Book cover of A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii

Book description

Pompeii was a lively resort flourishing in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius at the height of the Roman Empire. When Vesuvius erupted in an explosion of flame and ash, the entire town would be destroyed. Some of its citizens died in the chaos, some escaped the mountain's wrath . .…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked A Day of Fire as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

A collection of interlinked short stories about the volcanic destruction of Pompeii which works better than I thought it would. A lot better, as this is one of the most moving books I’ve ever read, bringing me to tears in places. Six authors, all looking at the doom of quite different characters, from gladiators to senators to a pregnant woman and more, you expect the whole thing to be utterly depressing but, somehow, it isn’t. I must admit I read this when I was in a very fragile state of mind having just suffered a terrible tragedy of my own,…

If you love A Day of Fire...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like A Day of Fire?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 87 books like A Day of Fire.

Browse books like A Day of Fire

Book cover of The Magus
Book cover of The Winter King
Book cover of Hero of Rome

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like A Day of Fire, you might also like...

Book cover of Shearwater Storm

Shearwater Storm by Arthur Winer,

Charlotte Rose’s quiet life on a remote island is forever changed the day Michael Cordero, injured and bleeding, steers his ketch, Shearwater, into her cove. Charlotte tends to Michael’s wounds, using the skills she’s learned caring for her husband and son, who are away fishing for salmon. As Michael recovers,…

Book cover of Between the Clouds and the River

Between the Clouds and the River by Dave Mason,

Between the Clouds and the River tells a dual-timeline story set between 1942 and 1965, exploring themes of war, identity, and belonging.

The narrative follows Bernhardt Lang, a captured German soldier, and Joseph Holliman, a young boy struggling to survive an abusive home. In a journey that takes readers from…

5 book lists we think you will like!