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The Path of Chaos
It is the year 2030, and the Roman Empire never fell. Emperor Nero II rules half the world, but half the world is not enough for the unpredictable Emperor.
Britannia is a Roman outpost. London Bridge is lined with crucified bodies. The streets are patrolled by soldiers in high-speed, horseless chariots. Nero views Britannia as a vital but fractious asset for his planned invasion of the Republic of Indigenous America.
Boatman King was born out of rage. A rage that propels him to try and destroy the Empire. He's not he leads clandestine rebels fighting to drive the Empire from Britannia. These rebels are his weapon, which he hopes will obliterate Nero and the entire Empire.
Rebellion, though, comes at a steep price. Olivia, Boatman's wife, is caught and crucified on London Bridge by Nero's son, Maximus, who is intent on flushing Boatman from hiding.
Instead, Maximus draws Maverick 'The Beast' Kirabo, Boatman's fearsome second-in-command, a champion gladiator who now fights for Rome's dismay, not their entertainment.
Britannia is a Roman outpost. London Bridge is lined with crucified bodies. The streets are patrolled by soldiers in high-speed, horseless chariots. Nero views Britannia as a vital but fractious asset for his planned invasion of the Republic of Indigenous America.
Boatman King was born out of rage. A rage that propels him to try and destroy the Empire. He's not he leads clandestine rebels fighting to drive the Empire from Britannia. These rebels are his weapon, which he hopes will obliterate Nero and the entire Empire.
Rebellion, though, comes at a steep price. Olivia, Boatman's wife, is caught and crucified on London Bridge by Nero's son, Maximus, who is intent on flushing Boatman from hiding.
Instead, Maximus draws Maverick 'The Beast' Kirabo, Boatman's fearsome second-in-command, a champion gladiator who now fights for Rome's dismay, not their entertainment.
322 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2023
29 people want to read
About the author
Tom Haward
3 books48 followersTom was born in Essex and he has an identical twin. He lives with his wife, Gemma, and they have a little girl and a cockapoo.
Tom has an MA in Creative Writing and The Path of Chaos (Cinnabar Moth Publishing) is his debut novel.
Tom has an MA in Creative Writing and The Path of Chaos (Cinnabar Moth Publishing) is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 2, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via CinnabarMoth Publishing.
The Path of Chaos is a gorey and quite graphic (in content) novel in places but very interesting and well written. What drew me to this book was the fact that it was set on the Roman Empire. If you've ever wondered what life would be like if the Roman empire had never fallen, this is just the book for you! Set in 2030, the Romans are still ruling, but the rebellion is growing in strength, and war is exploding across the streets of London - who will become the victor and will Rome fall at last!
I loved how this story was woven from historical fiction with futuristic elements - this was also very cleverly done and executed! This was a fairly quick read, and I'm so glad I gave it a go!
The Path of Chaos is a gorey and quite graphic (in content) novel in places but very interesting and well written. What drew me to this book was the fact that it was set on the Roman Empire. If you've ever wondered what life would be like if the Roman empire had never fallen, this is just the book for you! Set in 2030, the Romans are still ruling, but the rebellion is growing in strength, and war is exploding across the streets of London - who will become the victor and will Rome fall at last!
I loved how this story was woven from historical fiction with futuristic elements - this was also very cleverly done and executed! This was a fairly quick read, and I'm so glad I gave it a go!
January 23, 2024
A historical fiction set in 2030 where the Romans are still ruling. However, the new king is not a charmer, and the rebellions led by Boatman grow stronger. The tug of war between the 2 is painting London red, and it's only a matter of time to find who lands the final blow.
As soon as I read this had something to do with the roman empire, I was all game, but when I picked it up to read - I saw a lot of disclaimers and thank God for that. The story is so bloody and gruesome that it took me some time to gulp it down. But aside from the bloodshed, the story is pretty interesting. It's rare to read a book with futuristic timelines that engage with rules from centuries back.
Quick confession:
I did a weird little thing in here because I was getting uncomfortable with too much bloodshed, I decided to mark it up, as in I used my dark red annotation tabs to mark them up, n I have some ... tabs in there.
As soon as I read this had something to do with the roman empire, I was all game, but when I picked it up to read - I saw a lot of disclaimers and thank God for that. The story is so bloody and gruesome that it took me some time to gulp it down. But aside from the bloodshed, the story is pretty interesting. It's rare to read a book with futuristic timelines that engage with rules from centuries back.
Quick confession:
I did a weird little thing in here because I was getting uncomfortable with too much bloodshed, I decided to mark it up, as in I used my dark red annotation tabs to mark them up, n I have some ... tabs in there.
May 2, 2023
It wouldn’t be my first choice of genre but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. The prose is simply fantastic and carries the story arc and characters brilliantly throughout. The length of the chapters keep you interested and enthralled in the various narratives. This is a book you can read in one or two sittings and the intensity is broken up well with the gentle teasing between Maverick and Tobias. The twist at the end is clever and leaves it open for the sequel. I would say fans of psychological thrillers would enjoy this and should give it a read!
May 6, 2023
Thank you BookSirens and Tom Haward for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.
What would happen if the Roman Empire never fell and was still in place in the year 2030? Well, the world would certainly be on The Path of Chaos. Oh wait, that is the title of the book. How fitting.
This was an entertaining book for sure. A lot of wild things happen that I do not wish to spoil. Trigger warnings for descriptions of a lot of gore, r*pe, and dog death. With that said, there were funny moments and the book was overall very enjoyable. I kept having to remind myself that the year was supposed to be 2030 and not back when the Roman Empire actually existed. There was such brutality, but then talk of using cell phones and televisions. It was pretty jarring.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What would happen if the Roman Empire never fell and was still in place in the year 2030? Well, the world would certainly be on The Path of Chaos. Oh wait, that is the title of the book. How fitting.
This was an entertaining book for sure. A lot of wild things happen that I do not wish to spoil. Trigger warnings for descriptions of a lot of gore, r*pe, and dog death. With that said, there were funny moments and the book was overall very enjoyable. I kept having to remind myself that the year was supposed to be 2030 and not back when the Roman Empire actually existed. There was such brutality, but then talk of using cell phones and televisions. It was pretty jarring.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2023
I received this book from Book Sirens in return for an honest review. I downloaded it with the intent to read it in a few weeks. But first I decided to read a few pages. All other books on my TBR list were quickly forgotten.
This was a fast-paced read, and starts with a bloody crucifixion. The premise was excellent. What if the Roman Empire lasted 2,000 years? The author works in a few historical figures we’re all accustomed to, but in this alternative reality they were portrayed differently.
If there was ever a story screaming for a studio to purchase to make a television series, this one is it.
This was a fast-paced read, and starts with a bloody crucifixion. The premise was excellent. What if the Roman Empire lasted 2,000 years? The author works in a few historical figures we’re all accustomed to, but in this alternative reality they were portrayed differently.
If there was ever a story screaming for a studio to purchase to make a television series, this one is it.
June 10, 2023
This is one of those books that screams "Streaming Series." At every turn you can see the world of The Path of Chaos, as the modern world of 2031, filled with state of the art technology, fuses with the ancient practices of the Roman Empire. It's very clever, and pulls you completely in.
You find yourself drawn into each of the characters, their narratives equally compelling for different reasons.
There is plenty of depth to the main players, action, adventure, violence, twists and turns, and cliffhangers to keep you guessing. It's a great book, and highly recommended.
Book 2 will be eagerly anticipated by lots of us!
You find yourself drawn into each of the characters, their narratives equally compelling for different reasons.
There is plenty of depth to the main players, action, adventure, violence, twists and turns, and cliffhangers to keep you guessing. It's a great book, and highly recommended.
Book 2 will be eagerly anticipated by lots of us!
June 24, 2023
At every turn, you can see the world of The Path of Chaos, as the modern world of 2031, filled with state-of-the-art technology, fuses with the ancient practices of the Roman Empire. It's brilliant and pulls you completely in.
You find yourself drawn into each character, their narratives equally interesting for different reasons.
There is plenty of depth to the key players, action, adventure, violence, twists and turns, and cliffhangers to keep you guessing. It's an influential book, and highly recommended.
You find yourself drawn into each character, their narratives equally interesting for different reasons.
There is plenty of depth to the key players, action, adventure, violence, twists and turns, and cliffhangers to keep you guessing. It's an influential book, and highly recommended.
July 13, 2023
An interesting book but not personally my cup of tea *CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING*
Very dark and gory right off the bat, with a lot of graphic violence throughout, which I honestly wasn’t expecting, but luckily doesn’t bother me.
For the most part it was fairly well written and definitely did a good job at grabbing and keeping the readers attention, although the first chapter was very different and weak. I almost DNFd at that point, but am glad I did continue reading.
It was an intriguing idea for a book, although I’d have liked more building on the original idea.
Also Inclusive with LGBTQ and POC characters.
Not much in terms of a complicated plot but the characters were good and it does end on a cliffhanger, so hopefully the next instalment will further explore the culture and world, with a more dynamic plot.
*Received as an ARC for an honest review
Very dark and gory right off the bat, with a lot of graphic violence throughout, which I honestly wasn’t expecting, but luckily doesn’t bother me.
For the most part it was fairly well written and definitely did a good job at grabbing and keeping the readers attention, although the first chapter was very different and weak. I almost DNFd at that point, but am glad I did continue reading.
It was an intriguing idea for a book, although I’d have liked more building on the original idea.
Also Inclusive with LGBTQ and POC characters.
Not much in terms of a complicated plot but the characters were good and it does end on a cliffhanger, so hopefully the next instalment will further explore the culture and world, with a more dynamic plot.
*Received as an ARC for an honest review
July 20, 2023
A review long overdue because I couldn’t decide whether to go for a straightforward review or for a roast. Worth keeping in mind that I know the author fairly well, but I promise my review is honest.
Tom has built a fascinating albeit horrifying world around surprising and charming main characters. It’s not a scenario I’d like to be in, but I’m looking forward exploring this terrifying scene in the next (?) book.
The dynamics between all of the characters are well thought out and the dialogue is very natural.
But the TWs don’t lie. It’s not for the faint of heart, with some particularly graphic passages and quite unpleasant implications.
Doesn’t bother me, though. I genuinely really liked this book and the way the ending is set up, it leaves you thirsting for more.
Tom has built a fascinating albeit horrifying world around surprising and charming main characters. It’s not a scenario I’d like to be in, but I’m looking forward exploring this terrifying scene in the next (?) book.
The dynamics between all of the characters are well thought out and the dialogue is very natural.
But the TWs don’t lie. It’s not for the faint of heart, with some particularly graphic passages and quite unpleasant implications.
Doesn’t bother me, though. I genuinely really liked this book and the way the ending is set up, it leaves you thirsting for more.
January 13, 2024
Honestly, 2.5 stars. An inventive premise, decent plot, and reasonably well-written characters. But not much else struck a chord with me.
Didn't quite make it to three or more stars because, for me, the writing voice was lack luster. There wasn't anything in this way the story was told that made it exciting for me. And for me, writing voice is a big feature that breaks or makes a book for me. The way it was told made it seem, in the words of Lisa Simpson, "just a bunch of stuff that happened" with no real point.
The M/M relationship was pretty one note...bickering, snarky couple...and that got old. I'm glad there was the moment when Tobias suffered an attack. It brought out a nice, softer side to Mav and showed more affection between the two.
I did not find the depictions of violence all that jarring. I did appreciate the content notices at the beginning. I guess it's all relative because it wasn't heavy-handed to me. It was just enough. I did appreciate how Haward built out the world. The worldbuilding flowed pretty nicely with the plot.
Didn't quite make it to three or more stars because, for me, the writing voice was lack luster. There wasn't anything in this way the story was told that made it exciting for me. And for me, writing voice is a big feature that breaks or makes a book for me. The way it was told made it seem, in the words of Lisa Simpson, "just a bunch of stuff that happened" with no real point.
The M/M relationship was pretty one note...bickering, snarky couple...and that got old. I'm glad there was the moment when Tobias suffered an attack. It brought out a nice, softer side to Mav and showed more affection between the two.
I did not find the depictions of violence all that jarring. I did appreciate the content notices at the beginning. I guess it's all relative because it wasn't heavy-handed to me. It was just enough. I did appreciate how Haward built out the world. The worldbuilding flowed pretty nicely with the plot.
October 28, 2023
I loved the concept from the outset which sparked my imagination to a new level. The fantasy levels brought me all the way back to Stephen Donaldson but a lot more violent.The violence is written brilliantly and is meant to shock, making it real. I won't summarise the storyline but I highly recommend this book if well written fantasy that incorporates realism is your thing. Looking forward to the next installment in this trilogy.
February 8, 2025
Really interesting basis for a book. Loved the cross over between modern day and the Roman Empire.
Well thought out characters and lots of undertones for the issues we find with our governments and society these days.
Looking forward to the next one!
Well thought out characters and lots of undertones for the issues we find with our governments and society these days.
Looking forward to the next one!
April 14, 2025
Took it with me on holiday and finished it almost immediately! Amazing concept and brilliantly flawed characters. Will be reading the next in the series without a doubt!
July 30, 2023
“The Path of Chaos” by Tom Haward ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Speculative Fiction. Location: Brittania, a Roman outpost (alternative England) Time: 2030.
The Roman Empire never fell. It’s ruled by a sadist-unpredictable Emperor Nero II-and it covers half the world. Roman outpost Britannia is vital to Nero’s planned invasion of the Republic of Indigenous America. Streets are patrolled by soldiers in high-speed, horseless chariots. Torture, mutilation, killing, crucifixion are routine.
Rebel leader Boatman King plots to destroy Nero and drive the Empire from Britannia. When Nero’s depraved son Maximus crucifies Boatman’s wife Olivia on London Bridge, Boatman’s crew rescue her and leave Max with his head bashed in. Three months after Olivia’s crucifixion, Boatman’s offensive begins.
Author Haward has written a Roman saga as bloody as the original Roman Empire. It’s filled with stories of Boatman and Olivia, bodyguard Bella, ex gladiators Maverick and Tobias, Centurion Faust and Alypia, Commander of Brittania Titus, Emperor Nero, Roman soldier Kevin.
He compares characters with original Roman Empire namesakes, so you might imagine current characters in ancient Roman dress. But the year 2030 Nero wears a suit with his laurel wreath! Haward includes side stories and back stories to give context. Some are a bit of a distraction. Haward populates his book with a group of very diverse characters. More description of clothes, hair, homes, transport, systems would have helped me understand this alternative world. The book is a great chance for you to experience speculative fiction in a brutally different timeline, and it’s a solid 3 stars from me🌵📚💁🏼♀️ Thank you to Cinnabar Moth Publishing and Tom Haward for this early copy. Publishes 8/1/2023.
The Roman Empire never fell. It’s ruled by a sadist-unpredictable Emperor Nero II-and it covers half the world. Roman outpost Britannia is vital to Nero’s planned invasion of the Republic of Indigenous America. Streets are patrolled by soldiers in high-speed, horseless chariots. Torture, mutilation, killing, crucifixion are routine.
Rebel leader Boatman King plots to destroy Nero and drive the Empire from Britannia. When Nero’s depraved son Maximus crucifies Boatman’s wife Olivia on London Bridge, Boatman’s crew rescue her and leave Max with his head bashed in. Three months after Olivia’s crucifixion, Boatman’s offensive begins.
Author Haward has written a Roman saga as bloody as the original Roman Empire. It’s filled with stories of Boatman and Olivia, bodyguard Bella, ex gladiators Maverick and Tobias, Centurion Faust and Alypia, Commander of Brittania Titus, Emperor Nero, Roman soldier Kevin.
He compares characters with original Roman Empire namesakes, so you might imagine current characters in ancient Roman dress. But the year 2030 Nero wears a suit with his laurel wreath! Haward includes side stories and back stories to give context. Some are a bit of a distraction. Haward populates his book with a group of very diverse characters. More description of clothes, hair, homes, transport, systems would have helped me understand this alternative world. The book is a great chance for you to experience speculative fiction in a brutally different timeline, and it’s a solid 3 stars from me🌵📚💁🏼♀️ Thank you to Cinnabar Moth Publishing and Tom Haward for this early copy. Publishes 8/1/2023.
July 28, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a fair review.
The Path of Chaos is a visceral imagining of what today’s world might be like if the Roman Empire had not fallen. Haward has convincingly built a modern world that shares the worst Roman Empire brutalities, like slavery and crucifixions, alongside all the modern conveniences of our digital age, such as computers. Haward’s novel opens with the sadistic crucifixion of the main character’s wife on London Bridge and ends with the murder of the current Emperor Nero in an effort to achieve social, political, and economic justice. The plot is realistically intense with well drawn characters whose relationships convincingly portray political, familial, and romantic entanglements. The addition of the Republic of Indigenous America to the traditional Roman world view is a magnificent addition and gives Haward a natural way to extend his story line into hopefully a second book. Fans of Harry Turtledove’s works will love this book!
The Path of Chaos is a visceral imagining of what today’s world might be like if the Roman Empire had not fallen. Haward has convincingly built a modern world that shares the worst Roman Empire brutalities, like slavery and crucifixions, alongside all the modern conveniences of our digital age, such as computers. Haward’s novel opens with the sadistic crucifixion of the main character’s wife on London Bridge and ends with the murder of the current Emperor Nero in an effort to achieve social, political, and economic justice. The plot is realistically intense with well drawn characters whose relationships convincingly portray political, familial, and romantic entanglements. The addition of the Republic of Indigenous America to the traditional Roman world view is a magnificent addition and gives Haward a natural way to extend his story line into hopefully a second book. Fans of Harry Turtledove’s works will love this book!
April 29, 2023
Once I picked this up, that was it, I was hooked.
Set in the near future, The Path of Chaos imagines a world where the Roman Empire still rules. Without wanting to give any spoilers away, I can say that the world building was really well done (the author clearly knows his stuff), the characters range from brutal to humane, and the plot extremely well crafted.
Roman history, brutality, and genius continues to carry a deep fascination today, so it's good to read a novel that explores this in such a unique way. The Path of Chaos is fast paced, and full of great moments, which means you don't want to stop reading.
It's refreshing to read a novel where it feels like the author is writing the book THEY want to write, without fear or constriction. And it is the perfect story to be adapted into a streaming series.
My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next installment!
Set in the near future, The Path of Chaos imagines a world where the Roman Empire still rules. Without wanting to give any spoilers away, I can say that the world building was really well done (the author clearly knows his stuff), the characters range from brutal to humane, and the plot extremely well crafted.
Roman history, brutality, and genius continues to carry a deep fascination today, so it's good to read a novel that explores this in such a unique way. The Path of Chaos is fast paced, and full of great moments, which means you don't want to stop reading.
It's refreshing to read a novel where it feels like the author is writing the book THEY want to write, without fear or constriction. And it is the perfect story to be adapted into a streaming series.
My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next installment!
June 6, 2023
This is one of those books that you’re genuinely sad to finish. I became so involved in the characters lives, I felt that I knew them, which is testament to the writing. The premise of the Romans in the 21st century, combined with the dystopian genre is right up my ally and I can’t recommend the book enough. Fingers crossed for a sequel!!
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April 29, 2023DNF
Did not read nearly enough of the book to write a review or leave a rating. If you’re Christian then I would suggest skipping this one.
Did not read nearly enough of the book to write a review or leave a rating. If you’re Christian then I would suggest skipping this one.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews