What do you think?
Mark Antony #3
Caesar's Avenger
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.
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.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
About the author
Alex Gough
37 books117 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 8, 2026
My review of Caesar's Avenger, by Alex Gough:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
I need more. 5⭐️
April 1, 2026
Alex Gough’s Caesar’s Avenger focuses on Mark Antony’s actions after his political and personal friend, Caesar is murdered. This is the third book in his Mark Antony series but I feel it begins at a moment in time which is a good starting point if you haven’t read the previous two novels, instantly after Caesar’s death. Gough’s bibliography, references list, glossary and chapter notes evidences his dedication to provide a historically accurate story of Antony’s challenges. Although I don’t know a great deal about this time period – apart from reading Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra – I felt this was a truthful representation of the events which occurred. Antony’s struggle with power, manipulation, rightful heirs and his own ego corrupting him takes us from Rome to Syria, Alexandria, Egypt and Greece in war and lust to ensure his and his families safety and legacy. Towards the end the plot began to feel rushed, a lot happened between Fulvia, Lucius and Octavian creating civil war which wasn’t explored more than a few sentences, but I appreciate that Gough has a lot of storyline to provide in his hard historical fiction – and that he wants to focus on the more exciting events, such as the wars and women. This was a decent enough read, just not my personal type of novel although I do feel I learned a lot about Late Roman Republic era.
June 13, 2025
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!
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!
September 8, 2026
Collapse of a Republic and rise of an Empire
When I was a kid, my family used to read the account of the birth of Christ from the Gospel according to Luke, which begins as follows, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed." In High School we read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (or perhaps just extracts thereof). We also heard quotes from his Antony and Cleopatra. My point is only that, if there is any bit of ancient history that even people who profess to know nothing about history are likely to have some familiarity with, it is the dramatic period from Julius Caesar's assassination through the reign of Augustus.
This makes sense, of course. It was this period that saw the replacement of the Roman Republic with the Roman Empire. The events are not just an incredible story in themselves -- they are fundamental to the rise of European civilization (which even Gandhi admitted would be a good idea).
Alex Gough's Mark Antony series tells this story from behind the eyes of Mark Antony. Gough points out that Antony's point of view is surprisingly neglected for so prominent an actor in such a storied time.
Book 2 of the series, Caesar's General, ended with Caesar's assassination. Book 3, Caesar's Avenger recounts the complicated mess that followed. Caesar's death left a power vacuum, which everyone who was anyone in Rome tried to fill. It all got very complicated, but after most of the dust settled, the battle was between Caesar's assassins, who called themselves the Liberators, and those who had supported Caesar in life and rued his murder, who called themselves the Caesarians.
There were two principal Caesarians. The first, of course, was Antony. The second, who more or less came out of nowhere, was Caesar's great-nephew Octavian, whom Caesar adopted posthumously in his will and left his wealth to. Octavian was a sickly young man with no military or political experience. But he was clever and able. Indeed, he eventually took the name Augustus -- we still honor him in the eighth month of every year -- and became the first Emperor of Rome.
There is little doubt that Caesar chose well when he picked Octavian as his heir. If you look up rankings of Roman Emperors (these are as easy to find as rankings of US presidents), Augustus consistently ranks near the top, most often at number 1. This is not to say that Antony would have been a bad emperor, but he never got there.
Octavian and Antony managed to remain on the same side of the struggle for power as long as they had a common enemy -- the Liberators. Caesar's Avenger ends when the Liberators have been decisively defeated. The final book, Caesar's Nemesis will take us through the struggle between Antony and Octavian, and not incidentally Antony's alliance with Cleopatra. Since it's history, we know that Octavian will win and Antony and Cleopatra will die.
This was good. Recommended.
Blog review.
When I was a kid, my family used to read the account of the birth of Christ from the Gospel according to Luke, which begins as follows, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed." In High School we read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (or perhaps just extracts thereof). We also heard quotes from his Antony and Cleopatra. My point is only that, if there is any bit of ancient history that even people who profess to know nothing about history are likely to have some familiarity with, it is the dramatic period from Julius Caesar's assassination through the reign of Augustus.
This makes sense, of course. It was this period that saw the replacement of the Roman Republic with the Roman Empire. The events are not just an incredible story in themselves -- they are fundamental to the rise of European civilization (which even Gandhi admitted would be a good idea).
Alex Gough's Mark Antony series tells this story from behind the eyes of Mark Antony. Gough points out that Antony's point of view is surprisingly neglected for so prominent an actor in such a storied time.
Book 2 of the series, Caesar's General, ended with Caesar's assassination. Book 3, Caesar's Avenger recounts the complicated mess that followed. Caesar's death left a power vacuum, which everyone who was anyone in Rome tried to fill. It all got very complicated, but after most of the dust settled, the battle was between Caesar's assassins, who called themselves the Liberators, and those who had supported Caesar in life and rued his murder, who called themselves the Caesarians.
There were two principal Caesarians. The first, of course, was Antony. The second, who more or less came out of nowhere, was Caesar's great-nephew Octavian, whom Caesar adopted posthumously in his will and left his wealth to. Octavian was a sickly young man with no military or political experience. But he was clever and able. Indeed, he eventually took the name Augustus -- we still honor him in the eighth month of every year -- and became the first Emperor of Rome.
There is little doubt that Caesar chose well when he picked Octavian as his heir. If you look up rankings of Roman Emperors (these are as easy to find as rankings of US presidents), Augustus consistently ranks near the top, most often at number 1. This is not to say that Antony would have been a bad emperor, but he never got there.
Octavian and Antony managed to remain on the same side of the struggle for power as long as they had a common enemy -- the Liberators. Caesar's Avenger ends when the Liberators have been decisively defeated. The final book, Caesar's Nemesis will take us through the struggle between Antony and Octavian, and not incidentally Antony's alliance with Cleopatra. Since it's history, we know that Octavian will win and Antony and Cleopatra will die.
This was good. Recommended.
Blog review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2026
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.
March 7, 2026
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
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
June 7, 2025
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
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.
November 6, 2025
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
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
September 17, 2025
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.
September 30, 2025
Love reading about Mark Antony and thoroughly enjoyed it from another authors perspective. I learn a little more every time.
May 18, 2026
The third book in the series and the best so far, I enjoyed this immensely, the story is grounded, your living in Roman times and its no fantasy, these historic characters give life to your imagination and I am eager to continue this story when book 4 is released later this year.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews