Caesar's Avenger

Mark Antony #3

by Alex Gough

The greatest moment in Roman history, from the perspective of the man who could have had it all.

Julius Caesar is dead. Mark Antony, his second in command, is surely also in the sights of the assassins.

But for Antony, where there is danger, there is opportunity. Can he seize the chance, and replace Caesar as Rome's undisputed ruler?

The portents are good until a young man by the name of Octavian appears, claiming to be Caesar's heir

The months and years that follow are a time of shifting alliances, betrayals and score settling. Above all, Antony must fulfil his vow to avenge Caesar and destroy his killers, Brutus and Cassius, while also stopping Rome from falling apart...

Perfect for fans of S.J.A. Turney and Conn Iggulden.

Genres: Historical Fiction

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Shane Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more. 5⭐️

[Méli ☀︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Canelo for the review copy!

Caesar's Avenger is the story of Antony (called Mark Antony on the cover but mercifully just Antony throughout the book) in the aftermath of the assassination of Caesar, up until late 40BC. This is actually the 3rd book in a series, but I was confident I could easily pick up from where this book starts. I was right; it works perfectly well as a standalone if you're familiar with the events already. 

And it was an excellent surprise! I read it in two sittings, I found it gripping. Antony is an engaging, complex man. He's torn between loyalty, ambition, love, anger, anxiety... Fulvia gets the attention she deserves, with Antony regularly relying on her advice and praising her qualities. Octavian, through Antony's eyes, is an irritating yet impressive newcomer, with incredible political acumen for his young age. All the characters come alive on page, yes, even Lepidus! Much of the book focuses on politics: the strategies Antony devises with Fulvia's help, his analysis of his various allies and opponents, the battles between the different factions, the proscriptions... I thought it was fascinating, and even though I'm very familiar with these events, I was never bored.

Bonus point for that one chapter ending with 'What could go wrong?' and the next starting with 'Things started to go wrong almost immediately'. I love when a book can catch you off guard with quietly funny moments like that. Minus point for calling August August before it was actually named August (it's one of my pet peeves) but I think it's just one instance and it's called Sextilis the rest of the time so I forgive it.

A few things I disagreed with, like the suggestion that Agrippa had attempted to have Antony assassinated behind Octavian's back, but I really enjoyed the author's chapter notes explaining the decisions he made and the sources he used. Overall, it was a very realistic and accurate novel. Once more, Canelo doesn't disappoint in the realm of historical fiction, and I will definitely read the earlier books asap! A fourth book is also announced for 2026 to finish Antony's story, and it will be fantastic to be in Antony's head as his life reaches its conclusion. I can't wait!

[Olga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sharp. fast. intelligent. and yet… strangely hollow.

Summary
Caesar's Avenger by Alex Gough drops us straight into the aftermath of Julius Caesar’s assassination, following Mark Antony as he scrambles for control in a Rome teetering on collapse. Alliances shift, enemies circle, Octavian emerges like a quiet threat with terrifying potential, and Antony is driven by one central force - vengeance. The novel charts the brutal, political chess game that leads toward the formation of the Second Triumvirate and the pursuit of Caesar’s killers.

What worked for me
If you love Roman history, this will absolutely scratch that itch. The research is undeniable - you can feel it in every scene, every political manoeuvre, every military decision. It’s tight, fast-paced, and very readable. The stakes are constantly shifting, and if you already have a fascination with this period, it’s genuinely engaging to watch it unfold from Antony’s perspective.

There’s also a clarity to the writing that makes complex historical events easy to follow. No unnecessary fluff. No confusion about who is allied with whom this week. It moves with purpose, almost like being guided through a well-structured lecture - efficient, controlled, deliberate.

What didn’t quite land
And this is where it lost me a bit.

I kept waiting to feel something.

Mark Antony is one of the most fascinating, contradictory figures in history - ambition, loyalty, ego, insecurity, love, violence - all tangled together. But here, he never quite opens up. I wanted his interior life. His doubts. His hunger. His contradictions. Instead, I got actions, decisions, outcomes.

It reads very much like history… rather than historical fiction.

There’s a distance to it. A kind of emotional restraint that makes everything feel… controlled. Even the betrayals, the shifting loyalties, the looming violence - they land intellectually, but not viscerally.

And yes, I’m going to say it - it feels very masculine in its approach. Strategy over soul. Movement over meaning. External stakes over internal conflict. Some readers will love that. For me, it left a gap I couldn’t ignore.

Final verdict
A solid, well-researched, fast-moving Roman historical novel that will absolutely appeal to fans of the period. But if you’re looking for emotional depth, psychological complexity, or a truly immersive connection to Antony as a man rather than a figure… it may feel a little cold.

I admired it. I didn’t feel it. And that made all the difference.

[I'mogén · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite my reluctance at jumping straight into a third book in a series, for a super secret project, with no context, I can't deny this was thrilling, full of adventure and exciting.

I think t was easier to fall into because I love learning about this era of history (most notably where myths and legends are present), so I think having a general interest helped to suck me into the story.

I found it fascinating how the players in this novel can be so war-driven, yet also point out a blessing from one of the gods in a spot of nature. It is oddly poetic.

Despite enjoying the action packed excitement of this story and finding it easy to absorb (I listened to it), I didn't have any stakes in the story, which has largely got to do with having not read the prior. It left on a cliff hanger and was fun, but I can't see myself going back to where it started or continuing on with the next book unless I'm doing a themed challenge to that effect.

Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy

[Duane Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Anthony is left reeling from both the death of Julius Caesar and then to find that he isn't to inherit Caesars money or title. This is when we learn that Julius Caesar had adopted Octavius as his son and left his estate to Octavius.
We then get to follow Mark Anthony's quest to gain revenge against the assassins as well as gain everything he can in the wake of Romes unsettled times. This series is so informative as well as keeping you wondering what will happen next. The storyline brilliantly takes us up to Cleopatra becoming a strong influence. I only wish that I didn't have wait a whole year to be able to continue what is up there as one of the greatest Roman Series.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caesar’s Avenger continues Alex Gough’s excellent series focusing on Marc Anthony. If the final book is of similar quality to this and the previous two novels, then this series will be up there with the best historical fiction series. I would recommend for any fans of Roman fiction or military fiction. This novel focuses on the events following Caesars death and the creation of the Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus. The ending to the story leaves the series on a cliff hanger and very much looking forward to the conclusion to the series, although with slight trepidation, knowing the historical outcome for Anthony and Cleopatra.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book It was very detailed I did know much about Mark Anthony only about his ending with Cleopatra so it was a bit of a shock to me to find when I got to the end to find that the story hasn't ended yet and there is obviously more to come.
I will admit that sometimes the constant battles did become a drag but I understand that it was unavoidable because of the period . I am not somebody who likes reading about lots of battles but I will say battles aside I did enjoy the book
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc copy

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Zoë Routh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the four book series. Antony evolves as an ambitious, clever warrior who lives and loves deeply. Can’t wait for the finale.

[Dilys Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading about Mark Antony and thoroughly enjoyed it from another authors perspective. I learn a little more every time.