The Lion's Brood

"The Lion's Brood" by Duffield Osborne is a historical fiction where ancient Rome teeters on the edge of destruction during the Second Punic War as it tells the story of a young Roman tribune named Lucius Sergius Fidenas, who finds himself caught between the battlefield, political intrigue, and his growing affections for Marcia, the daughter of a powerful senator. News of Hannibal's victories casts a long shadow over the city, creating an atmosphere of fear and unrest. Lucius, along with his friend Caius, questions the integrity of their leaders while wrestling with his own sense of duty and love. The book begins with a heavy tone, weaving an exploration of loyalty, honor, and the immense pressure on those connected with the legacy of Rome.