"Historical fiction at its best." - S.J.A. Turney, author of Caligula and Marius' Mules Judea, AD 66. A Roman legion suffers a catastrophic defeat at the hands of a band of Hebrews. Knowing Emperor Nero's revenge will be swift, they must decide how to defend their land against the Roman invasion. Caught in the turmoil is Judah: a mason who now finds himself rubbing shoulders with priests, revolutionaries, generals and nobles, drafted to help defend the land of Galilee. Denied the chance to marry, he turns all his energy into defending the besieged city of Jotapata. But with a delusional general, friends falling each day, and the Roman army at the walls, Judah must brave a nightmare to save those he loves and preserve his honor. Praise: - "In David Blixt's hands, history comes to bright, blazing life." - "This novel has it all: political and personal intrigue, loyalty, love, betrayal, riveting action. Few novelists write such compelling action sequences - it's like watching them on film." - "Captures vividly the tumult and tragedy of the struggles between the Romans and the Hebrews in ancient Judea. A wonderful read."