'Vivid characters, devious plotting and buckets of gore are enhanced by his unfamiliar choice of period. Nasty, fun and educational.' - Daily Telegraph on THE TERROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE 'He knows how to deliver a fast-paced story and his grasp of the period is impressively detailed' - Mail on Sunday on THE TERROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE 'Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.' - Derek Jacobi on CONSPIRACIES OF ROME 'A rollicking and raunchy read ... Anyone who enjoys their history with large dollops of action, sex, intrigue and, above all, fun will absolutely love this novel.' - Historical Novels Review on THE TERROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE 'Blake's plotting is as brilliantly devious as the mind of his sardonic and very earthy hero. This is a story of villainy that reels you in from its prosaic opening through a series of death-defying thrills and spills.' - Lancashire Evening Post on THE SWORD OF DAMASCUS 20120227

Richard Blake is a historian, broadcaster and university lecturer. He lives in Kent with his wife and daughter.