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Marching With Caesar #3
Civil War
In the second book of the critically acclaimed Marching With Caesar series, Titus Pullus and his friends in the 10th Legion are called on to serve as the agents of change as their general, Gaius
Julius Caesar singlehandedly changes the Roman Republic to Empire. From Spain and the dusty plains of Pharsalus, to the streets of Rome itself, Titus must survive the battlefield and navigate the treacherous world of Roman politics as he rises
through the ranks.
Helping Titus are his surviving tentmates, including his best friend Vibius Domitius, but like the rest of the Republic, their friendship is tested by the strife and fratricide that comes with civil war. At the same time, Titus has to deal with the challenges that have confronted career military members throughout the ages as he tries to balance the demands and heartache created by the long absences from his young family.
Nevertheless, through it all Titus and the men of the 10th Legion continue Marching With Caesar.
Julius Caesar singlehandedly changes the Roman Republic to Empire. From Spain and the dusty plains of Pharsalus, to the streets of Rome itself, Titus must survive the battlefield and navigate the treacherous world of Roman politics as he rises
through the ranks.
Helping Titus are his surviving tentmates, including his best friend Vibius Domitius, but like the rest of the Republic, their friendship is tested by the strife and fratricide that comes with civil war. At the same time, Titus has to deal with the challenges that have confronted career military members throughout the ages as he tries to balance the demands and heartache created by the long absences from his young family.
Nevertheless, through it all Titus and the men of the 10th Legion continue Marching With Caesar.
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First published November 6, 2012
102 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
R.W. Peake
51 books107 followersThe first adult author with whom RW Peake developed a long-term relationship
was Louis L’Amour, whose body of work shaped his life philosophy.
After retiring from the Marines, RW proceeded to earn a BA in History from
the Honors College at the University of Houston.
Although RW wrote a novel as a kid, he didn't publish his first novel until
age 50.
In addition to is time in the Marines, and before the tech bubble burst in 2000, he was
a paper millionaire in the software industry.
A native Houstonian, RW recently relocated to the Olympic Peninsula of
Washington, where he lives with his yellow Lab, Sadie.
was Louis L’Amour, whose body of work shaped his life philosophy.
After retiring from the Marines, RW proceeded to earn a BA in History from
the Honors College at the University of Houston.
Although RW wrote a novel as a kid, he didn't publish his first novel until
age 50.
In addition to is time in the Marines, and before the tech bubble burst in 2000, he was
a paper millionaire in the software industry.
A native Houstonian, RW recently relocated to the Olympic Peninsula of
Washington, where he lives with his yellow Lab, Sadie.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 15, 2013
I don't usually give 5 stars. This is a very rare event. However, in this case, I think the book deserves it.
As with the previous volume, this is not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Ancient history, and military history at that, is not everyone's favourite method of relaxation. Also, if you don't know much of the background, you may be a bit lost in places.
But... having said this, Titus Pullus takes on a real third dimension here. He is a more senior officer, with more responsibility, and more contact with his superiors, meaning that he faces more interesting challenges than he did as a mere gregarius. Pullus' character has developed accordingly, and there is easily enough personal interest, as well as military and historical interest to make him more than a mere reteller of events. A nice little touch in the structure at one point, as well, as an unexpected narrator breaks in. To my mind, the Civil War has more complexity and interest than the Gallic Wars, in any case, so the events in which Pullus finds himself are more familiar to me.
The writing seemed more assured and more fluid than the first book. I keep seeing parallels between the descriptions of Pullus' Rome and some of the characteristics of the present USA and its military, and I don't think these are accidental. and I have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone with an interest in the later Republic and its transition to a monarchy.
As with the previous volume, this is not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Ancient history, and military history at that, is not everyone's favourite method of relaxation. Also, if you don't know much of the background, you may be a bit lost in places.
But... having said this, Titus Pullus takes on a real third dimension here. He is a more senior officer, with more responsibility, and more contact with his superiors, meaning that he faces more interesting challenges than he did as a mere gregarius. Pullus' character has developed accordingly, and there is easily enough personal interest, as well as military and historical interest to make him more than a mere reteller of events. A nice little touch in the structure at one point, as well, as an unexpected narrator breaks in. To my mind, the Civil War has more complexity and interest than the Gallic Wars, in any case, so the events in which Pullus finds himself are more familiar to me.
The writing seemed more assured and more fluid than the first book. I keep seeing parallels between the descriptions of Pullus' Rome and some of the characteristics of the present USA and its military, and I don't think these are accidental. and I have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone with an interest in the later Republic and its transition to a monarchy.
October 21, 2023
This, the third volume in the "Marching with Caesar" series, eliminates the one major detriment to the first volume by drastically improving the grammar, syntax, and punctuation. I commend Mr. Peake for listening to reviewers and hiring a better editor. There are still problems with noun/verb and pronoun/verb agreements, but they are relatively few. The story itself is exciting and really gives a "sandals on the ground" view into the life of a legionary and how bloody and brutal bladed warfare was. The book is a very good read for anyone interested in Caesar, ancient Rome, or ancient warfare.
February 6, 2013
In the first novel of R.W. Peake's Marching With Caesar series readers were treated to a detailed account of what life was like as a Roman Legionaire under involved in foreign conquests. Peake's latest historical novel, Marching with Caesar-Civil War is in some ways even more fascinating than the first because the central character, Titus Pullus is now a highly ranked centurion with frequent personal contact with Caesar and other movers and shakers of the age, and has a front row seat for observing the events of the day.
Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, AKA Pompey the Great, had once been politically allied with Julius Caesar and had even married Caesar's daughter Julia. After Julia died in childbirth, however, Pompey married Cornelia, the daughter of Caecilius Metellus Scipio, one of the leaders of the anti-Caesar faction of the Roman Senate. He thus aligned himself with Marcus Porcius Cato and other patricians who opposed Caesar. When Caesar crossed the Rubicon and marched on Rome, those factions in the Senate that opposed Caesar fled the city, along with Pompey and the legions which were loyal to him. They marched to Brundisium and then fled to Greece aboard ships.
There followed years of Civil war between the forces of Caesar and those of Pompey and Scipio. Pompey was soundly defeated by Caesar's much smaller but more experienced forces at the battle of Pharsalus in Greece. Pompey fled to Egypt where he was murdered, probably at the behest of advisers to the boy king Ptolemy XIII. Even after Pompey's death, the legions of Caesar had to battle remnants of Pompey's legions in Africa and Spain.
Titus Pullus is at the center of all of these campaigns. After Pharsalus, Caesar appoints him Pilus Primus of the sixth legion, which had belonged to Pompey but deserted to Caesar. Caesar then took the sixth with him to Alexandria, where he settled political affairs and began his famous affair with Cleopatra. Later he is transferred back to his old 10th legion, again as pilus primus, and participates in campaigns in Africa and Spain.
I thoroughly enjoyed Marching With Caesar-Civil War, and heartily recommend it to anyone with an interest in Roman History. I look forward to reading Peake's next book which, I assume, will relate events after the assassination of Caesar, leading to the rise of Augustus.
Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, AKA Pompey the Great, had once been politically allied with Julius Caesar and had even married Caesar's daughter Julia. After Julia died in childbirth, however, Pompey married Cornelia, the daughter of Caecilius Metellus Scipio, one of the leaders of the anti-Caesar faction of the Roman Senate. He thus aligned himself with Marcus Porcius Cato and other patricians who opposed Caesar. When Caesar crossed the Rubicon and marched on Rome, those factions in the Senate that opposed Caesar fled the city, along with Pompey and the legions which were loyal to him. They marched to Brundisium and then fled to Greece aboard ships.
There followed years of Civil war between the forces of Caesar and those of Pompey and Scipio. Pompey was soundly defeated by Caesar's much smaller but more experienced forces at the battle of Pharsalus in Greece. Pompey fled to Egypt where he was murdered, probably at the behest of advisers to the boy king Ptolemy XIII. Even after Pompey's death, the legions of Caesar had to battle remnants of Pompey's legions in Africa and Spain.
Titus Pullus is at the center of all of these campaigns. After Pharsalus, Caesar appoints him Pilus Primus of the sixth legion, which had belonged to Pompey but deserted to Caesar. Caesar then took the sixth with him to Alexandria, where he settled political affairs and began his famous affair with Cleopatra. Later he is transferred back to his old 10th legion, again as pilus primus, and participates in campaigns in Africa and Spain.
I thoroughly enjoyed Marching With Caesar-Civil War, and heartily recommend it to anyone with an interest in Roman History. I look forward to reading Peake's next book which, I assume, will relate events after the assassination of Caesar, leading to the rise of Augustus.
January 6, 2013
R.W. Peake is a retired Marine who brings us a first-person account from one of Caesar’s men. Through the eyes of Titus, we are transported back in history to march with Caesar.
‘Marching With Caesar: Civil War’ is the second novel in this series (the first being Conquest of Gaul). Covering the Caesarian Civil War is no small undertaking. Truly, there is little doubt as to the amount of research & writing this novel required. Complete with maps, we are taken on, what seems to me, a very accurate, historical trip.
Titus Pullus is of Caesar’s 10th Legion. At age 61, he relates his autobiography to a friend. His explanation of this is to simply record great moments in Roman history. Throughout this record, he deals with friendship issues, disgruntled subordinates, military matters, & so forth. Family isn’t far from his thoughts while on the battlefields. His wife & newborn wait for him at home. Obviously, Caesar is also mentioned & we spend so time learning the ins & outs of his command.
Civil War for Titus hits close to home. Close friends & relatives of his men are across the battleground from them. We’re given a glimpse into these unfortunate occurrences of war which a textbook would never have given us. Even with creative liberties taken, it’s hard to imagine any other way in which these soldiers would’ve spoken & acted.
Of course, war is messy. One shouldn’t expect a sunshine & roses story. Violence abounds. Language use isn’t always poetic. Certainly, this isn’t a book that a reader will breeze right through in one sitting or even over a weekend. Hard-core history buffs will eat it up. Articulate & honest, it is definitely written just as a veteran soldier would tell it. This Roman tales deserves a 5 of 5 star rating.
If you adore history, war stories, or both, visit your favorite book retailer to get book selections in the series. I received 1 eBook copy to write my review. No further compensation was given & all opinions are mine.
‘Marching With Caesar: Civil War’ is the second novel in this series (the first being Conquest of Gaul). Covering the Caesarian Civil War is no small undertaking. Truly, there is little doubt as to the amount of research & writing this novel required. Complete with maps, we are taken on, what seems to me, a very accurate, historical trip.
Titus Pullus is of Caesar’s 10th Legion. At age 61, he relates his autobiography to a friend. His explanation of this is to simply record great moments in Roman history. Throughout this record, he deals with friendship issues, disgruntled subordinates, military matters, & so forth. Family isn’t far from his thoughts while on the battlefields. His wife & newborn wait for him at home. Obviously, Caesar is also mentioned & we spend so time learning the ins & outs of his command.
Civil War for Titus hits close to home. Close friends & relatives of his men are across the battleground from them. We’re given a glimpse into these unfortunate occurrences of war which a textbook would never have given us. Even with creative liberties taken, it’s hard to imagine any other way in which these soldiers would’ve spoken & acted.
Of course, war is messy. One shouldn’t expect a sunshine & roses story. Violence abounds. Language use isn’t always poetic. Certainly, this isn’t a book that a reader will breeze right through in one sitting or even over a weekend. Hard-core history buffs will eat it up. Articulate & honest, it is definitely written just as a veteran soldier would tell it. This Roman tales deserves a 5 of 5 star rating.
If you adore history, war stories, or both, visit your favorite book retailer to get book selections in the series. I received 1 eBook copy to write my review. No further compensation was given & all opinions are mine.
November 24, 2012
I enjoyed this book very much, but couldn't quite give it 5 stars. I think mostly because the author falls into the first person POV trap of too much tell and not enough show. I think perhaps Titus Pullus' position as Centurion probably played a role, since as an officer he is a little more separated from the common legionary.
I thought the book had a slow start, but once Caesar and Titus head to Egypt the story picks up and there is more interesting personal conflict for the main character.
For anyone who loves to read stories set in ancient Rome this is a must read book.
I do think that to truly enjoy this book, readers need to read the first book in the series "Marching with Caesar-Conquest of Gaul." It can be a stand alone book, but I think it would be hard to fully appreciate the various characters without first reading the first book.
I thought the book had a slow start, but once Caesar and Titus head to Egypt the story picks up and there is more interesting personal conflict for the main character.
For anyone who loves to read stories set in ancient Rome this is a must read book.
I do think that to truly enjoy this book, readers need to read the first book in the series "Marching with Caesar-Conquest of Gaul." It can be a stand alone book, but I think it would be hard to fully appreciate the various characters without first reading the first book.
February 10, 2013
Ohh gosh how could I even explain how I liked this book? First of all the characters are so well written and with a story like this you can't even imagine how awesome it is! Sorry to gush out my feelings but this book is just one of a kind and I can't forget the whole story! I'm not even kidding! Peake did an awesome job weaving this awesome tale, if you are a Roman junkie -- like me I dare you to read this book. It's just... wow! It just blew me out proportion! It's like a masterpiece, it's unique and compelling from start to finish. You should start this series immediately! If you don't then you're missing a lot of action with this book, it's one thing I could recommend to everyone. You won't regret it!
December 10, 2013
I felt this was a better book than the first. The author brings the story and characters to life. The action is fast and well done and I truly feel as if I am in the legions with Primus Pilus Pullus. The problem is that the whole narrative unravels as a succession of events that happen rather than a challenge that he must overcome. I expected some obstacle - a seriously disruptive underling or a meddling tribune - that Pullus would have to overcome. Hints of that conflict were there but I was hoping for more. This may sound negative, but on the whole it's a book I really enjoyed.
May 30, 2013
Far better then the first book in the series. Peake hits his stride with this effort,
June 1, 2013
This and the last book were my favorites in the series, but all are worth the read!
December 29, 2019
As with his previous novel Peake has achieved an engrossing blend of fiction and history, more than that, the characters are extremely well developed. For readers interested in Roman history and the function of the Roman legions it is a master novel. Exhaustively researched, well written and a hard to put down book. Excellent !
July 27, 2020
Keeping Up A Good Story
The story of Publius continues to be fresh with new insights and turns, both in his character and his life. The author makes good use of historical research and filing in story blanks. I would recommend people to continue the journey.
The story of Publius continues to be fresh with new insights and turns, both in his character and his life. The author makes good use of historical research and filing in story blanks. I would recommend people to continue the journey.
February 19, 2021
Again another magistral rendering of the life of a Roman legionary, this time while fighting against his own people and as an officer. Peace remains a master of showing us how life was for the common Roman soldier.
November 20, 2017
Excellent series.
Once again if you enjoyed the first 2 books this one won’t disappoint. I look forward to the remaining books in this series.
Once again if you enjoyed the first 2 books this one won’t disappoint. I look forward to the remaining books in this series.
September 3, 2019
Well written
Excellent to read for those interested in history and who like their adventures to be realistic;a good read with plenty of meat.
Excellent to read for those interested in history and who like their adventures to be realistic;a good read with plenty of meat.
April 26, 2020
A good read. Very good on the details of military life.
An enjoyable read that gives a good illustration of life with the army of ceasar and the brutal nature of war
An enjoyable read that gives a good illustration of life with the army of ceasar and the brutal nature of war
September 27, 2020
The saga continues.
Good mix of history and story. Compelling read. Thought provoking with a good mix of action and analysis in equal parts.
Good mix of history and story. Compelling read. Thought provoking with a good mix of action and analysis in equal parts.
February 28, 2017
Guilty pleasure.
September 13, 2013
All I can say is awesome!! This is the second of a series of five novels based in Rome during the reign of Caesar. The main character, Titus Pullus, is a legionnaire in Caesar's army and is telling his story from the perspective of an older man - his history. Peake leaves nothing unsaid here. The blood and gore is depicted as it most likely really was in this period of history.
I would recommend this book, and the others in the series, to anyone who likes history, historical fiction or just a damn good story. Five gold stars.
I would recommend this book, and the others in the series, to anyone who likes history, historical fiction or just a damn good story. Five gold stars.
January 8, 2016
Was hard-pressed to put this down every night to go to sleep. Outstanding series! Must read more of Peake's work!
January 26, 2016
A great read to the first R W Peake novel. The feel and senses one gets from this work are truly rare and makes for a most enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews