Agrippa, a young commoner, stands up to the bullies picking on Octavius, a grandnephew of Julius Caesar. His actions catch the eye of both Octavius and Caesar, and he is eventually lifted out of his humble beginnings to become a major player on the world stage. Together, Octavius and Agrippa are a formidable pair whose successes are intertwined. It is hard to imagine the success of one without the other.
The novel follows the pair from their boyhood encounter to a parting of the ways that only death can cause. The pair play off of each other's strengths to alter the course of history. This historical novel is full of political intrigue, highlighting the course of history through the battles won and the expansion of the Roman Empire. It is fast-paced and reads like a beautifully written historical thriller.
5/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is September 1, 2026.
For more information:
