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Emperor #2
The Death of Kings
The acclaimed author of The Gates of Rome returns to the extraordinary life of Julius Caesar in a new novel that takes us further down the path to glory . . . as Caesar comes into his own as a man, warrior, senator, husband, and leader.
In a sparsely settles region of North Africa, a band of disheveled soldiers turn their eyes toward one man among their leader, Julius Caesar. The soldiers are Roman legionaries. And their quarry is a band of pirates who dared to kidnap Julius Caesar for ransom. Now, as Caesar exacts his revenge and builds a legend far from Rome, his friend Marcus Brutus is fighting battles of another sort, rising to power in the wake of the assassination of a dictator. Once Brutus and Caesar were as close as brothers, devoted to the same ideals and attracted to the same forbidden women. Now they will be united again by a shock wave from the north, where a gladiator named Spartacus is building an army of seventy thousand slaves—to fight a cataclysmic battle against Rome itself.
In a sparsely settles region of North Africa, a band of disheveled soldiers turn their eyes toward one man among their leader, Julius Caesar. The soldiers are Roman legionaries. And their quarry is a band of pirates who dared to kidnap Julius Caesar for ransom. Now, as Caesar exacts his revenge and builds a legend far from Rome, his friend Marcus Brutus is fighting battles of another sort, rising to power in the wake of the assassination of a dictator. Once Brutus and Caesar were as close as brothers, devoted to the same ideals and attracted to the same forbidden women. Now they will be united again by a shock wave from the north, where a gladiator named Spartacus is building an army of seventy thousand slaves—to fight a cataclysmic battle against Rome itself.
531 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2004
About the author
Conn Iggulden
97 books5,548 followersAlso publishes under author name C.F. Iggulden.
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 527 reviews
January 26, 2015
So horribly torn on this book. I really like Iggulden's writing and the period and characters are exciting and fascinating. But I found myself continually screaming at the author "That's not even remotely close to what happened!" I'm no expert on Roman history, but the flaws are glaring. Brutus was some 15 years younger than Julius Caesar, not the same age. Sulla was not assassinated in office, I could go on and on, many of the changes are trivial, but some of them completely change the motivations and conflicts of the characters. The fate of Sulla is probably the single biggest flaw, changing not only Sulla's personal character but the character of Roman politics for the worse. Worse, Iggulden knows exactly what he's doing, but tries to justify it as a better story.
It seems we have here a major philosophical disagreement about the purpose and nature of historical fiction. I believe the idea is to take what actually happened (so far as we know it) and extrapolate further flesh for those bones, not to assemble a whole new skeleton out of random pieces parts that we think look better. I may read the other books in the series, Iggulden's writing style earns a four star rating at the least, but I'll probably rant and scream at them too. And I'll never buy them.
It seems we have here a major philosophical disagreement about the purpose and nature of historical fiction. I believe the idea is to take what actually happened (so far as we know it) and extrapolate further flesh for those bones, not to assemble a whole new skeleton out of random pieces parts that we think look better. I may read the other books in the series, Iggulden's writing style earns a four star rating at the least, but I'll probably rant and scream at them too. And I'll never buy them.
September 27, 2018
Book 1: 3*
Book 2: 3.25*
A better book than the first. This still reads like being told a story and is very stiff. After reading his Ghengis series which put you in the heart of the action I was expecting more. Hopefully the next 3 books get there.
Book 2: 3.25*
A better book than the first. This still reads like being told a story and is very stiff. After reading his Ghengis series which put you in the heart of the action I was expecting more. Hopefully the next 3 books get there.
April 29, 2020
Cuatro estrellas que podían ser cinco.
No sé por qué no le cae la quinta, porque os aseguro que se le con total interés, los personajes cumplen y tal y tal. Creo que es una cuestión de impresiones, de pequeños detalles, como la tontería del episodio Espartaco/Cesar, que algunos personajes no “brillan” tanto como en el primero, no sé bien.
A lo que vamos, que en esta segunda estrega vamos de la mano de Cesar o de Bruto en sus experiencias de crecimiento personal y militar desde los dieciocho hasta aproximadamente los treinta años.
Las licencias que se toma el escritor para novelar esta vida son gordas, creo. Alguna bastante gorda, pero no estoy del todo seguro.
Resumen: que si os gusta la novela histórica catéis el primero de la saga y que por adelantado ya sabéis que este segundo mantiene el interés.
Y ahora cambio de género que no quiero empacharme de romanos (además ya sabemos lo que pasó con Pompeyo, Cesar, Bruto y compañía, ¿no?) pero volveré al autor, que se lee del tirón.
No sé por qué no le cae la quinta, porque os aseguro que se le con total interés, los personajes cumplen y tal y tal. Creo que es una cuestión de impresiones, de pequeños detalles, como la tontería del episodio Espartaco/Cesar, que algunos personajes no “brillan” tanto como en el primero, no sé bien.
A lo que vamos, que en esta segunda estrega vamos de la mano de Cesar o de Bruto en sus experiencias de crecimiento personal y militar desde los dieciocho hasta aproximadamente los treinta años.
Las licencias que se toma el escritor para novelar esta vida son gordas, creo. Alguna bastante gorda, pero no estoy del todo seguro.
Resumen: que si os gusta la novela histórica catéis el primero de la saga y que por adelantado ya sabéis que este segundo mantiene el interés.
Y ahora cambio de género que no quiero empacharme de romanos (además ya sabemos lo que pasó con Pompeyo, Cesar, Bruto y compañía, ¿no?) pero volveré al autor, que se lee del tirón.
November 15, 2021
Read this book in 2005, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Emperor" series.
After the turbulent days in Rome, and forced to flee from Julius Caesar is serving on a war galley to become a battle hardened leader, when a a victory that same ship is captured by pirates and held for ransom.
Abandoned on the North African coast and under very hard circumstances, he's able to gather a group of recruits to gain vengeance, and later on suppress a new uprising in Greece.
When he returns home in Rome, surrounded by many enemies, he's once again reunited with his friend Brutus and not long afterwards they are confronted with an uprising by a certain Spartacus.
What is to follow is an amazing and enthralling historical tale, in which power, loyalty, betrayal, and bravery will dictate developments in and around Rome between those in power and those looking for that same powerful life.
Highly recommended, for this is another fabulous addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb Emperor Sequel"!
After the turbulent days in Rome, and forced to flee from Julius Caesar is serving on a war galley to become a battle hardened leader, when a a victory that same ship is captured by pirates and held for ransom.
Abandoned on the North African coast and under very hard circumstances, he's able to gather a group of recruits to gain vengeance, and later on suppress a new uprising in Greece.
When he returns home in Rome, surrounded by many enemies, he's once again reunited with his friend Brutus and not long afterwards they are confronted with an uprising by a certain Spartacus.
What is to follow is an amazing and enthralling historical tale, in which power, loyalty, betrayal, and bravery will dictate developments in and around Rome between those in power and those looking for that same powerful life.
Highly recommended, for this is another fabulous addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb Emperor Sequel"!
July 9, 2020
I am not an historian and know little about Julius Caesar so I viewed this book much as I would view a novel. The plain fact is that I loved the book and only reluctantly put it down each evening to go to sleep. It was my seventh Conn Iggulden book, having read the series about Genghis Khan and I have loved all seven but none more than this.
Some reviewers were rather harsh in their judgement because the book deviated from accepted history in places. My belief is that all historical novels are fiction in the sense that the vast majority of the dialogue is made up by the author as is many of the small details which were too miniscule to be recorded. It seems a shame to me that many did not enjoy the book simply because it did what the author said it would - and that was to deviate from history for the sake of the novel.
Iggulden has the unique gift of making the characters and the scenes come alive through his descriptions and dialogue. The characters seem very real and the situations seem very plausible and are so well described that I couldn't help but visualize them as I read.
If you choose to read this series, by all means do it in sequence. I truly hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. For now, I will take a break from Caesar and turn to Michael Servetus as I find that I enjoy Iggulden's seres (is that the plural of series?) when I don't read the books in succession.
The End
Some reviewers were rather harsh in their judgement because the book deviated from accepted history in places. My belief is that all historical novels are fiction in the sense that the vast majority of the dialogue is made up by the author as is many of the small details which were too miniscule to be recorded. It seems a shame to me that many did not enjoy the book simply because it did what the author said it would - and that was to deviate from history for the sake of the novel.
Iggulden has the unique gift of making the characters and the scenes come alive through his descriptions and dialogue. The characters seem very real and the situations seem very plausible and are so well described that I couldn't help but visualize them as I read.
If you choose to read this series, by all means do it in sequence. I truly hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. For now, I will take a break from Caesar and turn to Michael Servetus as I find that I enjoy Iggulden's seres (is that the plural of series?) when I don't read the books in succession.
The End
September 29, 2016
I loved this book. I read some of the other reviews after I finished reading the book, and the biggest complaint seems to be summed up in two words: historical accuracy. That isn't a deal breaker for me...I liked the story....I liked the history (even if it was completely fabricated)...and I liked the characters. The tension was nice. The characters were well drawn. The writing was wonderful. It was a fun read. So 5 stars.
One small note regarding the historical accuracy....while it didn't phase me at all (I'm no history buff), I will say that if it had been about something I actually had knowledge of and love of (like Alaska), I would have been equally incensed. So, sometimes, ignorance is bliss.
One small note regarding the historical accuracy....while it didn't phase me at all (I'm no history buff), I will say that if it had been about something I actually had knowledge of and love of (like Alaska), I would have been equally incensed. So, sometimes, ignorance is bliss.
September 26, 2021
Bitterly disappointed. I’m still not sure why someone would want to write about the fascinating life of Julius Caesar, yet change events so thoroughly as to become completely unrecognisable. The treatment of Sulla, King Mithridates’ rebellion (that lasted 10 years in reality, but was dealt with by Caesar in a matter of weeks here) and the Spartacus uprising were all done a severe disservice. I understand this is historical fiction, but there is a line, and the author crossed it by a country mile.
The events covered in this instalment should really have been split into 2 books. Barely 100 pages for the Spartacus uprising, that nearly toppled Rome? With more focus on specific events, the author could really have made things interesting, giving characters room to breathe and historical incidents and their fallout designated the weight they deserve. As it is, this book feels more like a checklist, ticking off circumstances without any real depth.
I would likely call it quits here, if I’d not already bought the entire box set based off the strength of the authors ‘Conqueror’ series. Lesson learnt.
The events covered in this instalment should really have been split into 2 books. Barely 100 pages for the Spartacus uprising, that nearly toppled Rome? With more focus on specific events, the author could really have made things interesting, giving characters room to breathe and historical incidents and their fallout designated the weight they deserve. As it is, this book feels more like a checklist, ticking off circumstances without any real depth.
I would likely call it quits here, if I’d not already bought the entire box set based off the strength of the authors ‘Conqueror’ series. Lesson learnt.
September 14, 2021
Book 2 in The Empire Series, starring Julius Caesar, and I am as excited with this one as I was the first. I have put aside my harsh punishment for author's who are not historically accurate. Iggulden engages me, and keeps me turning the pages late into the night.
A lot of great battle scenes where Iggulden's writing sweeps you right onto the field. His dialogue is realistic, his characters fully matured. I loved it all!
So glad this author has a resume of series on the board, I look forward to them all.
A lot of great battle scenes where Iggulden's writing sweeps you right onto the field. His dialogue is realistic, his characters fully matured. I loved it all!
So glad this author has a resume of series on the board, I look forward to them all.
February 6, 2023
I want to give this a better rating than I gave book 1, but it just doesn't rise to a four-star book for me.
But I did enjoy it.
These are easy, leisurely reads; which is what I need right now.
No twists, nothing shocking, not exciting. Just good solid literary entertainment.
Could use more detail in the fight/battle scenes for my tastes.
But I did enjoy it.
These are easy, leisurely reads; which is what I need right now.
No twists, nothing shocking, not exciting. Just good solid literary entertainment.
Could use more detail in the fight/battle scenes for my tastes.
September 29, 2014
I was hoping for more from this book, I thought with Julius being older the story would get more interesting and the depictions of roman life and roman politics would be expanded upon. I was disappointed in this.
The story follows Julius through his capture and fight with the pirates off the African coast, Marcus returns from the army to find his mother and join in the politics of Rome while waiting the return of Julius. With the death of Sulla, Julius can return to Rome and join in the fight to protect his beloved city from the slave rebellion led by Spartacus.
The historical inaccuracies become even more glaring in this second book and while they did not particularly effect my enjoyment of the first book I found myself becoming far more annoyed with these changes. I think the life of Caesar is fascinating as it was and the changes did not make the story better, they have made it more sordid. There are changes to the lives of Sulla, Cato, Octavian, Cornelia, Pompey and Servilia; there are changes to the slave rebellion. The more changes are made, the more the end of the story will be modified. Unfortunately my interest in the series is waning and I will be taking a break from the series.
The story follows Julius through his capture and fight with the pirates off the African coast, Marcus returns from the army to find his mother and join in the politics of Rome while waiting the return of Julius. With the death of Sulla, Julius can return to Rome and join in the fight to protect his beloved city from the slave rebellion led by Spartacus.
The historical inaccuracies become even more glaring in this second book and while they did not particularly effect my enjoyment of the first book I found myself becoming far more annoyed with these changes. I think the life of Caesar is fascinating as it was and the changes did not make the story better, they have made it more sordid. There are changes to the lives of Sulla, Cato, Octavian, Cornelia, Pompey and Servilia; there are changes to the slave rebellion. The more changes are made, the more the end of the story will be modified. Unfortunately my interest in the series is waning and I will be taking a break from the series.
April 12, 2024
Колко се променя вкуса на човек към всичко с възрастта... Преди се радвах на тия книги и даже ги имам на хартия, сега не можах да дочета втората, защото ми се струва елементарно написана и пълна с глупости...
Currently reading
March 23, 2023Hope we will have a good start with this book!
Review for book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
More to come.
Review for book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
More to come.
February 21, 2023
Amazing
Fantastic! This is a non stop rollercoaster ride through the early middle years of Caesar! We have some huge names in Roman history here, Crassus, Pompey, Spartacus and many more and the young Caesar just manoeuvring through them like a hot knife through butter! Great, great book, would highly recommend.
Fantastic! This is a non stop rollercoaster ride through the early middle years of Caesar! We have some huge names in Roman history here, Crassus, Pompey, Spartacus and many more and the young Caesar just manoeuvring through them like a hot knife through butter! Great, great book, would highly recommend.
May 19, 2010
This is the second in a series about julius ceasar. I'd read the first a couple years ago, and stuck the next one on my reading list and forgot about it. The book arrived, and I started to read it, and it seemed slow. But then it quickly picked up and was great! I had forgotten how much I like this author, and I think that the second book was even better than what I remember of the first. Sure, there are some historical innacuracies (which the author even admits and lists a few of the bigger ones at the end of the book) but overall it creates an interesting picture of roman life. It's not supposed to be a textbook. Its historical fiction. The characters were all really engaging and people I'd like to know. I could relate to them. There were some great battles as well. This is a great adventure story and I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read the next in the series, or his other series he has.
May 20, 2022
The Death of Kings continues Conn Iggulden’s dramatization of the life of Julius Caesar. This novel is a rollicking good read. In his afterward the author lays out some of the events he has altered to forge a better tale. Or as I have said before he does not let the facts get in the way of a good story. Terribly exciting I cannot wait for the next book!
April 9, 2022
Still enjoying the series. I like reading these books because there are constantly new characters and it is fun to look them up and see which ones have historical significance. On to the next!
September 19, 2012
A really good follow on from the first book in this (Emperor) series by Conn Iggulden. In fact, in many ways the first book served as a really good introduction with so much more action, story, and character growth in this book.
A really well written book following the growth and experiences of Gauis Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus, and many other historical figures, like Crassus and others, as well as some character embellishments for the growth of the story.
It was a gripping read and very enlightening on Caesar's growth, both as a man, a leader of men, and into the Senate.
After being gripped by the first book (Emperor #1) I'd say I actually enjoyed this book much more. I'm tempted to give this book '5 stars' as it certainly deserves '4.5 stars'.
For more info. on this series you may wish to read some of the comments.
A really well written book following the growth and experiences of Gauis Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus, and many other historical figures, like Crassus and others, as well as some character embellishments for the growth of the story.
It was a gripping read and very enlightening on Caesar's growth, both as a man, a leader of men, and into the Senate.
After being gripped by the first book (Emperor #1) I'd say I actually enjoyed this book much more. I'm tempted to give this book '5 stars' as it certainly deserves '4.5 stars'.
For more info. on this series you may wish to read some of the comments.
January 29, 2008
This book continues the Ceasar saga started in 'Gates Of Rome'. It has the same looseness with the historical facts that is bound to endlessly annoy people who care about historical facts. The story progresses through Ceasar's capture by the pirates and it continues to build Brutus as a heroic but tragic figure. The book ends with the revolt of Sparticus, again very much at odds with the historical record. If you've gotten this far, you've been sucked in by the readability of Iggulden's writing and the building rivalry between the two 'brothers'.
May 30, 2016
Συνήθως κάνω κριτική στο τέλος μιας σειράς αλλά επειδή μάλλον δεν θα φτάσω εκεί θα γράψω τώρα δυο λόγια. Είναι σημαντικό για εμένα τα ιστορικά μυθιστορήματα να είναι... ιστορικά. Στο πρώτο βιβλίο υπάρχουν αποκλίσεις από την ιστορία αλλά σε βαθμό που μπορώ να το προσπεράσω, σε αυτό, όμως, η ιστορία πάει πραγματικά περίπατο με τις αποκλίσεις να είναι τόσες πολλές και τόσο τραβηγμένες που σε βγάζουν απ' τα ρούχα σου. Οπότε μιλάμε περισσότερο για ιστορίες δράσης με μια τζούρα ιστορίας, κάτι, δηλαδή, μακριά από αυτό που αναζητώ.
April 17, 2018
I have only given this 4 stars but 4.5 wasn't an option. Like the first book this is a great read, the descriptions of the main battle are so well written. Brilliant characters, great story, fast paced. Loved it. Reading the third now. Rome and her history is fascinating, I plan to read more factual based books on the history of the Roman Empire as a direct result of the first 2 books of this series I have read.
Also, I would be very surprised if Julius Caesar wasn't in the thick of the fighting against Spartacus.
Also, I would be very surprised if Julius Caesar wasn't in the thick of the fighting against Spartacus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2016
Bello bello bello.
Anche questa serie io l'ho cominciata con il secondo volume #yeah, ma Iggulden scrive benissimo e non ho fatto nessuna difficoltà ad entrare in sintonia e personaggi. Mi sono ritrovata a divorare pagine e capitoli, ad un certo punto volevo solo sapere e non facevo più caso ai fatti storici, alla loro veridicità...
Devo recuperari i volumi mancanti. SUBITO!
Anche questa serie io l'ho cominciata con il secondo volume #yeah, ma Iggulden scrive benissimo e non ho fatto nessuna difficoltà ad entrare in sintonia e personaggi. Mi sono ritrovata a divorare pagine e capitoli, ad un certo punto volevo solo sapere e non facevo più caso ai fatti storici, alla loro veridicità...
Devo recuperari i volumi mancanti. SUBITO!
March 24, 2023
I kinda feel like if Julius were alive now, he’d be really simped after.
January 8, 2024
It was interesting, but a bit bland. I guess I shouldn't have googled Caesar while reading, not for fear of spoilers or whatever (just a couple of thousands of years late for that) but because I kept comparing info and noting discrepancies.
March 10, 2010
Wow! This series just gets better and better. I don't know if anybody anywhere could really do a better job describing Roman legions in Battle.
Iggulden does a great job creating a biographical study of young Julius Caeser. I am especially impressed with the author's note at the end of the book explaining where the author took liberties and why-- and a few places where he just guessed. For example, a young Tribune like Caeser would have been in the midst of putting down the Spartacus rebellion, which is part of the story told in this book.
The author carefully crafts a tale of intrigue, political machinations, and the reality of the brutal life of a legionaire. His prose especially shines in his descriptions of battle, whether it be man to man, or force to force.
This is the second in the series, and now I begin my search for a used copy of # 3, though I have # 4 already, courtesy of the local used bookstore.. I'll read something a bit more modern before launching into the next one-- but only because I don't have the next book in the series handy and I feel the need to read every night before bed.
Iggulden does a great job creating a biographical study of young Julius Caeser. I am especially impressed with the author's note at the end of the book explaining where the author took liberties and why-- and a few places where he just guessed. For example, a young Tribune like Caeser would have been in the midst of putting down the Spartacus rebellion, which is part of the story told in this book.
The author carefully crafts a tale of intrigue, political machinations, and the reality of the brutal life of a legionaire. His prose especially shines in his descriptions of battle, whether it be man to man, or force to force.
This is the second in the series, and now I begin my search for a used copy of # 3, though I have # 4 already, courtesy of the local used bookstore.. I'll read something a bit more modern before launching into the next one-- but only because I don't have the next book in the series handy and I feel the need to read every night before bed.
September 15, 2015
Julius Caesar battles soldiers, rebels, slaves, pirates, etc., but the parts where the stakes really go up is when he battles some really dangerous creatures – the politicians of the Roman Senate.
The legal battles were surprisingly the most engaging as the hand to hand combat kind of blurs together after a while, especially when the descriptions pull back to described the sweeping armies.
Its historical fiction, so events are compressed here and futzed with there for time, space, and dramatic effect, but, unfortunately, my suspension of disbelief was completely shattered when Change a few nouns and they might have well been comic book characters.
Other than that, the series continues to be a good take on fleshing out the emergence of someone who had such an impact on the world stage.
February 18, 2011
Conn Iggulden continues his very successful look at Julius Caesar in this second book from the series, Emperor.
I am continuously amazed at how much Caesar did during his life, and the author explains in his notes after the fictionalized plot just how much he had to omit in order to make the books exciting without being too long winded. In fact, my only complaint is that he doesn't spend more time on Caesar's probable participation in the Third Sevile War with the infamous gladiator, Spartacus. Yes, I know, the book isn't about Spartacus, and Iggulden admits that he doesn't have any real evidence that Caesar participated in the battle against him, but it would have been neat to witness two of ancient history's most celebrated men in battle against one another. That being said, the book offers plenty of characterization, emotion, and action. I am almost certain that the subsequent books will be much of the same.
I am continuously amazed at how much Caesar did during his life, and the author explains in his notes after the fictionalized plot just how much he had to omit in order to make the books exciting without being too long winded. In fact, my only complaint is that he doesn't spend more time on Caesar's probable participation in the Third Sevile War with the infamous gladiator, Spartacus. Yes, I know, the book isn't about Spartacus, and Iggulden admits that he doesn't have any real evidence that Caesar participated in the battle against him, but it would have been neat to witness two of ancient history's most celebrated men in battle against one another. That being said, the book offers plenty of characterization, emotion, and action. I am almost certain that the subsequent books will be much of the same.
March 25, 2017
This is a fast-paced and exciting story set in Roman times in the First Century B.C., the second book in a series about the life of Julius Caesar. In this book he is a young man getting experience in combat. He's captured by Mediterranean pirates and later gets involved in the war against King Mithridates in present-day Turkey. Most interestingly, young Julius gets involved in the slave revolt led by Spartacus. Of course, he's fighting on the side against the rebellious slaves. There's no doubt who's the hero of this story. Young Julius turns out to be a natural-born leader of men who can rouse men to follow him into battle--and he seems to be protected by the gods as he can't be killed! I think I most like this story because the author brings the world of the Romans to life. What a bunch! Great builders and administrators, they were also cruel, brutal, and corrupt. Of course, there's no comparison that can be made to today's American society.
July 24, 2013
The adventure continues.
This is the second of a series of four historical fictions. This episode begins with Caesar as an outcast from Rome and beginning his military career as a junior officer on board a ship patrolling the waters of the North African coast. It also follows the early career of his closest friend, Brutus, who finds himself battling in Greece. Some amazing adventures ensue for both of them as they gain fighting experience. Although they both become excellent and well-respected soldiers and officers, Brutus seems to have the edge with the sword and Caesar with the brain.
When they eventually meet again, they have gained enough experience and seniority to lead an army to rescue Rome from the threat of ex-gladiator, Spartacus, who is leading his own army attacking from the north.
This is the second of a series of four historical fictions. This episode begins with Caesar as an outcast from Rome and beginning his military career as a junior officer on board a ship patrolling the waters of the North African coast. It also follows the early career of his closest friend, Brutus, who finds himself battling in Greece. Some amazing adventures ensue for both of them as they gain fighting experience. Although they both become excellent and well-respected soldiers and officers, Brutus seems to have the edge with the sword and Caesar with the brain.
When they eventually meet again, they have gained enough experience and seniority to lead an army to rescue Rome from the threat of ex-gladiator, Spartacus, who is leading his own army attacking from the north.
April 14, 2013
It has been some time since I have delighted myself with such a good series of historical fiction books (probably since Massimo Manfredi's last releases) but I must say I have missed it.
Conn Iggulden builds his story around Caesar's childhood and the events that have shaped him into one of the most iconic Roman generals in history. This second book of the series takes us from the Northern African shores to Greece and to the Italian peninsula as we follow Caesar's rise to power and prominence.
Main strong points:
Great characters and very good plot progression.
A vivid depiction of the Roman way of life.
An incursion into Julius Caesar's early years providing interesting insight into the man himself.
Conn Iggulden builds his story around Caesar's childhood and the events that have shaped him into one of the most iconic Roman generals in history. This second book of the series takes us from the Northern African shores to Greece and to the Italian peninsula as we follow Caesar's rise to power and prominence.
Main strong points:
Great characters and very good plot progression.
A vivid depiction of the Roman way of life.
An incursion into Julius Caesar's early years providing interesting insight into the man himself.
November 16, 2014
Conn is a great story-teller but a con man when it comes to history. I loved his Genghis books, because I knew little of the subject and historical sources are limited. A very different case with Julius Caesar (at least for Anglo-Americans that have studied the classics). The first Julius book was more forgivable as to historical inaccuracies, because we don't know so much about Caesar's childhood. This second in the series has many grating on the anal-historian nerves. Still, it's a great story even for historical sticklers. E.g., Cato is portrayed as a an over-fed Epicurean. He was a Stoic.
So, just take it as a fun and moving ahistorical romp set at a certain time populated with characters of that time who were involved in some of the events mentioned.
So, just take it as a fun and moving ahistorical romp set at a certain time populated with characters of that time who were involved in some of the events mentioned.
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