Merlin is the son of a brutal Roman, who raped his mother. Wanting to discover who his father is and have his many questions answered, he sets off with his loyal companions from Celtic Britain for Constantinople. While traveling through war - torn France, Rome, and Ravenna Merlin, bound by a healer's oath to relive suffering, builds his reputation as a great healer in bloody battles and the poverty - ridden streets of Rome. When conflicts arise between multiple kings, Merlin must use all his skills to keep himself and his loyal friends alive, or face a cruel death along with the mighty Roman Empire.

M.K. Hume writes a more historically accurate story around the well - known legend of the wizard Merlin. Readers will find DEATH OF AN EMPIRE fascinating as Hume takes Merlin through war - torn Europe to Constantinople. The details help the characters and the setting leap off the page. Every detail about the characters from their travel worn clothes to their eye and hair color are easily imaginable, and readers will get a clear picture of the beauty and decay of a dying Rome. Merlin is still the dark and brooding man of Arthurian legend, but Hume fashions a more human, and less magical version making Merlin's story an even more alluring read. The dialogue is intelligent and profound, and at times even witty and sharp. Hume keeps DEATH OF AN EMPIRE an adventure with bloody battles, political intrigue, and romance. Hume creates a Merlin readers are not likely to forget in DEATH OF AN EMPIRE, the second book in The Merlin Prophecy trilogy.