One of the best historical fiction books I have read. I learned so much. The only downside was the timeline change was a little confusing at times.

I learned a lot about the Roman Republic. And I'm glad I don't live back then! This historical fiction book is definitely heavy on the history - lots of names and places, some in Latin or Greek. Once I finally got all the characters straight, there were some plot lines that held my interest and the weaving back and forth between time periods was well done. This book made me realize, however, how much I really don't like politics. Watching people manipulate and murder to gain power and control is not something I care to witness, apparently. There was also so much depraved behavior (not unlike modern times...) in Roman culture that the reading experience was greatly tainted. Moments of excitement and interest were not worth the slog through the historical details and wickedness.

This historical fiction book was sort of confusing with the back and forth in time. It did convey a lot of information but was a difficult read at times. Be prepared to invest of lot of mind power - not a beach read for sure!

Although I enjoyed the book, I found the back-and-forth timeline confusing. I also thought the choice to frame the focus of the book on Caesar's first trial as prosecutor was not as compelling as it could have been.

This was not an easy read, partly because of the flashbacks and partly because of the lack of appendices in the proof copy. But it was definitely an interesting read. My history-loving spouse and I had several conversations about the historical events depicted in the book. I would like to know whether Aurelia's betrayal of Caesar during the trial was substantiated. Portrayals of the Roman Senate seem shocking, but also seem to have parallels today. Epstein Island, anyone?

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for the eARC.
Wow, that was a marvellous read, it was lucky we had two rainy days in a row so I could devour the book.
I wasn't knowledgeable about Julius Ceasar, but saw all the stellar reviews and wanted to find out more. So glad I did! This didn't feel like some boring history book, but almost as if it was set in modern times - politicians haven't changed much, unfortunately, so.it felt almost familiar (without social media and tv).
Couldn't put it down and highly recommend it, it's fantastic!

A hard to put down historical novel of Gaius Iulius Caesar, know to the world as Gaius Julius Caesar, the man who ended the Roman Republic and began the Empire.