When Cleopatra VII assumes the throne of Egypt, the Roman empire rules the Mediterranean with an iron fist. Julius Caesar has shattered the Republic and become Dictator. No one can stand in his way.
But Cleopatra, a descendant of one of Alexander the Great’s generals, has an audacious plan to change the course of history.
Allied first with Caesar, and then with his protégé Marc Antony, she dares to challenge the might of Rome.
What follows is a bloody game of thrones in the palaces and battlefields of Rome, Greece, Syria and Egypt.
It reaches its climax at one of history’s epic battles, as they lead their armies in one last desperate gamble.
Colin Falconer books are available on AMAZON in e-book ($3.99 in USA and £2.99 in UK) and in paperback. Most are also in Kindle Unlimited.
Revised 2021 edition. Originally published by Random House and Crown Publishing as When We Were Gods. Also published by Coolgus as Cleopatra.
What readers are saying:
“This is the riveting story of Egypt’s last and greatest queen… a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman.” Publishers Weekly
“Spectacular historical fiction blazing with intrigue, romance and dramatic action.” Booklist
“Falconer’s Cleopatra is vulnerable, intelligent and liberated, defined by her wit as much as her beauty” Publishers Weekly
“Falconer paints an enthralling fictional portrait of the one of the most powerful and beguiling women of all ages.” Margaret Flanagan, American Library Association
“A wonderful story… not just a rehash of history but rather a refreshing look at this clever and charismatic leader.” Women’s Weekly Book of the Month
“Makes dry history into a real rip-roaring read.” Australian Women’s Forum Magazine
”Falconer doesn’t bog down his writing with excessive, unnecessary (and boring) detail. This is a good thing, as the story moves quickly and is never dull. 5 stars because I was totally entertained throughout the entire book.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Amazon Review.
“If you have read nearly everything on Cleopatra, but not this one, you’re missing one of the better titles. I have read them all, and this is one of my favorites.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Amazon Review.
“Beyond excellent. Talk about a twist at the end! WOW! If you like ancient Egypt and the story of its greatest Queen then you must read this book.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Amazon Review.
”A book that brings to life, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Marc Antony. Gripping from beginning to end. It’s as if you are there witnessing everything.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Amazon Review.
A blog: Separating fact from fiction
Back in the thirties, Cecil B. de Mille offered the role of Cleopatra to Claudette Colbert with the words: ‘How would you like to play the wickedest woman in history?’
Was she really history’s wickedest woman, reclining on an antique sunbed, being fed grapes by Nubian slaves and giving eyes to every man who strolled in from the desert?
Even today many people believe she bathed in asses’ milk and slept with hundreds of men.
Did she?
Let’s start with the asses’ milk. Yes, she did spend a fortune on cosmetics because she was very conscious of her image. But for political reasons, not because she was vain.
In fact, evidence suggests she was a political and marketing genius of the first rank.