By G.G. MacLeod
Publication Date: 31st May 2023
Distrust. Conspiracies. Ambition. Gathered together for reasons that remain somewhat unclear, the Caesar family comes together. Complex personalities clash, and with everyone together in one building, tension begins to bubble under the surface. However, each family member is well-versed in their individual roles, and they play their parts well, especially Agrippina. She is determined to become the most powerful of them all, but faces another challenge before she can do so—growing up.
In the heart of Rome, the most formidable family is embroiled in a ruthless battle for supremacy, driven by a relentless desire to destroy one another. The burning question remains: who will claim victory, and who will meet their end? “AUGUSTA: Volume Eight (Parts 1 & 2)” by G.G. MacLeod is another gripping instalment in this riveting series, drawing readers deeper into the intrigue and drama of the Caesar family.
The intricate family dynamic displayed by the Caesar family is on full display in this novel. Each character possesses a unique personality and fulfils a specific role in the family, carefully slotting themselves together like a puzzle. In this volume, the reader embarks on a poignant journey into Antonia's life. As we delve deeper, we uncover layers of her past, gaining a vivid understanding of her thoughts, deep-seated feelings, fleeting joys, and haunting regrets. Antonia’s love for her late son, Germanicus, radiates warmth and tenderness, standing in sharp contrast to her ambivalent feelings toward her living son, Claudius—a man who evokes both affection and frustration within her. Her profound grief, palpable and raw, adds complexity to her character. She is a well-crafted character, who lives among the pages with such a level of realism that she appears almost tangible while reading.
Antonia may be a woman with a hard exterior, who does not shy away from inflicting pain upon others, but inside she is silently bearing the heavy burden of her own suffering. Each day, Antonia waits anxiously for a letter from Claudius, her heart aching for news that he will come to see her. Her desperate longing is heart-wrenching, for as much as she waits, there is always the looming threat of a painful reality—he may never visit. With the insight of having read the previous volumes, readers understand the depths of Claudius’ reluctance to engage, and this provides the reader with a deep understanding of both Antonia and Claudius’ feelings about each other. In this volume, the two do finally come face to face, if only at a family gathering, but the pain they both feel in each other’s company is substantial and radiates through the pages to the reader.
In this volume, Claudius seizes a long-awaited opportunity to showcase his talents. Despite having to smoke large quantities of a pungent Egyptian herb to get through it, he manages to enthral his family, including his formidable mother, with the captivating tale of the Hebrew God and his archenemy, Lucifer. His storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary, painting a vivid and dynamic portrait of the Hebrew God and His celestial hosts. As his keen intellect finally takes centre stage, illuminating the shadows cast by his frail physique, Claudius finds the courage to impress his mother. Yet, beneath this moment of triumph lingers a persistent anxiety—he still harbours a fear of her rebuke, a haunting reminder that, despite being a grown man, he remains acutely aware of her critical gaze.
In keeping with the tone of the previous volumes, Agrippina, remarkably astute for her tender years, continues her elaborate schemes. Having already orchestrated a murder, she now turns her calculating gaze toward those she once regarded as allies. It seems that no one is safe from the web of her intrigue unless they can prove themselves useful to her ambitions. Her mind is a relentless engine of strategy, ever churning with thoughts of power and control. Much like her formidable grandmother, Antonia, Agrippina is resolute in her quest to be the Caesar who etches her name in history. Every action she takes is meticulously thought out, and each decision brings her closer to a singular, driven conclusion: she will stop at nothing to seize the power she desires, leaving no room for weakness in her ruthless pursuit.
The striking comparison between Agrippina and Lucifer does not escape the reader’s attention. Much like the complex dynamics within the Caesar family, the reader encounters figures who are unfailingly loyal, juxtaposed with those who crave more—more power, more control, and more influence over their fates, and therefore the Empire’s. The lengths to which Lucifer is willing to go echo the relentless ambition of Agrippina, who is more than willing to go through anyone who might stand in her way in her insatiable quest for power. Family and friends become mere pawns in her game, easily sacrificed on the altar of her aspirations. The reader is left as a silent observer, watching in a mix of awe and horror as this remarkable child genius succumbs to her darker impulses, allowing her chilling psychotic tendencies to guide her every move.
The author effectively uses descriptive language to create a vivid and immersive reading experience. The details about the characters’ clothing, the setting, and even their physical characteristics are carefully chosen and presented, bringing the story to life. These descriptions are a significant strength of the writing, immersing the reader in the sensory details of ancient Rome and the emotional landscapes of various characters’ minds.
The striking imagery and profound emotional resonance of this writing renders the series truly unforgettable. With every volume, readers are drawn deeper into the complexities of this troubled family, providing each member with their moment to shine. Each character unveils their unique story, revealing their struggles, dreams, and hidden talents, inviting the audience to connect with their journeys on a deeply personal level. Providing the reader with perspectives from so many of these characters gives the reader an intense understanding of how the cogs of this portrayal of the Caesar family turn, firmly placing the reader into the story, and allowing a truly enveloping rendition of this pivotal era of Roman history.
Although this novel does not stand alone, it is part of an intriguing series where the characters, despite their morally questionable behaviour, are remarkably captivating. Even Brother Drusus, with his obnoxious and often thoughtless teenage antics, draws the reader in with his complex personality! The series is thoughtfully divided into separate volumes, and while it may initially seem perplexing as to why the author opted for this structure, the reasoning unfolds beautifully as the story advances. Each volume, while not always propelling the main narrative forward, offers a profound exploration of the intricate workings of Agrippina’s mind, allowing readers to delve into her thoughts and motivations in a way that deepens the overall experience that emerges from reading this series.
This volume is a welcome addition to the AUGUSTA series!
Yarde Books Reviews & Book Promotion
AUGUSTA: Volume Eight (Part 1 & 2)
HERE!
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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