Caesar Ascending-Conquest of Parthia, is the second volume of the alternate history series in which Caesar survives the assassination attempt in March of 44 BC and carries out his planned invasion of Parthia. After a successful first year's campaign, where Caesar and his army capture the cities of Ctesiphon and Seleucia, Caesar is now determined to face and defeat the young Parthian king Phraates, who is just as intent on avoiding battle with the Roman general. For Titus Pullus, the giant Primus Pilus of the 10th Legion, and his comrades, matters are further complicated by the presence of a force called the Crassoi, the Roman survivors of the ill-fated campaign led by Marcus Crassus, who are now fighting for Parthia. What neither Caesar, nor any Roman, has any way of knowing is whether their former countrymen still hold any loyalty to Rome, or if the decade they have spent under Parthian control has been enough to switch their allegiance to their captors. All will be decided outside the walls of Susa, when Caesar and his army must not only once more face the feared Parthian cavalry, but fellow Romans.
The first adult author with whom RW Peake developed a long-term relationship was Louis L’Amour, whose body of work shaped his life philosophy. After retiring from the Marines, RW proceeded to earn a BA in History from the Honors College at the University of Houston.
Although RW wrote a novel as a kid, he didn't publish his first novel until age 50. In addition to is time in the Marines, and before the tech bubble burst in 2000, he was a paper millionaire in the software industry.
A native Houstonian, RW recently relocated to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, where he lives with his yellow Lab, Sadie.
Being an amateur historian and a avid reader on the Roman empire one could realistically see Caesar achieving these goals given everything that was written about this man who was one can only say a brilliant leader, soldier, engineer,tactician, politician and yet also a man of the people and on the side a number of mistresses. The battle scenes were fantastic, Roman tactics sound and at no time ever showed an easy win for anyone. It also brings to the fore what I always wondered that if 2 Roman armies, both well trained and having good tacticians would do to each if they opposed each other. I definitely found out. Gripping to the last page.
The author has stated that he sought to make this alternative history as accurately and believable as possible. It does help knowing the various characters either through historical fact, or reading the marvellous Marching With Caesar series, but I don't think it would be essential. The story is action packed, and absolutely full of intrigue between the various characters on both sides of this invented conflict. It's very enjoyable read
Wonderful story. Pullos is back with Gaius Julius Caesar and together they complete the conquest of Parthia. The only minor issue with the book would be more detail on integration of Path is as a province of the Roman empire . spoiler alert looking for the conquest of India.
If Caesar had lived his ambition may have very likely been carried out as they are in this story. I am enjoying the return of loved characters and their stories. I still prefer the human stories and political intrigue but I'll put up with the battles for a while longer to see how far Titus and his family plus his comrades rise. I hope they do.
Great read with historical accuracy and vivid characters. Can't wait for the next novel by Author Peakes. What path will Ceasar and his legions now embark upon? ALAN LEO