Debra May Macleod

Author | Fiction

Be Worlds Away.

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A circular emblem with the words 'Sicily' and a snake design, featuring a stylized snake and decorative border.

A yellow, circular border with a stylized snake wrapping around it, featuring a Greek key pattern along the edges.

A woman standing outdoors near a stone monument or column, looking up at it with her hands clasped in front of her, surrounded by greenery.

Debra May Macleod, BA, JD

Debra is the author of seven historical fiction novels set in Ancient Rome and featuring the powerful order of the Vestal Virgins, those priestesses who tended the goddess Vesta's eternal flame in her temple. Her novels chronicle the history of the Vestal Order from its rise in the 8th century BCE to its banishment in the 4th century CE. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.

Debra holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Classics, as well as a Juris Doctor. She has been invited to participate in research excursions in the Roman Fora, including places inaccessible to the general public, and informs her writing with this invaluable perspective. An author with a true passion for her subject, Debra also writes about the relevance and impact of this ancient tradition in the modern world.

“A riveting imagined world ripped from the pages of history, this smart repartee captivates in every way.” - Steve Berry, NYT Bestselling Author

“A page turning story of the birth of the Roman empire.” - Margaret George, NYT Bestselling Author

“A vibrant, enthralling tale.” - The Historical Novel Society

Epic Novels You Must Read by Candlelight

See the sacred flame burn in the temple… feel its heat, hear it roar… enter the world of ancient Rome and live with the Vestal Virgins by reading these action-packed, emotional historical fiction novels.

A head of a classical statue of a woman, with a lion in the background and scenes of destruction. It's a book cover, the title is Coelia Concordia: the last Vestal virgin of Rome

LATEST RELEASE - COELIA CONCORDIA: THE LAST VESTAL VIRGIN OF ROME.

For over a thousand years, the esteemed priestesses of Vesta were tasked with keeping the goddess’s Eternal Flame burning in her temple. For as long as the fire was alive, the Eternal City would endure.

This is the amazing story of Rome’s last Vestal Virgin—Coelia Concordia—and her battle to save the sacred flame from an encroaching darkness. It is also a story about a prophecy fulfilled, the violent fall of an empire, and the relentless suppression of the old gods as seen through the eyes of those who were losing everything—not just their gods, but their freedoms too—yet fought on and never lost hope.

Based on real events. Recommended by the Historical Novel Society.

Visit Coelia Concordia's Page

The First Vestals of Rome Trilogy

Book covers of the first three in the 'First Vestals of Rome' series by Debra May Macleod. The first features a blue statue of a woman, titled 'Rhea Silvia'. The second shows a purple statue of a woman holding a string of beads, titled 'Tarpeia'. The third depicts a pink statue of a woman with ancient ruins in the background, titled 'Amata'.

“If you love history, the Roman empire and the sex, fights and deception that allowed these privileged people to create one of the greatest cultures in the world, you will love this book.” - Book Junkie Reviews on Rhea Silvia

Visit the Series Page

The Vesta Shadows Trilogy

“Fascinating… [A] page-turning story of the birth of the Roman empire, watching all the big names - Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Augustus - from an angle never seen before.” - Margaret George, NYT Bestselling Author on Brides of Rome

Three book covers for the novel series by Debra May Macleod. Each cover features a woman with long dark hair wearing a white/gray dress, standing before different backgrounds: a gate with flames, a balcony overlooking an ancient city, and a stone archway with Roman-style architecture. The titles are 'Brides of Rome,' 'To Be Wolves,' and 'Empire of Iron'.

Visit the Series Page

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Visit the Visual Gallery

The Vestal Virgins have long been the subject of art. From ancient Roman coins to Renaissance paintings, visit the Visual Gallery to browse amazing images and artifacts of the Vestal Virgins, Vesta and the world of ancient Rome.

Many of the images are interactive, so click / tap / learn!

Visit the Gallery