HISTORICAL FICTION

Immerse Yourself in the World of Ancient Rome and the Vestal Virgins

Debra May Macleod’s novels encompass the timespan of the Vestal Order from its beginning to its end… a journey that, uncoincidentally, parallels the rise and fall of Rome itself.

Each trilogy can be enjoyed on its own, so jump into the timeline at that period that most intrigues you, whether that’s Rome’s founding years, the height of empire, or the very end.

Alternatively, read the novels in historical order for an engrossing, emotional immersion in the world of ancient Rome and the Vestal Virgins. Either way, learn more about each of Debra’s books here and elsewhere on the site.

Latest Release!

book cover of the novel Coelia Concordia, showing a statue of a Vestal on top of a base and a scene of destruction behind

COELIA CONCORDIA: THE LAST VESTAL VIRGIN OF ROME

Buy the novel and learn more about the real-life characters in Coelia Concordia—including the great priestess herself—on the Coelia Concordia page.

The First Vestals of Rome Trilogy

“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

three book covers for the trilogy The First Vestals of Rome

Set in the 8th century BCE, The First Vestals of Rome is an action-packed trilogy that dramatizes the sensational, often perilous lives of three legendary women who gave rise to Rome’s powerful order of Vestal Virgins. All of them central to the life of Romulus, Rome’s founder, these tectonic women were fated to shape the history of the Eternal City as much as any Caesar who came after them.

See all books in The First Vestals of Rome trilogy

The Vesta Shadows Trilogy

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

Three book covers from the "Vestal Virgins" series by Debra May Macleod, featuring titles: Brides of Rome, To Be Wolves, and Empire of Iron. Each cover shows a woman in Roman attire, facing away from the viewer, with ancient Roman settings in the background.

The Vesta Shadows trilogy spans decades, from 45 BCE to 14 CE. It follows the life of the Vestal priestess Pomponia Occia, who is inspired by the real Vestal Occia who lived during this time, serving in the Temple of Vesta for more than fifty years. Set during the tumultuous years that saw the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus - and beyond - it dramatizes some of the major historical events that occurred during her lifetime while simultaneously bringing ancient Rome to life with fast-paced, engrossing and visceral storylines played out by a striking cast of characters.

See all books in The Vesta Shadows trilogy