With Grand Protector Faust missing and Caesar dead, Senator Frigus is trying to hold the fraying threads of the Empire together by keeping this information secret. The Empire is already fragile, and if the truth spills onto the streets of Rome and beyond, the Empire could crumble.
Faust is prisoner of the giant Bjorn Askå and his cellmate is the rebel leader, Boatman King. Abducted by Askå, they’re now part of his grand plan to rule the entire world, with the Empire his next target. Can Faust and Boatman forge an alliance or are their own ambitions stronger than any desire for a truce?
A continent away, Bella, Maverick and the other rebels have escaped to the RIA where they lick their wounds from the disaster of Faust and Askå’s attack on their underground headquarters. They believe they have covered their tracks and hope the 35, leaders of the RIA, will equip them to take the fight to Rome again, this time with the advantage of surprise.
Olivia King, though, she is tired of the fight. Traumatised from being tortured at the hands of Maximus Nero and conflicted about her husband’s relentless desire to crush Rome, she is unsure whether she has the energy to keep fighting those who have caused her so much pain.
With the world and its people in turmoil, one thing is for certain: chaos remains in a world needing redemption.
Writing Interview Questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
I originally had an idea to write a novel based around there different realities: Roman, Victorian and Western. Each history would have a golden thread connecting them all. As I started to write the novel, I realised the Roman element was the most powerful one.
Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?
It wasn’t difficult researching the Roman era but what was surprising for me was the myths around the Romans. I assumed so much about the Roman empire which wasn’t true. I assumed so much about the Romans which came more from Hollywood than history, so it was fascinating to research and know more of the fact than fiction so I could then write fiction!
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
One thing which I love about this book and my previous two which make up this trilogy is the remix of history. I love how I have been able to mess with timelines and famous historical figures in those timelines. In this book there is a history about Tesla and his incredible genius. I’ve payed with timelines and how his history fits with Romans. It’s quirky and I love it.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Stubborn. Rage. Naive.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Ending it right. Endings are tough and can feel rushed. Endings can cause a entire novel to not be genuine. It’s so hard writing an ending which honours the story and the characters. Writing a great ending was so tough, but I think I managed it!
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
I didn’t edit anything out of the book but at one point I had decided on a drastically different ending. I might share that alternate ending one day.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a family melodrama. It focuses on the childhood of the protagonist and how that history, and his relationship with his family, affects his ability to form meaningful relationships.
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
If you don’t doubt yourself then I would question if you’re a writer! I have always found that the doubt is what chisels your skills as a writer. The doubt makes you look at your craft and aim to make it better and better. Doubt can be a real focus. But don’t let the doubt dominate. Let it be a little voice that sits alongside the voice of confidence in your ability.
Personal Interview Questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Watching movies. I’m a film buff and find films a real safe space.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a writer!
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
I made a tomato and basil soup with cheese and ham toasties. My wife is an amazing cook and said it was the best soup I’ve ever made, so I’m happy with that!
What would be a perfect day?
Sitting at a restaurant, by the beach, with my wife and daughter, drinking a beer and then hopping in a boat and cruising up the coast.
What is the best part of your day?
Reading my daughter a bedtime story and when she goes to bed we have a family kiss and cuddle.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Coffee
Hot or cold: Hot
Movie or book: Movie
Morning person or Night owl: Morning
City or country: Country
Social Media or book: Book
Paperback or ebook: Paperback
Tom was born in Essex and at 4 months old he and his identical twin were adopted into an oyster farming family. Tom now runs the business as generation eight of Haward oyster farmers. He has a fiancée, baby daughter and a cockapoo.
Tom has an MA in Creative Writing and has loved telling stories since he was a child, whether verbally or through prose.
The Path of Chaos was his debut novel. He is also working on a six episode comedy screenplay and tweets passionately about his family’s industry and the challenges it faces.
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