Agrippa: A Novel of Ancient Rome's Descent into Dictatorship

by Robert Harris

From the #1 internationally bestselling author of Conclave and Dictator, a gripping tale of ancient Rome’s descent into dictatorship

He was born feet first, a dangerous way to enter the world. His mother did not survive, and the nickname, Agrippa—mother killer—stuck. But the schoolyard taunting only served to harden his resolve and hone his predilection for aggression. In time, the name lost its sting and became instead a mark of his invincibility. It came to shape his destiny.

Agrippa was a mere commoner, a plebeian, his father a humble Stoic, but he earned the respect and fear of his peers. He defended a bullied young boy, Octavius, who turned out to be the nephew of Caesar himself, a chance encounter that would change the trajectory of his life. He eventually joined the ranks of the legionnaires and marched against their enemies. His prowess on the battlefield spoke for itself, and Caesar relied on him to protect his favored nephew. When Caesar was murdered in the Senate, Octavius inherited the empire in name only. To assume the mantle he would have to fight for it, and Agrippa, forever by his side, would be his closest advisor and the merciless agent of his military will.

As gripping and full of intrigue as his bestselling novel Conclave, Agrippa is Robert Harris’s monumental return to the world of ancient Rome on the precipice of dictatorship, a novel for our times.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Politics, Thriller, Italy

384 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

ROBERT HARRIS is the author of nine best-selling novels: Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel, Pompeii, Imperium, The Ghost Writer, Conspirata, The Fear Index, and An Officer and a Spy. Several of his books have been adapted to film, most recently The Ghost Writer, directed by Roman Polanski. His work has been translated into thirty-seven languages. He lives in the village of Kintbury, England, with his wife, Gill Hornby.

Reviews

[Lewis Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Robert Harris that I have read to date. A fascinating insight into this period of history, the politics that came with it and the power they all sought. Excellent!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review.
Harris does it again. If you enjoyed conclave and Pompeii, no doubt you will appreciate this work. Agrippa shines a light on a (for me) little known piece of history. No doubt I was taught about these characters in school but there is nothing like a great historical fiction to bring it to life. The descriptions of the politics of the time show us that not a lot has changed as powerful men collaborate to stay in power.
I feel like this is a “guy novel” with the politics and the war, so I might not have loved it as much as Pompeii or Conclave, but no doubt it is still a wonderful read.
4*

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed many Robert Harris novels, and he is one of the few authors that my husband and I can agree on for road trip listens. This latest was no exception, and I appreciated the references to a few of his other novels along the way. Harris's Cicero trilogy is my favorite of his works, so I was pleased to have a few appearances by the old statesman in this book too. It also helped me place Agrippa on my hazy timeline of Roman history. All the changing/similar names, marriages/divorces/affairs - am I the only one who has to look stuff up when I read Roman historical fiction?

Harris brings a great balance of politics, battle scenes, and personal drama to Agrippa's story that is also a story of Rome. If you enjoyed the author's other novels set in Roman times, you are sure to like this one as well. At times I felt sorry for Agrippa and at others he made me angry. The character was realistically portrayed as a complex, sometimes contradictory person. The novel was entertaining, and I learned a lot along the way. I appreciated the author's note that explained what is known and where Harris filled in gaps.

Another great book from Robert Harris that I'm sure will make a fantastic audiobook as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for my Kindle copy. Opinions are my own.

[Ryan Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the constellation of influential people that orbited Roman Emperor Octavius Augustus, Marcus Agrippa served as a lifelong ally and consiglieri. In this dazzling new work by Robert Harris we are given a portrait of Agrippa, and in turn are offered a telescope into ancient Rome.

The book begins with Agrippa freshly fifty but near death, looking back on life. He tells early stories about defending a weak Octavius at school, unaware that he was the nephew of Cesar. Out of their early friendship, Agrippa’s brother Lucian is freed from slavery. Eventually Agrippa leaves home to live in Cesar’s kingdom and their paths cross on the battlefield. Cesar is so impressed by Agrippa he makes him swear to watch over and protect Octavius. He agrees, but soon after Cesar is famously murdered on the floor of the Senate, and Octavius become heir. Now Agrippa's vow to Cesar carries much more weight, especially with Mark Antony behind the scenes aiming to knock off Octavius.

Agrippa's narrative begins with a steady flow of events but avoids becoming too encyclopedic by sprinkling in clever flourishes. Octavius’ maneuvering against Mark Antony (who’s in bed with Cleopatra at every opportunity) lays the early foundation for an engrossing story and with time, Octavius and Antony consider joining forces, shooting plotlines in all directions. Recovering from three civil wars in four years, Italy is decimated, and Octavius’, now Cesar to most, gives his sister to Mark Antony to quells hostility and forges a powerful union. But Antony's obsession with Cleopatra knows no bounds, and complications arise.

This is a sprawling novel with convincing naval battles (amazing use of grappling hooks!), and cultural components like the creations of mausoleums, aqueducts, a road to Gaul and the Pantheon. From military battles to political showdown, scenes are portrayed with intensity. Foreshadowing is controlled, but many know that Octavius eventually ceases to be a man or monarch, rather he becomes Augustus, an epoch. Augustus rules with unchecked power and Agrippa is there to narrate it in every detail.

Highly recommended to fans of Rome or Robert Harris. This author produces impressive historical fiction seemingly in any era, so with no surprise, Agrippa entertains while remaining authentic in tone and atmosphere.

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for a review copy.

[Nick Artrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested and received an eARC of Agrippa by Robert Harris via NetGalley. Born feet first, to a mother who did not survive, Agrippa grew up accustomed to the taunts of his schoolyard tormentors. Agrippa was a mere commoner, a plebian, but through his defense of his friend Octavius, he earned the respect and fear of his peers. Eventually, he joined the ranks of the legionnaires and marched for Caesar. When Caesar was murdered in the Senate, however, Octavius inherited the empire in name only. To assume power, he would have to fight for it, and Agrippa would become his closest advisor, and the agent of his military will.

Harris doesn’t waste any time throwing the reader right into the action of the story. Within the first few pages, I found myself totally swept away by Agrippa’s account of his life. The story is told from an older Agrippa’s perspective, and he makes for a very compelling narrator. While some will appreciate the vivid and detailed descriptions of action, including some rather memorable battles, others will find plenty of drama and political intrigue to sink their teeth into. I was particularly invested in the scenes with Fulvia and other women of the era, and I was pleased to see that Harris included their machinations in the story.

There should be no fear on part of the reader that they don’t know enough about Roman history or who Agrippa even is to appreciate this novel. This was admittedly a concern for me going in, but it was totally unfounded. Harris does an admirable job from the start of making sure that the reader has plenty of information and context through which to understand the story. I was a little thrown at first by the structure of the dialogue in the story, but once I gained proper footing it was much less of an issue. Ultimately, this was a gripping, quick-paced historical drama that is sure to please many readers.

[Jennifer B · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review 📖

📜Agrippa
✍️Robert Harris
📠Doubleday
📚Historical Fiction
🗓️Pub date: September 1, 2026

Thank you @doubledaybooks for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this #gifted physical book. All opinions are mine alone.

From The Publisher:

He was born feet first, a dangerous way to enter the world. His mother did not survive, and the nickname, Agrippa—mother killer—stuck. But the schoolyard taunting only served to harden his resolve and hone his predilection for aggression. In time, the name lost its sting and became instead a mark of his invincibility. It came to shape his destiny.

Agrippa was a mere commoner, a plebeian, his father a humble Stoic, but he earned the respect and fear of his peers. He defended a bullied young boy, Octavius, who turned out to be the nephew of Caesar himself, a chance encounter that would change the trajectory of his life. He eventually joined the ranks of the legionnaires and marched against their enemies. His prowess on the battlefield spoke for itself, and Caesar relied on him to protect his favored nephew. When Caesar was murdered in the Senate, Octavius inherited the empire in name only. To assume the mantle he would have to fight for it, and Agrippa, forever by his side, would be his closest advisor and the merciless agent of his military will.

Thoughts:

This felt a little too textbook and dry for my liking, however, I always enjoy an ancient Roman empire story. Definitely an interesting story of Caesar, Augustus, Agrippa, and Octavius if you don’t mind nerding out over Italian history, battles, and politics.

#advancedreadercopy #bookstagram

[Dr. Alan Albarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agrippa is the latest historical fiction novel from Robert Harris, well known for his many writings of ancient times such as Pompeii, the Cicero trilogy, and more recently Concave, which looked at the topic of papal succession.

Agrippa presents a fictional biography of Marcus Agrippa, who at a young age becomes a defender of Octavius, son of Caesar. The actions place Agrippa inside the inner circle of the Emperor himself, and would begin a lifelong relationship as a second-in-command. Years later Octavius assumed the role of Caesar Augustus following Caesar's assassination. Marcus Agrippa would help rule the Roman empire and handle much of the battlefield action, including the famous battle of Actium where Augustus' legions led by Agrippa defeat Mark Anthony and Cleopatra, leading to the consolidation of the Roman empire.

The book is filled with political intrigue and drama, and moved at a quick pace in a narrative fashion as told by Agrippa in his later life. There is also a number of marriages and divorces to keep up with in this novel.

If you have visited Rome you likely took in the Pantheon, which was conceived and built by Marcus Agrippa in the first century B. C. That original structure was destroyed bur later rebuilt and it still pays tribute to the late Roman leader.

The book was very interesting and I give it a 5 star rating. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this work

[Wessy Acrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC granted by Doubleday Books for Agrippa by Robert Harris

Perfect for History Buffs looking for an inspired historical fiction background to a legacy that is scarce in seminal text material directly from the mind of Agrippa. (I.e. he did not leave much writing behind, thus many people must theorize about his motivations for his decades of loyalty).

The relationship between Agrippa and Augustus is historically known as an unbreakable brotherly loyalty, however, what was it like walking with them through their choices? How did such a young Emperor and his loyal friend gain power so quickly?

Although we will likely never know the exact extent of how Agrippa really felt being Augustus’ right-hand-man, Robert Harris inserts readers right into the daily life of these Historical Icons.

This is perfect for those looking for a new flavor of Roman Historical Fiction and is an easy pick up for both readers who may not have much knowledge of the Roman Empire as well as those who know it all.

I did find myself speed reading parts of this book only because, well, most of us knows what happens at the end, however, it does not take away from the interest one may have about theories that involve Agrippas near-silent history. I did find myself wanting a bit more action since Agrippa is known for combat.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't have been more excited for Robert Harris to return to writing about ancient Rome and I was even more thrilled that it would be a novel about Agrippa. Sadly enough I was left quite a bit disappointed as the story dragged on very slowly for me and felt more like a dry textbook than historical fiction to me.

Agrippa's birth claimed his mother's life, earning him the nickname "mother killer." Born a commoner, he rose through courage and military skill. A chance meeting with Caesar's nephew, Octavius, changed his destiny, leading him to help forge the Roman Empire. In Agrippa by Robert Harris, he finally tells his own tale.

The story is told as a memoir written by Agrippa shortly before his death, where we get his point of view of how Octavius/Augustus rose to power along with himself. The dialogue took some getting used to because of its unusual structure. The narration relies more on Agrippa's inner thoughts than on conversations and I found myself wishing there had been more dialogue.

Unfortunately, Agrippa by Robert Harris didn't quite work for me. While I appreciated learning more about Agrippa's life (which was truly remarkable) the slow pace, textbook-like writing and the focus on Agrippa's inner thoughts instead of dialogue made it hard for me to connect with the story.

[Gary S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Harris’s Agrippa tells the story of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, one of the most important figures in ancient Rome and the closest friend of Augustus. The novel follows Agrippa’s life from his youth through the rise of the Roman Empire. As Rome is torn apart by civil wars and political struggles following the assassination of Julius Caesar, Agrippa becomes a trusted military commander and advisor. He helps Augustus defeat powerful rivals, including Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and plays a major role in securing Augustus’s rule. Throughout the book, Agrippa is portrayed as a loyal, intelligent, and capable leader who often puts the needs of Rome ahead of his own ambitions. The story provides insight into the challenges of leadership, friendship, and political power during one of the most important periods in Roman history.
I enjoyed this book because it focused on a historical figure who is often overlooked despite his importance. The story was interesting and informative, and it helped me better understand how the Roman Empire was formed and the role Agrippa played in its success.

Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of uncorrected eBook file

No one knows Marcus Vipsanius by his true name; he has always been known as Agrippa. He has no idea how he came by the name, but it is, nevertheless, the name he has always been called.

When Agrippa hears of an uprising in Illyricum, he follows the advice of Maecenas and leaves Rome to take control of the situation. He and his army confront the German tribes before he secretly returns to Rome where he recounts his exploits.

What are his stories?

=========

Strong characters and historically-based events anchor this story that begins with Agrippa’s schooling and touches on events leading to the rise of the Roman Empire. Politics, power struggles, and war are the mainstays of the narrative as are friendship, loyalty, and influence.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction will find much to appreciate in this powerful story.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Doubleday Books / Doubleday and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#Agrippa #NetGalley

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our title character is a first-hand witness to history. As a boy, Agrippa befriends Octavius, the great-grand nephew of Julius Ceasar. Little did they realize that Octavius would become Ceasar’s sole heir and the first dictator of the Roman Empire. Agrippa accompanies Ceasar’s army as he suppresses rebellions and eventually, after Ceasar’s murder, rises through the ranks due to Octavia’s patronage, becoming the second most powerful man in Rome.

I didn’t expect that a novel about battles and political intrigue would be so engaging and captivating. It’s a testament to Harris’s writing that Agrippa is a compelling narrator. The battle scenes aren’t overly detailed or tedious. As expected, there is some political back-stabbing, but that’s how powerful men stay in power. The character development was solid, the historical backdrop was vivid, and I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

[Ken Karcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had only minimal knowledge of what happened after Julius Caesar was assassinated, so when I saw the subject of the novel I was intrigued and was already familiar with the work of Harris, I couldn't wait to get started. I was very pleased with how easy it was to read the book, Harris is a professional storyteller, and he's at his absolute best with this one. We learn about the great general Agrippa, and Ceasar's heir Augustus, their lives and manuvers that brought them to the pinnacle of the Roman Empire. It's a well-written tale full of intrigue and political history, expressed in an easy-to-read form that makes it easy to lose track of time with the intricacies. This isn't a dry historical tome, it's an interesting interpretation of the historical record and a fantastic read. For fans of history or the Roman Empire, definitely worth the short time it will take to read.

[Dave Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agrippa is one of Robert Harris’s best novels, and that’s saying something, as I am a big fan of all his many excellent works. Written as the memoir of Marcus Agrippa, the brilliant Roman general who stood beside Augustus Caesar in the decades just prior to the birth of Christ through war, politics, and the origins of the vast Roman Empire, it brings ancient Rome and the surrounding nations vividly to life without ever feeling like homework. Harris has a remarkable gift for making historical figures sound like real people, and I found myself completely drawn into Agrippa’s story, with all its ups and downs. If you enjoy historical fiction that’s smart, engaging, and well researched, this one is easy to recommend. It’s excellent.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert Harris brings his usual narrative discipline to Agrippa, and the prose moves with the same assured momentum that distinguished his Cicero trilogy. Agrippa carries main character energy; Harris gives him character and logic for a loyalty that could easily have curdled into resentment. But the novel’s other great promise, a ringside view of how the young Octavian outmaneuvered Rome’s most seasoned senators, goes largely unfulfilled. We get Agrippa’s devotion but cannot understand how the young Octavian bent Roman senators to his will. The result is a solid portrait of the loyal lieutenant standing next to vague picture of the man he served.

[Kathryn E Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harris's latest novel is a first-person account by the Roman general and Augustus collaborator Macurs Vispania Agrippa. This is a sweeping big picture view of the momentous events of the early Roman Empire involving numerous familiar figures of the era. I’m a fan of historical novels and I’ve read a number of Mr. Harris’s works over the years, starting with Enigma. Even though quite a bit of Agrippa's character and life had to be filled in, the plot is believable and I stayed involved.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Rich Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agrippa by Robert Harris

Summary: Agrippa finally gets his due credit in Robert Harris’ new novel. This historical fiction follows the life of one of the greatest, yet most underrated, generals and builders of Roman history.

The pages cover Agrippa’s life, battles, and of course the relationship with Augustus from his own point of view. Without taking too much liberty, Harris stays close to the historical record for known events while creating believable dialogue and motivations for the parts lost to history.

Overall, this was a fantastic tour through the mind of the great Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and paired especially well with a recent read of mine, Augustus by John Williams.

Thank you to doubledaybooks for providing me with a copy ahead of the September 1, 2026 release date.

-BookendBones

[Bobbi Kraft · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved reading Conclave and really looked forward to reading the ARC for Agrippa but was sorely disappointed. I found it dull and flat.
Written as memoir, it was like reading someone’s diary of the weather and food log but in the form of lists of battles fought and marriages arranged. What it lacks in dimension it makes up for in name dropping…exhaustively.
Unless you are fascinated with the time period, I’d skip this title. There’s nothing in it for the average reader.

[Rich Ware · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the advanced copy from Netgalley.

"Agrippa" by Robert Harris feels like part of his great Cicero trilogy, though it is a parallel starting before Cicero's death and ending long after it. It explores Augustus's favored general, Agrippa, whose deeds, great victories, and expansions, were relatively unrecorded.

[Méli ☀︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come, thank you Penguin Random House for the proof copy!