AUGUSTA: Volume Six (Part 1 & 2)
By G.G. MacLeod
Publication Date: 22nd May 2023
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length:
Part 1: 66 Pages
Part 2: 66 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.
Agrippinilla may be a genius, but there are hidden aspects of her character. She lacks empathy, she is deceitful, a thief, and much more. Agrippinilla has already played a role in the murder of one family member and has no intention of stopping there. With her loyal friend, Messalina, she aspires to become Augusta, the Empress of all, and she will stop at nothing to achieve her goals.
“AUGUSTA: Volume Six (Parts 1&2)” by G.G. MacLeod is another exciting chapter in the AUGUSTA saga.
Shifting focus from the main protagonist, Volume Six, Part One, introduces Cassandra, a mysterious prophet dwelling within the dimly lit Temple of Fortune. A masterful blend of action, introspection, and interaction reveals her complex personality. The perpetual darkness surrounding Cassandra offers her refuge from external chaos, a sanctuary she willingly accepts. Yet, paradoxically, she is revered as an all-knowing oracle, someone whose insights are sought by many. Her striking physical appearance, her black eyes, her button nose, and her dancer physic mirrors the enigmatic nature of her character. Her habits reflect a life of solitude and reflection, although she finds peace in sleep and often compares it to the Hebrews' Heaven, for only then can she feel totally free. Hints of her earlier life, once filled with music and dancing, emerge sporadically, illuminating her present existence with a bittersweet glow. At all times she is guarded by two, very tall, monks, one of whom is draped in crimson and the other adorned in green, representing good fortune and bad fortune. Though they are forbidden to engage in conversation with her, their imposing presence speaks volumes. Their every movement, from the soft rustle of their garments to their watchful eyes, provides depth and texture to the narrative. Through Cassandra’s observations, we glean very little of their personalities, only that they seem devoted to her. While these Guardian remain shrouded in mystery, their role is palpable, serving as both a source of strength and an added layer of intrigue to the unfolding story. In this intricate web of shadows, Cassandra stands at the centre, a beacon of dark knowledge against a backdrop of concealed truths. When Livia Drusilla seeks out the prophet, the true power of Cassandra is seen by the reader.
The setting in the Temple of Fortuna is described with great attention to detail, highlighting everything from Cassandra’s small, spartan cell to the grand throne room, along with the imposing corridors and massive doors. The architectural features, lighting, and sensory experiences come together to create a vivid and memorable atmosphere that is essential to the character’s personality and the overall ambiance of the story. The reader can almost feel the texture of the silk robe, smell the honey and cinnamon fragrance, and sense the oppressive silence of the cell.
The story then shifts to the future, where the reader is once again introduced to Livia Drusille, who is now an aging woman reflecting on her life, and her impending death. Key events and relationships in Livia’s life are revealed through a series of flashbacks and internal monologues which drive the plot forward. As the prophecy foretold, Livia is acutely aware that she will not meet her end until she has guided the one destined to succeed her. Yet, instead of seeking this successor, she remains ensnared in her own web of intrigue. The moniker “The Old Spider” is aptly chosen, for Livia skilfully weaves a dense fabric of lies and deception, even while confined within the solitude of her chambers, her mind is a labyrinth of reflexive strategy and hidden motives, much like the prodigy she is yet to meet.
The second part in Volume Six whisks the reader back to the scene at the end of Volume Five, where a garden party for children unfolds within the surroundings of the Imperial Gardens. Once again, we are drawn into the world of the protagonist, Agrippinilla. However, rather than displaying typical childlike innocence, the eight-year-old’s mind is filled with thoughts far beyond her years. Accompanied by her clever and determined partner in crime, the six-year-old Messalina, the duo embarks on intricate schemes that hint at their bold ambitions. Agrippinilla is vividly characterised as a brilliant strategist, ambitious to a fault, and ruthlessly focused on her goals. In contrast, Messalina shines as the loyal confidante, resourceful and quick-witted, always ready to support Agrippinilla’s daring plans. Together, these little girls defy the ordinary expectations of childhood. Although it may seem they are whispering childhood secrets, they are not, nor are they playing make-believe. Instead, they step into the role of criminal partners in a shadowy game, and the chilling depth of their thoughts and decisions prompts an unsettling curiosity about how their dark inclinations might evolve as they grow into adulthood.
The power struggle between Agrippina and Sejanus continues in this volume. Sejanus has played a crucial role in this series and continues to do so. He is the leader of the Praetorian Guard and a confidant of Emperor Tiberius. Although he appears loyal to the Emperor, he has his own agenda. The dialogue and interactions between these two characters effectively build tension, creating a sense of impending danger as they try to outmanoeuvre their enemies and each other. This tension keeps the reader engaged and eager to see how the conflict unfolds.
MacLeod masterfully employs descriptive language, drawing readers into a world brimming with sensory detail. Vivid imagery brings characters to life, showcasing their unique physical traits and emotions with striking clarity. Each scene is intricately crafted, enveloping readers in lush settings that enhance the narrative. This well-developed imagery not only captivates the imagination but also infuses the story with a profound depth that resonates long after the last page is turned.
While this book does not stand alone in the series, it effectively highlights MacLeod’s skill in creating unforgettable, albeit slightly unsettling, characters.
“AUGUSTA: Volume Six (Parts 1 & 2)” by G.G. MacLeod is another excellent addition to the series. By the end of this volume the reader is left with a growing sense of dread about what Agrippinilla will do next.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Revies & Book Promotion
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AUGUSTA: Volume Six
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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Will you be releasing your series in one volume in the future?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Glenn, you are on a roll!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
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