Anthony and Cleopatra: Part II - Cleopatra

Marching With Caesar #5

by R.W. Peake

In the fourth book of the critically acclaimed Marching With Caesar series,
Titus Pullus and his 10th Legion are still in the thick of the maelstrom that follows after the assassination of Gaius Julius Caesar. With the disastrous campaign in Parthia behind them, Mark Antony continues his struggle with Octavian, both men vying for ultimate control of Rome. Enter Cleopatra VII, the Pharaoh of Egypt and mother of Julius Caesar's son, who harbors ambitions and dreams of her own. Through her son Caesarion, Cleopatra is a powerful player in her own right in the continuing drama being played out for control of the most powerful society on Earth. With Cleopatra combining forces with Mark Antony, Octavian, the legitimate heir to Caesar's fortune is facing the most formidable barrier to his ascendancy yet. Through it all, Titus Pullus and his men must tread a very careful path as the two forces head for an inevitable showdown at a place called Actium.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Roman, Historical

600 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2013

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Mr. Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

My critique of the saga of Titus Pullus has been that it often comes across as a series of events that Pullus is witnessing. While this was great as a vehicle to learn about history it was much less entertaining as a work of fiction. This was the book where it all comes together.

Returning from a failed Parthian expedition, the confrontation between Marcus Antonius and Octavian comes to a head. Pullus, as Primus Pillus of the 10th legion, is placed in a difficult position as Marcus Antonius adopts increasingly Oriental ways under the influence of Cleopatra. Is fighting for Marcus Antonius truly in the best interests of Rome? Or should he join with Octavian? Compounding his dilemma is his developing personal antagonism with Cleopatra. The dynamic between Pullus and the Egyptian Queen is simply riveting and makes the book hard to put down.

My only real knock on the book is that I felt the author turned Cleopatra into a bit of a caricature for the sake of the story. Maybe she was that bad, but Pullus had previously had a good relationship with the Queen. It felt just a little contrived. (Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but in the back of my mind I could hear my wife protesting that it was an unfair portrayal of a woman.)

Four and a half stars rounded down to four. A great read if you've followed Titus Pullus this far you will NOT be disappointed!

[David Gott · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I have now finished all four available volumes of this series, I continue to be impressed with Peake's attention to detail. Anybody who reads historical fiction of this period is no doubt aware that it is simply not possible to maintain 100% historical accuracy because the historical records are incomplete and simply do not exist. Other authors(most that I enjoy) of this genre take far more liberties with the history to suit their stories. Certainly this practice may lead to a more exciting story or assist these authors in avoiding lengthy background of events that are not central to the story. What strikes me about Peake's novels is that when he reaches these historical holes he completes them with ideas that feel right even if they cannot be based on historical record. I eagerly anticipate the fifth book in this series which I believe is to be released in August 2013.

[Stu · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with Mr Peakes books, this is an amazing story. The characters are well written, the story is brilliant, and the action is really gripping.
So far I've read this book twice (the others have been read at least half a dozen now), and they aren't getting old. Each time I read the book(s) I feel like I'm right there in the muck, in the blood and guts, and I get really entwined with the characters and their tale.
I could not recommend enough that you read this book, and the whole Marching with Caesar saga.

[john temple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and a glorious tale

The research that has been conducted by this author is second to none and weaving of fact and fiction is first rate.. This makes for an absolutely glorious tale, with the various characters depicted both real and fictional very believable . I'm just looking forward to the next instalment of its as good as the last five books I'm in for a treat

[Jane K. Stecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best series on Rome

I have read five novels in this series and have become a fan of Titus Pulls. Even though he is fictional I am sure there were many Legions ties like him. If you want to know about the army of Rome this series will teach you as well as entertain you. You will chuckle and also be sad but it's worth the ride.

[Eugene Peery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one so far.

[Alan Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I hope that there are more tales to come! It seems to me that even more tales of the 10th and Pullis are needed.

[Sherrie Lynn Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I enjoyed this book greatly because the way the story was told and the characters were portrayed and the life

[Marc Therrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic second volume depicting the last civil war of the Roman Republic, and how Cleopatra alienated a large part of the Roman population.

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book, "Marching with Caesar - Anthony and Cleopatra: Part II - Cleopatra" is the fourth book in R.W. Peake's epic series on Ancient Rome. This book can be read as a stand-alone book. This book was really fascinating to me as it covers Titus Pullus and his military campaigns. This book covers Cleopatra (oh how I absolutely love to read about her) and Marcus Antonius (another fascinating historical character).

I liked the characters in this book. Titus Pullus was really interesting. Most of the book is made up of the different things that he witnesses while on the military campaign. I really liked that we get a firsthand look at how the Roman military moved and conducted their work. It always amazes me how much ground they were able to cover so long ago! I also really liked the appearance of Cleopatra. I especially liked seeing how the Romans viewed her.

Overall, I really liked this story. It was fascinating It's been awhile since I've read anything set in Ancient Roman times and when I read books like this, it reminds me that I really need to seek out more books set during this time. While I enjoyed the story, there were many parts of the book that seemed very modern to me, especially with regard to how the characters in the story spoke. It took me out of the story a little bit. There is a lot of good detail in this book and it will definitely be a good treat for historical fiction lovers who like a lot of action.

Overall, this is a good story!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely not Richard Burton's Cleopatra. By the author's own admission, the Cleopatra characterized here is likely greatly fictionalized, but she embodies all the cruelty of the period. The main character, Titus Pullus, finds himself once again right in the middle of the politics and warfare and this is what gives this series its appeal. The reader is given first hand descriptions of what life must have been like in the Roman Legions, and it wasn't pretty. Pullus survives, of course, but he begins to seriously question his future in the legions at this point. Without giving too much away, Pullus' future is decided by the end of the book, for better or worse.
This is the fourth of five books in this series and all have been 5-star reads. I now look forward to the finale of Pullus' story. If you like history, you'll love these books.

[David Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic completion of Pullus' time under the standard...thus far. Actually developed a lump in my throat when his men gave him parting gifts and he received a salute from his Legion.

Even knowing the history of the 10th, it was a bitter pill to swallow as it was disbanded and reformed as "The Twins". I've been around for a few Regimental reformations, and they are never universally celebrated by the troops (if at all).

Onward to the last (?) stage of Pullus' career as he begins his time as Camp Prefect away from his beloved 10th.

[Cathy Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monotony

Reviews of these books are getting monotonous. All are well written and draw the reader in. I enjoy the accuracy of events and the climactic events of the battles and forging of the Empire. I truly do not want this series to end. it makes you wonder what Peake will tackle next.

[Manu Dell'aquila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find the whole Marching with Caesar series easy to read but a bit boring.
The story line is compelling, the dialogues funny, but I am not convinced by the style of writing.
They are meant to be written by Titus Pullus as a memoir, but I don't necessarily think that is a good excuse for simplistic writing prose of the whole series.
I am however, still compelled to read them all.

[David Rygmyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. By now, the book's character is a "lifer" and so it's less about being a grunt. There are a couple of good sub-stories in this book, both including Cleopatra and probably more insightful than the Elizabeth Taylor movie. I'm absolutely enjoying this series.

[Nancy Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical fiction set in late Roman Republic/early Empire based upon a father, son and grandson's lives in the Legions. Very historically accurate in details of Legion life. Absolutely great characters. I am reading all the Marching with Caesar books. Very engrossing

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth the read!