On a scorching August night in 410 AD, the Visigoths attack the city of Rome, looting, killing and taking hostages. For Placidia, sister of the Emperor Honorius, it is the beginning of a long and perilous journey through Italy and the far reaches of the Empire. Abandoned by her brother, fighting for her life, she must learn to survive by her wits and determination. Subjected to imprisonment, violence, and the treacherous quicksands of Roman politics, Placidia proves to be a skillful diplomat and leader, capable of building alliances with popes, kings and generals.

This historically accurate story, set against a backdrop of barbarian invasions and the Empire's turbulent transition from paganism to Christianity, celebrates a woman’s unbreakable will and rise to power in the face of adversity and loss.