AUGUSTA: Volume Four (Part 1 & 2)
By G.G. MacLeod
By G.G. MacLeod
Publication Date: 10th 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 understands more about power at the tender age of seven than most people could ever comprehend. She is aware that while her family may outwardly appear imperial, they are secretly engaged in plots to murder and publicly humiliate one another. Agrippina knows which side of history she wants to be on. She desires power and is determined to do whatever it takes to achieve it.
G.G. MacLeod has once again captivated his readers with another enticing tale in his AUGUSTA series. In Volume Four (Parts 1 & 2), the audience is thrust back into the world of Imperial Rome. So be prepared to experience the unfolding events through the eyes of Agrippina.
MacLeod has expertly crafted a suspenseful narrative, which holds the readers’ attention and making them impatient to find out what will happen next. Every event is intricately connected in a way that enhances the overarching storyline, revealing a clear and compelling narrative arc. Picking up several years after Volume 3, the narrative transports readers to the vibrant, elite atmosphere of Rome’s Palatine Hill. The story begins with Nero and Drusus’ induction into the esteemed Senate. But this momentous occasion provides a deeper look into the complicated relationships and political manoeuvring of the imperial family. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into multiple threads. The casual but frank conversations between senators reveal their underlying cynicism and corruption as they plot and discuss the Empire’s affairs, but it also shows a human side where they are capable of both casual cruelty and moments of surprising insight. It also emphasises Agrippina’s shrewd understanding of the political situation, revealing an intelligence and perceptiveness exceeding her age. Skilfully paced, the narrative alternates between vivid descriptions and dynamic dialogue, creating a richly immersive and character-driven experience. This delicate balance gradually ratchets up the suspense, holding the reader’s attention as the imperial court’s story unfolds.
This novel, like the previous volumes, is primarily narrated from Agrippina's third-person perspective. Agrippina is a young girl with a sharp mind, ruthless ambition, and surprising emotional depth, and her internal conflicts and lust for power cannot be denied. Agrippina is no ordinary child, her awareness of how the world operates and her intentions for carving out her role as she matures are always at the forefront of her thoughts. Her manipulative nature and strategic thinking, certainly enhance the story's suspense and intrigue. As in the other novels, Agrippina remains a captivating, if not slightly disturbing, character.
In the novel, political power is portrayed as a fierce contest among competing forces, all striving for dominance through corruption and, at times, outright violence, although sometimes this violence is executed with skilled subtlety. From an outside perspective, the imperial family seems to be strongly unified, but this is a misleading perception, as every family member seeks power and is relentlessly pursuing more of it.
Emperor Tiberius possesses a keen awareness of the unspoken words whispered by those around him. However, he shows no signs of this knowledge. While he may occasionally appear passive, it is clear that, like nearly all the other characters in this story, Tiberius is playing the long game. The question of who will succeed him looms large in the minds of many. Despite Tiberius showing no signs of ill health, his impending death, and its implications, remain a hot topic of discussion.
Throughout the novel, Tiberius faces profound personal tragedies, yet instead of exploiting these horrifying events, he attempts to foster a sense of togetherness and unity within his immediate family, however, he knows that every member of his family has their own agenda, and jealousy and distrust are thick in the ash-filled air. Tiberius is well aware of what is said behind his back and expertly conceals his own thoughts and opinions. However, the reader is acutely aware that Tiberius is not a man to be trifled with, and those who wish him harm would be wise to prepare their own funeral pyre first.
Although Drusus is a secondary character in the other books, his fate drives the narrative forward in this one. Despite the power struggles and betrayals around him, he emerges as a likeable character, though he is viewed as a threat by other family members. His determination to see his nephews, Nero and Drusus, inducted into the Senate, even in the face of his declining health, reveals his true character. From what little the reader knows about Drusus, he appears to be the most genuine and, unfortunately, the most mistreated among the imperial family.
The contrast between Nero and Drusus is especially pronounced in this novel. Nero appears arrogant and conceited, whereas Drusus' intentions are clear—he seeks to learn and become a man of integrity. As Nero and Drusus compete against each other, the reader is reminded that their younger brother, Caligula, is observing everything from the sidelines, as is their sister, Agrippina.
The historical setting of ancient Rome, particularly the imperial court, serves as a rich backdrop for the story. While the narrative deviates slightly from historical accuracy, MacLeod has skilfully revitalised these historical figures and made them breathe again. Although they are not quite relatable because although families have their differences, they usually don’t harbour homicidal intentions! However, the writing is so rich that the reader can easily immerse themselves in the tale, experiencing it both sensorial and imaginatively.
With each volume, MacLeod's writing becomes stronger. His style is descriptive and evocative, employing rich language and sensory details. The voice is engaging, adopting a tone that is both observant and, on occasions, slightly ironic. This tone enhances the narrative's atmosphere, striking a balance between historical realism and fictional drama.
Pick up your copy of
AUGUSTA: Volume Four
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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I have added your series to my to-read list.
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