The Splendor Before the Dark — Margaret George

Ascending to the throne was only the beginning... Now Margaret George weaves a web of politics and passion, as ancient Rome's most infamous emperor cements his place in history in this follow-up to The Confessions of Young Nero.

For nine years, Nero has ruled the Roman empire with the beautiful and cunning Poppaea at his side. Though they have yet to produce an heir, Nero turns his thoughts to ushering in an unprecedented era of artistic and cultural splendor.

But a terrifying prophecy comes to pass when a fire engulfs Rome, reducing entire swaths of the city to rubble. And though Nero joins the battle to contain the flames, rumors of his complicity in the blaze start to sow unrest among the populace--and the politicians...

For better or worse, Nero knows that his fate is tied to Rome's--and he vows to rebuild a city that will stun the world. But as the ten year anniversary of his accession nears, his profligacy earns him enemies among the Senate. There are those who find his rampant quest for glory dangerous. Beneath the surface of the court, false friends and spies conspire against him. And Nero will suffer the greatest betrayal of all....