Mask of Romulus

by Mark Jamilkowski

In the founding of Rome, Romulus was guided by the gods and his visions. Centuries later, Augustus, Rome's first emperor, calls upon those same forces to navigate civil war, assassination attempts, and his own inner demons. But when he crosses paths with Kamala, an oracle from India, their unexpected bond alters the course of history. Mask of Romulus is a tale of love and destiny, of warriors and rulers, battling not just for the empire's future, but for their very souls.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2025

About the author

My first novel, The Road to Moresco, explores the dramatic events and emotional upheaval of Maria-Luisa Moresco and her daughter, Chiara as they persevered in the world events of the 1900's. This was a personal story, a work of passion, a work deeply emotional and vulnerable for me to write. Most of the book is true to the events and lives of these real-world women, cobbled together from interviews and recorded historical events. The fiction part is in wending it all together as I imagined it did. In the end I found myself humbled, inspired, awed, and grateful.

I have been blessed with the support and encouragement of friends and family to turn my research of my story of origin into The Road to Moresco, and the critics seemed to agree, with many 5 star reviews and being named a Golden Book selection by Literary Titan.

Mask of Romulus is my second historical fiction novel. Building on the critical acclaim received for "Moresco," I endeavored once again to bring "emotional depth, historical insight and a rhythmic narrative that resonates with intellectual rigor and vulnerability." Critics have noted a tonal kinship in my novels with others such as The Remains of the Day and A Hidden Life, and will also appeal to fans of Conn Iggulden, Robert Graves, or Mary Beard.

My stories tend to evoke profound emotional atmosphere supported with philosophical depth and historical detail. When I find time to write, I am committed to crafting narratives that explore new creative terrain that inspire readers to rediscover the hidden courage shaping history. I enjoy exploring themes of ambition, resilience, political oppression and personal growth.

I am a resident of New York City, a father and husband, with personal passions that inform and shape my literary style, including music, photography, cooking, and games of strategy.

Reviews

[Mrutyunjaya Sahu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mask of Romulus by Mark Jamilkowski

Mask of Romulus is a sweeping, ambitious historical epic that blends myth, prophecy, political intrigue, and human connection into a story that feels both timeless and boldly original. Mark Jamilkowski delivers a narrative that spans centuries, yet remains intimate at its core, exploring the internal battles of leaders who shaped the ancient world. It is a novel rooted not just in the founding of an empire, but in the spiritual currents—divine, mysterious, and often unsettling—that pulled its greatest figures toward destiny.

The story begins with Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, guided by visions and divine intervention. Jamilkowski brings Romulus to life not as a distant myth, but as a flawed, passionate, and haunted man whose connection to the gods is as heavy a burden as it is a blessing. These early chapters echo with ancient energy, immersing the reader in ritual, prophecy, and the raw birth of civilization. Romulus’s spiritual experiences establish a foundation that reverberates through the entire narrative.

Centuries later, that foundation becomes the spiritual inheritance of Augustus, Rome’s first emperor. His rise to power is portrayed with remarkable psychological depth. Augustus is not simply the political mastermind known from history; he is a man wrestling with moral conflict, divine expectations, and private wounds. The novel skillfully blends historical accuracy with a sense of mythic grandeur, allowing Augustus’s visions and fears to feel both symbolic and startlingly real. His internal conflict—between duty and desire, power and vulnerability—forms the emotional heart of the book.

Jamilkowski’s boldest and most compelling narrative choice comes with the introduction of Kamala, an oracle from India whose presence expands the world of the novel beyond Rome’s borders. Through Kamala, the story becomes a cultural and spiritual bridge between civilizations. Her connection with Augustus is layered with mystery, tenderness, and prophetic tension. Their bond is not only romantic but transformative, challenging both characters to confront the truths they fear the most. Kamala’s background, wisdom, and spiritual insight bring a refreshing and powerful contrast to the political brutality of Rome.

What makes Mask of Romulus particularly impressive is the way it blends its grand themes—destiny, divine influence, empire-building—with deep emotional resonance. The stakes are enormous: civil war, assassination attempts, and the uncertain future of the world’s mightiest empire. Yet the book never loses sight of its characters as individuals. Each pivotal moment, from battles and political schemes to intimate prophecy scenes, carries a sense of human fragility.

Beautifully written, immersive, and thought-provoking, Mask of Romulus is a novel for readers who crave historical fiction with spiritual depth and emotional complexity. Jamilkowski masterfully weaves legend and history into a narrative that feels both epic in scope and personal in impact. This is a story of love, destiny, and the invisible forces that shape leaders—and the worlds they leave behind.

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the heels of Gladiator II, and before Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey is unveiled in movie theaters on July 17, 2026, comes Mark Jamilkowski’s newest novel Mask of Romulus, a historical addition to a genre that never seems to lose its footing, whether it be represented on the silver screen or on the printed page. What makes this part of ancient history so popular and so marketable with the masses? Seemingly, there are multiple reasons, and Jamilkowski taps into this perpetual fascination by giving audiences what they desire: a coming-of-age travelogue that involves comedy and tragedy; love and hate; war and peace, all of which romanticize a time of great turmoil and bloodshed while telling the story of the beginnings of Western civilization.

Mask of Romulus, very much like The Odyssey, is about one young man’s physical, emotional, and spiritual journey into the annals of history. The book is the story of Julius Caesar’s successor Gaius Octavius (aka Caesar Augustus, aka Octavian), an extraordinary leader who was once a scrappy young boy fighting off bullies in Eretum, a village where Caesar’s sister and Gaius’s grandmother, Julia, would vacation. Much of Jamilkowski’s narrative is an attempt at reestablishing numerous notables as real human beings who not only shaped contemporary society, but led lives similar to ours prior to their historical significance. By using historical data and research, the writer gives voices to and fleshes out individuals who have almost become reduced to mythic figures of a long, forgotten era. Mask of Romulus is for readers who want to learn about Gaius Octavius’s rise to prominence as Rome’s ruler, a ruler who reconstructed and reformed the city in a peacefully productive way while also maintaining his power as the supreme leader. Much of this historical novel shows Gaius Octavius as a reasonable warrior and emperor who travelled the world to expand on his empire, which included a voyage to India. The stories about Kamala, an Indian oracle who becomes an advisor to Gaius Octavius, at first run parallel to Octavian’s trek, but eventually the two narratives come together, and lead to connection that changes the course of history and builds an alliance most significant to Gaius Octavius’s reign as emperor.

Mask of Romulus is most successful when Jamilkowski includes philosophy and religious lore into the narrative; he has a great deal of knowledge in both fields of study, so he carefully weaves with ease his understanding of the humanities and how it can be of great effect to those in powerful positions. He is also quite good at writing about the literal physical journey in and of itself; his debut novel The Road to Moresco is similar in construction, so Jamilkowski uses his past work to perfect his present one. With that said, at times, the work has a dizzying number of names and places that can leave casual readers exhausted and confused; and there are moments when the dialogue is too contemporary, a chronic issue for epic works. An index or appendix in lieu of a prologue would have been most helpful for those of us less familiar with Gaius Octavius’s reign. Otherwise, Mask of Romulus is a strong piece of writing and an equally as strong addition to the epic genre.

Quill says: In Mask of Romulus, Mark Jamilkowski successfully weaves ancient history with philosophical and religious thought to produce a strong narrative that is true to the genre and rich with information.

[Nerdybibliophilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Jamilkowski's Mask of Romulus presents a captivating blend of history and myth, delving into the essence of an empire and its rulers. The novel seamlessly weaves together Rome's legendary origins with the tumultuous reign of Augustus, crafting a world where divine omens, political intrigue, and personal fears intersect. By unfolding at a measured pace, the story allows the characters' decisions to be weighed down by the crushing force of destiny and belief.

Augustus takes shape as a complex figure, embodying both the might of Rome's inaugural emperor and a man torn between authority and foresight, fortitude and frailty. His life, forged in the crucible of conflict, deceit, and endurance, takes an unanticipated shift with Kamala's arrival, an Indian oracle who brings a profound human and spiritual depth to the story, fusing disparate cultures and ideologies with a bold yet contemplative touch. As she enters the narrative, the novel probes the question of whether fate should be accepted or reimagined.

What distinguishes Mask of Romulus is its unique atmosphere, where Jamilkowski masterfully combines historical accuracy with mysticism to craft a narrative both expansive and personal. Themes of love, destiny, internal strife, and divine intervention subtly underpin the political intrigue, lending the novel profound emotional complexity. It is an ideal read for those who appreciate historical fiction that ventures beyond the realm of battles and monarchs to explore the unseen dynamics shaping history.

[Pratibha Malav · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mask of Romulus” by Mark Jamilkowski is an enthralling blend of historical fiction, myth, and spiritual intrigue—an ambitious tale that reimagines the forces that shaped ancient Rome. Seamlessly intertwining divine intervention, political ambition, and cross-cultural mysticism, Jamilkowski crafts a story that feels both timeless and refreshingly original.

The novel opens by revisiting the origins of Rome, where Romulus, its legendary founder, is guided by visions and the will of the gods. Centuries later, this divine legacy resurfaces in the life of Augustus, Rome’s first emperor, as he struggles to maintain his rule amid civil war, conspiracies, and the shadow of constant betrayal. Jamilkowski presents Augustus not merely as a political figure, but as a man haunted by internal conflicts—an emperor wrestling with fate, ambition, and the burdens of leadership.

The story becomes even more compelling with the introduction of Kamala, an oracle from India whose presence is both unexpected and transformative. Their meeting sparks a profound spiritual and emotional connection that transcends borders, belief systems, and the political turbulence of the era. Through Kamala, Augustus confronts not only the threats surrounding him but also the deeper truths of his own soul.

Jamilkowski’s writing shines in his ability to blend meticulously researched history with elements of mythology and destiny. The world he creates is rich with atmosphere—ancient temples, battlefields, marble palaces, and cosmic visions—yet grounded in human emotion. Themes of love, power, fate, and the struggle for inner peace run through every page.

“Mask of Romulus” is more than a historical novel; it’s a spiritual odyssey. It explores the unseen forces that shape empires and individuals alike, reminding readers that history is not only written by warriors and rulers, but also by the mystics and visionaries who influence them

[Nicole Nadeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

The phrase of “my Roman Empire” now has a new meaning. Mask of Romulus follows Octavius/Augustus, the future and first emperor of Rome, and later his relationship with Kamala, an Indian oracle.

The author brings the Roman countryside to life with his descriptions, and the vivid details help place the reader into the everyday life of an ancient Roman citizen. All while keeping the facts straight on one of Rome’s most pivotal moments in history.


My only advice to the author would be to focus more on the emotional side of the characters, and how they feel during such a time ripe with betrayal. The first chapter succeeds in doing this, but it lacks that for the rest of the book.

Regardless, Mask of Romulus is a fun and engaging story about the first Roman emperor. As a history nerd with a long fascination of Rome, I truly enjoyed it.

[litandcoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this ambitious historical novel, Jamilkowski draws Rome and India into dialogue through power, prophecy, and inner conflict. Rome was born from prophecy. Centuries later, Augustus faces war, treachery, and the burden of rule, guided by the same unseen powers. His meeting with Kamala, an oracle from India, sets in motion a chain of events that will redefine empire and destiny alike.
The world that Jamilkowski creates is an ancient world defined not by isolated empires but by exchange—of ideas, beliefs, and ambition. The novel’s emotional and intellectual center is Augustus, rendered with notable psychological complexity. Jamilkowski resists portraying him as a finished emblem of empire. He depicts him as a man always evolving—shaped by recurring illness, rigorous self-discipline, and an unyielding habit of reflection. His struggles with authority, discipline, and legacy are revealed gradually, shaped by mentorship, military service, and philosophical inquiry. By attending closely to his internal reasoning—his hesitations, calculations, and moral assessments—the novel depicts power as a sustained and isolating duty, not a singular achievement.

Kamala enters the narrative as an expansion rather than a diversion. Her role as an oracle from India introduces a spiritual lens that challenges Roman pragmatism and tempers Augustus’ reliance on discipline and reason. The bond that forms between them is understated and purposeful, defined by recognition instead of passion (and it quietly shapes the novel’s emotional and philosophical core). Through Kamala, the story asks what it means for leaders to truly listen—to gods, to advisors, and to the unease they carry within.

The prose is controlled and purposeful. The battle scenes are effective, matched by dialogue that is sharp and controlled. Its political architecture is layered yet navigable, strengthened by research that quietly sustains the narrative. Across the novel, historical figures are portrayed with credibility and dimension, moving through a world defined equally by philosophy, belief, and warfare. While the book does not seek to overturn the conventions of historical fiction, it distinguishes itself through intellectual ambition and emotional restraint. It treats history as lived experience rather than distant chronicle, asking sustained questions about legitimacy, destiny, and the unseen forces that guide human action. The result is a thoughtful, immersive novel that rewards attentive readers with depth and resonance. Readers who loved The Mask of Apollo by Mary Renault and Augustus by John Williams will be greatly rewarded.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mask of Romulus follows a sweeping story that stretches from Rome to India and ties together power, ambition, prophecy, and the fragile nature of empire. The book opens by painting a world connected by trade and restless ideas. It introduces Augustus at the height of his influence and an India fractured by competing kingdoms. Into this tense landscape steps Kamala, an oracle whose visions push her toward a journey that crosses four thousand miles and collides with the political storms of the Roman world. The novel layers real history with imagined personal struggles, giving the reader a sense that huge movements of empire hinge on private choices, secrets, and fate.

As I moved through the early chapters, I felt pulled in by how personal the book tries to make epic history. The scenes from Octavius’ childhood surprised me. They feel raw and grounded, almost gritty at times, and they made him more human than the distant marble figure we tend to imagine. The writing jumps between action and reflection, sometimes with sharp contrast, and that rhythm kept me alert. The prose feels almost cinematic, especially the storm at sea and the tension around Caesar’s final days. The book has a clear emotional heartbeat. It cares about loneliness, loyalty, power, and the cost of ambition. Those themes.

What really stuck with me was how confidently the author shifts between worlds. Rome feels vivid with its politics, temples, mentors, conflicts, and restless ambition. India feels just as alive in its spiritual tension and shifting kingdom lines. Even though the story reaches far beyond any one character, the author still gives each major figure enough emotion and doubt to make their choices feel real. I especially appreciated how the book doesn’t treat history like a static backdrop. It treats it as something alive and dangerous. The writing style itself is clean but emotional. Sometimes the dialogue leans formal, but I never felt pushed out of the story. Instead, it gave me the sense that these people carried the weight of their worlds in every sentence.

I feel like Mask of Romulus is a great fit for readers who love historical fiction but want more than dates and battles. It’s for people who like character-driven stories, who enjoy seeing famous figures stripped of their myth and shown as vulnerable, ambitious, or afraid. It’s also perfect for anyone who enjoys ancient-world political drama or a good cross-cultural adventure. I’d recommend it to readers who want something immersive, thoughtful, and full of heart.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mask of Romulus, by Mark Jamilkowski, is a sweeping historical novel that bridges the grandeur of Rome with the mysticism of ancient India. The story begins with the rise of Augustus and stretches across continents, weaving Roman ambition with Eastern spirituality. It follows Kamala, a visionary oracle from Ujjain, whose divine insight leads her into the political currents of two powerful civilizations. The book paints vivid portraits of Julius Caesar, Augustus, and their world, while revealing an unexpected connection between these empires through diplomacy, faith, and human yearning. It’s a dense and cinematic journey that turns history into living, breathing drama.

Reading this book felt like walking through marble halls and dusty roads at the same time. The writing is lush, descriptive, and deliberate, but also deeply emotional. I admired the author’s attention to historical detail, yet I found myself pulled in even more by the human side of it all. The conversations between Caius and Marcus, the moments of fear and defiance, had a strange intimacy that stuck with me. It’s not an easy read, sometimes the prose is heavy, and I felt the pacing is a bit slow, but it feels earned. Every page builds toward something larger, like watching a fresco take form stroke by stroke.

What I enjoyed most, though, was the way Jamilkowski handled belief and destiny. The Roman hunger for order meets the Indian hunger for meaning, and somewhere between them, you feel the question that still haunts us: what does it mean to be guided by fate? The author writes with both reverence and rebellion. At times, the dialogue feels ancient and formal, and at other times, raw and modern. I caught myself pausing, rereading sentences not because I had to, but because I wanted to. They hit somewhere deep, stirring something old and familiar. There’s real heart here. It’s not just history, it’s longing dressed in Latin and Sanskrit.

I’d recommend Mask of Romulus to readers who love sweeping historical epics and who don’t mind getting lost in layered storytelling. It’s for those who like The Eagle of the Ninth or The Palace of Illusions and wish someone had tied them together. It is more than a worthwhile read that rewards patience, curiosity, and empathy.

[Damir Salkovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Indian oracle travels four thousand miles to Rome, bearing a proposal from her endangered kingdom to the most powerful man on earth. What begins as diplomatic necessity becomes an intimate exploration of ambition, grief, and the price of absolute power.

Mark Jamilkowski's “Mask of Romulus” weaves an unexpectedly tender thread through the marble and machinations of Augustan Rome. At its heart is Kamala, whose journey from Ujjain to the imperial court becomes a study in culture, philosophy, and diplomacy. Jamilkowski sidesteps the trap of conquest narrative, rendering instead a Rome poised between brutality and introspection, a world-spanning dominion looking into its own soul. Can an empire built on blood learn to sustain itself through something other than fear? Its architect, Augustus, wrestles less with enemies than with the hollowness of legacy and the haunting brutality of the past.

The prose is measured, occasionally mannered, but it shines brightest when tracing intimate bonds: Kamala and Livia's private rituals, Augustus's faltering attempts at wisdom. Historical detail is dense without being suffocating. The author takes some liberties with chronology, which might bother purists. “Mask of Romulus” remains committed to its central theme: an empire's truest threat is not invasion, but the refusal to see beyond its own reflection. A thoughtful, melancholic meditation on the impermanence of power.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mask of Romulus by Mark Jamilkowski

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Mask of Romulus by Mark Jamilkowski is a richly imagined historical novel that blends myth, power, and human emotion. The story spans ancient Rome and India, creating a world shaped by destiny and ambition.

👉The portrayal of Augustus is especially compelling. Rather than a distant emperor, he is shown as a man burdened by fear, responsibility, and inner conflict, which makes his rise feel deeply personal.

👉Kamala, an oracle from India, adds a powerful spiritual dimension to the narrative. Her journey and visions expand the story beyond Rome, bringing a sense of fate and mystery to every chapter.

👉The writing balances political intrigue with emotional reflection. Battles, prophecy, and personal doubt flow together smoothly, keeping the story immersive and thoughtful.

👉Mask of Romulus is a strong choice for readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction. It is reflective, dramatic, and emotionally resonant, with a lasting impression of how empires are shaped by human choices.

Happy reading 😁

#bookreview

[Select Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Jamilkowski’s “Mask of Romulus” is a work of historical fiction that relives the ancient civilizations of Rome and India. Although the author paints the pictures of these civilizations with broad strokes, his narrative centers around Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, and how his relationship with the Indian oracle, Kamala, altered the course of human events.

Effectively blending fact and fiction, Jamilkowski presents a story that is interesting, instructive, and believable. His writing is clear, characters alive, and storyline historically accurate.

“Mask of Romulus” is only Jamilkowski’s second published novel. His confident writing style makes readers feel, if what he is writing is not the truth, it probably should be.

Bardzo dobrze, Pan Jamilkowski!