Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Water Thief | 2007 | Ben Pastor | Buy |
| 2 | The Fire Waker | 2008 | Ben Pastor | Buy |
The Aelius Spartianus duology by Ben Pastor is set in the late Roman Empire and follows an imperial agent who investigates crimes amid political upheaval. The Water Thief (2007) and The Fire Waker (2008) bring the same blend of historical detail and mystery that characterizes Pastor’s WWII-era Martin Bora novels, transposed to the ancient world.
The series showcases Pastor’s range as a historical writer, moving from the twentieth century back to late antiquity while maintaining her focus on morally complex protagonists navigating difficult times.