HISTORICAL FICTION
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.
Debra May Macleod’s novels encompass the timespan of the Vestal Order from its beginning to its end. It’s a journey that parallels the rise and fall of Rome itself.
Below, you’ll find Debra’s novels presented in historical order. If you wish, you can read in order for an engrossing, emotional immersion in the world of ancient Rome and the Vestal Virgins. However, 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 First Vestals of Rome trilogy), the height of empire (The Vesta Shadows trilogy), or the very end (Coelia Concordia).
The First Vestals of Rome Trilogy: Rhea Silvia, Tarpeia and Amata
“Turns the myth of Romulus and Remus into a plausible and energetic history. A vibrant, enthralling tale.” - The Historical Novel Society
“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 Junkie Reviews
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.
Rhea Silvia, the mother of Rome.
Tarpeia, whose name gave rise to Rome’s most infamous execution site.
Amata, the first true Vestal Virgin of Rome, whose name and legacy would shape the Vestal order for centuries.
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.
“In an age of ruthless politicians, the seemingly benign Vestals could hold the balance of power. Macleod has written a fascinating mystery set within the relentlessly masculine world of Roman power politics, but seen through the lens of a unique, all-female institution.” - John Maddox Roberts, SPQR Series
The Vesta Shadows Trilogy: Brides of Rome, To Be Wolves and Empire of Iron
US & CANADA EDITION
REVISED EDITION - UK & EUROPE
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.
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 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 fall of an empire, and the relentless suppression of the old gods as seen through the eyes of those lost everything, but never lost hope.
Based on real events and recommend by The Historical Novel Society.