Book Review - AUGUSTA: Volume Three (Part 1 & 2) by G.G. MacLeod

AUGUSTA: Volume Three (Part 1 & 2)
By G.G. MacLeod

Publication Date: 4th May 2023
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 61 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

"I will make you remember me and if I cannot reach Heaven, THEN I SHALL RAISE HELL."

As a child she was mentored by the only other woman to have become the Empress of the Roman Empire, her great-grandmother, the infamous power-broker, Livia Drusilla Caesar. In due course, she was destined to become the only Roman woman to ever openly rule as an Empress in her own name. Her lifelong war of all against all was going to include history's most notorious criminals, bar none, with eternally familiar names like Sejanus, Livilla, Caligula, Messalina, Claudius, Seneca, Tigellenius, and ultimately her own son, the "The Anti-Christ", "The Beast 666", more commonly known as the Emperor Nero.

She could have had every luxury possible to excess, and she could have lived out her string at the summit of the most obscene levels of wealth and decadence, but she only wanted one thing and no one was going to give that to her. She was going to have to kill for it until she had it, and ultimately she was going to have to die for it in order to keep it.

POWER

Her name was Julia Caesar Agrippina Germanicus and Hell followed after her.

 

Julia Caesar Agrippina Germanicus is no ordinary child. Her remarkable intelligence is matched only by her family's immense power and influence in Rome. 

Following her father's suspicious death, the question of succession to Emperor Tiberius has become a pressing concern for everyone. A marriage between cousins would unite this divided family and demonstrate to the empire that the Julio-Claudian dynasty is united.

However, beneath the surface, the family is far from united. Although Agrippina is merely a child, she is already plotting for her own future and is not averse to the idea of murder if it means gaining power.

AUGUSTA: Volume Three (Part 1 & 2) by G.G. MacLeod continues the captivating story of a young girl who would one day become the mother of one of the most notorious emperors in Roman history.

As with the other volumes in this series, this one presents a fascinating premise—a young, ruthlessly intelligent girl plotting the downfall of her aunt and others to secure her family’s power within the Roman Empire. And there is nothing like a wedding to bring these powerful families together, but despite it being a joyous occasion, there is not a character among them who is not plotting something. So much for blood being thicker than water!

At the heart of the narrative is the mystery surrounding Germanicus’s death, hinting at a broader political conspiracy within the Roman Empire, where no one is above suspicion. The novel features a complex narrative with numerous characters vying for imperial power, often with women surpassing men in influence and strategy.

The characters in this novel are exceptionally well-developed, possessing nuanced personalities and motivations. The author effectively uses dialogue and internal monologue to reveal their inner lives. Agrippina’s intelligence and manipulative tendencies are subtly shown; Caligula’s insecurity and theatrical nature are overtly displayed; Drusilla is depicted as naïve and easily impressed; and Livilla stands out as unpredictable and defiant, even at a young age. Even the secondary characters, including Sejanus, Claudius, Luna, and Valeria Messalina, are well-defined and unique.

Agrippina is a fascinating and complex character. She is a precocious child with a chilling pragmatism. She is a brilliant, ruthless, and ambitious child prodigy. Agrippina is strategic in her thinking and actions, always considering the long-term implications. The author masterfully portrays her intelligence, ruthlessness, and surprisingly tender moments. Her bond with Valeria Messalina deepens, and together they become accomplices, scheming for their future. Agrippina’s playful river scene with Valeria Messalina shows a rare lapse in her adult persona, contrasting sharply with her calculated prior behaviour.

Agrippina’s dealings with Sejanus continue in this volume, showcasing their mutually exploitative, complex, and calculating relationship. While the power dynamic between the two characters has been ambiguous in previous instalments, Agrippina’s dominance is undeniable despite their significant age difference. She anticipates a time when Sejanus, the Prefect, will be obsolete since his fortune is intrinsically tied to Emperor Tiberius, who is not destined to live forever, and indeed certain members of his family will make sure his death will be sooner rather than later.

Grandmother Antonia is a compelling and complex character, portrayed with depth and distinction. The relationships between Antonia and her family members, particularly her grandchildren and son Claudius, are central to the narrative and are realistically complex. Grandmother Antonia’s interactions with her various grandchildren foreshadow events yet to come which provides a sense of anticipation, this is especially true concerning Drusus’ future and Antonia’s role in it. Antonia is a very well-developed character; her inner conflicts and complicated relationships give the story more depth. Antonia’s presence certainly creates considerable tension due to the family’s unresolved conflicts and hidden resentments. For example, Antonia’s grief, Claudius’s silent bitterness, and the potential for political manoeuvring create a sense of underlying hostility that keeps the reader engaged. The scenes with Antonia create a complex and engaging atmosphere through a blend of emotions.

Claudius, a largely background character in the previous books, receives a stunningly nuanced portrayal in this volume, revealing his psychological depth and inner turmoil. His internal monologue displays a complex character grappling with moral dilemmas and powerful desires. Readers are kept in suspense, wondering whether he will succumb to his desire for revenge or heed the advice Cassandra gave him. The contrast between his aggressive thoughts and the tender way he treats his niece, Livilla, heightens the suspense. Furthermore, while Livilla’s character serves as a crucial counterpoint to Claudius’ darkness, a darker side of her personality is also evident, despite her age.

The writing style is highly informal and conversational, utilising strong, sometimes vulgar language, which creates a raw and personal tone that diverges from the more formal language often found in historical fiction. The author’s voice is unique, engaging, and sometimes cynical, making this story incredibly compelling.

The depiction of Ancient Rome is vivid, with details about clothing, customs, and social dynamics that bring the period to life. Strikingly effective scenes, such as the chariot race and temple visit, carry deep symbolic meanings. MacLeod’s powerful evocation of the era reflects the depth of his research, successfully bringing Ancient Rome gloriously back to life.

AUGUSTA: Volume Three (Part 1 & 2) by G.G. MacLeod is a fantastic addition to the AUGUSTA series. Although it is not a standalone novel, this series will appeal to fans of historical fiction set in the ancient world.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

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AUGUSTA: Volume Three (Part 1 & 2)
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G. G. MacLeod

I'm a Canadian indie author who also has a straight job. I'm 54 years old and "Augusta" is my first major foray into the world of publishing my work. Otherwise, there's nothing particularly interesting to say about me. I'm a pretty boring person, really who enjoys living a quiet life of reading/writing and thinking up story ideas that no one has actually pursued. 

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