The Sign of The Blood

The Amazon Bestseller, reminiscent of the best historical fiction, with characters that are wonderful and full of life. An unforgettable story inspired by real events . . .

"Constantine was arguably the greatest European emperor ever. O'Bryan's tale has an equally great supporting cast of villains and allies. This is great historical fiction."

Hostage for his father's enemies. Expected to die. Saved by a woman who was both orphaned and enslaved.

It's the year 306. The Roman Empire is in turmoil. Constantine, the son of the Emperor of the West, is fighting Persians. In a daring raid on the Persian camp he frees a slave named Juliana. She is half Persian, half Roman. As they are pursued to Britannia over land and sea, he learns that she can see the future - his future.

This was long before Constantine converted to Christianity and became the first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great. To ensure he survives, he must eliminate enemies intent on killing him. But who must die first? The priestess, Sybellina, who joined them in Rome and practices dark and seductive magic? Or the brutal legion commanders who surround his father? Or, as Juliana suspects, are those who want him dead even closer?

A truly compelling historical novel about Constantine's bloody rise to power, the woman who helped him, and the real reason he supported a persecuted Christian minority, a decision which changed the world into the one we know.

Laurence O'Bryan has crafted an enthralling story layered with ambition, romance, and the frightening effects of absolute power. A provocative and powerful allegory, showing how rules and morals must be bent when others wish you dead.

"★★★★★ I absolutely loved Julianna. I couldn't wait for the story to swing back to her each time!" - Vine Voice, Verified Amazon Reviewer.

"★★★★★ This is without doubt one of the best historical novels I have read (and I read a lot !) Excellent characterisation, gripping story, very well written." - Verified Amazon Reviewer.

"★★★★★ Characters are well drawn and realistic in not being "perfection personified" story keeps moving at appropriate pace, landscapes well described" - A. Morgan, Verified Amazon Reviewer.

"★★★★★ I would recommend this book to anyone who has a liking for stories of the Roman Empire" - D. Ballantyne, Verified Amazon Reviewer.

"★★★★★ Author Laurence O'Bryan paints scenes with highly descriptive writing that puts you in the scene, making you feel you are right there witnessing the action." - Robert Lalonde, Verified Amazon Reviewer.

"★★★★★ Brilliant book, that pulled me right in from the start. The characters are wonderful, full of life. I was swept up in this tale about Constantine." Verified Amazon Reviewer.

"★★★★★ I have read many books and studied history for decades. This historical novel is comparable to the best such as Dear and a Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell." - Augustine Redux, Amazon Reviewer.