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Emperor #4
Krigets gudar
Det ser ut att bli krig. Julius Caesar marscherar med sin stora här mot Rom sedan triumviratet med Crassus och Pompejus brutit samman. Men att slåss mot sina egna är inte lätt och hans väg mot framgång tillsammans med Brutus vid sin sida blir mycket prövande. Trots övertygande tal till senaten och Roms invånare får han inte Spanien, Grekland och Afrika med sig. Kan han lyckas trots att oddsen är så emot honom och kommer hans vapendragare att vara honom trogna?
399 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
398 people are currently reading
4989 people want to read
About the author
Conn Iggulden
144 books6,020 followersAlso 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
August 29, 2022
A very good conclusion to the Emperor series. However, the ending did feel a little rushed leaving me frustrated with a feeling that there was more story to tell. To the authors credit he acknowledges this at the end of the book and of course he did finally return to the story of the aftermath of the assassination in Blood of Gods. Recommended.
November 15, 2021
Read this book in 2006, and its the 4th volume of the incredible "Emperor" series.
This book starts in 53 BC, and we find Julius Caesar and his hardened veterans in and around Rome in an attempt to unseat the dictator of the Empire, Pompey the Great.
What Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus, Mark Antony and Octavian will achieve is a short lived victory, because other territories are to be conquered and time can't be wasted.
The choices that Julius Caesar eventually make will finally determine whether his path will end in eternal glory or in a loss of life.
What will follow is a magnificent addition to this tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Awesome Gods Of War"!
This book starts in 53 BC, and we find Julius Caesar and his hardened veterans in and around Rome in an attempt to unseat the dictator of the Empire, Pompey the Great.
What Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus, Mark Antony and Octavian will achieve is a short lived victory, because other territories are to be conquered and time can't be wasted.
The choices that Julius Caesar eventually make will finally determine whether his path will end in eternal glory or in a loss of life.
What will follow is a magnificent addition to this tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Awesome Gods Of War"!
May 3, 2025
Fabulous writing! Conn Iggulden kept me captive until the very end. He is now one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read all his books!
May 7, 2012
Review
A fitting end to an epic story about possibly the greatest general in Roman history, this book takes you on the final leg of Caesars journey from Child to idealistic young man to conquering general and finally to a man who no matter how great had his head turned by power. The Line "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" sprang to mind as I read this book, its not quite true as Caesar seemed to be more changed by it than corrupted, there are flashes of the younger man still there, traces of the innocence all but destroyed by the realities of the harsh Roman world.
The true power of this book is the depth of treachery that all knew was coming from Brutus, but when it arrives is shocking and if you have ever been betrayed by anyone the feeling that left would only give you a fraction of an idea how Caesar must have felt.
I also agree with Conn Iggulden in his historical notes what would history have been like if Casers son had lived. Although Octavian became one of the greatest Emperors in a long line of Roman Rulers, Ptolemy Caesarion carried the blood of greatness....possibly a great loss to history but a fantastic opportunity for an alternate history author..What if.......
In my opinion Julius Caesar was a truly great man and has been portrayed by a truly great writer.
(Parm)
A fitting end to an epic story about possibly the greatest general in Roman history, this book takes you on the final leg of Caesars journey from Child to idealistic young man to conquering general and finally to a man who no matter how great had his head turned by power. The Line "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" sprang to mind as I read this book, its not quite true as Caesar seemed to be more changed by it than corrupted, there are flashes of the younger man still there, traces of the innocence all but destroyed by the realities of the harsh Roman world.
The true power of this book is the depth of treachery that all knew was coming from Brutus, but when it arrives is shocking and if you have ever been betrayed by anyone the feeling that left would only give you a fraction of an idea how Caesar must have felt.
I also agree with Conn Iggulden in his historical notes what would history have been like if Casers son had lived. Although Octavian became one of the greatest Emperors in a long line of Roman Rulers, Ptolemy Caesarion carried the blood of greatness....possibly a great loss to history but a fantastic opportunity for an alternate history author..What if.......
In my opinion Julius Caesar was a truly great man and has been portrayed by a truly great writer.
(Parm)
October 26, 2018
I've enjoyed this series, but sometimes this author is a hit or miss with me. I like it when I'm caught up in the characters and their drama. I don't even need completely accurate historical facts, I just want to believe the characters. And this one had that. I'm so glad. It wasn't my favorite in this series, but I did enjoy this one....a lot. I liked that this covered Julius's history with Cleopatra.
There was an ease that the dialogue had that completely worked with the characters and the history. But Brutus seemed high maintenance and a bit annoying.
I have one more to read in this series. I'm hoping to get to it soon. 4 stars.
There was an ease that the dialogue had that completely worked with the characters and the history. But Brutus seemed high maintenance and a bit annoying.
I have one more to read in this series. I'm hoping to get to it soon. 4 stars.
November 18, 2018
Book 1: 3*
Book 2: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
Book 4: 3.25*
This may have been the best book of the series until the ending which was almost rushed. If you have to choose between this and the Genghis series it's definitely the Khans which was phenomenal.
Book 2: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
Book 4: 3.25*
This may have been the best book of the series until the ending which was almost rushed. If you have to choose between this and the Genghis series it's definitely the Khans which was phenomenal.
July 13, 2020
Loved this series but not this book. Caesar returns to Rome and then chases Pompey to Greece whilst dealing with the defection of life long friend Brutus. After a protracted chase we end in Egypt with the quick explanation of Pompey's death and the courtship of Cleopatra. At the end we have a return to Rome and then, in the final few pages, the Ides of March and all that entails. After a strong four books the end is hasty in the extreme and disappointing. Such a shame as, up to that point, it was first rate but the fate of Caesar and why the conspirators acted needed more exploration. Just my opinion mind you......
June 16, 2025
A good series about one of the most fascinating part of ancient history, regarding the life and achievements of one af the most iconic personas ever.
What I'm trying to say above is that while I enjoyed Iggulden's series quite a lot, I can't help but feel that a storyt based on this source material (real life of Caesar) should have resulted in something mesmerizing and this wasn't the case here (if you want to know what I mean, just check Augustus by John Williams).
A great starting point for someone not familiar with Ancient Rome though..
7,2/10
What I'm trying to say above is that while I enjoyed Iggulden's series quite a lot, I can't help but feel that a storyt based on this source material (real life of Caesar) should have resulted in something mesmerizing and this wasn't the case here (if you want to know what I mean, just check Augustus by John Williams).
A great starting point for someone not familiar with Ancient Rome though..
7,2/10
October 22, 2009
My, but this series was a letdown. While there are many fictional works that tend to bend history to their own dramatic purposes (in this genre, HBO's Rome series comes to mind), they still manage to hew close enough to the facts to make a decent mix of history and imagination. Iggulden has decided to take the ignoble path of tossing history right out the window. So many of the basic facts of this well-known story are so distorted and/or ignored that it really detracts from the enjoyment one might get from it. What is more distressing is that some readers not familiar with the story of Julius Caesar might actually make the mistake of thinking that they may be learning something by reading this woe-begotten series. This series has Caesar and Brutus growing up together, whereas historically, Caesar is believed to have been Brutus' father. Once this most basic of facts is twisted... well, it's all downhill from there. This series is the equivalent of a book covering The Revolutionary War, in which Thomas Jefferson and his brother Abraham Lincoln team up to assassinate John Adams. Yes, it's that ridiculous.
I probably would have given this series two stars as some sort of crazy, alternate-universe fable on the life of Caesar, but the last two audiobooks are an abomination. The reader huffs and puffs in a performance worthy of a second-rate dinner theater, and his constant mispronunciations of the names of some of history's most well-known figures (seriously, Cicero pronounced as "Kickero"?) made me imagine that I was listening to a Monty Python skit.
I probably would have given this series two stars as some sort of crazy, alternate-universe fable on the life of Caesar, but the last two audiobooks are an abomination. The reader huffs and puffs in a performance worthy of a second-rate dinner theater, and his constant mispronunciations of the names of some of history's most well-known figures (seriously, Cicero pronounced as "Kickero"?) made me imagine that I was listening to a Monty Python skit.
December 25, 2018
Seems like it was intended as a four-book series initially. I wasn't expecting such a rushed ending and thought those final events would be spread out in the fifth installment but it was quite good anyhow.
April 10, 2018
By far the best out of the series. Genuinely brilliant.
In my humble opinion I think that Brutus didn’t kill Caesar out of jealousy (which author suggests), I think it was out of an acceptance of knowing it was a full gone conclusion when it came to Caesars fate, he new he could not stop the wheels that were already in motion (he did try and warn Caesar through a third party of the old tenth legion apparently and due to their complex relationship I believe that)
Furthermore, I do not think it is coincidence that the final killing blow came from Brutus, I think the tragic event had been engineered that way. Incidentally and somewhat poetically, I don’t think Caesar or Brutus would of had it any other way, perhaps that is the weight that tugs at the heart strings of this moment of history. In my opinion no one else was worthy to end the days of such a man. Caesar was always going to be bumped off, but what and even greater tragedy it would have been of it had been done by a lone assassin in on a foreign field and not in under the statue of his great alley and hero Pompey in his own city and birthplace.
In my humble opinion I think that Brutus didn’t kill Caesar out of jealousy (which author suggests), I think it was out of an acceptance of knowing it was a full gone conclusion when it came to Caesars fate, he new he could not stop the wheels that were already in motion (he did try and warn Caesar through a third party of the old tenth legion apparently and due to their complex relationship I believe that)
Furthermore, I do not think it is coincidence that the final killing blow came from Brutus, I think the tragic event had been engineered that way. Incidentally and somewhat poetically, I don’t think Caesar or Brutus would of had it any other way, perhaps that is the weight that tugs at the heart strings of this moment of history. In my opinion no one else was worthy to end the days of such a man. Caesar was always going to be bumped off, but what and even greater tragedy it would have been of it had been done by a lone assassin in on a foreign field and not in under the statue of his great alley and hero Pompey in his own city and birthplace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2014
A fitting end to a resounding series of novels focusing on the life of Julius Caesar. The author expertly plays with your allegiances, empathies and where you think the story is going.
Let's face it, even the most rudimentary historically educated will know that Caesar is assassinated but the way in which it is expertly handled is cleverly weaved so that by the end you're can understand why it happens and, far from feeling mortified at the loss of your favourite character - as you would have earlier in the series - you find yourself feeling that he had it coming.
Not quite a standalone novel; it's best read as the end to a series that it is.
A sign of how well the series is written is if you look back after reading this and compare how the reader feels about characters such as Pompey, Brutus and even Caesar himself compared to how they felt about them in earlier books.
If you don't feel your opinion of them having changed, wisened or weathered then you're a colder man than me.
Let's face it, even the most rudimentary historically educated will know that Caesar is assassinated but the way in which it is expertly handled is cleverly weaved so that by the end you're can understand why it happens and, far from feeling mortified at the loss of your favourite character - as you would have earlier in the series - you find yourself feeling that he had it coming.
Not quite a standalone novel; it's best read as the end to a series that it is.
A sign of how well the series is written is if you look back after reading this and compare how the reader feels about characters such as Pompey, Brutus and even Caesar himself compared to how they felt about them in earlier books.
If you don't feel your opinion of them having changed, wisened or weathered then you're a colder man than me.
March 29, 2010
I read the other books in this series about a half year ago before finally getting around the the fourth and final book in the series. While I'm a fan of Conn Iggulden's work, and enjoyed the other books in the series for the most part, I just found this final installment a little flat by comparison. There was a little too much embellishment done with the characters in my opinion, and some of the timelines didn't seem to add up completely. That all being said, I think that Iggulden does a solid job of writing in a very descriptive style that really makes me feel as if I'm there watching as an invisible third party. If you read this or any of the other books in his Caesar series and enjoy them, then I highly recommend his current series on Genghis Khan, which I'm currently reading.
February 16, 2020
Conn Iggulden's fourth installment of the high octane Caesar series, covering the crossing of the Rubicon to the Ides of March.
So, Conn Iggulden writes a great story, but I have to say, reading this the second time around, I liked Brutus more than Julius. I mean, this whole empire thing came about because Julius had some kind of Alexander inferiority complex, and Spain, Gaul and Britain were the collateral damage. And one individual wanting to be king and subsuming the existing democratic apparatus in the process has some kind of several equivalents in today's world. I kind of think Iggulden wanted us to like Julius, and probably some of us do, but me, I can see why they all wanted to do him in.
So, Conn Iggulden writes a great story, but I have to say, reading this the second time around, I liked Brutus more than Julius. I mean, this whole empire thing came about because Julius had some kind of Alexander inferiority complex, and Spain, Gaul and Britain were the collateral damage. And one individual wanting to be king and subsuming the existing democratic apparatus in the process has some kind of several equivalents in today's world. I kind of think Iggulden wanted us to like Julius, and probably some of us do, but me, I can see why they all wanted to do him in.
May 30, 2022
Even if you don’t know much about the life of Julius Caesar you know how he died. The fourth volume of Conn Iggulden’s Emperor series (The Gods of War) brings us to that horrible place and time. If the Romans had had automatic weapons we would be speaking Latin today. What a vibrant and vicious civilization. I remain fascinated by the Romans in the same way a poisonous snake can mesmerize you-interesting to look at though you know it is dangerous. Lots of action in this part of the series plus Cleopatra. Good stuff.
September 24, 2021
Et tu, Brutus? I only wish I had had History lessons with books such as these. I would’ve learned history in school, not later…
April 9, 2022
I enjoyed book four significantly more than the first three. The politics of Rome are just more interesting than some of the far away battle scenes. Book four makes the whole series worth it. Lots of important historical figures and action. Great read.
Side note: I don’t full understand his portrayal of Suetonius and why it is so much different than anything I have read about him but would be curious to know.
Side note: I don’t full understand his portrayal of Suetonius and why it is so much different than anything I have read about him but would be curious to know.
August 11, 2012
An electrifying and spectacular conclusion to a universally loved, epic series that leaves you emotionally drained as Julius Caesar’s end comes to pass. This mammoth tale transports you back in time to when Rome was all powerful and dominating across the globe, taking the lead in social change and command changing the course of civilization for the future. Here in an Empire that is lead by a single man of great aspirations one is not prepared for the changes that occur, in regards to the leadership of Rome and control of such a gigantic empire that stands in such high supremacy throughout the land. The tension and friction between Pompey and the mighty Caesar builds up to such a crescendo, that erupts throughout the lives of those that surround them effecting social status and the future for the great cities. Conn Iggulden has to be one of the most accomplished and recognizable writers of historical fiction, who brings the life and times of those whom he is describing accurately and realistically to life in such vivid color as to transport the reader into his creation. Surpassing all expectations I was blown away again by his creativity, imagination and brilliant writing that made this book not just a good read but a truly great one that is highly memorable. One feels as if you get to know those great figures within our history on a personal and intimate level, understanding how they thought, felt and why they acted as they did.
You are able to clearly picture the surroundings that touch upon all senses, as you delve into civilian culture of the time and how great battles were made and fought. This series is so striking with its eye-catching, bold covers of bright colors being blood red, emerald and mauve they cannot fail to stand-out on the bookshelf as something distinctive and a bit special. Conn Iggulden writes in such a way as to leave a big gap between himself and other writers, who look to him as inspiration and insight, where the combination of skill and creative flair go hand in hand producing something spectacular. You can see instantly as you read how much dedication, time and effort and research has gone into forming a story that is both fascinating and enjoyable to read, hence it feels as if one has merged both fiction and non-fiction together. The importance of leadership, control and power is highlighted throughout as you study the very foundations of this city that leads the way to our present time. Social hierarchy and connections with other individuals also plays a huge role in the lives of Caesar’s loyal servants, when deciding the fate of Brutus for example or Mark Antony. Reading this book is like opening a window onto the past and seeing a changing world that is brutal, bloody and magnificent through the eyes of one of the most outstanding and remarkable rulers that ever lived. Julius Caesar was known for his determination and strength, his willpower and resolve to protect his beloved home and his people whilst encouraging change that revolutionizes the entire world.
Here is an author who is as passionate about his enjoyment of the written word as he is about his history and those individuals whom we can never forget, that shaped our lives and our existence with their ideas and visionary philosophies. Completely compelling, this forceful read will move you emotionally to the core touching your very heart and soul with such a powerful force that will be forever etched within ones memory as something most poignant. This series is one that will be read again and again, as it is by far something of such enormity as to not be left on the bookshelf. If you are looking to find out about this iconic figure and time in history from a most original angle, then Conn Iggulden is an author who can present it to you in a way that you won’t forget.
You are able to clearly picture the surroundings that touch upon all senses, as you delve into civilian culture of the time and how great battles were made and fought. This series is so striking with its eye-catching, bold covers of bright colors being blood red, emerald and mauve they cannot fail to stand-out on the bookshelf as something distinctive and a bit special. Conn Iggulden writes in such a way as to leave a big gap between himself and other writers, who look to him as inspiration and insight, where the combination of skill and creative flair go hand in hand producing something spectacular. You can see instantly as you read how much dedication, time and effort and research has gone into forming a story that is both fascinating and enjoyable to read, hence it feels as if one has merged both fiction and non-fiction together. The importance of leadership, control and power is highlighted throughout as you study the very foundations of this city that leads the way to our present time. Social hierarchy and connections with other individuals also plays a huge role in the lives of Caesar’s loyal servants, when deciding the fate of Brutus for example or Mark Antony. Reading this book is like opening a window onto the past and seeing a changing world that is brutal, bloody and magnificent through the eyes of one of the most outstanding and remarkable rulers that ever lived. Julius Caesar was known for his determination and strength, his willpower and resolve to protect his beloved home and his people whilst encouraging change that revolutionizes the entire world.
Here is an author who is as passionate about his enjoyment of the written word as he is about his history and those individuals whom we can never forget, that shaped our lives and our existence with their ideas and visionary philosophies. Completely compelling, this forceful read will move you emotionally to the core touching your very heart and soul with such a powerful force that will be forever etched within ones memory as something most poignant. This series is one that will be read again and again, as it is by far something of such enormity as to not be left on the bookshelf. If you are looking to find out about this iconic figure and time in history from a most original angle, then Conn Iggulden is an author who can present it to you in a way that you won’t forget.
February 17, 2014
Emperor: The Gods of War was my introduction to both Conn Iggulden and the world of Gaius Julius Caesar, despite the fact that this book is the fourth (and last) book in the Emperor series. My mother had bought it for me for my birthday one year and she is notoriously bad at finding the first book in a series. Nevertheless, I read it and it left quite the impression on me.
The Gods of War is the most exciting book in the series and is an example of Conn Iggulden at his finest. Love, lust, friendship, loyalty and betrayal are all prominent themes and they are what make reading this book a cinematic experience. I vote for the Emperor series to be the next series adapted into movies because the screenwriters would not even have to alter the story very much. The characters are larger than life and there’s hardly ever a dull scene.
Conn Iggulden really brings his characters to life, thus making history a bit more accessible to the average modern reader. He generally sticks to the facts of historical events, but what sets his books apart is the fact that he assigns realistic motivations to the people behind these events, particularly Caesar. When he writes, it feels like he was really at these events and knew the people that caused them. One scene in particular stands out in my mind, when Brutus complains to his mother, Servilia, that Julius overshadows him:
“I am the best of my generation, Mother. I could have ruled. But I had the misfortune to be born to a Rome with Julius in it. I have suffered it for years. I have pledged my life to him and he cannot see it.”
She pulled back from him at last and shook her head. “You’re too proud, Brutus. Even for a son of mine you are too proud.”
I think Iggulden hit the nail on the head with that scene, which of course leads up to the infamous Ides of March.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.
The Gods of War is the most exciting book in the series and is an example of Conn Iggulden at his finest. Love, lust, friendship, loyalty and betrayal are all prominent themes and they are what make reading this book a cinematic experience. I vote for the Emperor series to be the next series adapted into movies because the screenwriters would not even have to alter the story very much. The characters are larger than life and there’s hardly ever a dull scene.
Conn Iggulden really brings his characters to life, thus making history a bit more accessible to the average modern reader. He generally sticks to the facts of historical events, but what sets his books apart is the fact that he assigns realistic motivations to the people behind these events, particularly Caesar. When he writes, it feels like he was really at these events and knew the people that caused them. One scene in particular stands out in my mind, when Brutus complains to his mother, Servilia, that Julius overshadows him:
“I am the best of my generation, Mother. I could have ruled. But I had the misfortune to be born to a Rome with Julius in it. I have suffered it for years. I have pledged my life to him and he cannot see it.”
She pulled back from him at last and shook her head. “You’re too proud, Brutus. Even for a son of mine you are too proud.”
I think Iggulden hit the nail on the head with that scene, which of course leads up to the infamous Ides of March.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.
February 28, 2015
On the Ides Of March, the Roman senate bore witness to the end of the Roman republic. A man fell under 23 stab wounds and the curtains came down on an era.The liberators as they chose to call themselves thought they were ridding Rome of a tyrant but what they created in the wake of the murder was a legend. The buildup and assassination of Julius Caesar forms the story of Conn Iggulden's fourth installment in the Emperor series.
Caesar's troops arrive in Rome across the Rubicon and from then on pursue Pompey across Greece, Asia Minor and finally to Egypt. There they meet up with Cleopatra and the story rushes headlong to Caesar's murder at the hands of the conspirators. As with the others in the series, this one is packed with action and battle scenes. However, compared to the previous two books the action is subdued and sort of muted here and are not as numerous as before. The reason could be that while the earlier books focused exclusively on the campaigns of Caesar in Gaul, Britain and against Spartacus this one speaks more of Caesar as a egoistic, power lusting human being. Here again I could find cracks, wounds and scabs in the character that the author hadn't revealed before. It makes for a good character study of this giant of a man whose flaws were as big as his strengths.
Like before, Iggulden throws any aspect of historical accuracy that does not fit his genre of kick-ass action out of the window. This book by far veers away farthest in terms of association to real historic occurrences. I have come to understand that real history told as it is will not sell as many books as historical fiction would and also that the word "artistic license" has an elaborate meaning.
Keeping the historical accuracy part aside, Iggulden has created a compelling portrait of Julius Caesar as a military commander. His is the kind of dangerous charisma that soldiers will blindly follow to their deaths !
Caesar's troops arrive in Rome across the Rubicon and from then on pursue Pompey across Greece, Asia Minor and finally to Egypt. There they meet up with Cleopatra and the story rushes headlong to Caesar's murder at the hands of the conspirators. As with the others in the series, this one is packed with action and battle scenes. However, compared to the previous two books the action is subdued and sort of muted here and are not as numerous as before. The reason could be that while the earlier books focused exclusively on the campaigns of Caesar in Gaul, Britain and against Spartacus this one speaks more of Caesar as a egoistic, power lusting human being. Here again I could find cracks, wounds and scabs in the character that the author hadn't revealed before. It makes for a good character study of this giant of a man whose flaws were as big as his strengths.
Like before, Iggulden throws any aspect of historical accuracy that does not fit his genre of kick-ass action out of the window. This book by far veers away farthest in terms of association to real historic occurrences. I have come to understand that real history told as it is will not sell as many books as historical fiction would and also that the word "artistic license" has an elaborate meaning.
Keeping the historical accuracy part aside, Iggulden has created a compelling portrait of Julius Caesar as a military commander. His is the kind of dangerous charisma that soldiers will blindly follow to their deaths !
October 8, 2015
The book picks up right where the last one left off, with Caesar crossing the Rubicon. As everyone takes sides, all of the main characters, plus literally boatloads of extras, head off to Greece for the battleground where they will fight for dominance. (Because it’s just so uncivilized and barbaric to fight wars on your own land. Think of the expense!)
From there, it’s a battle all around the Mediterranean as Caesar mops up his enemies with more of Iggulden’s trademark action style, and then- and then Cleopatra bursts on to the scene, and it all starts to feel like a crossover episode.
Cleopatra is certainly worth her own series, but here it feels as though she has been in a separate side series we should have been following as well – she is a complete story unto herself and the reader is left feeling a bit left out of inside jokes as she smirks around Egypt.
[Side note on Cleopatra’s appearance: I was disappointed Iggulden went with the sexpot version of Cleopatra, when historians make a strong case that Cleopatra wasn’t superbly attractive physically – but that her brains, language skills, political acumen, and power made her quite attractive in a power sense. Having a personal Wardrobe and Makeup department on hand at all times helped, I’m sure, but let us not forget she was the result of several generations of inbreeding, and that always does a number on the facial features.]
Back to Rome where Caesar is determined to embrace what he feels is rightfully his (i.e. everything) and it all builds up to the bloody climax that feels both sudden and yet, inevitable.
A betrayal that was decades in the making, but a complete surprise to Caesar.
January 6, 2010
just finished these 4 emperor books. i liked the conqueror series a lot more, and i'm not quite sure why. did iggulden get more license there because the details of his life (and mongol culture) are fairly unknown in the western world? or is it that caesar is just an ambitious aristocrat and general, whereas genghis khan was left on the plains to die as a boy and then lived to create a nation? whatever the case, i found myself less impressed with the emperor books.
August 26, 2020
As was the case with the previous three books in this series, I found The Gods of War thoroughly engaging and enjoyable. In reading the historical note that followed the book, I found absolutely nothing that detracted, in any way, from my experience.
Clearly, one should start with Volume #1 in the series although that book has, to some extent, upset the history curmudgeons as it departed more from accepted knowledge than did the remaining volumes.
The End
Clearly, one should start with Volume #1 in the series although that book has, to some extent, upset the history curmudgeons as it departed more from accepted knowledge than did the remaining volumes.
The End
June 25, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Everything I’ve read by Conn Iggulden so far has been worth the read - including this book. But overall I was pretty underwhelmed by this one after the heights of the first three books in the series.
The first half was great, and then the last half was far too rushed. Some of the characters who have been in the entire series barely get a look in (Servilia, Suetonius) - and some new and historically important characters (Calpurnia, Cleopatra) aren’t built up enough and given enough personality to be appreciated.
The book is missing the different character POVs that are in the previous instalments (e.g. Alexandria, Brutus, Tubruk). The constant focus on Julius gets a bit tiresome - and even his thoughts aren’t shared in as much detail.
In book 3 when he’s approaching Italy and then deciding whether or not to cross the Rubicon, more time is taken describing how he’s torn about the decision and the ramifications. Whereas in this book he seems to become dead-set on being a king/emperor in the space of a few chapters. There’s been hints throughout the whole series that he’s becoming more ambitious and self-congratulating, but the jump was too steep in this book for me.
I also expected the story to go on after the end of Julius’ life a little - I know there’s since been another instalment which I will read, but if I’d read this when it came out I would have been annoyed not to hear about how Brutus, Mark Anthony and Octavian reacted in the aftermath. (I know it’s based on history, but Iggulden has created characters for us in these books and it feels wrong not to have loose ends tied up after 4 books)
I’ve read that the 5th book is actually better than this one, so here’s hoping…
Everything I’ve read by Conn Iggulden so far has been worth the read - including this book. But overall I was pretty underwhelmed by this one after the heights of the first three books in the series.
The first half was great, and then the last half was far too rushed. Some of the characters who have been in the entire series barely get a look in (Servilia, Suetonius) - and some new and historically important characters (Calpurnia, Cleopatra) aren’t built up enough and given enough personality to be appreciated.
The book is missing the different character POVs that are in the previous instalments (e.g. Alexandria, Brutus, Tubruk). The constant focus on Julius gets a bit tiresome - and even his thoughts aren’t shared in as much detail.
In book 3 when he’s approaching Italy and then deciding whether or not to cross the Rubicon, more time is taken describing how he’s torn about the decision and the ramifications. Whereas in this book he seems to become dead-set on being a king/emperor in the space of a few chapters. There’s been hints throughout the whole series that he’s becoming more ambitious and self-congratulating, but the jump was too steep in this book for me.
I also expected the story to go on after the end of Julius’ life a little - I know there’s since been another instalment which I will read, but if I’d read this when it came out I would have been annoyed not to hear about how Brutus, Mark Anthony and Octavian reacted in the aftermath. (I know it’s based on history, but Iggulden has created characters for us in these books and it feels wrong not to have loose ends tied up after 4 books)
I’ve read that the 5th book is actually better than this one, so here’s hoping…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
Damn, dit hakt er zo hard in. In dit laatste deel over Caesar staat hij lijnrecht tegenover Pompeius die zich verschalkt in Griekenland. Uiteindelijk brengt de tocht Julius bij Cleopatra en op die rampzalige Iden van maart in de senaat waar het doek valt over de grootste Romeinse heerser en denker ooit.
In zijn lange historische noot (wat hou ik er van als een schrijver dat doet!) heeft Iggulden meer dan gelijk: Caesar was niet alleen een sterke generaal, hij was een briljant man die perfect wist welke middelen hij moest uitspelen om mannen aan zich te binden. Hij gebruikt moderne technieken zoals propaganda en politieke gunsten aan de armen om te krijgen wat hij wil.
Hij heeft het keizerrijk geschapen, maar er zelf niet van kunnen genieten. Zo gaat het zo vaak. De mannen die het pad effenen worden er onder bedolven.
Dit boek focust heel erg op de strijd met Pompeius en daar heb ik het steeds moeilijk mee. Dat Caesar komaf maakt met mannen zoals Sulla, Cato en Catilina, daar kan ik mee leven. Maar Pompeius was zelf ook een wonderbaarlijk man en een goede generaal. Wie heeft dan gelijk als ze recht tegenover elkaar staan? Moeilijk.
Dit boek toont ook elke man grijs. Niemand is goed of slecht. Zelfs Brutus niet. Daarvoor alleen al hou ik van deze serie. Plus dat het leest als een trein en geen saaie geschiedenisles wordt. Je zit middenin de actie, zalig!
Samen met het 2de deel is dit mijn favoriet. En het gaat verder want Iggulden schreef een 5de deel over Augustus. Woep woep!
In zijn lange historische noot (wat hou ik er van als een schrijver dat doet!) heeft Iggulden meer dan gelijk: Caesar was niet alleen een sterke generaal, hij was een briljant man die perfect wist welke middelen hij moest uitspelen om mannen aan zich te binden. Hij gebruikt moderne technieken zoals propaganda en politieke gunsten aan de armen om te krijgen wat hij wil.
Hij heeft het keizerrijk geschapen, maar er zelf niet van kunnen genieten. Zo gaat het zo vaak. De mannen die het pad effenen worden er onder bedolven.
Dit boek focust heel erg op de strijd met Pompeius en daar heb ik het steeds moeilijk mee. Dat Caesar komaf maakt met mannen zoals Sulla, Cato en Catilina, daar kan ik mee leven. Maar Pompeius was zelf ook een wonderbaarlijk man en een goede generaal. Wie heeft dan gelijk als ze recht tegenover elkaar staan? Moeilijk.
Dit boek toont ook elke man grijs. Niemand is goed of slecht. Zelfs Brutus niet. Daarvoor alleen al hou ik van deze serie. Plus dat het leest als een trein en geen saaie geschiedenisles wordt. Je zit middenin de actie, zalig!
Samen met het 2de deel is dit mijn favoriet. En het gaat verder want Iggulden schreef een 5de deel over Augustus. Woep woep!
January 28, 2019
My favourite of the series so far, this one was a pleasure to read and thoroughly enjoyable. A lot of poetic license but this one was more realistic than the others, and less Servilia (which is a good thing!)
I look forward to the final book and finishing the story, curious to see where it goes, although I am well acquainted with the real history of the transition from Republic to Imperial.
Hopefully the last installment is as good as this one, though I suspect it will be Servilia and Cleopatra heavy.
I look forward to the final book and finishing the story, curious to see where it goes, although I am well acquainted with the real history of the transition from Republic to Imperial.
Hopefully the last installment is as good as this one, though I suspect it will be Servilia and Cleopatra heavy.
January 12, 2019
OK, možda se ovdje moglo još bolje razraditi Cezarovo postegipatsko rimsko doba, ali sve skupa valja promatrati kao cjelovito djelo. I četvrti dio "Imperatora" je vraćen na policu. Izvrsno pisan i pun raznih epizoda. Nisam baš bio lud za poviješću, ali ako je ova priča bar malo istinita - preokrenula mi je ono uvriježeno mišljenje o Brutu, ispada da je lik bio pozitivaci da sam cijeli život ono "Zar i ti Brute?" doživljavao potpuno pogrešno.
June 7, 2024
Iggulden certainly can bring history to life in the most entertaining ways. It’s always very hard to put any of his books down once started. Here the story of Julius Caesar runs to its well known conclusion.
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