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Fulvia #2
To Rule a Ruler
Fulvia returns in this bold, feminist historical epic of ambition, empire and legacy in ancient Rome
Praise for Kaarina
'Compelling, relatable characters and a brilliant voice' CONN IGGULDEN
'A tale of power-play, political hope and women's inner strength' ELYSE JOHN
Fulvia is now a wealthy young widow, with more than gold to her name. In the wake of her husband's death, she has captured the love and loyalty of the people. And the men who rule Rome have begun to understand just how formidable she has become. There are those who fear her and those, like Julius Caesar, who see her potential.
Marcus Antonius is a powerful man in need of a commanding officer. Fulvia sees in him a man who could rule all of Rome, with her help. They marry and, when Caesar is assassinated, Fulvia and her husband begin a perilous game of playing for the ultimate power.
Love of the people. Control of an empire. Their opponents are Caesar's killers, Brutus and Cassius; the wily young queen Cleopatra; the great orator Cicero, and the cold and calculated Octavian. But Fulvia has endured tragedy and condescension, and she will fight for the power and the legacy that she knows she deserves.
Whatever the cost.
Praise for Kaarina
'Compelling, relatable characters and a brilliant voice' CONN IGGULDEN
'A tale of power-play, political hope and women's inner strength' ELYSE JOHN
Fulvia is now a wealthy young widow, with more than gold to her name. In the wake of her husband's death, she has captured the love and loyalty of the people. And the men who rule Rome have begun to understand just how formidable she has become. There are those who fear her and those, like Julius Caesar, who see her potential.
Marcus Antonius is a powerful man in need of a commanding officer. Fulvia sees in him a man who could rule all of Rome, with her help. They marry and, when Caesar is assassinated, Fulvia and her husband begin a perilous game of playing for the ultimate power.
Love of the people. Control of an empire. Their opponents are Caesar's killers, Brutus and Cassius; the wily young queen Cleopatra; the great orator Cicero, and the cold and calculated Octavian. But Fulvia has endured tragedy and condescension, and she will fight for the power and the legacy that she knows she deserves.
Whatever the cost.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 7, 2026
4.25/5
So good!! 👏 Kaarina please write more women of Ancient Rome!!!
So good!! 👏 Kaarina please write more women of Ancient Rome!!!
July 4, 2026
I actually really tried to pace myself whilst reading this because I knew if I allowed myself to, I'd finish it in one day. I ended up finishing it in four days and I'm still sad I finished it.
This was the perfect follow up to Fulvia, which was such an amazing book in its own right. It's a little different in tone; Fulvia is older in To Rule a Ruler, she's much more self assured, and she knows what she's capable of, whereas in Fulvia she's younger and discovering herself and what she wants. I enjoyed both so much - in the previous book she discovers her desire for power, and in this one, she is doing everything she can to keep it.
This duology provides such an interesting perspective of the fall of the Roman Republic - from the perspective of a woman. We see Fulvia try and survive Rome as it falls into chaos, as friends stab each other in the back, and as her husbands get themselves into all manner of situations (which she tries to pull them out of - regardless of whether they deserve it), all whilst trying to protect her family. She isn't always at the centre of the action (as a woman in Ancient Rome, she is sometimes forced to the side-lines, but she always resists. Especially towards the end of the novel when she takes to battle herself), but it's clear she knows what's going on and tries to move with it.
As a consequence, it feels like we're speedrunning the fall of the Republic at times; it's quite a fast-paced novel in my opinion. For example, I expected to linger a little more on Caesar, both his rise to power and his death, but we seemed to get it over with quite quickly (though the ramifications are felt for a long time after). If I have any critiques, it's the pacing, but even then it wasn't much of an issue to me. I still really enjoyed it.
Despite having decent knowledge of this time period, I still dreaded Antonious' betrayal of Fulvia, and still felt heartbroken at the end, when he condemned her and realigned himself with Octavius. Watching (metaphorically) the woman who had grown to be so powerful be hung out to dry by the man who was supposed to love and protect her was actually devastating. And the final chapter, told from her daughter Claudia's perspective actually nearly brought me to tears on the bus home from work.
That's a thing that differed from the first book that I want to point out - the changing POV's. Fulvia is still the primary character, and we still see the book largely from her eyes, but every now and again we'll get a chapter from another character's perspective. Servilia, Donata, and her daughter Claudia all have the occasional POV chapter, and I think it provided some really interesting alternate perspectives
I really loved this duology. I think it offers such a fresh and interesting take on the Roman Republic, one that both entertains Roman history nerds like me, and feels welcoming of those who are totally unfamiliar. I hope Kaarina Parker writes more books like this because I will be sat and READY. The theatre employees are scared and asking me to leave but I am simply too SEATED.
This was the perfect follow up to Fulvia, which was such an amazing book in its own right. It's a little different in tone; Fulvia is older in To Rule a Ruler, she's much more self assured, and she knows what she's capable of, whereas in Fulvia she's younger and discovering herself and what she wants. I enjoyed both so much - in the previous book she discovers her desire for power, and in this one, she is doing everything she can to keep it.
This duology provides such an interesting perspective of the fall of the Roman Republic - from the perspective of a woman. We see Fulvia try and survive Rome as it falls into chaos, as friends stab each other in the back, and as her husbands get themselves into all manner of situations (which she tries to pull them out of - regardless of whether they deserve it), all whilst trying to protect her family. She isn't always at the centre of the action (as a woman in Ancient Rome, she is sometimes forced to the side-lines, but she always resists. Especially towards the end of the novel when she takes to battle herself), but it's clear she knows what's going on and tries to move with it.
As a consequence, it feels like we're speedrunning the fall of the Republic at times; it's quite a fast-paced novel in my opinion. For example, I expected to linger a little more on Caesar, both his rise to power and his death, but we seemed to get it over with quite quickly (though the ramifications are felt for a long time after). If I have any critiques, it's the pacing, but even then it wasn't much of an issue to me. I still really enjoyed it.
Despite having decent knowledge of this time period, I still dreaded Antonious' betrayal of Fulvia, and still felt heartbroken at the end, when he condemned her and realigned himself with Octavius. Watching (metaphorically) the woman who had grown to be so powerful be hung out to dry by the man who was supposed to love and protect her was actually devastating. And the final chapter, told from her daughter Claudia's perspective actually nearly brought me to tears on the bus home from work.
That's a thing that differed from the first book that I want to point out - the changing POV's. Fulvia is still the primary character, and we still see the book largely from her eyes, but every now and again we'll get a chapter from another character's perspective. Servilia, Donata, and her daughter Claudia all have the occasional POV chapter, and I think it provided some really interesting alternate perspectives
I really loved this duology. I think it offers such a fresh and interesting take on the Roman Republic, one that both entertains Roman history nerds like me, and feels welcoming of those who are totally unfamiliar. I hope Kaarina Parker writes more books like this because I will be sat and READY. The theatre employees are scared and asking me to leave but I am simply too SEATED.
July 2, 2026
A huge thank you to Manilla Press for an early copy of part two, I am honoured to be back with darling Fulvia- and just look at the beautiful Tyrian purple cover. Kaarina is a gift and she should be immensely proud.
Fulvia: Domina, wife, mother. A woman with an unyielding will, intellect as sharp as a gladiator’s blade in a cutthroat land. Rising above the follies of fickle men and Rome’s timeless greed. Like a true powerhouse (honestly she’s iconic, just remember the Perusine War) she quietly steals the love and loyalty of the Roman people for herself even as the walls of the city blow wide open with the assassination of Julius Caesar. Parker paints Fulvia once again in rich, uncompromising colors as a master of her own destiny. No trophy wife here! The woman could certainly hustle, much like Cleopatra: staring at her across the Mediterranean. The Egyptian Queen draped in the luxury of the East, Fulvia forged in the brutal tribulations of Roman realism and holding all the mental muscle as the men around her fight like dogs. Both unforgettable characters that have truly sunken into the skin. If anyone can write Ancient women, it’s Kaarina by a long mile.
To Rule A Ruler is a historical fiction masterpiece, and I so loved being pulled with Fulvia, into the shifting alliances of the triumvirate. The book feels like this electrifying dance between intimacy and animosity, lovers and foes. You’re just unable to pull them apart. Kaarina’s writing is so exemplary that at every turn you can feel the crushing isolation and the agonizing sacrifices required to stay alive in the deadly game of empires. We see the crumbling Republic not just through the eyes of those holding the daggers or pulling the strings, but through the women who bear the actual, heavy interest of men's wars. To truly rule a ruler, one must be willing to burn down the world they share. The characters are starkly beautiful and there is this immersive, visceral world texture to Kaarina’s story.
The fall of Rome was a deeply human tragedy felt in every courtyard, palace and alleyway across the Ancient Mediterranean. To Rule A Ruler captures the low and deliciously dangerous hum of the Roman Forum, during which thrice married Fulvia operates strictly within the brutal, patriarchal boundaries of the Roman Republic. Subverting them entirely. Fulvia stands out because she exudes this unapologetically ruthless, brilliantly strategic and deeply maternal energy all at once. She really looked at an empire built entirely for men and decided yep, she was going to run it anyway. She is on the cusp of the greatest mastery of the Western world. What a dazzling book for a dazzling politician. Parker effortlessly writes Fulvia as an authentic Roman matron and like a layered tapestry of contradictions. This is for anyone who wants to see the grand, familiar events of history completely re-examined through the sharp and often-ignored eyes of the women players 💜🏛️
Fulvia: Domina, wife, mother. A woman with an unyielding will, intellect as sharp as a gladiator’s blade in a cutthroat land. Rising above the follies of fickle men and Rome’s timeless greed. Like a true powerhouse (honestly she’s iconic, just remember the Perusine War) she quietly steals the love and loyalty of the Roman people for herself even as the walls of the city blow wide open with the assassination of Julius Caesar. Parker paints Fulvia once again in rich, uncompromising colors as a master of her own destiny. No trophy wife here! The woman could certainly hustle, much like Cleopatra: staring at her across the Mediterranean. The Egyptian Queen draped in the luxury of the East, Fulvia forged in the brutal tribulations of Roman realism and holding all the mental muscle as the men around her fight like dogs. Both unforgettable characters that have truly sunken into the skin. If anyone can write Ancient women, it’s Kaarina by a long mile.
To Rule A Ruler is a historical fiction masterpiece, and I so loved being pulled with Fulvia, into the shifting alliances of the triumvirate. The book feels like this electrifying dance between intimacy and animosity, lovers and foes. You’re just unable to pull them apart. Kaarina’s writing is so exemplary that at every turn you can feel the crushing isolation and the agonizing sacrifices required to stay alive in the deadly game of empires. We see the crumbling Republic not just through the eyes of those holding the daggers or pulling the strings, but through the women who bear the actual, heavy interest of men's wars. To truly rule a ruler, one must be willing to burn down the world they share. The characters are starkly beautiful and there is this immersive, visceral world texture to Kaarina’s story.
The fall of Rome was a deeply human tragedy felt in every courtyard, palace and alleyway across the Ancient Mediterranean. To Rule A Ruler captures the low and deliciously dangerous hum of the Roman Forum, during which thrice married Fulvia operates strictly within the brutal, patriarchal boundaries of the Roman Republic. Subverting them entirely. Fulvia stands out because she exudes this unapologetically ruthless, brilliantly strategic and deeply maternal energy all at once. She really looked at an empire built entirely for men and decided yep, she was going to run it anyway. She is on the cusp of the greatest mastery of the Western world. What a dazzling book for a dazzling politician. Parker effortlessly writes Fulvia as an authentic Roman matron and like a layered tapestry of contradictions. This is for anyone who wants to see the grand, familiar events of history completely re-examined through the sharp and often-ignored eyes of the women players 💜🏛️
July 3, 2026
Fulvia and To Rule a Ruler were such compelling books that brought one of Ancient Rome’s most overlooked women vividly to life. I don’t usually read historical fiction and myth retellings but I have to admit, this duology had me addicted 😖
I had never heard of Fulvia before - which is probably why this duology had such an impact - and reading a fictionalised version of her life was not only incredibly entertaining, but also surprisingly informative, weaving in historical fact with fiction.
Fulvia was the embodiment of underestimated women in Ancient Rome - those who were the brains behind major political manoeuvres yet rarely credited for them. I could definitely see the common theme of gender stereotypes, with Fulvia acting as a constant challenge to the roles and expectations imposed on women of her time (girl power 🤩).
To Rule a Ruler continued Fulvia’s story with even higher stakes and political intrigue, pushing her role in Rome’s power struggles further and making her journey feel even more intense and emotionally gripping 🫠
If you're looking for historical fiction with a fiercely memorable female protagonist, rich political drama and a story that makes you immediately want to fall down a history rabbit hole afterwards…
Check out Fulvia and To Rule a Ruler, out now!
I had never heard of Fulvia before - which is probably why this duology had such an impact - and reading a fictionalised version of her life was not only incredibly entertaining, but also surprisingly informative, weaving in historical fact with fiction.
Fulvia was the embodiment of underestimated women in Ancient Rome - those who were the brains behind major political manoeuvres yet rarely credited for them. I could definitely see the common theme of gender stereotypes, with Fulvia acting as a constant challenge to the roles and expectations imposed on women of her time (girl power 🤩).
To Rule a Ruler continued Fulvia’s story with even higher stakes and political intrigue, pushing her role in Rome’s power struggles further and making her journey feel even more intense and emotionally gripping 🫠
If you're looking for historical fiction with a fiercely memorable female protagonist, rich political drama and a story that makes you immediately want to fall down a history rabbit hole afterwards…
Check out Fulvia and To Rule a Ruler, out now!
July 9, 2026
Brilliant.
July 1, 2026
To Rule A Ruler is the sequel to Fulvia, tracing the second half of the life of Fulvia, as she navigates Romes tumultuous and changing political landscape as the Republic comes to an end. This time period is characterised by extreme violence and usually, historical accounts focus on the men involved and when Fulvia is mentioned, it is with scorn and derision.
From the outset, Parker establishes that this version of history is viewed through a female lens, with emphasis placed on the civil war beginning with the death of Julia Caesaris in childbirth. The direction and the tone of the whole book are clearly established in the beginning by this event, Fulvia herself refglects that "Most men in Rome would hardly flinch to hear that a girl had died in childbirth" this history is not just told by a woman, but with women's business front and centre. Beginning the book with this event is also a timely reminder that, as Fulvia puts it; "Birth was a brutal business" and that women could die, even wealthy women with infinite resources and connections (like Julia Caesaris would've been) weren't safe. Telling this part of history, with the assassination of Caesar and subsequent civil wars that followed, from the perspective of a woman and through the experiences of women was so engaging. Watching Fulvia and Servilia trade barbs and control those around them, instead of two stuffy senators was refreshing. I found that the brief chapter point of views from women of diverse experiences, really added dimension to the story. Patrician women, both young and older, foreign born slaves and Queens, all experiencing the same events, but incredibly differently.
Much like Fulvia, To Rule a Ruler is a multi-sensory experience through Ancient Rome, the buildings are described in such vivid detail, along with other sights, smells and sounds that it is very easy to imagine and picture. The houses, the furniture, the food and drink are all described and woven into the story, in such a complimentary manner. The social and political construction of Rome continue to be embedded into this novel, as they were in Fulvia. We experience to xenophobia Romans exhibited and we are even privy to the Vestal Virgins and Temple of Vesta in this book. I liked that battles were mentioned and their results and importance communicated, without having to read a play-by-play of every single one.
Fulvia as a character has evolved since the first book, while she still has the same drive and ambition, she is older now. A bit of time has passed since the first book, she has had more children, she is on her second and third marriages and she has been able to exert power in a subtle, but prominent fashion. Also, she sassy, there were so many hilarious one liners, this Fulvia has a dry sense of humor that had me giggling. As a character she is given the dimension that ancient sources deprived her of, she is funny and incredibly smart, with political savvy and is, while not necessarily matronly and maternal, a devoted parent. While this version of events paints her in a rather happy third marriage for the most part, her first marriage haunts the narrative, it makes me appreciate the first book even more. There was however, a looming axiety for me when reading this, watching her rise and relish in power was gratifying, but as someone who has a decent background knowledge in this time period, I knew her ending wasn't really happy. It made the ending all the more poignant and emotional, yes, I cried.
Thank you so much to Echo Publishing who provided me with a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review, I adored this book.
From the outset, Parker establishes that this version of history is viewed through a female lens, with emphasis placed on the civil war beginning with the death of Julia Caesaris in childbirth. The direction and the tone of the whole book are clearly established in the beginning by this event, Fulvia herself refglects that "Most men in Rome would hardly flinch to hear that a girl had died in childbirth" this history is not just told by a woman, but with women's business front and centre. Beginning the book with this event is also a timely reminder that, as Fulvia puts it; "Birth was a brutal business" and that women could die, even wealthy women with infinite resources and connections (like Julia Caesaris would've been) weren't safe. Telling this part of history, with the assassination of Caesar and subsequent civil wars that followed, from the perspective of a woman and through the experiences of women was so engaging. Watching Fulvia and Servilia trade barbs and control those around them, instead of two stuffy senators was refreshing. I found that the brief chapter point of views from women of diverse experiences, really added dimension to the story. Patrician women, both young and older, foreign born slaves and Queens, all experiencing the same events, but incredibly differently.
Much like Fulvia, To Rule a Ruler is a multi-sensory experience through Ancient Rome, the buildings are described in such vivid detail, along with other sights, smells and sounds that it is very easy to imagine and picture. The houses, the furniture, the food and drink are all described and woven into the story, in such a complimentary manner. The social and political construction of Rome continue to be embedded into this novel, as they were in Fulvia. We experience to xenophobia Romans exhibited and we are even privy to the Vestal Virgins and Temple of Vesta in this book. I liked that battles were mentioned and their results and importance communicated, without having to read a play-by-play of every single one.
Fulvia as a character has evolved since the first book, while she still has the same drive and ambition, she is older now. A bit of time has passed since the first book, she has had more children, she is on her second and third marriages and she has been able to exert power in a subtle, but prominent fashion. Also, she sassy, there were so many hilarious one liners, this Fulvia has a dry sense of humor that had me giggling. As a character she is given the dimension that ancient sources deprived her of, she is funny and incredibly smart, with political savvy and is, while not necessarily matronly and maternal, a devoted parent. While this version of events paints her in a rather happy third marriage for the most part, her first marriage haunts the narrative, it makes me appreciate the first book even more. There was however, a looming axiety for me when reading this, watching her rise and relish in power was gratifying, but as someone who has a decent background knowledge in this time period, I knew her ending wasn't really happy. It made the ending all the more poignant and emotional, yes, I cried.
Thank you so much to Echo Publishing who provided me with a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review, I adored this book.
July 8, 2026
A stunning conclusion! Kaarina Parker truly did Fulvia justice.
As in the previous book, Fulvia remains an amazing protagonist. She doesn't spend her time lamenting about patriarchy. She acts and navigates the system until she carves her place into masculine spheres. It was a joy to watch. She loves power and isn't blamed for it. She has plenty of awesome moments that made me cheer for her. Most importantly: she isn't a saint.
Kaarina Parker avoids falling into the "Not like the other girls" pitfall by including other powerful women that will either serve as allies or foes. I notably enjoyed the way she developed Fulvia's daughter Clodia Pulchra, especially since we know so little of her. The depiction of Cleopatra was also wonderful, making her shine through her intelligence and not her beauty. So was the meeting between her and Fulvia.
A minor caveat here: at first, Fulvia was the only narrator. And then during the second part, I was introduced to brief chapters with other POVs. Of course, I have nothing against multiple narrators, but this why a little jarring at first. However, I got used to it and I understood the purpose.
The ending was perfect , weaving the themes of memory and legacy.
I warmly recommend this duology!
As in the previous book, Fulvia remains an amazing protagonist. She doesn't spend her time lamenting about patriarchy. She acts and navigates the system until she carves her place into masculine spheres. It was a joy to watch. She loves power and isn't blamed for it. She has plenty of awesome moments that made me cheer for her. Most importantly: she isn't a saint.
Kaarina Parker avoids falling into the "Not like the other girls" pitfall by including other powerful women that will either serve as allies or foes. I notably enjoyed the way she developed Fulvia's daughter Clodia Pulchra, especially since we know so little of her. The depiction of Cleopatra was also wonderful, making her shine through her intelligence and not her beauty. So was the meeting between her and Fulvia.
A minor caveat here: at first, Fulvia was the only narrator. And then during the second part, I was introduced to brief chapters with other POVs. Of course, I have nothing against multiple narrators, but this why a little jarring at first. However, I got used to it and I understood the purpose.
The ending was perfect , weaving the themes of memory and legacy.
I warmly recommend this duology!
July 9, 2026
I devoured this in two days, it’s that good.
I loved the pacing of this second installment; every event and conversation was given just the right amount of time to breathe, with enough detail to make each moment feel vivid and compelling.
If you’re after an action packed story that slowly builds to a devastating crescendo and leaves a hole in your heart, To Rule a Ruler absolutely delivers. I became so attached to these characters that it feels heartbreaking to put this book onto my bookshelf.
What I loved most, though, was how deeply the author’s passion for Fulvia’s story and for the women of Rome’s history shines through.
It’s impossible not to be swept up in their world and I already feel sad that I’m leaving them behind.
I loved the pacing of this second installment; every event and conversation was given just the right amount of time to breathe, with enough detail to make each moment feel vivid and compelling.
If you’re after an action packed story that slowly builds to a devastating crescendo and leaves a hole in your heart, To Rule a Ruler absolutely delivers. I became so attached to these characters that it feels heartbreaking to put this book onto my bookshelf.
What I loved most, though, was how deeply the author’s passion for Fulvia’s story and for the women of Rome’s history shines through.
It’s impossible not to be swept up in their world and I already feel sad that I’m leaving them behind.
July 31, 2026
4.5⭐
this was a refreshing read in the summer of Nolan's Brodyssey. I liked the contrast of how Fulvia grew from the first book and her becoming tactical and shrewd in the wild west of Roman politics. I had some idea of the journey but there were a few different choices which worked for the story. I also liked how the second book included other characters' perspectives which also reframed how the reader sees Fulvia. For me the focus on female characters and the unspoken power they had made for a delightful read.
this was a refreshing read in the summer of Nolan's Brodyssey. I liked the contrast of how Fulvia grew from the first book and her becoming tactical and shrewd in the wild west of Roman politics. I had some idea of the journey but there were a few different choices which worked for the story. I also liked how the second book included other characters' perspectives which also reframed how the reader sees Fulvia. For me the focus on female characters and the unspoken power they had made for a delightful read.
July 17, 2026
Epic drama, scheming, and plotting — seeing history through the lens of a strong female character made this an immediate must-read for me. The rise to power, the miscalculations, and the ultimate downfall and death gave this the full epic journey; I celebrated and grieved right alongside the story.
Her maternal instincts colliding with her desire for power, and the ultimate sacrifices that came with it, is a story that feels all too familiar for women.
Her maternal instincts colliding with her desire for power, and the ultimate sacrifices that came with it, is a story that feels all too familiar for women.
July 8, 2026
I would have preferred to keep the POV on just Fulvia, but still a great portrayal of a woman unjustly overlooked by history.
July 7, 2026
extraordinary tale of an extraordinary woman
Fulvia backed her men and led an army at a time when women were denied entrance to the Senate itself. She was a brilliant strategist with populist nous and campaigned effectively for the success of her various husbands, most unequal to her savviness.
The author does a tremendous job of brining Fulvia and the late Republic to life in all its volatile complexity and rich allure. A great duology.
Fulvia backed her men and led an army at a time when women were denied entrance to the Senate itself. She was a brilliant strategist with populist nous and campaigned effectively for the success of her various husbands, most unequal to her savviness.
The author does a tremendous job of brining Fulvia and the late Republic to life in all its volatile complexity and rich allure. A great duology.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews