Emperor

After the all-conquering film Gladiator, the streets of ancient Rome are thronging as authors rush to set their tales of violent combat and political machinations there. Conn Iggulden's Emperor sequence is one of the most prestigious of entries in this avalanche, and the latest, The Gods of War, is the most accomplished yet, coming across like Robert Graves' I, Claudius with an extra adrenalin rush.

In the first volume in this ambitious series, The Gates of Rome, the author demonstrated a master's skill in conjuring the savagery and sophistication of the era. Iggulden's youthful protagonists, Gaius and Marcus, pledged their friendship in first century Rome. As they developed their skills in the humanities, their bodies were toughened by a battle-hardened ex-gladiator. And as they grew to manhood they became known by the names with which they will be remembered by history: Marcus Brutus and Julius Caesar.

In the latest volume, we're in the time of Caesar as world conqueror, and if The Gods of War delivers more bone-jarring action than subtleties of characterisation, the character of Caesar is still conjured with great vividness. Pompey, dictator of Rome, is at loggerheads with the youthful general, Caesar. The latter, supported by his four experienced legions, has crossed the fabled Rubicon and is heading, inexorably, for Rome. But how does a Roman general take arms against Rome? The senate remains a crucial factor for Caser--as is his association with Mark Antony, Brutus and Octavian. Is this enough to combat the massive legions, loyal to Pompey, spread throughout the conquered world?

More than most in this massive series, The Gods of War is a continent-spanning epic, with the fierce struggles, forced loyalties and Machiavellian intrigues handled with total assurance.

--Barry Forshaw

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Great book - Rated
A tremendously exciting book that is also more useful than a history lesson at school.

The brilliant conclusion - Rated
Every schoolboy and girl knows what is going to happen at the end of a quadrilogy about Caesar's life. Nevertheless, the story continues with relationships building and fast-moving action from battle to battle, as the inevitable conclusion approaches.
Julius and his supporters confront Pompey and pursue him to Egypt. From that point onward, it is impossible to put this book down until you have read the final words. The twists and turns, and the intrigue that the powerful Cleopatra brings to the scene, just make this story totally captivating.
The only disappointing part for me is that the first unbelievable line of all four books is the way that Brutus is persuaded to join the assassination plot against his lifelong friend by their mutual lifelong enemy. You would expect that, with all that had gone before, Brutus would just have skewered the man who made such a treacherous suggestion, wiped the dirty blood off his sword, and left the traitor where he deserved to be. Although that would fly in the face of all that we were taught at school, it would have satisfied me, because I never did believe very much of what my history teacher told me.
I would conclude that a historical fiction has to be extremely well told to keep the reader interested through the passage of four books. I was much more than merely interested, I was swept along by the pace and the style and had to keep reading at all times, just to find out what happened next. Pick up The Gates of Rome and read the first chapter, and you won't rest until you've read the final chapter of The Gods of War.

Rome, hell bent on Civil War - Rated

This is the last book in the series charting the life of Julius Caesar. I found them all very readable and very enjoyable. Perhaps falling a little short of Colleen McCullough's Roman series of books, but there is no shame in that and these books are extremely enjoyable.

Much has been written about Julius Caesar, but like all great men he had his Achilles heel, in more ways than one. Although history portrays him as a very fair minded man, much loved by his soldiers and the common people. He had a terrible temper, which could be vented at any time and woe betide anyone who was in close proximity when this happened. He also had great problems with the `falling sickness' He did everything in his power to hide this from everyone except his closest confidants and friends.

Caesar has his greatest test yet. To do the unthinkable and march against Rome. His aim is to march against his one time son-in-law Pompey, self proclaimed dictator of Rome. Even after the city itself is taken there are many more battles to fight throughout the Roman Empire, even to Egypt, where brother and sister are fighting like cat and dog.

The book is full of passion, love and hatred. It is a story of ambition, loyalty and friendship. It is the tale of one of the greatest generals the world has ever known. Apart perhaps from Alexander the Great, no one man has had the love and loyalty of his troops in such a way as Julius Caesar.

Thunderous, but... - Rated
A little anticlimactical!

'The Gods of War' once more resumes Iggulden's epic where 'The Field of Swords' left off. Caesar, effectively dismissed by the Dictator Pompey, returns from Gaul and takes his veteran Legions across the Rubicon, marching on Rome itself. He intends to oust Pompey and restore power to the Senate. Or at least that's what he tells himself. But very early on, it becomes increasingly apparent that Caesar dreams of something that Rome has not had in centuries, something which will perhaps destroy the democracy that the Republic is built on... a King.

This is Caesar at the height of his power and influence, and Iggulden leaves no holds barred. His characterisation of Caesar is flawless, the battle scenes are detailed and stunningly accurate. As Caesar ousts Pompey and chases him throughout the vast expanse of Roman lands, he visits Greece, Asia Minor, and finally, Egypt.

His relationship with Cleopatra once more echoes of another superb film, but Iggulden's treatment is surprisingly historically faithful, despite him having a habit of digressing from time to time. When he finally returns to Rome, he is proclaimed 'Dictator Perpetuus' - ruler for life. Only a crown stands between him and absolute power, and the wheels of history turn as the book moves inevitably towards its climax - the most well-documented betrayal and assassination in human history.

Iggulden's characterisation of Caesar is impeccable - you can truly imagine the man, and are frankly amazed at the influence the man has had. For centuries after his death, the Romans called their Emperors 'Caesar'. Even today, words for emperor such as 'Kaiser' and 'Tsar' are derived from his name. The influence he has had is unparalleled.

Iggulden's writing ability has noticably improved, but still his pace in maintained. The only problem I have with the book is that the end is too sudden! Caesar's death marks the end of Iggulden's four-book epic, but you are left wanting more, to explain what happened to those who betrayed him, and how Caesar's nephew, Octavian, rose to fill his uncle's shoes as Caesar filled his own uncle Marius's, and became the first Roman Emperor - Caesar Augustus.

Fantastic end to a fantastic series - Rated
I've spent the last 4 months reading this quadrilogy and all I can say is that I'm sad I've come to the end of a series of books which has has had me captivated from the first page of the first book. He doesn't rule out writing the post Caesar years in the Historical Note of Gods of War so here's hoping!