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Mark Antony #1
Caesar's Soldier
When his stepfather is executed for his involvement in the Catilinarian conspiracy, Mark Antony and his family are disgraced. His adolescence is marked by scandal and mischief, his love affairs are fleeting, and yet, his ambition is vast. Antony's path to prosperity leads him to an education in Athens, a campaign for a seat in the Senate, and a position of military command. Undeterred by his baptism of fire on the battlefields of Judaea and Egypt, he climbs the ranks to become the right hand man of Rome’s most famous general, Julius Caesar . The first of an epic new four book series, Caesar’s Soldier brings to life the world of one of history’s greatest warriors and romantics, as he becomes an integral part of the Roman Republic in its moment of glory and crisis.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published June 22, 2023
64 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Alex Gough
36 books112 followers Avid reader of multiple genres, including thriller, sci-fi and fantasy, but particularly interested in historical fiction. Author of Roman historical fiction, and owner of the romanfiction.com blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 21, 2025
Damn!
Alex is quickly becoming a favourite.
5⭐️
Alex is quickly becoming a favourite.
5⭐️
June 16, 2024
I didn't know much about Mark Antony before starting this but now I'm wondering how I didn't know anything but his involvement with Cleopatra. So much more to this man. I'm impatiently waiting for book 2 now. Thankfully it's due out soon
June 23, 2023
Thank you to Alex Gough for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
CONTENT WARNING: suicide, violence, death of a parent, murder, death, grief, blood, gore
After reading most of the Imperial Assassin series, I was approached by the author with the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. And I was really excited about it, because I love reading about the Roman Empire, but it’s a period of time that I don’t know much about outside of what I’ve read in books. I’m one of the people mentioned in the author’s note who have a passing familiarity with the name Marc Antony, but don’t actually know much about him. So this book was a fantastic opportunity to not just enjoy a good book by a fantastic author, but also to learn about a major historical figure.
The book starts out by allowing us to get to know a young version of Mark Antony. We watch him grow up and learn about the period of the Roman Empire in which he lives. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but after his stepfather is executed, the story picks up a bit. As the member of a disgraced family, he decides that his best bet is to seek his fortunes by taking an alternate path. First he travels to Athens for education, and then picks up a military command position.
As Mark Antony grows up, it was interesting to see how much he changed. He went from being a headstrong and brash youth known for his rowdy exploits on the streets of Rome to an accomplished military commander. What I especially liked was the way that we get to see not only his strengths, but also the flaws in his personality, allowing us to get a well-rounded view of Mark Antony and his character. However, these change a little as the story goes on and Mark Antony gains more life experience.
I have to say, I’ve read a lot of battle scenes, and Gough writes some of my favorites. There’s a lot of battle in this book, and it takes place in a variety of settings as Mark Antony’s postings change. We get to see the full might of the Roman Army, their innovative and seemingly unstoppable techniques, and how they fight against different military strategies. In some settings we see full-on attacks with pitched battles, while others involve guerrilla warfare and enacting sieges or storming forts. I was always excited to see how a battle scene would turn out.
This book is a fantastic start to a series, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. There were some great plot twists, although I suspect if you’re more familiar with this area of history you’ll be less surprised by some twists. I’m incredibly impressed with the amount of research that must have gone into this, and can’t wait to read more of this series.
CONTENT WARNING: suicide, violence, death of a parent, murder, death, grief, blood, gore
After reading most of the Imperial Assassin series, I was approached by the author with the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. And I was really excited about it, because I love reading about the Roman Empire, but it’s a period of time that I don’t know much about outside of what I’ve read in books. I’m one of the people mentioned in the author’s note who have a passing familiarity with the name Marc Antony, but don’t actually know much about him. So this book was a fantastic opportunity to not just enjoy a good book by a fantastic author, but also to learn about a major historical figure.
The book starts out by allowing us to get to know a young version of Mark Antony. We watch him grow up and learn about the period of the Roman Empire in which he lives. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but after his stepfather is executed, the story picks up a bit. As the member of a disgraced family, he decides that his best bet is to seek his fortunes by taking an alternate path. First he travels to Athens for education, and then picks up a military command position.
As Mark Antony grows up, it was interesting to see how much he changed. He went from being a headstrong and brash youth known for his rowdy exploits on the streets of Rome to an accomplished military commander. What I especially liked was the way that we get to see not only his strengths, but also the flaws in his personality, allowing us to get a well-rounded view of Mark Antony and his character. However, these change a little as the story goes on and Mark Antony gains more life experience.
I have to say, I’ve read a lot of battle scenes, and Gough writes some of my favorites. There’s a lot of battle in this book, and it takes place in a variety of settings as Mark Antony’s postings change. We get to see the full might of the Roman Army, their innovative and seemingly unstoppable techniques, and how they fight against different military strategies. In some settings we see full-on attacks with pitched battles, while others involve guerrilla warfare and enacting sieges or storming forts. I was always excited to see how a battle scene would turn out.
This book is a fantastic start to a series, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. There were some great plot twists, although I suspect if you’re more familiar with this area of history you’ll be less surprised by some twists. I’m incredibly impressed with the amount of research that must have gone into this, and can’t wait to read more of this series.
July 6, 2023
BLURB
When his stepfather is executed for his involvement in the Catilinarian conspiracy, Mark Antony and his family are disgraced. His adolescence is marked by scandal and mischief, his love affairs are fleeting, and yet, his ambition is vast. Antony's path to prosperity leads him to an education in Athens, a campaign for a seat in the Senate, and a position of military command. Undeterred by his baptism of fire on the battlefields of Judaea and Egypt, he climbs the ranks to become the right hand man of Rome’s most famous general, Julius Caesar . The first of an epic new four book series, Caesar’s Soldier brings to life the world of one of history’s greatest warriors and romantics, as he becomes an integral part of the Roman Republic in its moment of glory and crisis.
REVIEW
There's a scene from HBO's Rome where Antony utters a very crude comment causing Brutus to question Caesar as to why he tolerates Antony, "He likes to fight." is Caesar's reply. That pretty much sums up Antony's character in Caesar's Soldier; even more so than his other habits and qualities. It's not easy to take on a subject who has been covered many times, and to make it original while sticking to the historical record. This tale of Antony passes the test as we see the events of his life through his eyes; we are given the thought processes which produce an entertaining, page turning look at Rome's prime movers during this tumultuous period. There's even a bit of foreshadowing during Antony's time in Syria; a delightful first meeting with Cleopatra, 7th of that name. So, my peeps and fellow readers, fear not the popularity of the many versions of Mark Antony, this one is also excellent. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When his stepfather is executed for his involvement in the Catilinarian conspiracy, Mark Antony and his family are disgraced. His adolescence is marked by scandal and mischief, his love affairs are fleeting, and yet, his ambition is vast. Antony's path to prosperity leads him to an education in Athens, a campaign for a seat in the Senate, and a position of military command. Undeterred by his baptism of fire on the battlefields of Judaea and Egypt, he climbs the ranks to become the right hand man of Rome’s most famous general, Julius Caesar . The first of an epic new four book series, Caesar’s Soldier brings to life the world of one of history’s greatest warriors and romantics, as he becomes an integral part of the Roman Republic in its moment of glory and crisis.
REVIEW
There's a scene from HBO's Rome where Antony utters a very crude comment causing Brutus to question Caesar as to why he tolerates Antony, "He likes to fight." is Caesar's reply. That pretty much sums up Antony's character in Caesar's Soldier; even more so than his other habits and qualities. It's not easy to take on a subject who has been covered many times, and to make it original while sticking to the historical record. This tale of Antony passes the test as we see the events of his life through his eyes; we are given the thought processes which produce an entertaining, page turning look at Rome's prime movers during this tumultuous period. There's even a bit of foreshadowing during Antony's time in Syria; a delightful first meeting with Cleopatra, 7th of that name. So, my peeps and fellow readers, fear not the popularity of the many versions of Mark Antony, this one is also excellent. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 17, 2024
Enjoyable read! I actually wasn't super familiar with Marc Antony's exploits prior to the Battle of Alesia, so was a fun read for that reason. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
January 16, 2024
It's not an easy task, to take a man's story so frequently told, and make it into something that feels new and fresh. Alex Gough has done that with this book though.
Mark Antony, one of the most famous men in the dying years of the Republic, is a fascinating character. Bold and brilliant, fearless and sometimes rash, he was a general that stood at the shoulder of the great Caesar himself, before pushing for ultimate power after his death.
This book comes before all that, Caesar a mere footnote. In this book we see a young Antony, growing up on the streets of Rome. He is everything you expect him to be. A bit of drunken lout, a womaniser and a troublemaker. What I had not realised before reading this was the heartache he must have gone through as a young man. His father dead, then his step-father caught up in a treasonous plot, murdered at the hands on the Senate.
We see real growth in Antony. From the streetwise teenager to the battle scarred general, as Antony goes east in search of glory. There are many battles in this book, each different to the last, and in every one we see Antony int he thick of the fighting, a place I think he would have relished.
Even knowing what will happen in later books, the path the infamous rogue is set to tread, I'm really looking forward to seeing how his life is unfurled in the rest of this series. It was after all, a life that lives long through the ages
Mark Antony, one of the most famous men in the dying years of the Republic, is a fascinating character. Bold and brilliant, fearless and sometimes rash, he was a general that stood at the shoulder of the great Caesar himself, before pushing for ultimate power after his death.
This book comes before all that, Caesar a mere footnote. In this book we see a young Antony, growing up on the streets of Rome. He is everything you expect him to be. A bit of drunken lout, a womaniser and a troublemaker. What I had not realised before reading this was the heartache he must have gone through as a young man. His father dead, then his step-father caught up in a treasonous plot, murdered at the hands on the Senate.
We see real growth in Antony. From the streetwise teenager to the battle scarred general, as Antony goes east in search of glory. There are many battles in this book, each different to the last, and in every one we see Antony int he thick of the fighting, a place I think he would have relished.
Even knowing what will happen in later books, the path the infamous rogue is set to tread, I'm really looking forward to seeing how his life is unfurled in the rest of this series. It was after all, a life that lives long through the ages
June 25, 2025
Incredible Novel Takes You to the Roman Halls of Power
Alex Gough, my favourite author of Roman historical fiction, returns with Caesar's Avenger - the third in his Mark Antony series. And what can I say, really?
If you've read this author before, you know he's brilliant. Gough has a keen eye for historical detail, but like the best historical fiction authors, he doesn't let it get in the way of a thrilling yarn. It throws you headfirst into the tumultuous period after Caesar's death, with all the double dealing and political machinations that go with that. It'll definitely keep you hooked, as it did for me. I finished this in a weekend!
And it's not just the excellent plot. Gough's characters are equally well-drawn. He brings all these incredible figures to life on the page, making you feel as if you could reach out and touch them.
There should be a celebration every time Alex Gough puts out a book. He is one of the most consistent authors of historical fiction today, putting out great book after great book. You owe yourself a read of this one!
Alex Gough, my favourite author of Roman historical fiction, returns with Caesar's Avenger - the third in his Mark Antony series. And what can I say, really?
If you've read this author before, you know he's brilliant. Gough has a keen eye for historical detail, but like the best historical fiction authors, he doesn't let it get in the way of a thrilling yarn. It throws you headfirst into the tumultuous period after Caesar's death, with all the double dealing and political machinations that go with that. It'll definitely keep you hooked, as it did for me. I finished this in a weekend!
And it's not just the excellent plot. Gough's characters are equally well-drawn. He brings all these incredible figures to life on the page, making you feel as if you could reach out and touch them.
There should be a celebration every time Alex Gough puts out a book. He is one of the most consistent authors of historical fiction today, putting out great book after great book. You owe yourself a read of this one!
June 24, 2023
I believe this is Alex’s best book to date. When I heard Ales would be producing a series centring on Mark Anthony I was very much looking forward to reading the first novel in the series. The book lived up to my expectations.
Alex has produced a thrilling tale of Marc Anthony’s early life including significant elements and events prior to Marc Anthony joining Caesar in Gaul. The character of Marc Anthony appears fleshed out and the events that occur are portrayed in what would appear to be a historically accurate way which is very engaging.
I would rank this book up there with Conn Iggulden’s historical fiction books and am glad this will be a four book series, as I eagerly await discovering more details about Marc Anthony and the other principle historical figures during this period.
This book is a must read for historical fiction fans.
Alex has produced a thrilling tale of Marc Anthony’s early life including significant elements and events prior to Marc Anthony joining Caesar in Gaul. The character of Marc Anthony appears fleshed out and the events that occur are portrayed in what would appear to be a historically accurate way which is very engaging.
I would rank this book up there with Conn Iggulden’s historical fiction books and am glad this will be a four book series, as I eagerly await discovering more details about Marc Anthony and the other principle historical figures during this period.
This book is a must read for historical fiction fans.
August 17, 2025
( Format : Audiobook )
The youthful Mark Anthony.
So well known an historical figure but infrequently covered, this is an interesting story taking the reader from the childhood of Marcus Antonius growing up in Rome to his part in the Gallic wars as an officer with Julius Caesar. An easy read but one which, for this reader, failed to really capture the man himself. This could in part be because of the slow delivery of the otherwise excellent narrator, Andrew Wincott.
Nevertheless, this is a book well worth reading for those with a fondness for tales from ancient Rome and, first in a series on Mark Anthony, promises to provide more interest into the future
The youthful Mark Anthony.
So well known an historical figure but infrequently covered, this is an interesting story taking the reader from the childhood of Marcus Antonius growing up in Rome to his part in the Gallic wars as an officer with Julius Caesar. An easy read but one which, for this reader, failed to really capture the man himself. This could in part be because of the slow delivery of the otherwise excellent narrator, Andrew Wincott.
Nevertheless, this is a book well worth reading for those with a fondness for tales from ancient Rome and, first in a series on Mark Anthony, promises to provide more interest into the future
December 7, 2024
I love Roman history, so I was eager to jump into this series. Alex does a wonderful job of setting the atmosphere and grandiosity of Rome, while bringing characters that we all know from history to life. Once we get into Antony’s military career, I think the novel really takes off and I wish it would’ve sooner. It’s very interesting to get the POV from Antony when he’s so often a side character to Caesar’s story and very often with exaggerated characteristics. There’s a bit of that here, but it’s well balanced with bringing out his inner nature. I’m excited for where this series is going.
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 ⭐️
December 18, 2023
Ho letto moltissimi libri di questo autore e questo l’ho trovato non all’altezza delle sue precedenti produzioni. Ci sono troppi infodamp e la cosa peggiore è che la parte di fiction non si incastra con la storia vera. Tutto scorre via su binari separati, avrei preferito un migliore mix tra verità e finzione.
Una occasione buttata, l’autore aveva iniziato bene con il giovane Marco Antonine le sue bravate da bulletto di periferia, ma poi si è perso strada facendo.
Una occasione buttata, l’autore aveva iniziato bene con il giovane Marco Antonine le sue bravate da bulletto di periferia, ma poi si è perso strada facendo.
February 29, 2024
This wasn't as good as Richard Foreman's "Augustus". It taught me more about Mark Antony, and I probably will read the followup to get the rest of the story. The prologue felt more like a prologue to the series, as this book ended well before that point, but it did keep me reading. At times I thought the battle scenes went on too long, as I was more interested in the man and what motivated him.
April 27, 2024
3.5 stars.
This was good, but occasionally got heavy on the politicking and military tactics, which can easily lose me. Really enjoyed the main character. He isn't the type that I'd get attached to but entertaining and has more depth in his morals than others. A great read for those that love Roman history.
This was good, but occasionally got heavy on the politicking and military tactics, which can easily lose me. Really enjoyed the main character. He isn't the type that I'd get attached to but entertaining and has more depth in his morals than others. A great read for those that love Roman history.
October 19, 2024
A pretty good read and I enjoyed seeing Mark Antony from his childhood grow into his younger years. The meeting of Herod, Cleopatra and Caesar are notable moments which kept the tale going. Overall it lacked a little bit of narrative and action for me. Not sure I will return to the series but a decent historical tale.
October 4, 2025
Caesar's Soldier book 1
I suppose most people know the end of this story and many of the events inbetween. Is it however a well written storyline that stars out on life in Rome including the political intrigue. It then moved on at pace across two continents offering adventures and staggering loss of life as Rome expands its influences and control.
I suppose most people know the end of this story and many of the events inbetween. Is it however a well written storyline that stars out on life in Rome including the political intrigue. It then moved on at pace across two continents offering adventures and staggering loss of life as Rome expands its influences and control.
August 1, 2023
Caesars Soldier is Alex Gough at his best to date.
So informative, full of action with brilliant descriptive prose. I have learnt so much already about Mark Anthony. The second book can't come quickly enough for me.
So informative, full of action with brilliant descriptive prose. I have learnt so much already about Mark Anthony. The second book can't come quickly enough for me.
October 9, 2025
Caesar’s Soldier/. book 1
Much more interesting and entertaining than I expected. Good job weaving story and history together. Felt I almost there alongside of Anthony, in Rome, in battle, getting drunk, etc Book 2 is a must read, now.
Much more interesting and entertaining than I expected. Good job weaving story and history together. Felt I almost there alongside of Anthony, in Rome, in battle, getting drunk, etc Book 2 is a must read, now.
August 25, 2023
Anthony
Excellent storytelling how the Romans dealt with the conquered peoples ,together with the story of Mark Anthony,s life and times.
Excellent storytelling how the Romans dealt with the conquered peoples ,together with the story of Mark Anthony,s life and times.
September 20, 2023
Page 125...DNf.....very little Characterisation..a bland narrative and boring.
January 7, 2024
So finely detailed Anthony's journey is the start of what is set to be a great series. The gods interested me and I can't wait to see what happens next.
March 1, 2024
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March 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this, and will read more from this author
August 10, 2024
Not a typical book for me to pick up, but I'm happy I did. The author paints a very vivid picture of life and escapades of Mark Anthony, following him into his early thirties.
Very thrilling at times, it is a great read.
Very thrilling at times, it is a great read.
June 23, 2025
Too much military, not enough engaging story to make me continue reading this series. Just wasn’t interested in reading about military battles.
January 20, 2026
I wasn't sure, going into this book off the back of Empire of the Dawn, however I can say after a slow first quarter, the book picks up and its all go from there, its been a pleasure to read and now I look forward to reading the 2nd in the series.
August 4, 2025
Bloody fantastic! This time I listened to the audiobook and was mesmerised from start to finish. Anthony comes alive with all his failings, ambition, strength and courage. Impressive detail and generous scenes showing his development and exploits make this an unforgettable treatment of one Ancient Rome's most famous men.
I ordered the second book straight away. I can't wait to see how Alex Gough takes us through Caesar's challenge to Pompeii and the liaison with Cleopatra.
I ordered the second book straight away. I can't wait to see how Alex Gough takes us through Caesar's challenge to Pompeii and the liaison with Cleopatra.
October 21, 2023
A completely different pace to any of Alex’s previous books, I have to say I really enjoyed this! Historical fiction meets biography of a man known The world over, yet of whom many know very little about.
It was a tricky read at first, but I think that was because I went in expecting a rip roaring action novel, what I got was a work of art. Well done Alex!
It was a tricky read at first, but I think that was because I went in expecting a rip roaring action novel, what I got was a work of art. Well done Alex!
February 9, 2025
Alex Gough just doesn’t miss. I can’t wait for the next instalments of caesars soldier. A comedic, and fantastical historical interpretation of Mark Anthony and Julius Caesar among other key figures in the Roman republic. A well researched and another very well written book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews