Julia Caesar Agrippina Germanicus is only eight years old, but she possesses the mentality of a hardened and cynical senator. Labelled a prodigy, Agrippina has unparalleled intelligence. However, there is a darker side to her personality. She desires power—any power she can attain—and is willing to go to great lengths, including murder and theft, to achieve her goals.
Set in Imperial Rome, during the reign of Emperor Tiberius, the young Agrippina navigates a world filled with intrigue and ambition. And although she may be limited by her sex, she is determined to fight her way to the top and one day become an empress. With each passing season, her ambition burns brighter inside of her and if anyone gets in her way, they will be dealt with.
AUGUSTA: Volume Five (Parts 1 and 2) by G.G. MacLeod is a remarkable addition to the AUGUSTA saga, showcasing the author’s brilliant storytelling prowess. This masterpiece captivates readers and deepens the rich narrative that tells the story of one of the most influential women in Roman history.
The setting of ancient Rome during the reign of Tiberius is richly brought to life with evocative detail. The grandeur of the palace stands as a testament to imperial power. And although not harsh enough for Agrippina’s liking, the winter landscapes reflect her mood and frustration. The Imperial Gardens waking up after a long winter gives the reader a sense of anticipation as to what the year holds in store for Agrippina. The writing is so immersive that readers can feel the chill of winter seeping into their bones, alongside the oppressive weight of political intrigue hanging around the Imperial Family. The whispers of courtly machinations and social customs weave through the narrative, enhancing the tale’s dramatic tension. In this vivid world, the setting transcends mere backdrop; it becomes an active and formidable participant in the story, profoundly influencing the characters’ choices and desires as they navigate the treacherous waters of power and ambition.
The story presents a unique perspective on Roman history, imagining a powerful female figure manipulating events from a young age. The premise itself is inherently dramatic and invites the reader to wonder how Agrippina will achieve her long-term goals. But by eight years old, she already has one murder under her belt and is now contemplating which other members of her family she will have to kill so she can take a position of power. Although she understands the power of language, and how to use that language to manipulate others, there are still some things that are beyond her grasp, for she cannot read about them in books, such as love affairs, or more importantly how sex can be used as a weapon of cohesion. Despite her psychopathic tendencies, she is still innocent in some things, although the reader fears that when she is old enough to understand such things, she will be a force to be reckoned with.
In contrast to its predecessors, this novel prioritises internal monologue over plot progression. The story is primarily narrated from Agrippina’s perspective. This intimate viewpoint gives the reader direct access to her thoughts, feelings, and motivations, making her character more engaging and fostering a strong sense of empathy—or perhaps an unsettling understanding—of her ruthless ambitions. Her internal monologue reveals her strategic thinking and complex emotional landscape. In one scene, Agrippina begins to laugh at her own thoughts, but her laughter is not simply joyful; it is a powerful, almost demonic release that hints at suppressed rage and a thirst for power, foreshadowing a violent future.
Tiberius’ internal monologue intertwines with flashbacks and present-day interactions. Memories of his past flicker before him like shadows, blending with vivid images of his granddaughter, Agrippina. Her relentless ambition shines brightly; she truly embodies the spirit of a Caesar, and he has no doubt she will live up to her name. The weight of his concern for the Empire’s future grows heavier, each anxious thought punctuated by echoes from his interactions with family members. He would happily step aside if there was someone who could be trusted with the Empire, but alas, none of his family members have yet shown him they are able to lead and he is also determined to stay in power for at least as long as his mother lives, even if it is just to spite her. Through this intricate tapestry of reflections and recollections, the reader gains a deep understanding of Tiberius. He is a man shaped by history, grappling with the legacies he leaves behind and he fears the relentless pursuit of ambition within his own bloodline.
Through her internal monologues, Livilla’s complex psyche is revealed, highlighting her perceptive understanding of her family. Although a deep-seated fear of Agrippina courses through her veins, she cannot help but feel a grudging respect for the young girl, who, despite her tender age, exhibits a relentless ambition to seize the power she craves. Livilla harbours a desperate hope that her niece, Agrippina, will take her beloved son, Tiberius Gemellus, along with her, on her treacherous ascent to power. The reader finds themselves caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions when it comes to Livilla. One cannot but sympathise for Livilla’s precarious position, but interwoven with this is a sense of outrage over the dark choices she has made in the past. The unsettling realisation that an eight-year-old girl wields such extraordinary influence over Livilla, when she had hoped it would be the other way around, exposes her vulnerabilities. Engaged in a high-stakes game of survival and influence, Livilla finds herself at a perilous crossroads. Now that she has embarked on this treacherous path to power, she must navigate the challenges ahead with cunning and resolve, fully aware that there is no turning back. But the reader is given the sense that Livilla is not strong enough either physically or mentally to weather the storm that is coming.
While this novel does not function as a standalone novel and its plot does not advance the story dramatically, the captivating internal monologues in this volume offer readers profound insights into the main characters. In Augusta: Volume Five (Parts 1 and 2), G.G. MacLeod masterfully immerses us in the complexities of his characters, ensuring a deeply engaging and intimate experience for the reader.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion
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AUGUSTA: Volume Five (Parts 1 & 2)
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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