Chariots: An epic historical novel of glory, freedom and revenge (Epic Historical Adventure)

One race can lead a man to glory.
One victory can make him rich.
One mistake can kill him.

Rome, 121 AD

Slave charioteer Brittanicus has one chance to escape the life he was born into. He must win enough races to buy his freedom.

But Rome already has a champion.

Diocles.

Born free, fearless and possessed of extraordinary talent, Diocles is the greatest charioteer the empire has ever known. Before crowds of 200,000 screaming spectators, he has become almost invincible.

Brittanicus is determined to beat him.

But chariot racing is the most dangerous sport in the ancient world, where horses run at terrifying speed, drivers attack each other with knives and whips, and a single mistake means death.

The Circus Maximus is a world of rivalry, betrayal and deadly ambition. Powerful men gamble fortunes, and champions will do anything to stay on top.

As Brittanicus rises through the ranks, his victories bring him closer to the life he dreams of, because he is not racing merely for money, he is racing for the woman he loves.

Soon, his rivalry with Diocles will captivate an empire.

And the final race will decide everything.

Inspired by the incredible true story of history's wealthiest athlete, Chariots is a sweeping historical adventure of love, rivalry and revenge, bringing the brutal spectacle of ancient Rome's greatest sporting arena vividly to life.

*****

PRAISE FOR COLIN FALCONER

'A fantastic read.'
Wilbur Smith

'A helluva good read... skillfully brings to life a vibrant and exotic historical period.'
Noble Smith

'Makes dry history into a real rip-roaring read.'
Forum Magazine

'Spectacular historical fiction blazing with intrigue, romance and dramatic action.'
Booklist

'A magisterial tale.'
Daily Mail UK

'Living history at its best.'
Good Reading

'Falconer's grasp of period and places is almost flawless... he's my kind of writer.'
The Australian

'Poignant characterization, dazzling dialogue, and impeccable research.'
Bibliotica

'Truly made this historical era come alive.'
Historical Novel Review

'Nothing short of brilliant!'
History and Women

'Sure to find its way onto the bookshelves of lovers of a thrilling tale.'
Liverpool Daily Post

'Moves along at a cracking pace, the narrative fraught with action and tension at every turn.'
Bookmuse

'Beautifully written in typical Falconer style with plenty of snap and sharpness, and wonderfully researched.'
Great Historicals

'A great read.'
Martina Cole

'In the same bare-knuckled school as Simon Scarrow, Steven Pressfield and Ben Kane.'
Steve Donoghue