Elyse DeBarre – författare

Prequel Poetic Prose for "e;The Spy of Delphi: That Which is Hidden"e;.Dive into an Ancient Espionage Mystery!During the early stages of the sixth century BC conflict between Greece and Persia, Croisos, the king of Lydia, asked the Oracle of Delphi a crucial question and received an ambiguous answer, leading to war. This poetic prose prelude (available separately or as the first chapter of Book 1 of my ancient espionage series, "e;Priests and Magi"e;) sets the backdrop for the initiation of this war. The narrator leads the reader down twisting dark halls until we are finally face to face with the speaker themselves, the terrible thing they have done, and their true identity. In my series, "e;Priests and Magi"e;, the magi are political rather than mystical.Note: This prelude is written in poetic prose, while the rest of the series is written in regular prose. If you enjoyed this, feel free to check out my novel, The Spy of Delphi: That Which is Hidden!I'm a classical archaeologist. My novel of which this prelude is part is plot and character-based, combining romance, enigmatic mystery, and intrigue against a rich historical background. It has an intricate plot for which I've made much effort toward creating a captivating mystery. I am committed to historical accuracy and to weaving real events seamlessly into the narrative. Available as an audiobook on Google Play, with the best AI-enhanced version on Apple Books—and coming soon to Spotify! Also available as a paperback at select retailers.

In the early reign of Nebuchadrezzar II, remnants of Assyrian ritual still haunt Babylon. When a solar omen terrifies the priests, a commoner is elevated as substitute king — honoured in appearance, doomed in fate.But in a palace of omens and intrigue, survival is never simple. Betrayal, espionage, and forbidden alliances entwine as he struggles to resist the destiny imposed upon him.Just as Jack the Giant Killer ended the giants' oppressive tribute in folklore, this historical novel reimagines that motif in the Neo‑Babylonian world: a substitute king who refuses to be a ritual pawn, leading a revolt against priestly elites and abolishing the substitute king ritual itself.When the King Must Die blends historical fact with fiction, bringing to life one of history's most haunting rituals in a tale of courage and conspiracy.

Before an empire was forged in legend, a hidden resistance was born. In the shadows of Cyrus the Great's rise, a secret Median brotherhood prepares to strike. But before they surface, one woman's choices could alter everything.Previously published as The Oracle of Delphi: That Which is Hidden.Dive into an espionage thriller where the Magi operate in the shadows—not as mystics, but as political power players.Thalia, High Priestess of Delphi, carries a terrible burden—one that could destroy the man she loves and shatter her own soul. Yet as she is drawn into the web of a sinister cabal plotting to assassinate Cyrus the Great, she discovers that her past and the present conflict are inextricably tied. In the face of betrayal, espionage, assassination plots, and ancient vendettas, Thalia must unravel the truth before it's too late.The Spy of Delphi: That Which is Hidden (Priests and Magi Book 1) is a gripping historical thriller of power struggles, secrecy, and survival. She escaped being High Priestess—but she couldn't escape the forces controlling her. In a world of spies, political betrayal, and hidden agendas, freedom comes at a cost. Perfect for readers who love cloak-and-dagger intrigue, ancient thrillers, and the complex world of Greece and Persia.I'm a classical archaeologist. This novel is plot- and character-based, with well-developed arcs, combining enigmatic mystery, espionage, and romantic threads against a richly researched historical backdrop. It's grounded in scholarly work and carefully interweaves real events into the narrative with historical accuracy and depth.Chapter One was originally written in poetic prose when I was seventeen. Preserved in its original form, it reflects the voice that first gave life to this world—before time, revision, and research deepened the rest.

Before history claimed him, he was hers. The untold love story of a Roman couple destined to shape an empire—before history wrote their names.This is Book 1 of a series that unveils the life of a Roman prince whose destiny made him one of history's most enigmatic figures. Rooted in documentary research, what began as a hidden twist in my debut novel now expands into a sweeping saga of power, betrayal, and survival in ancient Rome.Intrigue in Ancient Rome: In the heart of ancient Rome, where marble statues guard their secrets and the Senate chambers echo with whispered plots, intrigue weaves through every corner. Kyra, a young medica trained at the prestigious University of Alexandria, arrives in Rome for an arranged marriage to a man aligned with her father's enemy. Her journey leads her to the heart of a web of mystery and espionage, where shadows cling to every cobblestone, casting a gothic pall over her steps. Amidst this maze of secrets, forbidden attractions, and dangerous ambitions, the Tower of Malatha beckons—a refuge or a trap.The Tower of Malatha: As the sun sets over the Eternal City, the Tower of Malatha stands sentinel. Its stones harbour more than mere echoes; they cradle the fate of two souls entwined by ambition, love, and treachery. Will they ascend to greatness or plunge into the abyss?Well-Developed Characters: With richly detailed and well-developed characters, the story explores their intricate relationships and personal growth against the backdrop of a vividly depicted Roman world.Authentic Medical Practices: The author, a medical student with two previous related degrees and a classical (Roman) archaeologist, brings an authentic perspective to the medical practices of the time. Kyra's expertise provides fascinating insights into Roman medicine, including poison symptoms, ancient surgical techniques, and theories of disease contagion. These elements are woven naturally into the narrative, adding depth and realism to the murder mysteries and character interactions.A Tale of Historical Depth: This is Book 1 of a documentary historical quadrilogy with mystery, espionage, romance, and gothic elements, based on the author's extensive research, travel to ancient sites, and consultation of over two hundred ancient and contemporary scholarly sources."e;A literary masterpiece that transports readers back in time. Richly detailed, gripping, and impossible to put down—a must‑read for fans of history and epic tales."e;The author is a classical archaeologist. This novel combines enigmatic mystery, espionage, and romance against a rich historical background. Available as an audiobook on Google Play, with the best AI-enhanced version on Apple Books—and coming soon to Spotify! Also available as a paperback at select retailers.

The ancients buried it. The Romans countercursed it. Now it waits to be opened.In the shadow of ancient Rome, an archaeologist unearths more than artifacts. A forbidden gate whispers secrets across centuries — and something dark stirs behind it. When Iole, a modern archaeologist, uncovers a sealed Roman gate, she's swept into a world where science meets the supernatural and history bleeds into myth. Alongside Lucius, a brilliant Roman scientist haunted by fate and eager to explore the uncharted, Iole unravels a timeless mystery of love, curses, and the terrifying power that seeks to rewrite destiny.A time‑slip archaeological novel in the well-researched historical narrative spirit of Paul Maier and Michelle Moran, it blends political intrigue; Roman intelligence networks; and the intimate, dangerous world of early first‑century Judaea. Through Iole's eyes, the novel explores identity, empire, and the fragile line between observation and involvement — where every discovery risks changing both past and future.Alhough a companion to my Roman documentary novels, this volume introduces gothic mystery and speculative science while remaining firmly rooted in historical intrigue. It shares settings with the main series and some characters -- seen here as minor characters -- ensuring continuity, but stands apart as a timeslip narrative. Readers of the series will recognise familiar figures, while new readers can enter here without prior knowledge.This novel is best understood as a historical thriller with a timeslip frame, complementing the documentary novels while offering a fresh lens on the same world. Every age has its Pandora's Box. Hers lies beyond the Roman gate. Buried for millennia. Now it waits.

Coming Soon! The second book of an exciting espionage quadrilogy taking place in the Roman Empire of the Julio-Claudians.The second book of an espionage quadrilogy set in the Julio‑Claudian Roman Empire.The series follows Agrippa I, the Roman grandson of Herod the Great, at the centre of Julio‑Claudian political intrigue.Before history claimed him, he was hers.Now fully revealed as Marcus Julius Agrippa, he navigates the Julio‑Claudian world not as an eastern monarch, but as a Roman noble shaped by exile, loyalty, and the dangerous politics of empire.In the heart of ancient Rome, destiny awaits. After choosing a path of voluntary exile, Marcus returns to Rome, embarking on an extraordinary journey from fugitive to power. This sweeping historical epic explores ambition, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of survival against the backdrop of espionage and imperial danger.Written by a Roman archaeologist, this series brings the most fascinating figures of Roman history to life with authenticity and depth.

Babylon before the siege.He was an agent for Cyrus the Great.They told him she was the enemy.He infiltrated her cabal.And then he realized she'd told him the truth.From the ashes of Babylon… a new star awakens. Those who know the game, rewrite the rules.Book Two in a sweeping espionage mystery series set during the reign of Cyrus the Great, where diplomacy masks danger and loyalty is never simple.This volume can be read independently; Book One is not required.As Babylon's once-mighty empire teeters on the edge of collapse, a young Median freedom fighter leads a covert resistance against Cyrus' advancing forces which threatens the diplomatic mission led by Kratos, a Greek satrap and commander loyal to Cyrus. Among his team is a conflicted warrior-informer tasked with uncovering her network. Their enemies-to-lovers arc simmers beneath the surface, threading passion and betrayal into the heart of the siege.Thalia, a physician with ties to both Persia and Babylon's royal bloodline, observes the unravelling from within. As secrets surface and alliances shift, she must navigate a web of hidden motives and moral uncertainty. What she believed may no longer be true — or was it never true at all?Set during the reign of Nabonidus, the last king of Neo-Babylon — whose legacy and that of his daughter echo through history as the first archaeologists — this is a tale of espionage, identity, and the quiet war beneath the surface.Truth is a weapon. And Babylon is watching.

Ancient Babylon is a world of silent wars and unseen battles.Atarah barely survives the horrors of betrayal, abandoned by the one who should have protected her. Rescued from the brink by the military, she soon realizes her tormentor was entangled in something far more dangerous. As the truth unfolds, she faces an impossible choice—and begins to realise that only she can act.A supporting historical novel and teaser, this is an extraction of one of the subplots—nearly word for word—from Rise of the Magi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Babylon Under Watch, Book Two of the epic espionage mystery quadrilogy Priests and Magi. It contains a couple of reveals from the main novel, offered in minimal detail to preserve emotional impact. The story unveils an aspect of the dangers hidden beneath power and loyalty in the mid-6th century BCE.

In the Shadow of the Tiber: A Tale of Intrigue in Ancient Rome By Elyse DeBarreRome, 186 BCE—beneath the grandeur of the Republic, a secret cult thrives in the shadows, manipulating the aristocracy and threatening the Republic's stability.When a young nobleman stumbles upon their deception, his only hope lies in the testimony of a slave girl who once lived among them. But exposing the truth comes at a cost—she must face the city's ruthless Praetor Urbanus, a man sworn to uphold order but unprepared for the depth of the conspiracy.As the investigation unfolds, alliances shift, hidden dangers emerge, and the boundaries between duty and trust blur. From the streets of Rome to its darkened corridors of power, this novel weaves political intrigue, espionage, and a slow-burning romance—where justice comes at a price, and survival depends on the choices made in the shadows.Note: This exciting ancient Roman police story is the last book on my list to complete and publish—I've set the release date later than expected, so it may be available earlier! Follow for updates.

A Roman commander. An Etruscan princess. Forbidden love in the shadow of Rome's rise.She has always known she was different — shy, thoughtful, and torn between her Plebeian roots and whispers of an ancient secret that her family refuses to speak of. But when an unexpected tragedy thrusts her into the dangerous political world of the Early Roman Republic, she faces truths that will alter the course of her life — and Rome's history — forever.As secrets unravel and alliances shift, her quiet, sheltered life spirals into a deadly game of power, survival, and suppressed legacies. Confronting a figure whose ambitions and reputation challenge both her principles and Rome's fragile balance of power, she uncovers the truth about her ancestry. In a society rife with betrayal and shifting loyalties, she must decide whether she can claim the covert crown and fulfill a legacy she never knew was hers.Chronicles of Livius – Book 1: A reinterpretation drawn from the semi-legendary accounts in Livy's Histories, written during the reign of Augustus.

From Caesarea to Jerusalem, from Rome to Ramallah—the bloodline never broke. It just went underground.A counter-narrative to Uris' Exodus.The Inheritance is a post-WWII historical novel set in the final days of British Mandate Palestine. A young doctor arrives in a fractured land and is drawn into a web of shifting allegiances. What begins as a search for clarity becomes a descent into espionage, resistance, and betrayal.Threaded with emotional stakes and geopolitical tension, the story unfolds against a backdrop of vanishing truths and rising silence. It is not a retelling. It is an inversion.The Inheritance blends thriller, mystery, and symbolic cadence into a tightly wound narrative of survival and witness.

🔥 Preorder Now: Between the Spear and the Flame: A Tale of the Final Spartan RevoltA Helot girl with divine blood. A brother who carries the name of a rebel legend. A Spartan boy she once knew—now her enemy, and something more.In the shadow of Sparta's cruelty, one family holds a secret older than war itself—descendants of Helene and Menelaos, born to reclaim what was stolen. When the earth shakes and the gods stir, the final revolt begins.But as blades rise and loyalties fracture, a bond forged in youth resurfaces—between a Helot girl and the Spartan boy she saved. Dangerous. Forbidden. Impossible to forget.This is not just rebellion. It's resurrection. It's prophecy. It's the fire of Messene.

He didn't strike the blow. But someone saw.In Roman Scotland, where the Antonine Wall marks the edge of empire, a grain raid gone wrong has left Marcellus a hunted man. Known by two names — one Roman, one British — he returns with a wounded companion and too many secrets. Silvia, now seventeen, remembers him from childhood. But the man who arrives is older, guarded, and carrying the weight of a betrayal no one will name.As tensions rise between Rome and the Highland clans, Silvia must navigate the silence between what is said and what is meant. In a world of broken treaties, shifting loyalties, and dangerous charm, even memory can be a weapon.The Shadow of the Eagle is a literary historical novel of restraint, memory, and quiet resistance — set in Roman Scotland, where empire falters and silence holds its own kind of power.

Before she was a legend, she was a girl.Chronicles of Livius In a world where empires rise and fall, one girl dares to defy the boundary laid before her.Rome, 6th century BCE. Cloelia, a young noblewoman held hostage by the Etruscans, escapes captivity and rides into legend. But this is not the tale you've heard. In Boundary Stone, the myth is reimagined through the eyes of a heroine who refuses to be tamed — not by kings, not by fathers, not by fate.As war looms and alliances shift, Cloelia must navigate a world of political intrigue, sacred oaths, and the haunting pull of freedom. Her choices will shape not only her own destiny, but the soul of a city yet to be born.A story of courage, silence, and sovereignty — where every stone marks a choice, and every choice leaves a mark.