Caesar’s General (The Mark Antony Series, 2)
As the second book in this series about Mark Antony, this volume can stand reasonably well on its own. The author introduces the situation that Mark Antony is confronted with and sets the scene for what’s going to happen to Caesar’s general. This book begins with Antony campaigning for Caesar, then returning to Rome to embrace the politics of the period while civil war is brewing. He is increasingly concerned about Caesar’s aims and intentions, but also trying to look out for himself in the bigger picture.
Alex Gough successfully integrates historical facts with the plot, and although slightly imbalanced at times, he makes up for it with a useful timeline and glossary at the back of the book if one is interested. He explains the politics of the time quite well, as well as its place within Roman religion and the balance prominent figures had to achieve to win popularity in elections and also in warfare. He brings famous historical people to life, such as Caesar, Cicero, Dolabella, and Fulvia, with ease and obvious passion for the ancient Roman world and a commitment to the primary sources. We are easily transported to that time, and even though many of us know what’s going to happen, this story is written through fresh eyes, both by the author and now Antony himself.
