To make his own name he must prove himself in the liar's den of Athenian politics: pitting wits against friends, sceptics, enemies. 
 
But words alone do not make a leader. 
 
A force of Persians threatens the city and Pericles must find courage on the battlefield. 
 
In its time of need, Athens' warriors must be lions . . . 
_______ 
 
PRAISE FOR CONN IGGULDEN: 
 
'Brings war in the ancient world to vivid, gritty and bloody life' ANTHONY RICHES 
 
'Another masterpiece from Iggulden' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'It's like being on the battlefield' 5***** Reader Review 
 
 'An epic piece of historical fiction, full of political intrigue and vivid action' ROBERT FABBRI

Pacy and propulsive, Conn Iggulden's latest historical epic heads back to the battlefields and warships of the Ancient World . . . Crackling with energy, violence and stirring speeches, Lion chronicles power struggles, political machinations and the bloodthirsty ravages of up-close combat

Iggulden draws the Greek world convincingly and he is strongest writing battle scenes

The master historical storyteller returns with the first of a new pair of novels about Athenian general and politician Pericles. This swords-and-sandals epic brings the sights, sounds and smells of the ancient world to life, telling the story of the ongoing clash of empires between Greece and Persia. Conn Iggulden's research is second-to-none and his writing has never been more addictive. At home, Pericles is navigating a difficult marriage while shoring up his position in Athenian politics and art. But, in this gripping read, he also faces the ever-present threat of a resurgent Persia on the battlefield.

Protector

EXPERIENCE THE EPIC BLOOD FEUDS OF ANCIENT GREECE WITH MASTER STORYTELLER CONN IGGULDEN 
 
'Vivid, atmospheric, gritty . . . you'll believe you're on the battlefield fighting for your life' 5***** Reader Review 
'An epic piece of historical fiction, full of political intrigue and vivid action' Robert Fabbri 
'Iggulden doesn't just describe the ancient world, he takes you there' 5***** Reader Review 
 
TWO LEGENDARY BATTLES. ONE FEARLESS WARRIOR . . . 
________ 
 
Themistocles stands as the battle-scarred leader of Athens. Yet he is no nobleman. The elite distrust him. 
 
But those conspiring against him cannot argue with his victories on the battlefield. Or the vast Persian army that is coming . . . 
 
And so Themistocles must fight. 
 
Fight the invaders. 
Fight the allies who despise him. 
Fight to save his city. 
 
As the Persians draw close, he must prove himself again and again in battle. 
 
TO LIVE OR DIE FOR ATHENS. 
________ 
 
'Brings war in the ancient world to vivid, gritty and bloody life. I'm blown away. Protector stand alongside the best of Mary Renault - an epic with the learning of the classics' ANTHONY RICHES 
 
Readers are raving about PROTECTOR: 
 
'Iggulden's achievement is to tell the story of the conflict on a human scale without losing sight of the huge historical and cultural forces at play. Educational and entertaining, Protector is a compelling read' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'[Iggulden] has outdone himself on the tension and suspense he has created with these characters and this story' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'As soon as you see the name "Conn Iggulden", you know you're in for a treat. Always. I can't tell you how much I enjoy Conn Iggulden's writing' 5***** Reader Review 
 
 
Conn Iggulden, Sunday Times bestseller, June 2024

Brings war in the ancient world to vivid, gritty and bloody life. I'm blown away. Protector stand alongside the best of Mary Renault - an epic with the learning of the classics' 'Brings war in the ancient world to vivid, gritty and bloody life. I'm blown away. Protector stand alongside the best of Mary Renault - an epic with the learning of the classics

I was transported. I felt the Mediterranean sun on my face, smelled the sea on the air . . . Here is a master at work. There is no one better at this

An epic piece of historical fiction, full of political intrigue and vivid action, and so evocative of the world of ancient Greece. A novel of the highest quality

Bring[s] the Greco-Persian Wars to life in brilliant detail. Thrilling

Book One in the Athenian series

The Gates of Athens

BE TRANSPORTED TO THE EPIC WORLD OF THE ATHENIANS WITH CONN IGGULDEN'S LATEST LEGENDARY TALE 
 
 'Astonishing, convincing and compelling, with ferocious battles that bring the Ancient World of Greece alive' 5***** Reader Review 
 ______ 
 
 A STATESMAN IS BORN, NOT MADE . . . 
 
 Marathon. 
 
 A Persian king stands at last on Greek soil. His Immortals have come to raze the cities of the west. The Athenians are hopelessly outnumbered. The gods are silent. All they have is the shield line. Xanthippus takes a breath. If they cannot stand, all Greece will fall. 
 
 Thermopylae. 
 
 Ten years later, Athens has betrayed its favourite son. When the Persians return, when they cross the Hellespont to take revenge on the Greeks, will Xanthippus come home to save his people? 
 
 Athens cannot stand alone a second time. 
 
 In desperation, the city calls on men of Sparta to block the pass at Thermopylae. To give them time. To give them hope. 
 
 Featuring two of the most famous battles of the Ancient World, The Gates of Athens is a bravura piece of storytelling about a people driven to preserve their freedom at any cost. 
 ______ 
 
 Readers are raving about The Gates of Athens: 
 
 'What a brilliantly addictive read' 5***** Reader Review 
 
 'This author never fails to deliver!' 5***** Reader Review 
 
 'Another brilliant historical novel from the master of the craft' 5***** Reader Review 
 
 'It's like being on the battlefield' 5***** Reader Review 
 
 PRAISE FOR CONN IGGULDEN 
 
 'The pace is nail-biting and the set-dressing magnificent' Times 
 
 'Pacy . . . and packed with action' Sunday Times 
 
 'One of our finest historical novelists' Daily Express 
 
 'Iggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction' Daily Mirror

Thrilling retelling . . . It's a brilliant read, and his description of the Battle of Thermopylae is simply a stunning - and inspiring - piece of writing

An absolutely cracking story. The pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent

Peopled with characters so finely honed the story becomes a gripping and glorious legend. Brilliant!

490 B.C. Two great empires are about to go to war . . . 
 
The momentous struggle between Athens and Sparta as rival powers and political systems will last for twenty-seven years (431 to 404 BC). It will end in the fall of a dynasty. 
 
Filled with cunning political scheming, astonishing military prowess, invasions, treacheries, plagues, ambitions, virtues, and emotions and a lot of intrigue, Conn Iggulden brings to life one of the most thrilling chapters of the ancient world.

Rise of the Tudors

Ravenspur

The Houses of Lancaster and York are waging their infamous dynastic war. With the infant king Henry VI and his fiery wife Margaret of Anjou on one side and Richard Duke of York and his sons on the other, this lengthy power struggle transformed Britain, and Conn Iggulden has transformed this history. 
 
The Wars of the Roses series is a four part epic.

Witness the rise of the Tudors in the stunning conclusion to Conn Iggulden's powerful retelling of the Wars of the Roses. 
 
'An utterly compelling page-turner full of historical facts. A fascinating read' Sun 
 
England, 1470. A divided kingdom cannot stand. 
 
King Edward of York has been driven out of England. Queen Elizabeth and her children tremble in sanctuary at Westminster Abbey. The House of Lancaster has won the crown, but York will not go quietly. 
 
Desperate to reclaim his throne, Edward lands at Ravenspur with a half-drowned army and his brother Richard at his side. Every hand is against them, every city gate is shut, yet the brothers York go on the attack. 
 
But neither sees that their true enemy is Henry Tudor, now grown into a man. As the Red Dragon - 'the man of destiny' - his claim to the throne leads to Bosworth Field and a battle that will call an end to the Wars of the Roses . . . 
 
'A tough, pacy chronicle of bloody encounters, betrayals and cruelties. Superb' Daily Mail 
 
'Iggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction' Daily Mirror 
 
'Superb, fantastic, extraordinary' Sunday Express

The exiled Yorkist king Edward IV lands at Ravenspur with a half-drowned army and his brother Richard at his side. Though every hand is against them, though every city gate is shut, the York brothers will not go quietly into banishment. Instead, they choose to attack. 
 
Yet, far away, Henry Tudor has become a man, and his claim will carry him to Bosworth Field.There will be silence and the mourning of queens. There will be self-sacrifice and terrible betrayals. Two royal princes will be put to death. There will be an ending- and a new royal house will stand over them all.

Conn Iggulden

Ancient Rome, AD 50 
 
The boy Nero lives. His mother Agrippina has married her way to power, tangling the Emperor Claudius in her skirts. 
 
The emperor may have a son and heir of his own, but Agrippina sees no obstacles to her ambition. 
 
Rome is a path through a marsh, lit by torches. Those who walk it are always one step from disaster – and the road itself is treacherous, slippery with blood. 
 
Claudius may have the world at his feet, but he has Agrippina in his bed.

Conn Iggulden

Books by Conn Iggulden

Series by Conn Iggulden

Athenian2 Books

The Golden Age2 Books

The Nero Trilogy1 Book

The Wars of the Roses4 Books

Articles featuring Conn Iggulden

New historical fiction books to read in 2025

The best Penguin Podcast episodes for aspiring writers

Sign up to the Conn Iggulden newsletter

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter