This Summer, Journey to the Fifth Century Roman Empire, to a World of Barbarians, Battles, Romance and Faith in Cheryl Bristow's epic historical novel A Shield in the Shadows

Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2026/06/7d9092fd020154b417675dd01cd9a460.jpg

If you are looking for a real page-turner this summer, one that weaves a romantic tale set in the world of real barbarians and Romans, then we have the book for you. You'll find it hard to put down this summer's epic historical novel, A Shield in the Shadows by Cheryl Bristow. The book brings to life the clash of Romans and barbarians, Christians and pagans, all struggling for supremacy.

A Shield in the Shadows isan action-packed, well-researched novel that gives readers a rare glimpse into life in the early Fifth Century Roman Empire, a time when paganism was on the wane but barbarian invasions from Germania were on the rise, while the Roman Army struggled to hold back frantic tribesmen wanting sanctuary from the growing threat of Huns.

After a devastating raid by Hunnic marauders on their remote Christian commune, sixteen-year-old Theona and her father flee with other survivors, and eventually join a massive, multi-tribe invasion of the Roman Empire led by the pagan Gothic king Radagaisus, described by ancient writers as "a demon worshipper." Very quickly, Theona catches the dangerous interest of Radagaisus' younger son, and soon after unfortunately, his volatile father. Their growing romance is set against this fearful background.

On the other side of the frontier, Marius Ausonius, a young Gallic aristocrat, joins the Roman army as the first step in his career, unaware of the danger, and soon learns that his cohort is being sent against the invaders who are approaching Italy using a dangerous alpine pass. Theona and Marius meet unexpectedly in very human circumstances, and that experience has lasting consequences for both of them and the ensuing battle.

Readers will experience the tightrope that Christian believers walked during that period, one not well known or understood by many today. She has carefully researched the background for this story over twelve years to reveal what it was like to be a Christian, a migrant desperate to start a new, safer life, and a Roman citizen during this historic clash of cultures.

Cheryl Bristow has been noted as "a gifted spinner of legends" with an eye for historical accuracy, and the book has already won two Word Guild Awards and a Beverly Hills Book Award, first prize in Christian Fiction in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and a Canada Book Award.

A Shield in the Shadows is available online in multiple formats on Amazon, Bristow's own website, and other bookstore chains. Get Your Copy Now: https://a.co/d/02GznR24

Media Contact
Company Name: Audiobook Publishing Services
Contact Person: Cheryl Bristow
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=this-summer-journey-to-the-fifth-century-roman-empire-to-a-world-of-barbarians-battles-romance-and-faith-in-cheryl-bristows-epic-historical-novel-a-shield-in-the-shadows]
Country: United States
Website: https://authorcherylbristow.com

Legal Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. ABNewswire makes no warranties or responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you are affiliated with this article or have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article and would like it to be removed, please contact retract@swscontact.com



This release was published on openPR.