A Five-Star Multiple Timeline - From Ancient Rome to the Ukraine War - New Release from Historium Press
- DK Marley
- Sep 15, 2025
- 3 min read
What Remains is a haunting dual-timeline mystery that bridges centuries-and secrets-between ancient Rome and the modern world.
Forensic anthropologist Tori Benino has just landed the opportunity of a lifetime: leading a dig at a long-buried Roman village lost to the eruption of Vesuvius. But when she uncovers the remains of a Praetorian guard hidden in an ancient latrine-clearly murdered-Tori realizes she's stumbled onto something far more sinister than a routine excavation. As she digs deeper into the past, her own carefully ordered life begins to fall apart.
Nearly two thousand years earlier, Thalia, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a brutal and politically powerful senator. Her only hope lies with a Praetorian soldier assigned to guard her-but trusting him could cost her everything.
As past and present collide, What Remains asks: When history is buried, what truths refuse to stay hidden?
Perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs and Kate Quinn, this novel is inspired by true events and delivers a compelling blend of suspense, history, and heart.
NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON AND RETAILERS WORLDWIDE!
ADVANCED PRAISE:
I love a dual timeline historical, and I love a good mystery. So, when the opportunity arose to read "What Remains," I jumped at it.
Set in ancient Rome and Herculaneum, as well as the Ukraine (in the modern timeline only), the book introduces forensic anthropologist Tori Benino as she works to identify new remains discovered in Herculaneum. But we also meet Thalia, a wealthy Roman woman, and see what her life is like under the Flavian dynasty. She's married against her will (unsurprising for the time), and has a fairly unpleasant existence ... until a new Praetorian is sent to watch her every move.
“What Remains” is not the typical historical mystery. Its modern timeline could have been pulled from today’s headlines, while the ancient tale is well-researched and engaging. Peopled with characters from both history and imagination, this book grabs hold and refuses to let go. Erryn Lee has given us a window into the ancient Roman world that won’t easily be forgotten.
Sharon Cathcart - FIVE STARS - Goodreads Review
“What Remains” by Erryn Lee is a captivating novel that offers an emotional journey for its readers. While the narrative is beautifully crafted, some moments can be quite distressing. In particular, the scenes set in Ukraine resonate deeply, especially considering the ongoing conflict in the region as I pen this review. The vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling bring to life the harsh realities faced by those living through such tumultuous times, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.
This book comes highly recommended.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde - Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotions
What Remains kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen as Tori and Thalia faced the challenges of their lives, as well as their relationships with their families, and the men around them.
I highly recommend What Remains for readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories with intrigue and mystery, and for readers who enjoy authors such as Kathy Reichs and Kate Mosse.
S. K. Nielsen - FIVE STARS - Goodreads Review
This is a great read.
A dual timeline historical novel, it takes the reader into two different worlds linked by shared emotion and delivers a poignant tale of love and loss. I gave it FIVE STARS and recommend it highly.
Colleen Goth - FIVE STARS - Goodreads Review
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