South Yorkshire writer’s hit book on Roman occupation
Added: (Thu Oct 20 2022)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
A retired training company consultant from South Yorkshire can thank his dreams for marching into the top 10 with his first book.
Guy Aston’s thrilling Roman adventure, MESSIAH, has reached number 10 in Amazon’s historical charts as well as attracting a lengthy string of five-star reviews.
The gripping love story set around the bloody Bar Kokhba Revolution has been described by critics as ‘having everything’, being a ‘rattling good yarn’, and being ‘brilliantly researched’.
But the 71-year-old has a distant dream to thank for the plot to his stunning debut.
Guy explained: “MESSIAH is based in Judaea, now part of the state of Israel.
“It is the region that revolted against Roman occupation in 132AD.
“I stumbled across Cassius Dio’s epitome of the conflict.
“That night I dreamt about a Roman officer picking up signs of trouble - as mentioned by Dio - but everyone ignored him.
“I thought there might be a story here and drafted up four or five pages.
“I liked it and carried on with it.”
MESSIAH follows the fortunes of young Roman officer, Lucius Decimus Petronius, on his first appointment serving in the Legions.
The Bar Kokhba Revolt of 132AD is regarded as one of the bloodiest uprisings Rome faced within its vast empire.
Throw in a Jewish Christian girl from a detested sect as well as an experienced legionnaire into the mix, you have a story that is gripping on all levels.
Guy’s meticulous research and natural storytelling ability brings to life a dark chapter in the history of the Roman empire.
He hopes MESSIAH will educate as well as entertain.
Guy said: “My love of matters Roman is down to a lady called Colleen McCullough, an eminent surgeon who was also the author of the First Man in Rome series.
“I have always believed that accurate historical novels are an accessible introduction to a period of history. Bernard Cornwall has opened several periods for me over the years.
“My genre is historical fiction though I enjoy esoteric history too, especially early Christianity, The Sangreal and the sacred bloodline.”
Guy has been so encouraged by the reaction to MESSIAH that he is currently working on a sequel – CATACLYSM - with further books also in the pipeline.
For more details, visit Amazon and search for Guy Aston, where the paperback and Kindle formats of MESSIAH are both available.
Notes to the editor
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