Shadow and Dust

Throne of the Caesars #2.5

by Harry Sidebottom

A tense and brilliantly dramatic 30-page short story from the bestselling author of The Throne of the Caesars Series.

This thrilling short story opens at the end of BLOOD AND STEEL and is the perfect trailer for Harry Sidebottom’s new novel FIRE AND SWORD.

AD 238. When Gordian the Younger is brutally cut down at the battle of Carthage, his ally Phillyrio and a centurion from his army must make for the hills of northern Africa, to escape Maximinus’s army. But their enemy, led by Capelianus, is determined to hunt them down.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2016

About the author

Harry Sidebottom is Lecturer in Ancient History at Merton College, Oxford, and part-time lecturer in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. He has written for and contributed to many publications, including Classical Review, Journal of Roman Studies, and War and Society in the Roman World.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this enjoyable short story on a plane flight... perfect escapism to Roman North Africa for a thrilling chase caper - I could almost feel the sand between my toes. Well researched, well written imagined intrigue during a real time of tension and uncertainty in the ancient world. A Highly recommended short read for historical fiction fans.

[Glyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great trailer for Fire & Sword.

Another of Sidebottom's novellas and this is well worth the read. Beginning with the Battle outside Carthage we see why Gordian II's cunning plan didn't work . Here we follow two of the fleeing Gordiani as they attempt to evade the victorious forces.
This is a small dose of everything Harry Sidebottom fans expect: erudite history, well written tales and excellent battle scenes.

[Dilys Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these short books which give you an insight into what happens to characters who have played minor, but important roles in the main books.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the short story. Shadow and Dust is basically the epilogue of Blood and Steel and the premise of Fire and Sword. I'm now curious as to what will Capelianus do in the third book.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aftermath of the battle of Carthage, with Carpelianus chasing escaped remnants of the Gordiani.

This was an okay short story, the chase was labored and missed a flashpoint to really make it memorable. However it shows a window into the mind of a man who might be a major player in the next book.