Emperor

Romes's Invincibles #3

by Andrew Frediani

A gripping historical thriller and third instalment in the Rome's Invincibles saga. The battle for control of Rome continues. Will Octavian succeed in defeating the dangerous pirate Sextus Pompeius?

Octavian has defeated and killed Caesar's assassins, but the road to absolute power is still long and treacherous. Threat now comes from Sextus Pompeius – a cunning pirate active along the Italian coasts, who terrorises Perugia's citizens with his constant attacks.

Octavian and his associates don't have time to celebrate their victory in the final battle in the civil war before another even more bloody threat arises: the one presented by Sextus Pompeius at sea.

The long campaign against the pirates proves frustrating, and often sees Octavian close to defeat and even death. Everything seems to conspire against him: his enemy appears to be receiving divine assistance, public opinion is against him, the soldiers lack confidence in their commander, and rebellion is just around the corner...

672 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2017

Reviews

[John Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an epic of a story

Octavian was, undoubtedly, a remarkable man. He was the consummate politician. Not a great General and not brave in battle, he was very different from his illustrious adoptive father. However, he was far more ruthless, cunning and cruel than the great Julius Caesar, and he never forgot nor forgave his enemies. He clawed his way to the top over the bodies of both friends and enemies alike.

[Elite Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good epic of the final days of the Roman Republic and one of the greatest naval battles in history.

The book is set after the Battle of Philippi, where the leading conspirators (those who murdered Julius Caesar) were killed. Back in Rome, Octavian displayed their corpses in the parade.

Octavian became a cruel tyrant who terminated some of his former allies, whilst still staying close to his best friends. Tensions still remained among the two other triumvirs, Antony and Lepidus, as they fought to rule the whole empire autonomously.

The sea battles were awesome and incredible and the victors emerged. The fates of the losers were sealed.

Will Octavian preserve his bloodline through his heirs, inheriting the throne of Caesar to continue the quest of glory for Rome? I cannot wait for the next book of the Invincible series.

Caesar13

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga of Octavian/Augustus continues. Lacking the need for the exposition that slowed the first book in the series, this rattles along fine style showing the future Emperor's hazard-ridden path to success, and how narrowly he achieves it. The brotherhood of friends previously established is his key to the Empire and their individual stories merge to form an entertaining and informative whole. Prior to reading this, I thought I knew the story pretty well, but the fact that it was such a "close-run thing" was new to me. I enjoyed this - a fine historical series. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Zorka Zamfirova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odlično urađeno.

[M.J.]

This one is not for me. Unfinished.