The Place: The Roman Empire. The Year: 62 AD, in the reign of Emperor Nero. Here begins the story of the Roman Emperors in an exciting new series of novels. Why begin in 62? The answer is because this year represents the high water mark of the Julio-Claudians. The first five Emperors: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero were all related by blood. They all had inherited the throne because of family ties. It was an informal, vulnerable method of succession. If the system ever broke down, Rome would be plunged into a bloody civil war. The story of First Citizen Emperor covers the years 62 to 65. The cast of characters include: Empress Poppaea: She was the celebrated beauty of Rome. Nero killed both his mother and his first wife so he would be free to marry her. But could she provide him with a son, an heir to the throne? Senator Vespasian: A senior Senator of humble origins, he would became Governor in Africa and then a member of Nero's inner circle. How far would Fortune carry him? Prefect Tigellinus: In 62 he became a new co-Commander of the Praetorian Guard, Nero's bodyguard and private army. How ruthless and corrupting would his influence be on Nero? Prefect Faenius Rufus: Colleague to Tigellinus, he was the 'other Prefect.' How would his loyalty stand up to the political intrigue surrounding the Emperor? Senator Piso: Handsome, wealthy, and charming, would he join a conspiracy for the chance to replace Nero? Officers of the Praetorian Guard: Which of the Tribunes and Centurions charged with guarding the Emperor would join the conspiracy to murder him? Emperor Nero: Only 24 years old when the story begins, he has been Emperor for nearly eight years. But he is more interested in singing, playing the lyre, and chariot racing than ruling the Empire. How can he hold power and keep his troops loyal?