Antony and Cleopatra: Part I - Antony

Marching With Caesar #4

by R.W. Peake

In the third book of the critically acclaimed Marching With Caesar series, Titus Pullus and his 10th Legion are still in the thick of the maelstrom that follows after the assassination of Gaius Julius Caesar. As part of the army jointly commanded by the young Gaius Octavian and Marcus Antonius, Titus and his comrades avenge the death of their general Caesar at Philippi, with the defeat of the last of The Liberators, Brutus and Cassius. When the two triumphant generals divide their victorious army between them, the 10th Legion is fated to serve under the command of the older Triumvir, Marcus Antonius, who leads them on a campaign into the wilds of Parthia. Throughout all of the trials and amid the danger that is inherent in this endeavor, Titus must also steer a course through the increasingly turbulent and dangerous waters as the last two remaining rivals for the ultimate prize of being the First Man in Rome move ever closer to a final confrontation, one in which every Roman in the Legions must choose a side. At stake is not just his own reputation and life, but the fate of his beloved 10th Legion!

Marching With Caesar-Antony and Cleopatra Part I-Antony is the first of the two-volume Marching With Caesar-Antony and Cleopatra.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Roman, Historical, Military Fiction

614 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

The 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.

Reviews

[Mr. Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.W. Peake writes, I think, a different type of book than your traditional historical fiction novel. Peake tells the story of Titus Pullus, an ordinary Roman from Hispania who joins the legions and rises to become Primus Pillus of the 10th legion. Through the eyes of Pullus the readers are treated to a first hand account of some of the most significant events in Roman history. These include (in the series) Caesar's conquest of Gaul, the failed invasion of Britannia, the Civil War following Caesar's death, Marcus Antonius' failed invasion of Parthia, and, finally, the titanic struggle between Octavian and Marcus Antonius. This is what the series does so well.

Initially I struggled with these books. Wanting Pullus to overcome a nemesis in each book. This would be similar to the works of Simon Scarrow or Bernard Cornwell. But given the type of historical fiction that Peake is writing I'm not sure it is strictly needed. And Peake brings the era to life so well and in such detail that I don't mind. Following Pullus means following a successful man who rose through the ranks to a position of prominence. This gives us a first hand view into some great moments in history. And I think that is enough to give the book a solid four stars.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish 3 & 4 had been one book, but otherwise very good stuff. An edge goes to books one and two because I'm most fond of that period in Roman history, I find the death of the republic and the story of Antonius kind of sad. Looking forward to more from R.W. Peake.

[Ken Moxham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A top story

This series of books faithfully tells the story of Caesar,his assassination and the resulting intrigues of the Triumvirate. However I it becomes so very real as told from the perspective of a long serving, retired Primus Pilus. You really see the actual political intrigues and understand how the army actually worked, lived and fought.
It is truly a human perspective..

[Alan Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marching with Caesar, et als

Great storytelling, plotting and characters.
I would expect nothing less from the author. Looking forward to the next novel in this engrossing tale of the legions and their men.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marching with Caesar

A good story with believeable characters and great battles filled with the harsh way life must have been this story shows us how Roam ruled the World back then. Thanks for a good read.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

The story continues along and spares no details. The characters have a realism to me that carries me on an emotional ride as I treasure the journey with them. If you've read the other books in the series, this one is a good continuance.

[Marc Therrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting, historically accurate, and entertaining read on a centurion stuck to fight in multiple civil wars.

[Jim Swike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing, thought I would learn more, maybe you will feel differently. Enjoy!

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun bit of historical fiction told from the perspective of a minor leader in the ranks. Battles, intrigue, love, and death... seems to capture all the emotions.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that Peake has done it again. This third volume of Titus Pullus' career as a Roman Legionary takes him into some of the most dismal fighting conditions imaginable. Peake's descriptions of battle scenes and marching under torturous conditions bring the Roman era to life, perhaps at its worst. The book is fairly lengthy but is a quick read and holds your attention throughout. This book has it all - action, adventure, a touch of romance and, above all, what is likely an accurate picture of life in Republican Rome, including the warts.

[David Gott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to improve with each book. You can almost feel the agony of the Legions as they retreat through impossible conditions. While this installment does not contain as much action as they previous books, it conveys a true depth of knowledge that allows the reader to understand the life of a Roman Legionary during this time period.

[David Rygmyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. On to volume 4.

[David Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, a great book in one of the best Roman historical fiction series I've ever read.

[John Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

series just keeps better and better

[Eugene Peery]

Finished number four in the series. I am enjoying my indulgence.