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The Last Hour

'24' set in Ancient Rome
3.92 goodreads logo

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( 687 ratings, 108 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Last Hour by Harry Sidebottom is a gripping thriller set in Ancient Rome, where imperial guard Ballista is on a mission to stop a plot threatening the emperor. As time ticks away, Ballista races against deadly enemies, using his wits and warrior skills to navigate a city filled with danger and deception. The narrative combines historical intrigue with high-stakes action, promising an intense and immersive read.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love high-stakes, action-packed thrillers set in the gritty and dangerous world of ancient Rome. With a gripping plot and vivid historical detail, it captures the tension of a thrilling escape against the clock, promising a heart-pounding read for fans of both crime and historical fiction.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

For readers of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane, Simon Scarrow and Conn Iggulden, this is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat; 24 set in Ancient Rome.

For readers of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane, Simon Scarrow and Conn Iggulden, this is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A lone figure stands silhouetted atop the Mausoleum of Hadrian. Behind him, the sun is setting over the centre of the known world. Far below, the river is in full flood. The City of Rome lies spread out before him on the far bank.

Footsteps pound up the stairs. He's been set up. An enemy is closing in; he is cornered. He jumps.

Bruised and battered, he crawls out of the raging river. He is alone and unarmed, without money or friends, trapped in a deadly conspiracy at the heart of the Empire. The City Watch has orders to take him alive; other, more sinister, forces want him dead. As the day dies, he realises he has only 24 hours to expose the conspirators, and save the leader of the world. If the Emperor dies, chaos and violence will ensue. If the Emperor dies, every single person he loves will die.

He must run, bluff, hide and fight his way across the Seven Hills. He must reach the Colosseum, and the Emperor. He must make it to The Last Hour.

Praise for The Last Hour:

'Grabbed me from the start. I loved it' - Donna Leon

Praise for Harry Sidebottom:

'Harry Sidebottom's epic tale starts with a chilling assassination and goes on, and up, from there' - Mary Beard

'Absorbing, rich in detail and brilliant' - The Times

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Last Hour by Harry Sidebottom is highly praised for its absorbing and richly detailed narrative, effectively creating a vivid depiction of ancient Rome. Reviewers commend Sidebottom's deep understanding and immersive storytelling, making the book a thrilling mix of historical fiction and intense action. It's described as a gripping, edge-of-the-seat thriller with a compelling blend of historical accuracy and entertainment, appealing to those who enjoy both historical settings and action-packed plots.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781785764257

Publisher: Zaffre

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 November 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Zaffre

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 276g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Harry Sidebottom teaches Ancient History at Oxford University. His career as a novelist began with his Warrior of Rome series, which has sold over half a million copies. The Last Hour, his tenth novel, introduces us once again to Marcus Clodius Ballista, hero of the Warrior of Rome books.

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