The Field of Swords

Emperor #3

by Conn Iggulden

From the author of the bestselling The Dangerous Book for Boys
 
With his acclaimed Emperor novels, author Conn Iggulden brings a dazzling world to life–the rich, complex world of ancient Rome as seen through the eyes of one extraordinary Julius Caesar. Now Iggulden returns to the story of Julius Caesar and a realm that stretches from the sands of North Africa to the coast of Britain. Against this magnificent backdrop, Caesar, his first victories under his belt and a series of key alliances in place, makes his move toward power and glory–and commands his famous legions on one of history’s bloodiest and most daring military campaigns.

It is the heart of the first century B.C. For Julius Caesar, the time has come to enter the treacherous political battleground that has become Rome. Having proved his valor in the slaves’ revolt, Caesar is strengthened by the love and vision of a beautiful older woman, and by the sword of his loyal friend, Marcus Brutus. And when he is appointed to a new position of power, Caesar manages to do what none of the other great figures of his time capture the hearts of the Roman people themselves. Crushing a rebellion, bringing order to the teeming city, Caesar then makes the move that will change history. He leaves Rome for the foothills of the Alps. And with an army made in his own image, he begins a daring charge through Gaul, across the English Channel, and to the wilds of tribal Britain.

Here, in a series of cataclysmic clashes, the legend of Julius Caesar will be forged. And while Caesar and Brutus pit their lives–and those of their men–against the armies of the wilderness, their political adversaries in Rome grow at once more fearful and more formidable. So when the fighting at the dominion’s edge is over, the greatest danger to Julius Caesar will await him on the Tiber–with a man who wants Rome himself.

From the clash of armies to the heat of a woman’s seduction, from the thunder of battle to the orgies of pleasure and plunder that follow in a warrior’s wake, The Field of Swords captures in riveting detail a world being shaped by a brilliant civilization. And in this extraordinary novel, the fate of Rome is being driven by the ambitions of a single man. A man with an unmatched genius for power.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Roman, War, Fantasy, Audiobook

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Also 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

Reviews

[Noella · Rating 4 out of 5]

In het nederlands gelezen: Het zwaard van de macht.

[John McDermott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid three star entertainment.

[Xabi1990 · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10.
Vida y milagros de Julio desde su etapa en Hispania hasta que acaba con su asuntillo en la Galia.

Obviamente aparece Vercingétorix, al que no puedo dejar de imaginar como aparece en los cómics de Asterix.

Hay un cuarto libro desde este hasta la muerte de Julio ...POR DIOS, SÍ ALGUIEN LO TIENE EN ELECTRONICO QUE ME MANDE UN MENSAJE a ver cómo lo puedo conseguir, que no lo encuentro por ningún lado.

Por la nota de este y los anteriores ya veis que la saga merece mucho la pena.

Y por lo que veo tiene otras sagas muy reputadas. Me llama la de Gengis Khan. Caerá, antes o después.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author writes great Historical fiction. I've read 9 of his books and I always know what I'm in for when I settle into one. They are a real treat. He is usually in the 4-5 star range for me. This one, I liked, but I didn't love it as much as some of his others. But it did have the things that I've come to expect from the author. I loved the research and the way he seamlessly threads it all throughout. I sounds authentic and I liked the dialogue and the other characters. Even with all of that said, this one didn't grip me like the others, but still worth the read.

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2005, and its the 3rd volume of the awesome "Emperor" series.

This tale will take Julius Caesar and his friend Marcus Brutus, first to the senate and to challenge powerful senators for one of them to become Consul of Rome.

Due to various circumstances, in which rivalry, corruption and political opposition are the main obstacles, they will not be able to achieve their goal, and so they return to the field in Gaul.

This operation of battles in Gaul will elevate Julius Caesar as a leader of men, a situation that will cause a crack in the relationship between Julius and Brutus.

By conquering Gaul and a triumphal entry into Britain will earn Julius Caesar more political enemies in Rome, and in the end they will have to make the choice to cross the Rubicon together or apart, and take the fight to Rome itself.

What is to follow is an intriguing and enthralling historical adventure, in which Julius Caesar and his friends will be confronted with powerful political enemies, and that will cause political strife in and around Rome for the time to come.

Highly recommended, for this is an excellent addition to this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Field Of Swords"!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding this one up to four stars, only because it was, in fact, better than the first two.
On to number four!

[Dimitris Kopsidas · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite installment in the series so far..Here Iggulden focuses more on Caesar's Galic wars and I was in awe of the epicness of the campaign. At the same time the plot around the personal lives of our protagonists, while still somewhat inaccurate, managed to hold my interest and all in all this felt just like the book I was looking for..
..an entertaining historical fiction based on some of the most iconic characters of ancient history.

7,4/10

[Goge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect series for all who are intrigued and owed with the old Rome and great man that was Gajus Julius Ceasar. Conn Iggulden is taking us through the life, tastes, smells, blood and politics that shaped the world we know today. Cesar was a brilliant man in a cruel world and with cruelty that matched that same world with ease. At the same time, he was loved by the ones he turned into the deadliest force the world saw even long after he left this world. These books also show us how hard life was back then, how cheap that same life was, how politics change even purest hearts, how devastating wars are, and only true genius survive all of that bringing a new life, for better or worse. Like one critic said, read it before they make a movie. Brilliant. Powerful.True. For better or worse.

[Mariya Mincheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Много приятно четиво, което ме потопи в живота на древните римляни с приятната си смесица от фактология и фикция.
Игълдън пише изключително стегнато и увлекателно. Образите са изградени с много внимание, а диалозите са живи. Въпреки явната промяна или спестяване на факти и събития поредицата оставя усещане за достоверност.
Симпатичен ми е акцентът върху позабравени теми като морал, мъжество, приятелство, семейство,безпределна обич и саможертва.
Продължавам напред с четвъртата част :)

[Natasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is fascinating. The book is beautifully researched and Iggulden does a fine job of making what could be dry history very interesting reading.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must have read this off and on since October, it was an absolute chore to get through at first. Switched to audio book and whispersync and it flowed better.

What bogged it down for me is everything to do with Servilia, what should be about battles and politics, was marred for me by by a wrinkled old whore and a lovesick puppy. ..

The book really picked up in the second part though I would have liked more battles and action. I felt it redeemed itself and now the series should pick up in the next book.

Hopefully less Servilia in the next book.

3.5 but rounded down because I didn't enjoy it enough to be a 4.

[Barry who enjoys well-written thrillers, mysteries , & espionage & loathes romance, horror & supernat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

For more, please see my reviews of the first two books in this series. It really is one huge book in five parts, the last two of which I have yet to read.

The End

[Scott Hitchcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1: 3*
Book 2: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*

A little bit better every book. Still overall just an average series and having read Genghis which was phenomenal this has been disappointing.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the previous two in this series. Why? Good question. For me, Caesar spends far too much of the books' emphasis on his campaigns out of Rome. Starting in Spain, then a really long time (much of the book) in Gaul, then his failures in Britain. I love historical fiction, and facts, but there was no way of knowing all the conversations and details of what happened in his long campaign in Gaul. That part dragged on too far for me, for too much of the book and kept much of the historical politics of Rome from the book. Yes, Caesar had a very long campaign fighting the Gauls, but I don't want half a book on fictional minute details. The deal he struck with Crassus and Pompey was interesting, as were the battles. But much of Rome was detailed in the politics and thoughts of Crassus and Pompey, though quite accurate, I didn't buy a book to read so much of Crassus and Pompey. They're good, factual, characters and former historical leaders in their own devious right.

But I would have prefered less of the book giving so much unknown, fictional, detail in Gaul. Then bringing our leading character (and Marcus) back to Rome much earlier to follow Caesar and his political struggles and achievements... That's just my personal opinion and preference, but I'm pretty sure I'd have given it at least '4 stars' for that. As it is, I liked the book. It was an enjoyable read. But, I didn't find it as enjoyable as the first two. It was a page-turner. But a page-turner where you hope Caesar gets back to Rome sooner.

Historically, it follows on with Caesar's life. Though, I was left feeling as though this book - good as it is - was more of a 'filler' leading up to the next book, where you can 'feel' the 'gripping politics' and 'Caesar's senetorial prowess' is 'yet to come'.

Hence, '3 stars' from me ;)

[Lance Greenfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Spain to Gaul to Britain and back to Rome

This is the third book in the series of four and continues at tremendous pace. Caesar is posted to Spain by his political rivals who, rightly, see him as a threat.

He is successful in his Iberian adventure, but returns to Rome in time for the consular elections. Following his election to high office, the means of which is highly amusing, he cannot sit still for long and soon leaves Crassus and Pompey in charge so that he can take his armies to Gaul to spread the benefits of the Roman culture. Eventually, he makes it into Britain, but that ambitious move is just a stretch too far for the already extended Roman armies.

Many new characters are introduced in this book, both friends an enemies. Some of these are destined to become very influential in the close circle that forms around the most powerful man in Europe of that time. Brutus starts to become dangerously jealous whenever Caesar shows any favour to others, such as Mark Anthony. You can see where it's headed as the story steams at full speed towards the fourth, and final, book!

[Nigeyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I planned to have a break from this series having read the first three volumes in quick succession, however this ends on such a cliff hanger that I feel I have to carry on with volume four very soon

I enjoyed The Gates of Rome, the first volume of Conn Iggulden’s sequence of five novels about Julius Caesar, so much that I pressed straight on with The Death of Kings, the second novel, and then onto this, The Field of Swords (Emperor #3).

Once again, Conn Iggulden has penned a page turner all of which is rooted in fact. Once again, the historical note at the book’s conclusion explains what happened and where the narrative veers from the record.

Julius Caesar is such a wonderful character for this kind of treatment. In this instalment he has takes his legions north to battle with the Gallic tribes for domination of Gaul, and even starts subduing the Britannia tribes. Meanwhile back in Rome there are the usual political shenanigans raging. The book ends in 53 BC with Julius and his battle-hardened legions poised to cross the Rubicon river and attack Rome and dictator Pompey.

Once again The Field of Swords scores highly on its depiction of the minutiae of Roman lives.

Perhaps not quite as gripping as the first two books, The Field of Swords is still a rip roaring read.

4/5


The Death of Kings (2004) by Conn Iggulden

[Dvd (#) · Rating 1 out of 5]

E' letteralmente un Harmony storico. Profilo narrativo scarso; profilo storico nullo.

Si diceva: dal punto di vista narrativo, siamo di fronte a un romanzo scritto in maniera banale, con personaggi o caricaturali al limite dell'insulto o piatti come un tavolo, con una trama che riscrive in moltissimi aspetti la storia peggiorandola su tutti i fronti (per la serie, historia magistra vitae ...); in più, imperdonabile, manca del tutto sia una ricostruzione credibile della vita, della società e del modo di pensare romano (come se si fossero calati nella vicenda fatti e personaggi così neutri che sarebbero potuti andare bene in qualunque altra epoca storica) sia l'approfondimento della psicologia di Cesare. Manca, cioè, quello che ad esempio ha fatto in maniera esemplare Vidal con Giuliano.

Tolta quindi qualunque pretesa letteraria e mettendosi a leggere come se si fosse di fronte a un Harmony, si legge anche abbastanza bene come puro passatempo, e varrebbe anche due stelle.
Il libro vale le due stelle solo, però, se si risottolinea il fatto che questo non è in nessun modo un romanzo storico: oltre che per quanto s'è detto sopra, anche, e soprattutto, per una quantità enorme di (o)rrori tali da far rabbrividire lo storico che è in ognuno di noi.
Tanto per citare i più clamorosi e tralasciando quelli più strettamenti connessi allo sviluppo dell'epopea di Cesare in Gallia, si scopre qui che:
- Cesare e il suo futuro assassino Bruto sono coetanei (quando avevano almeno 20 anni di differenza e il secondo avrebbe tranquillamente potuto essere - e le malelingue dicevano lo fosse sul serio - il figlio del primo);
- Bruto è uno dei generali di Cesare: il vero Marco Giunio Bruto non fu mai soldato, se non negli ultimi anni di Filippi e men che meno lo fu agli ordini di Cesare in Gallia;
- fra i luogotenenti di Cesare figura anche Ottaviano, il futuro Augusto. Cosa impossibile visto che Cesare partì per la Gallia nel 58 a.C., quando Ottaviano aveva appena 5 anni...
- Servilia, madre di Bruto, che fu per anni l'amante più o meno ufficiale di Cesare, qui diventa incomprensibilmente la tenutaria d'un bordello di lusso: una pappona (di classe) al posto d'una aristocratica di antichissima stirpe e figlia di console. Per di più, si dà a intendere che fra Servilia e Cesare intercorrano parecchi anni di differenza quando invece erano più o meno coetanei;
- si sbaglia l'anno (62 a.C.) della congiura di Catilina, che per giunta viene scoperta da Cesare, quando fu invece Cicerone (nemmeno nominato nel libro) a rendere nota a tutto il Senato la situazione (Quousque tandem abutere, Catilina, patientia nostra? ecc, come ogni buon liceale sa perfettamente);
- Catone risulta morto. Peccato lo abbiano poi chiamato l'Uticense proprio perché si suicidò a Utica, città africana, dopo essere stato un irridicubile avversario di Cesare nella sua ascesa al potere e essere stato sconfitto prima a Farsalo con Pompeo e poi a Tapso con gli ultimi repubblicani. Nel 46 a.C., cioè dodici anni dopo le vicende qui narrate.

Per finire, ci sono degli errori storici più sfumati ma così marchiani da far dubitare senza appello della già precaria autorevolezza dell'autore, di cui si dice nella quarta di copertina - come sempre ingannevole - sia addirittura un accademico. Un accademico che parla di:
- legionari romani che nel tempo libero partecipano a tornei insieme a dei gladiatori, quando nessun soldato romano non sommerso di debiti avrebbe mai partecipato a tali esibizioni - essendo il mestiere del gladiatore considerato spregievole - e men che meno avrebbe chiamato la singolar tenzone "torneo", parola entrata nel lessico occidentale nel Medioevo;
- Cesare stupito dal fatto che i Galli allungano il vino con l'acqua quando il vino romano, essendo sciropposo e dolciastro, veniva sempre allungato con l'acqua;
- Cesare che, sulle sponde del Rodano prima di invadere la Gallia, pensa alle tante arance che saranno a breve colte per un banchetto. Arance. Sul Rodano. Nel 58 a.C. Al di là del colossale sfondone geografico, dato che sul Rodano arance non ne hanno mai raccolte, forse non si nota l'altrettanto colossale sfondone storico, dato che le arance sono state importate in Europa solo in età moderna. Le patate arrosto e la polenta purtroppo non le ho trovate citate come prelibatezze apprezzate dal caro Cesare;
- Cesare che osserva il nemico con un tubo dotato di lenti trattate alle estremità: un cannocchiale, in sostanza. Cannocchiale che fu scoperto da un olandese nel Seicento e poi, come tutti sanno, sviluppato da Galileo;
- gli Elvezi che combattono con una formazione simile alla falange macedone, ossia avanzando compatti con picche in resta...per chi mastica un pò di storia, il riferimento (oscenamente maldestro, però) è ai famosi picchieri svizzeri che, combattendo in quel modo, furono le migliori fanterie del tardo Quattrocento. Ossia 1500 anni dopo Cesare.

Altra cosa agghiacciante: Cesare viene continuamente chiamato, da tutti (amici conoscenti e sottoposti), Giulio (Giulio!). Ora, delle tre parti che componevano i nomi propri romani quella centrale (il gentilizio, che indicava l'appartenenza a una specifica gens - la gens Julia, in questo caso, come arcinoto) non veniva usato mai fra intimi e familiari; in quei casi s'usava il praenomen, che era il corrispondente del nostro nome (Caio) o al massimo il cognomen, che invece era una specie di epiteto (Cesare, che si pensa derivi dal fatto di essere venuto alla luce mediante taglio cesareo). Tanto per capirci, Cesare alla nostra anagrafe sarebbe risultato come "Caio Giulio" (soprannominato Cesare).

La pretesa da parte di questo romanzaccio di sembrare storicamente accurato, superando ampiamente la soglia del ridicolo, lo fa precipitare nel mio personalissimo angolo della vergogna. La storia è una cosa seria, non una pagliacciata di cui chiunque può ciarlare.

E concludendo penso che dovrebbero ritirare d'ufficio la laurea a mr. Iggulden. Qualunque sia la laurea presa. Se c'è una laurea; se c'è, come immagino, un diploma da elettricista di Scuola Radio Elettra, ritirategli pure quello.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3rd book in Conn Iggulden's Emperor series, and this one was a bit slow for me. You would think the opposite would be true, as it based on Caesars rise to fame as he marches across present day Europe and crosses the English Channel to claim tribal Britain. However, it seems like it took forever in Gaul-way too much strategy talk for my taste. Still, I love this authors talent with story telling and will finish the series. Then I will move on to his story of Genghis - really looking forward to that one!

[Sam Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think one of my favorite things about how Conn writes historical fiction is his willingness to leave out battles or events in order to emphasize others and keep the story going. He condensed about 20 battles into three and really focused on those in depth.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

1995:Conn Iggulden complimented another author by saying that “Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both.” . I think that this also describes Mr Iggulden's writing as well. If I wanted an exact historical rendition of Julius Caesar, I would pick up a relevant historical tome. But I happen to like my history told as a story with an explanation offered for some of the seemingly random choices made by people great and small. Many of the reviews that I have read about this book mention some possible historical omissions or incorrect time lines. Well, the only thing that I really knew about Julius Caesar is that he was betrayed by his friend on the Ides of March. This book has made me determined to actually delve a bit more into the factual story of Julius Caesar - so I have been inspired by this book and I am sure that many other readers would be too. For my tastes, the balance between the "softer" emotional passages and the hard battle sequences was just right. HIghly recommended.

[J.S. Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sandals, sweat, and swords. Should have known going into this how it would be, but hope springs infernal.

The frequent changes in narration and point of view, shifting from the military battles with Caesar back to Rome, proved to be the most disruptive. Also disruptive were gratuitous sex scenes every X pages---though those occur mostly in the first half of the book.

One cannot help but compare the depth and insight evident in McCullough's series on Rome, or the brilliance of Robert Harris' trilogy of Cicero.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking up the story where the last one left off... this is the third book in the four book Emperor series.

We finally meet Mark Antony... Caesar, Crassus and Pompey form their Triumvirate... we lose some favourites... fight more battles.... and face more duplicity than you'd expect to find at a Two-timers get together....

Wonderful...

[Marcos · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard not to get hooked by Iggulden's storytelling, his style is concise and fast paced, very pleasant to read. The story is captivating in itself and shifts from politics to bigger than life battles. It's also interesting how Iggulden develops the friendship of Julius and Brutus, their loyalty and the tension slowly building...

[Jujo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Loppujen lopuksi me olemme kaikki hänen koiriaan, ajatteli Brutus ja tarttui pikariin"

Conn Igguldenin Miekkojen kenttä on huikea tarina. Iggulden luo näkökulman antiikin Rooman pitkiin katuihin, joka saa lukijan ymmärtämään kyseisen aikakauden rauhaa ja vihaa.

Miekkojen kenttä kertoo Julius Caesarin ja Brutuksen valloitus retkestä sekä Crassuksen ja Pompeiuksen poliittisesta kamppailusta, kun he yrittää pitää tuhoutuvan Rooman kasassa. Tarinassa Conn Iggulden aloittaa kaivamaan kuilua Brutuksen ja Juliuksen välille, ja onnistuu siinä huikeasti. Kuilua aletaan kaivamaan ensimmäiseksi pienillä kiistoilla, ja sitä syvennetään Brutuksen sisäisellä kasvamisella.

Iggulden on tehnyt tarinasta, jonka suurin osa tuntee, erinomaisen. Miekkojen kenttä osaa hyödyntää historian faktoja ja kerronallisia tyylejä niin, että kirja ei tunnu tylsältä missään vaiheessa. Kirja tietenkin ottaa vapauksia historiasta usein. Mutta se ei vaikuta tarinaan itsestään tarinaan ollenkaan. Se oikeastaan erottaa dramaattisemman tarinansa, paljon miedommasta historiasta.

Miekkojen kenttä kuljettaa hahmojen teitä kohti heidän lopullisia kohtaloitaan. Kirjan hahmojen, kuten Juliuksen tai Brutuksen, kasvu ensimmäisestä teoksesta Miekkojen kentän loppuun on uskottava ja nerokas. Hahmot elää ennalta määrättyjä kohtaloitaan täydellisesti, kuitenkin Iggulden laittaa pari omaa ideaansa paperille muuttamatta näitä kohtaloiden teitä ollenkaan.

Conn Iggulden värjää myös Rooman katuja sekä peltoja runollisesti ja tunteellisesti. Hän saa Rooman työväen ja aateliset tuntumaan todelta, sekä Iggulden saa lukijan kiintymään tähän kaupunkiin syvästi. Miekkojen kenttä maalaa Rooman kauniisti ja saa sen tuntumaan todelliselta.

Iggulden käsittelee lojaaliutta vahvasti kirjassaan. Tämä on tärkeää Caesarin ja Brutuksen tarinassa ja sen päätymisessä. Teemana se sopii tarinalle hienosti, kuten myös ystävyys ensimmäiselle osalle ( Rooman portit ) ja perintö toiselle osalle ( Kuninkaiden kuolema ).

Conn Igguldenin Keisari kirjat sopii, jokaiselle historiallisten kirjojen ystävälle. Igguldenin kirjoitus tyyli ja valinnat saavat kirjoista nopeatempoisia sekä viihdyttäviä. Miekkojen kenttä jatkaa Keisari -sarjan trendiä, jossa jokainen sen teos on yhtä hyvä kuin edeltäjänsä.

"Moniko siinä salissa oleva mies näkisi enää koskaan Rooman, hän mietti. Kun Julius kuljetti sormeaan Reiniä osoittavalla mutkaisella viivalla ja kertoi toisille arvioitaan, Brutus ei osannut kuvitellakaan, että tämä mies, jota hänkin seurasi saataisiin koskaan lopettamaan."

[Anders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jag är lite kluven här. Istället för intriger och uppgörelser i Rom så handlar boken nästan bara om generella slag och påhittade dialoger mellan olika karaktärer. Jag skulle tro att den här boken håller sig bättre till historien än de två föregående, men den känns mycket mer ytlig ändå och då försvinner mycket dess dragningskraft för mig.

Jag är osäker på om jag vill läsa fler böcker i serien eller inte.

[Steve Armstrong]

Third in the series and just as good if not better than the two before.

The story of the invasion and conquest of Gaul by Caesar is quite something.

Now he moves onto the next stage of his story, to become the man he always felt he should and build the Rome he dreamt of creating and I move on also to the fourth book to discover how he would fare in his attempts to realise his dreams.

Looking forward to another incredible literary journey.

[Witse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book, this really shows the war machines the Legiones were. Especially when led by a man with the willpower & cunning of Caesar! It is really clear how much the soldiers loved & looked up to him, they just kept on marching and fighting for him (great aura, lmao).
🥶"He conquered more land for Rome in 8 years than all the generals of Rome did the 150 years before"🥶
Really excited to get into the next to read about the civil war(s) :))

[Jamie Edmundson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better, I think, than the first two. This was probably helped by getting into the meat of Caesar's story - the conquest of Gaul. I also enjoyed the intrigue in Rome - essentially, a separate storyline in this book, but it was weaved together well.

Author still jumps heads within the same scene with irritating frequency - a pet peeve of mine, maybe, but I can't be the only one.

[Farhana Faruq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iggulden is such a brilliant author!! This is the third book. Julius Caesar in Spain and Gaul. I actually found the first two much more interesting and Caesar wasn't as annoying in his younger days.

[Arnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

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