February 23, 2004
After what was in effect a preamble—Emperor: The Gates of Rome
(2003)—Julius Caesar takes center stage in this second fast-moving, action-oriented installment in Iggulden's projected four-book retelling of the Roman emperor's saga. Julius, a rising young officer assigned to the Roman-controlled northern coast of Africa, distinguishes himself in a bloody raid on the fortress of Mytilene only to have his transport ship captured by pirates. He and the crew are thrown into the hold to rot while awaiting a ransom that will likely ruin his young family back in Rome. After the ransom arrives, Julius gathers his loyal men and marches along the coast, impressing the locals (pirate collaborators all) into military service. He makes good on his bloody promise to wipe out the pirates, then takes his forces to Greece, where, at long odds, he defeats old king Mithridates, who is leading an insurrection that threatens Roman rule in all of Greece. Julius returns to Rome victorious and rich—only to find that the corruption and thuglike violence at the heart of the Republic has come near to destroying those he holds dear, including his wife and small daughter. Those looking for depth of character may be disappointed that Julius Caesar is pictured as little more than a man gripped by driving ambition. Iggulden does a better job in weaving an intricate and compelling tapestry of Roman underling and slave life, with several well-developed minor characters whose craftiness, loyalty and heroics far overshadow those of their social betters.
November 1, 2003
If you liked Emperor: The Gates of Rome, you'll be good and ready for this second in a tetralogy featuring Julius Caesar.
Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2004
The saga of Julius Caesar continues in this second volume of the author's projected four-volume fictional chronicle of the rise of the Roman emperor. The story picks up on the eve of battle. Caesar is poised to lead a military assault; it's been six months since he last saw combat, and he is getting a little antsy. The siege goes well, but, soon after, Caesar is kidnapped (he will later be ransomed and left to fend for himself on the continent of Africa). Meanwhile, far away in Rome, his friend Brutus is building his political empire. Soon the two men will be reunited, as a renegade threatens Rome--a renegade named Spartacus. This is delightfully entertaining historical fiction, a combination of scholarship and inventiveness that brings the historical figures vividly to life while educating us, gracefully and subtly, about Rome at the height of its powers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)
February 1, 2004
Iggulden's first novel, Emperor: The Gates of Rome, dealt with the lives of Julius Caesar and Brutus as boys and then as young men. This new book, the second in a four-part cycle detailing the intertwined lives of these two men, begins with Caesar's capture by pirates and concludes with the suppression of Spartacus' slave rebellion. The story traces the rise of Caesar and Brutus from their lowly status as junior officers to positions of command and power in a Rome that was hard and cruel. It also shows the beginnings of Brutus' jealousy as the friends become rivals. Iggulden admits to tweaking the facts, which means this novel is more an adventure about a man named Caesar than true historical fiction. Still, it is broadly accurate as well as often exciting and fascinating. Unfortunately, the story tends to digress into irrelevant subplots, and far too many pages are devoted to the admittedly fictional childhood of Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus. Recommended for larger collections. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/03.]-Robert Conroy, Warren, MI
Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.