Nero by Conn Iggulden

Nero: Delivers the unexpected. The story is not about the man who was Emperor
The book is a slow burner, delving deep into a historical narrative of Rome at its bloodiest as the turmoil of Emperors is overthrown, with the balance of power swinging back and forth as we wade through poison, gore and fire.

Women are the threads that weave the story together. Agrippina is at the heart of the story using all her feminine guile to protect herself and her son. Her story is of resilience finding the path to navigate every threat thrown at her. Once she has decided you are not on her side your days are numbered.
The reason the book is titled Nero is clarified by her voice decreeing Nero - the name to be taken.

The downside is, at times, the names are confusing, and the changing of POV mid-chapter. There are too many chapters of blood and gore that repeats what the reader has read before. I would have liked some of the minor voices to have been heard, especially the Aunty, another female who shaped Agrippina's son’s life and character.

This is a slower read, but an enjoyable ride through Roman history and the conquering of Britain. The research by Conn Iggulden is deep and holds the reader's interest