Blood of Empires by John Lawrence Burks combines the history of ancient Roman politics, culture, religion, and policies with an inspiring story of one man's growth from a young boy into a man and believer of God's power. Beginning when he is ninety-one, he looks back to the day he turned ten years old and he began understanding his place in Rome. He watches gladiators fight to the death. After his mother has been murdered, he sets off on a quest to find the murderers and seek revenge. As the eldest son of the richest man in the city, he has many enemies. He finds God on his journey and discovers more about his purpose and God's will for him. He sees the authority God gives to humans and understands how to be truly victorious. Historical fiction, creative fiction, ancient Rome fiction, Christian historical fiction, Christian narrative, Christian action and adventure, historical coming of age, Christian coming of age.