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The October Horse (Masters of Rome #6)

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 2,187 ratings · 85 reviews

A SWEEPING EPIC OF ANCIENT ROME FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE THORN BIRDSWith her renowned storytelling gifts in full force, Colleen McCullough delivers a breathtaking novel that is both grand in scope and vivid in detail -- and proves once again why she is the top historical novelist of our time.

In the last days of the Roman Republic, Gaius Julius Caesar is both a...more

Mass Market Paperback, 1110 pages

Published October 28th 2003 by Pocket Books (first published November 1st 2002)

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Apr 14, 2011 Paula Hebert rated it 4 of 5 stars

in this the sixth and final book in the series on the roman republic, we follow caesars last years, as dictator, and as defender against the 'boni', the few elite of the senate who don't want to change anything that might alter their priveledged way of life. sound familiar? the boni, of course, try to run the war the way they have run the senate, by arguing themselves into a standstill. caesar, after putting down the revolt, begins the rebuilding, is assassinated, and his heir octavian, with mar...more

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May 21, 2009 James rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: novels

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Romans, despite their claim to civilization, had their own weird superstitions and rituals. The October Horse was the off-horse (or the one who ran on the outside track and thus had to run faster) of the winning chariot team from the annual Ides of October race. This horse---arguably the best horse in Rome in the prime of its life---was ritually sacrificed to Jupiter Optimus Maximus at the end of the race, and its head became a prize during the public scramble after the killing.

This was the tit...more

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Oct 25, 2011 Arcadius rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: h-hf-ancient

This sixth volume covers the tail end of the Pompeian war and Caesar’s brief period of unchallenged power in Rome. I enjoyed it more than the previous three in the series, mainly because McCullough eases up a bit on Caesar as the cocky golden boy surrounded by malignant idiots. They get him here, right enough, but first she finally succeeds in humanising her hero and making him sympathetic. There’s a nice sense of weary futility catching up with a supremely talented man who has finally achieved...more

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Dec 12, 2010 !!!angryradish!!!! rated it 3 of 5 stars

If you like ancient Rome and excruciating descriptions of the lineage of various Roman dudes from back in the day, then this is your book. Somehow, I still liked it. I don't know why I like McCullough. I just do. This book is actually the last in a series about Ceasar. I didn't realize that when I bought it, but not reading the preceding 5 novels was not a problem.

Copied from my review of Morgan's Run: McCullough's work is hard to get through as it can be over the top with excessive information...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Romilly rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historic-fiction

McCullough has such a good reputation that I was looking forward to reading this as part of the book discussion in the History group. I was very disappointed. Honestly, I felt it failed on at least two levels: as a novel, and as history.

First, as a novel. Too much span of time to cover in the 700 or so pages allotted and still give a depth of character and action. I would have liked to see an entire novel on Cato's march! It read like a very well-written pop history book.

And therein lies the rea...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Sanna added it · review of another edition

I've only read the last two parts of the series, but I'm sold! The October Horse was even better than Caesar. Depicting the people and events leading to and after Caesar's murder, McCullough brings historical Rome alive in a detailed, colorful fashion. I had a hard time putting this book down and kept hoping there'd be another page, and another and another...
The introduction of young Octavian and Agrippa could've been more thorough, as they both are future key players of the Roman empire the rea...more

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Feb 20, 2011 Elena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sexto y penúltimo libro de la serie Masters of Rome. En esta ocasión se ocupa de los años de la dictadura de Cesar, su asesinato y la guerra de Octavio y Marco Antonio contra sus asesinos. Al igual que el resto de los libros de la serie es una reconstruccion fidelísima del mundo romano de la época aunque este libro, a mi entender, se hace pesado en dos momentos: la campaña de Cesar en Egipto, que es muy aburrida y las campañas de Bruto y Casio en Asia que ignoro por qué fueron incluidas en el li...more

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Feb 17, 2011 Rusty rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

In the first portion of the book McCullough helps us know Caesar at the height of his career as the man he might have been. McCullough's take on the romance between Cleopatra and Caesar differs from Shakespeare's as she devles into Plutarch and other sources. Her explanation for Octavian's actions is that he may have had asthma which is more consistent with his personality. Caesar is later murdered by 23 conspirators and the story switches to following the assassians, Mark Antony, and Octavian's...more

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Aug 30, 2009 LeAnn rated it 4 of 5 stars

In The October Horse, McCullough intended to wrap up her series on the dissolution of the Roman Republic with the death of two of Julius Caesar's assassins, Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus. First, the title is rather misleading in that Caesar and Cleopatra's relationship is rather minor. However, the October horse is a Roman tradition that takes a page to explain, making it a rather opaque reference to Caesar.

During the Roman Republic, the war campaign season ended in October (wh...more In The October Horse, McCullough intended to wrap up her series on the dissolution of the Roman Republic with the death of two of Julius Caesar's assassins, Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus. First, the title is rather misleading in that Caesar and Cleopatra's relationship is rather minor. However, the October horse is a Roman tradition that takes a page to explain, making it a rather opaque reference to Caesar.

During the Roman Republic, the war campaign season ended in October (when the seasons made it too difficult to fight, all sides went home and returned to hostilities in the spring). At this point, the Romans traditionally ran a final chariot race with the four best warhorses from that campaign. The right-hand horse of the winning team got sacrificed afterwards. So the title encapsulates McCullough's main thesis: that Julius Caesar, the Roman's best warhorse, is sacrificed. Since the Romans themselves had lost the intent in the mists of their history, I'm not sure what point McCullough makes about Caesar's sacrifice.

By this point in the series, Caesar has strode across the Roman stage like a Colossus, vastly admirable even though his temper, his womanizing, and his autocratic behavior shouldn't be. Readers identify with the common Roman people and the women whom Caesar charmed. Caesar is brilliant, decisive, and flamboyant. His enemies obdurate, dense, and justifiably jealous. Even though McCullough builds a consistent case for Caesar's ambition to be the First Man in Rome, but never its king, readers might be forgiven for thinking that Caesar should have been.

Most of the broad outlines of Caesar's last days are well known, but The October Horse fills in the details, including his extended effort to reconcile opponents, including Cicero. That appeals to me as the strongest evidence that he didn't seek a throne.

I rather felt sorry for Caesar, who never had close friendships. For all his genius in warfare, engineering, law, oratory, rhetoric and poetry, languages, and lovemaking, in the end he died at the hands of his closest associates who largely owed their status to him.(less)

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Mar 13, 2011 Styler Ribarovic rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is a heavy undertaking, but it is lush in scope and a thrilling historical novel.

First off, however, is the subheading of this novel says it is a novel of Caesar & Cleopatra, but it really isn't. That makes up a small part of this huge novel. And secondly, you do not need to have read the previous five novels to grasp this one. I haven't, and I understood this novel quite fine on it's own.

The first 500 pages are brillant historical fiction, detailed to the letter, but still engagin...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Denise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I've read several of McCullough's books. Lots of information...TOO much information IMHO. She weighs down each book with the names and stories of each person, who they married, what they looked like, who they like/disliked, what kind of personality they had and so on and so on. Makes for VERY heavy books that are confusing to readers who want the landscape and basic characters explained in the first or second chapter and then want the story to proceed. This is particularly true for this book. Th...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Christin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: greeks-and-romans-too

4 stars up until Caesar dies (um, spoiler?), then it's all downhill from there. Octavius/Octavian/Caesar looks like he's going to fill the void and he was a good time while he was around but he's just not the focus enough to make it interesting. The last few hundred pages (gah!) just meandered around. Honestly, I get that you have to finish off Brutus (spoiler?) but I don't really care. I'd rather hear about Servilia sitting on a spike or something.

Not that she does. :(

(Speaking of. My dad has...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Lisa (Harmonybites) rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Historical Novels and Anyone Interested in Ancient Rome

Shelves: historical-fiction, novels, fiction

This is the sixth novel in McCullough's Masters of Rome series, which has been quite a ride. McCullough's prose isn't particularly distinguished, and I've sometimes felt some judicious, nay extensive, cutting would have done wonders for the pacing of these doorstop novels. And the epic scope of these novels begets confusion--it's hard to keep track of her host of minor recurring characters with these mind-numbing Roman names.

Yet I give the series high marks nevertheless--some of the books I rate...more This is the sixth novel in McCullough's Masters of Rome series, which has been quite a ride. McCullough's prose isn't particularly distinguished, and I've sometimes felt some judicious, nay extensive, cutting would have done wonders for the pacing of these doorstop novels. And the epic scope of these novels begets confusion--it's hard to keep track of her host of minor recurring characters with these mind-numbing Roman names.

Yet I give the series high marks nevertheless--some of the books I rated as high as five stars. In her "Author's Afterword" McCullough says that the historical novel "is an excellent way to explore a different time" that is, if "the writer can resist the temptation to visit his own modern attitudes, ethics, morals and ideals upon the period and its characters." And this is where McCullough excels as few other historical novelists do. I've read any number of novels set in Roman times by authors such as Robert Graves, Robert Harris, Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor and Gillian Bradshaw. Not one of them came close to McCullough in creating an Ancient Rome that felt so textured, so at once modern and alien to modern mores. Not even Graves who is by far the superior stylist. Because of this series, when a classicist friend of mine told me she only wanted "dignitas" I knew exactly what she meant.

The other thing McCullough is notable for are her characterizations and take on history, which is very different than say, the take in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Everyone in this series is held up to Caesar as a measuring stick and found wanting to the degree they opposed him. McCullough's tyrannicides are petty, cowardly men motivated by spite and envy--not patriotism and love of liberty. Her Cassius left me cold, and her Brutus struck me as pathetic. Their lack of moral grandeur makes it hard to feel moved by their tragic fate. McCullough's Cato is a nearly insane fanatic, her Cicero a pompous poser. McCullough's Cleopatra, whose historical brilliance is suggested by her linguistic gifts--alluded to in the novel--comes across as rather dim here. McCullough's Mark Anthony is a thug without any redeeming quality. And her Octavian, although McCullough gives him his due as a master politician, is absolutely chilling. For me the novel crawled after Caesar's death two-thirds in, because it was hard to care anymore--and all through the other novels, there were characters to care about besides Caesar. There was an exception in the closing third of the book--the women's protest under Hortensia, where she demands that if the triumvirate is going to tax women, they better give them the vote. She's awesome. I loved that scene! All too brief though, and so much after the assassination is mired in political and military minutia rather than the human drama behind the history. In a fictional sense, I prefer Shakespeare's conception, while conceding McCullough probably presents a more historically accurate picture. Probably--although at times I suspect she's more than a little in love with her Caesar--and after all, the history of these times were largely written by the victors.

The tedium in the last third, the lack of connection with other characters once Caesar is gone, makes The October Horse the weakest book in the series thus far and makes me want to skip the last book in the series, Anthony and Cleopatra. McCullough says in her "Afterword" she planned to stop with The October Horse, and I think this is where I'll stop too, at least for now. I can't imagine wanting to spend time with her Anthony and her Cleopatra--even though I can't at all regret making my way through the thousands of pages of her Republican Rome.(less)

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Aug 03, 2010 LemonLinda rated it 4 of 5 stars

McCullough is a masterful storyteller and her love and mastery of Roman history shines brightly in her Roman fiction. This book in her Masters of Rome series gives us the story of Julius Caesar in his prime, the beginnings of discontent within a faction of the Patricians in Rome, the plot and execution thereof to kill him, the rivalry between Octavius and Mark Anthony following his death and the ultimate rise of Octavian, who would eventually become known as Augustus Caesar, Julius Caesar's legi...more

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Nov 03, 2008 Monique rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: miss-independent-strong-woman-book

Whew..so finished this monster of a historical novel and can honestly say I was ready for the end..This mammoth reading took over two weeks to process and added at least twenty five vocabulary words to my life from coeval, obdurate, proscribe and many many more..This book in my opinion and remember its only an opinion is too verbose, too long with too many dates, characters, ways to say Roman names, prefixes, suffixes, last names, dynasties, countries and plots to really flow for me but there we...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Brandt rated it 5 of 5 stars

The easiest way to become an expert in the end of the roman republic, and later, the end of Ceasar, is to read this series.
Historical novels always walks a line of historical correctness and entertainment, i thought this series managed to provide both, which is an impressive feat considering the extensive amount of information available for this time-period.

This series follows the most important romans and their families for two generations.
The rise to power of the succesful battlecommander Gaiu...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Teremarie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Since it said "a novel of Caesar and Cleopatra", I expected her to feature more prominently. Also, I failed to see her "amazing narrative skills", it was nothing extraordinary. On the historical side, I'm not sure of a couple of things. In the afterword she claimes that a historical novel allows you to explore the mentality and feelings of the characters, which I don't think she achived. At times the characters seem to have no depth and it reads more like an official chronicle. I expected more,...more

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Aug 20, 2009 Colin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: junk-food-lit

Re-read after a lapse of some years, I love McCullough's Roman fiction, and this book tells one of the most famous stories of all - the fall of Caesar and the rise of Octavian/Augustus. Unfortunately, this book suffers a bit from trying to cram the whole story into one book . . . there is a big lag in the action from the aftermath of Caesar's assassination to the Battle of Philippi, in my opinion.

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Jul 04, 2012 Margaret Sankey rated it 3 of 5 stars

McCullough brings us to the assassination of Julius Caesar and the grudging formation of the Second Triumvirate in a 700 page extravaganza of narrative telling not showing, as a cast of politically motivated hundreds require re-introductions and explanations for their machinations, some of which go back generations, if not three or four volumes of the books.

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Jul 27, 2011 Mel added it

Shelves: historical-fiction

Excellent read! Characters were real and well developed. The plot moved along nicely and didn't drag. However, though there was a glossary at the back of the book, I really wish that they had moved all the maps to the back of the book for easy reference. My biggest wish though, is for a character map. There are too many Lucius, Brutus, and just unfamiliar names to keep straight! Other than that, it was a great read that I'd highly recommend. I'm definitely off to find more books by Colleen McCul...more

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Sep 01, 2009 Elise rated it 2 of 5 stars

It has been a little dry for me since I did not read the books leading up to this one; I've been slogging through the "catch up" history. Now that she's introduced the young Cleopatra, and given Caesar something to do, it's picking up nicely.

update: nope - can't do it. Just too much battle and too little plot. Considering that I devoured the Horatio Hornblower series, I'm not sure why she lost me. I can't recommend it to anyone but a war buff.

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Mar 26, 2009 Wayne rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the sixth book in the Masters of Rome series. It is very well written and makes you feel you are part of the Roman life. She has researched the material very well. I developed a much better understanding of the leaders of Rome around the time of Caesar and what life was like at that time.

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Aug 20, 2009 Tom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Finally, Caeser sets things right, then they knock him off. Since, when I started the series, this was about all I knew about Caeser, I am delighted to say that Colleen writes it up oh so well. What a tangled web these guys weave - kinda reminds me of the current political situation...

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Jul 28, 2009 Frances rated it 3 of 5 stars

After Caesar died I found I didn't really care all that much about the remaining characters -- felt like it became more of a history lesson than an exciting novel. Didn't finish it, which was a shame because I really enjoyed the others. Hard to compete with Ceasar though.

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Dec 10, 2012 Shelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

The best historical fiction treatment of the turbulent times from the life of Sulla to the ascension of Octavius. One of the best historical fiction series ever, but be prepared to read all of the books once you start, because you won't be able to put them down.

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Nov 07, 2011 Linda Harkins rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

EXCELLENT! Colleen McCullough does meticulous research, and tells great stories! She paints a fabulous portrait of Julius Caesar, but cares little for Cicero who was always changing sides. Poor Cassius and Brutus! Fabulous intrigue among the females! Did Atia, mother of Brutus, force her daughter-in-law to eat live coals, or did Porcia elect that method of suicide? One more to read in McCullough's series on Rome!!!

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Jun 04, 2009 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, history

The 6th book in a series of Rome. I seem to enjoy each book better than the last one. Caesar is at the height of his career when this book starts. The author has extreme knowledge of Roman history and makes this book so enjoyable!

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Apr 18, 2013 Mitchell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another terrific installment in the Masters of Rome series... The only disappointing thing about her books is to observe how the title and marketing suggest the book(s) are more narrow in scope than they actually are..

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Sep 09, 2010 Faith Justice rated it 4 of 5 stars

McCullough is a wonder! Historical detail is staggering. Puts you in the twilight of Republican Rome from the first page - the power people, the pulsing life of the city, the religion and much more.

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Feb 23, 2009 Wisteria Leigh added it

historical fiction,ancient rome,Julius Caesar,Cleopatra,Ancient Egypt,biographical fiction,roman republic,Queens,B.C.,series,fiction

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topics	posts	views	last activity
The History Book ...: * 13. BOOK AS A WHOLE AND FINAL THOUGHTS - THE OCTOBER HORSE	6	25	4 hours, 29 min ago
The History Book ...: * SERIES - GLOSSARY - POTENTIAL SPOILERS	245	160	May 19, 2013 07:31am
The History Book ...: * 12. OCTOBER HORSE... May 13 ~ May 19 ~ ~ pp. 679-748; No Spoilers Please	3	81	May 13, 2013 05:27pm
The History Book ...: * 11. OCTOBER HORSE... May 6 ~ May 12 ~ ~ pp. 619-678; No Spoilers Please	4	60	May 07, 2013 02:31pm
The History Book ...: * 6. OCTOBER HORSE... April 1 ~ April 7 ~ ~ pp. 307-358; No Spoilers Please	16	21	May 06, 2013 04:22pm
The History Book ...: * 5. OCTOBER HORSE... March 25 ~ March 31 ~ ~ pp. 246-306; No Spoilers Please	14	20	May 05, 2013 04:03pm
The History Book ...: * 10. OCTOBER HORSE... April 29 ~ May 5 ~ ~ pp. 573-618; No Spoilers Please	4	83	May 05, 2013 03:54pm

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About Colleen McCullough

Colleen McCullough AO (born 1 June 1937) is an internationally acclaimed Australian author. Colleen was born in Wellington in central west New South Wales to James and Laurie McCullough.

She grew up during World War II. In her first year of medical studies at the University of Sydney she suffered dermatitis from surgical soap and was told to abandon her dreams of becoming a medical doctor. Instead,...more

More about Colleen McCullough...

Books by Colleen McCullough

The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome, #1)

Fortune's Favorites (Masters of Rome, #3)

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The October Horse (Masters of Rome #6)

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