Synopsis
A STORY ABOUT FEMALE AMBITION, LEARNING WHERE TRUE POWER LIES, AND EXACTLY WHAT IT COSTS.
'Compelling, relatable characters and a brilliant voice' CONN IGGULDEN
'A tale of power-play, political hope and women's inner strength' ELYSE JOHN
_
Fulvia is the daughter of a wealthy but unimportant Roman family. Raised in the countryside, she longs for a life of intrigue and influence. When her father dies and her inheritance is threatened, Fulvia makes her way to the city of Rome to secure her future.
There she marries a young aristocrat named Clodius, who is more interested in partying with his hedonistic friends than politics. Fulvia is drawn into their world of debauchery, and learns just how precarious the balance of power in the Republic is. Her ambition drives them both to political power that draws the attention of the senate, and more seedy underworld opponents. But Rome is a dangerous place, and power can become notoriety overnight. Fulvia soon learns just how high the stakes really are, and that her ambitions may come at a terrible cost.
TO RULE A RULER - the sequel to FULVIA by Kaarina Parker - will be publishing in 2026...
'Compelling, relatable characters and a brilliant voice' CONN IGGULDEN
'A tale of power-play, political hope and women's inner strength' ELYSE JOHN
_
Fulvia is the daughter of a wealthy but unimportant Roman family. Raised in the countryside, she longs for a life of intrigue and influence. When her father dies and her inheritance is threatened, Fulvia makes her way to the city of Rome to secure her future.
There she marries a young aristocrat named Clodius, who is more interested in partying with his hedonistic friends than politics. Fulvia is drawn into their world of debauchery, and learns just how precarious the balance of power in the Republic is. Her ambition drives them both to political power that draws the attention of the senate, and more seedy underworld opponents. But Rome is a dangerous place, and power can become notoriety overnight. Fulvia soon learns just how high the stakes really are, and that her ambitions may come at a terrible cost.
TO RULE A RULER - the sequel to FULVIA by Kaarina Parker - will be publishing in 2026...
Details
15 July 2025
9781786585196Imprint: Manilla Press
Reviews
She was a woman who took no interest in spinning or housekeeping. She wanted to rule a ruler and command a commander.
A triumph! Parker deftly draws the reader into a whirlpool of politics and intrigue, bringing the sights and sounds of ancient Rome to life in lush detail. A timely meditation on the power of the people versus a small cadre of conservative elites, and an engaging tale about a woman who refuses to play by any rules except her own.
A dramatic tale from an exciting new storyteller, Fulvia shines a light on the women behind the forces and factions in Ancient Rome. Taking us on a turbulent ride, Kaarina Parker delves into the personal and political world of a strong-minded woman who shapes the fortunes of the men around her - and perhaps even the future of Rome itself. Beneath Fulvia's veneer of machinations, a push for social change beats a steady and dangerous drum. This bold novel grabbed me with its tale of power-play, political hope, and women's inner strength.
Compelling, relatable characters and a brilliant voice. Fulvia is a fascinating insight into an extraordinary woman of ancient Rome. Some stories, some lives, cry out to be told. This is one of them.
