Tyrant

A Novel (The Nero Trilogy, Book 2)

By: Conn Iggulden

Narrated by: Lydia Leonard

From New York Times bestselling author Conn Iggulden, the second novel in this new trilogy finds newly-crowned Emperor Nero fending off court rivals while embracing his fate as the most feared, notorious ruler in Roman history.

Ancient Rome, 50 AD.

Agrippina secures her son Lucius’s fate through her marriage to Emperor Claudius. Though more intelligent than her previous husbands—and with a power that is absolute—for a time she bends her husband to her will. Claudius is gentle as a lamb with a rope around its neck.

So it is, that Lucius is adopted into the imperial family and becomes Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.

But this is merely the first of many moves in the game of power. As mother and son risk everything—their alliances and betrayals, their cruelties and crimes, their brilliance and their ambition—this vivid tapestry is brought brilliantly to life by Conn Iggulden in Tyrant.

“The middle entry in a trilogy about Roman Emperor Nero’s turbulent life. Many details are marvelous, like the mock naval battles held in arenas that Roman engineers flood with sea water. Great characters, superb storytelling.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred)

©2025 Conn Iggulden (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Tyrant

Conn Iggulden has done it again. No other author brings ancient history alive as Conn Iggulden does. This novel of Ancient Rome is another great addition to his library, and a more than worthy second volume of his trilogy of the Emperor Nero. The narration is top notch as well. I recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves Ancient Rome and a rip roaring yarn.

Loved it

Amazing as all Conn Iggulden books are! They are all amazing! Must reads really really

Another masterpiece

Is there any story this author cannot perfect? Well researched with masterful storytelling, and like a siren’s call, the reader is drawn in and left breathless wanting more. The narration…no words. Absolutely brilliant.

need the next one immediately

I fished this book so fast and now I'm sad it's over....I can't wait till 2026 to get the next book i might just re-read it all over again until the next book comes out

A little thin

There’s not much to this story. It seems that a gladiator battle was thrown in with minimal plot significance as filler and as to provide some action.