It is perfectly clear that this lengthy novel is a labor of love for this author and I respect that. Ancient Rome and Caesar are well represented by what seems like many hours of painstaking research. If you were not already well-informed of the decadence or harsh realities that existed in this era, you might be a little surprised or even disgusted at times. It was interesting to explore an earlier period of Caesar’s life, as he was growing into an influential political player within the Roman Empire, an esteemed role that he held for a few prosperous years. This story highlights the dangerous times he lived in and how truly precarious any role of leadership could be in such an age of brutality. Despite my absolute love of historical fiction, I cannot, in all honesty, say that I was overjoyed by this particular read. If you enjoy novels that contain cruel, unlikeable characters and sadistic acts of violence this is for you.
I’d like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of I Am Rome for my unbiased evaluation. 2.5 stars
