To get the most out my novels, read them in order:
#1 Rubies of the Viper
#2 The Viper Amulet
#3 The Ruby Ring

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4.2 / 5 with 280 ratings on
Amazon (more info below)

4.7 / 5 with 36 ratings on
Amazon (more info below)

BOOK #1: Rubies of the Viper

Amazon: 4.2 of 5 stars — 280 ratings/reviews

Goodreads: 3.61 of 5 stars — 324 ratings/reviews

“Martha Marks’s writing is beautiful. Her lifelong love of ancient Rome shines through in this novel. She gives us details about life at all levels of Roman society, from patricians to slaves, and she takes us to a great variety of locations, from Theodosia’s estate to an underground prison cell, to a musical competition at Nero’s palace. The scenes set in Greece and Syria are beautifully written, as well. I highly recommend RUBIES OF THE VIPER, and I am looking forward to the other two volumes in the trilogy.” —Vicki Kondelik, Librarian, University of Michigan

“Powerful, evocative visit to ancient Rome. Martha Marks takes us there with this superb novel and leaves us eager for the next installment!” —Grady Harp, Top 100 Reviewer on Amazon

“If I were to select a book of the year to read, RUBIES OF THE VIPER would be in the running for top choice. Yes, it is that good.” —Rhonda Esakov for Story Circle Book Reviews

“I ordered this book after seeing all the five star reviews. Now I see they are well deserved. Impossible to put this book down. I HIGHLY recommend this book.” —Patricia Goodspeed, Amazon Vine Voice

“If you love historical fiction that will grab you by the jugular and not let go until you’ve devoured the last page, this novel is for you. A remarkable work!” —Cheri Lasota, author of Artemis Rising and Echoes in the Glass

“A fast-paced, suspenseful and romantic historical novel and a totally satisfying read.” —M. Louisa Locke, author of the Victorian San Francisco Mystery Series

“The characters in RUBIES OF THE VIPER achieve the rare status of being ‘real.’ Highly recommended.” —Rebecca Lochlann, author of The Year-God’s Daughter and The Thinara King.

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SYNOPSIS: Rubies of the Viper

AD 53 — Strong-willed, impetuous, and naive, Theodosia Varro inherits the family estate after her brother is murdered on the streets of Rome. With no preparation, she goes from poverty and isolation to great wealth and a prestigious position in society. Only by identifying her brother’s killer can she feel safe, yet her efforts take her in quite the opposite direction. After her own actions and the scheming of others lead to catastrophe, Theodosia struggles to survive and recover what matters most in her life.

WARNING: This book is meant for adults. While it does not contain graphic sex, it does include period-appropriate themes, violent incidents, and language that may disturb some readers.

BOOK #2: The Viper Amulet

Amazon: 4.7 of 5 stars — 36 ratings/reviews

Goodreads: 4.75 of 5 stars — 20 ratings/reviews

“A well crafted, entertaining book which I had trouble putting down. A remarkable epic exposition. Marks gave me a glimpse of what it must have been like living through Rome’s conquest of Judea. I’m glad I wasn’t around then.” —Steve Bartholomew, author of Gold and Journey to Rhyolite

“THE VIPER AMULET is an uplifting story of loyalty, perseverance, and love. Plus it entertains from the first page to the last. I’ve been waiting impatiently for this mesmerizing sequel to the wonderful RUBIES OF THE VIPER, and it definitely lived up to Book One. The historical details and smooth inclusion of real historical people was impressive and engaging.” —Rebecca Lochlann, author of The Year-God’s Daughter and The Thinara King

“The ability to capture the essence of ancient Rome is evident from the opening of Martha’s book. In a matter of a few words she has established the distant past with veracity, suggesting that she indeed has more than traveling experience as her connection to old Rome.” —Grady Harp, Top 100 Reviewer on Amazon

“The plot is more far-flung in its geography than the first book. Marks takes her readers with vivid effect to Sicily, Greece and Israel. Rome’s meddling reaches a long way—and Theodosia and Alexander face life or death consequences if they draw Rome’s notice, as you will know if you read RUBIES OF THE VIPER. And you will definitely want to read the excellent RUBIES OF THE VIPER before THE VIPER AMULET, as the author clearly intends.”—Judith Starkston, author of Hand of Fire and Priestess of Ishana

“This was a beautiful story of love and inspiring loyalty. I read the first book and have long waited for this sequel. I must say that I was very impressed with the historical data that was spot on. So many actual historical events and people were included and made the read so much more interesting. I take my hat off to this author for the work of love that she has written! I certainly look forward to the next book.—D.D. Gott of Donadee’s Corner Book Reviews

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SYNOPSIS: The Viper Amulet

The sequel to RUBIES OF THE VIPER… AD 56 — Disgraced, impoverished, and physically impaired, Theodosia Varro flees Italia with the man she loves. With Emperor Nero’s agents in pursuit, they escape to a place that should offer safety and peace, only to find an unexpected foe waiting. Conflicts mount as Theodosia battles known and unknown enemies who put her life and family at risk. Ultimately, she ventures into a foreign land whose culture she does not understand—and into a brutal war zone—to salvage what remains of her dreams.

WARNING: This book is meant for adults. It contains one brief rape scene that is essential to both plot and characterizations, not gratuitous; as well as period-appropriate themes, violent incidents, and language that may disturb some readers.

BOOK #3: The Ruby Ring

Amazon: 5 of 5 stars — 6 ratings/reviews

Goodreads 5 of 5 stars — 3 ratings/reviews

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SYNOPSIS: The Ruby Ring

The sequel to THE VIPER AMULET… AD 67 — Exhausted, grieving, and ready for something like a normal life again, Theodosia Varro sets off on what she hopes will be a journey home. However, as usual, things don’t go the way she expects. Even as the younger members of her family grow into adulthood, other important events are happening around the Roman world. Theodosia finally finds peace, but not in a way that she ever anticipated.

WARNING: This book is meant for adults. While it does not contain graphic sex, it does include period-appropriate themes, violent historical incidents, and language that may disturb some readers.