From the author of The Elven Rings
"I'll take what's mine through blood and fire."
- Marcus ValeriusThe Laurel
Crown
In the brutal world of ancient Rome, Marcus Valerius is a young man with big dreams but a family losing its power.
When he sees the legendary Pompey crowned with laurels after his great victory, Marcus swears he will do whatever it takes to win his own triumph and restore his family’s honor.
Climbing through the ranks of the Roman army, he becomes a brilliant strategist. But his success comes with dangerous rivals and a growing internal struggle. His ambition, once a driving force, starts to clash with his growing doubts about the cost of his victories.
Caught between duty and desire, Marcus finds himself torn between his loyalty to Rome and his love for a woman who challenges everything he believes in.
When civil war breaks out, Marcus faces a choice that could shape the future of the Republic and his own legacy forever.
With a thrilling journey that tests loyalty, love, and honor, The Laurel Crown is a tale of ambition, power, and the ultimate sacrifice.
Will Marcus’s hunger for glory lead him to greatness, or will it destroy everything he holds dear?
Dive into a world of political intrigue, fierce battles, and the quest for personal redemption. This is not the story of a warrior who conquers for fame—but a man who learns that the greatest triumphs may come from the most unexpected choices.
Lordan Jasper is a British author known for his unique blend of historical accuracy and compelling storytelling.
Growing up in Cambridge, England, the son of a classics teacher and an archaeologist, he spent much of his childhood immersed in the world of ancient civilizations. Summers were often spent on archaeological digs in Greece and Italy, fueling his lifelong passion for the ancient world.
After earning a doctorate in Classical Literature from Harvard University, Jasper was on the path to a promising academic career. However, despite receiving a prestigious research position, he chose instead to pursue his love of writing historical fiction. His debut novel, The Laurel Crown (2019), was the result of years of extensive research into Roman military campaigns and private correspondence from commanders.
The book received widespread acclaim for its vivid portrayal of ancient Rome and its nuanced characters, earning Jasper the Historical Novel Society Award.
Jasper’s approach to writing is deeply rooted in research, with each novel taking him years of preparation, including travel to historical sites and learning ancient crafts to better understand the lives of his characters. He is particularly interested in exploring the human side of history, aiming to show that the ancients, like us, were complex and deeply conflicted.
Now living in a renovated lighthouse on the Cornwall coast with his wife, classical musician Elena Torres, and their two cats, Jasper continues to write and lecture on ancient history. His upcoming novel will focus on the lives of female philosophers in Ancient Alexandria, continuing his exploration of lesser-known figures in history.
"This book was amazing. The details about Roman military life and the characters’ personal stories are really well done. You can tell the author did a lot of research. I really liked the main character, Marcus, and I was cheering for him the whole time. If you’re into history or just like a good story, I highly recommend it!"
— Amelia L.
"I couldn’t stop reading this book. It’s not just about war and battles; it’s about what happens when you want something so badly and the choices you make along the way. Marcus starts off very focused on glory but begins to question if it’s worth it. The love story between him and Helena was really beautiful, and it showed how love can change someone. This book is more than just action, it’s also about personal growth. A great read!"
— Jonathan M.
"This book takes you deep into Ancient Rome. The author does a great job of describing the battles, the cities, and what life was like for the Romans. The main character is very real, and watching him grow as a person was powerful. If you like historical fiction or just enjoy a well-written book, you’ll love this one."
— Lucy T.
"I thought this book would just be about Roman battles, but it turned out to be so much more. It made me think about what it really means to want power and what we’re willing to give up for it. I loved how this book showed the cost of ambition and the importance of finding a deeper meaning in life. It was a surprising and meaningful read."
— Thomas G.
*Disclaimer: All companies, individuals, and events mentioned on the page are fictional and not based on real entities.