Beyond the Black Gate

‘Deeply felt and expertly researched, “Beyond the Black Gate” is an immersive, heart-racing story of love and survival in a fracturing, vividly realised, end of empire world.’ Howard Cunnell, author of The Painter's Friend

In the year 409 the Roman Empire is collapsing. A young woman called Nehtan hides her enslaved status when she is rescued in Gaul by a resentful Patrician. Thrown together on a dangerous odyssey through a land devastated by invading barbarians, the two start to fall in love, despite the vast gulf between them. However, a brutalised member of the cavalry escort has recognised the fugitive slave and will do anything to possess her in body and soul. ‘Beyond the Black Gate’ is a compelling story of journeys from trauma towards spiritual healing, set during a time of disintegrating identity and authority, with echoes of contemporary social crisis and migrant suffering.

‘Unique and intriguing ... with a terrific richness of description. It’s quite shocking in places and Nehtan makes for a strong and memorable protagonist.’ Gabriel Gbademosi, author of Vauxhall ‘Mark Hudson’s book conjures up with uncanny intensity the collapsing world of the Roman Empire to fashion a story that is by turns deeply strange, gripping and moving.’ Roger Crowley, author of Empires of the Sea ‘The characters leap from the page. Mark Hudson pulls off the difficult trick of making his dramatis personae both true to their historical context and appealing for the modern reader. I was enthralled by them, and the dramatic arc of the story, from start to finish.’ Simon Acland, author of The Waste Land‘I was gripped… A fascinating and vivid depiction of the Empire crumbling under internal and external stress, when Christianity offers the only rock for the poor to cling to.’ Peter Popham, author of India Be Damned

© 2025 The Conrad Press (Rafbók): 9781839787812

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Rafbók: 3 juni 2025