As a fan of history I immensely enjoyed this read. There was a lot of historical facts about battles and troop positions woven into the narrative story. We study Julius Caesar so much in our schooling but not how he became JULIUS Caesar.
Recommend to any history fans as this will supply the back story and shed light on the climate of Rome that allowed Caesar to rise and ultimately fall. It felt like a very human account of a historical figure that has at times been vilified.

This book was very difficult for me to get through. It begins with some egregious info-dumping, as Caesar’s mother murmurs to her infant son his entire family history in one go. The narrative piece of this historical fiction really suffers in its execution, with huge amounts of telling in place of showing. Sometimes it does actually show readers something, but then explains to them what exactly they were supposed to take from it, as if we didn’t have the intelligence to understand for ourselves. This makes for a long slog of a read.

Characterization is one-dimensional and almost cartoonish (and obesity is apparently the equivalent of villainous). When the author attempts to write dialogue and scenes between characters that are meant to be full of emotion, the result is often uncomfortable and awkward.. And this next criticism might be more to do with the translation than the original writing, but some of the speech and word choice seemed quite anachronistic to me. For example, one character asks if another has yet been murdered as planned. The spoken response is, “He’s history”. I’m not a scholar of the Roman Empire, but it’s difficult to imagine its people speaking like that. Same with the phrase, “she didn’t have the guts”.

I would say the redeeming factor of this book would be that I learned something about Roman history, but some other reviewers who seem to know a lot more about the Roman Empire than I do expressed great disappointment that the author did not stay true to the facts. The decision to continually jump in time from the trial unfolding to important events that happened previously was a bit jarring, and I’m also uncertain as to the appropriateness of this since readers already know how certain things will turn out since we’ve already been shown what lies in the future.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book, but in my honest opinion, I cannot recommend it.

A name familiar to most and a legacy that lived on long after he’s gone, and the events that shaped Julius Caesar’s young life before that legacy was established are explored throughout Santiago Posteguillo’s I Am Rome.
Rome has had an inequity of the power that various classes of citizens wield over the years but the elite class has dug in to brutally and long-lastingly shape the way Rome functions, protecting the elite from facing consequences for their harmful actions. When a case against Senator Dolabella is made, there are no lawyers willing to prosecute against him as he has the best lawyers at his side and has bought the jury, plus he’s a man known for to opt for violence to ensure his way, but the inexperienced, twenty-three-year-old Julius Caesar is willing to take on the case despite the dangers it poses to him and his family. As the trial progresses with Caesar prosecuting Dolabella, but more importantly defending the people of Rome from the corruption and tyranny of the controlling few, Caesar’s past plays out in memories of those in his life to highlight how the young man has been shaped and point toward what his future might be.
Providing ample detail and background for the historic events that played a role in shaping Caesar’s life and legacy, this dense narrative was structured in a way that weaves together past and present events to contextualize the impact they had on Caesar and how they, in turn, would influence how he moved in the world. Caesar’s character was developed and demonstrated thoroughly, with moments to highlight the bravery, courage, and quick thinking employed to navigate tricky situations. The people and events that influenced Caesar’s outlook of and interaction with the situations he faced most heavily and repeatedly emphasized the importance of strategy, with lessons great and small to underscore that importance in different ways, but so too was justice an emphasis, be it legal, through the trial that aims to be the core the story revolves around, or revenge taken by your own hand when the legal system failed to render a satisfactory verdict.
Overall, I’d give it a 3 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There is a wealth of information in “I Am Rome”, which I found to be interesting, and yet also hard to follow at times. Author, Santiago Posteguillo, has written a piece of historical fiction that lovers of this time period will surely devour. I will be interested to see if this will turn into a series as there is so many tales to unravel in Julius Caesar’s life.
Thank you to both NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, ad Ballantine Books for providing me the opportunity to review "I Am Rome“ prior to publication. I am appreciative and leave my review voluntarily.

What a fantastic story. I learned more about history reading this book than I did in a history book. I knew about Julius Caesar and his best friend Titus Labienus, but I had know idea about his uncle, father and the war between the senate and the populist. I had no idea how smart and sharp Julius Caesar was and how he used his brain to not only save his life but also conquer an enemy of Rome.

The story just draws you in and I couldn't wait to see what happens next, even though I knew what was going to happen and that he would succeed but I didn't know how he would survive. I found every moment of this story exciting and engaging and I kept wanting to know more about the real characters of this story and if what was going on was real or not. I also wondered why they don't give this book to people learning about Rome in school because it's a lot more interesting then those dry books with facts and dates you get in school.

I want to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the advance copy of this fantastic story about Julius Caesar

This book focuses on the trial of Senator Dolabella by the famous Julius Caesar. The storyline does go back and forth in history. So, at one point, you are in the middle of the trial and then the story switches back to several years prior to give the readers the background history. The book is long and at times I had to read quickly to get through certain chapters, but I enjoyed learning about this early part of Caesars life and the circumstances that lead to his role in history. I received an ebook from the publisher in exchange for a review via Netgalley.com.

A long and well written historical novel about young Julius Caesar. Caesar is the nephew of a legendary Roman general aligned with the common people. Caesar finds himself the enemy of the dictator Sulla and the senatorial class.
This ancient story rings true today when the aristocracy abandons democracy in the promotion of wealth and power. Caesar stands as an example of a powerful man who uses power to promote the public welfare.

“I Am Rome” is historical fiction, not to be confused with an encyclopedia, or a reference work. It’s based on the life of Julius Caesar, but with the added imaginative details provided by the author. He added these imaginative details for the reader's entertainment. His narrative creativity made this book interesting enough for me to read it through without it slipping out of my hands.
I’m fascinated by Julius Caesar, but am never disciplined enough to read reference books about him. This novel, granted with some added flare, kept my interest. And common sense tells me that conversations that were held between Julius and his wife while in the bedroom are pure speculation, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story plot their intense love affair created.
Filled with anecdotes, battles, trials, and tribulations that developed Julius into the man who faced Senator Dolabella (what a brute and a pig) in the courtroom.
Thanks so much to Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is March 5, 2024.

I was recommended this book by the publisher. Wasn't sure about it, but thought, why not, give it try. Turned out that I was really surprised by this novel. The subject matter, Julius Caesar and Rome, was completely unknown to me. What I thought was going to be a lot of hard to pronounce names and dates about ancient history turned into a book that I just couldn't put down. It was really good!
The author does a fantastic job of telling the story of young Julius Caesar and his life in Roman society. It seems like the treachery, gamesmanship, and politics of Rome make our current dysfunctional federal government look like preschoolers. The story is full of action, intrigue, and lessons about life in Rome.
The character development is great. The settings are described well, so you can see them in your mind as you read. The flow is a bit choppy, as the author keeps going back and forth in time for different scenes, but it works in the end.
I understand that this is the translation of a novel by a Spanish author, but the translators did a great job. Upon finishing the book, I was so impressed that I searched online and found that he has many novels about the Roman Empire. Hopefully the publishers will see fit to release his other novels in English soon! I would definitely read them!

Wow! Enjoyed this much more than I expected. Easy to read and hard to put down. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

I Am Rome is an incredible legal thriller that can only be described as epic. I think this book has been released in Spanish previously and has only recently been translated into English. I will be looking for copies of his other works because this one is just phenomenal.

This book is a historical fiction written by a mastermind. I never questioned the legitimacy of some of the stories because he has such a handle on the facts of Julius Caesar’s life- that you find yourself marveling in wonder. I will point out that I am not a subject matter expert on Gaius Julius Caesar, but I am versed enough on the general details of his life to be amazed by how well Santiago captures the essence of Caesar: bold, charismatic, intelligent, articulate, shrewd, partially arrogant at times. He was true to his personality throughout with no deviations that distracted from the storyline. Additionally, the use of foreshadowing throughout was next level, the work of genius. And the speeches. The speeches by the heroes were so spirited and moving - it’s so hard for me to think of a favorite, but the closing arguments by Gaius Caesar had me floored.

The book tells the story of a time before Gaius Julius Caesar was the emperor of Rome- when he was a young man and his life was at risk by nature of his nearest relations. Dolabella is an untouchable, corrupt senator guilty of heinous crimes and because his power is so absolute, no one will try him— no one except Julius Caesar. Interspersed throughout the legal game of cat and mouse, we meet the family Julius and hear their histories and victories in battle. This book was so well written, you can almost watch the drama unfold in your mind’s eye. It’s descriptive without being overly verbose, and it’s action packed and full of dark twisty turns enough to keep you guessing.

The only things I didn’t personally care for were the explicit details of the crimes of the senator as well as other leaders. I wouldn’t typically argue in favor of a trigger warning for a book, but the section on the senator’s crimes is highly graphic and barbaric.

This is a 500 page work of genius that I read in two days. I inhaled it. Could not put it down. If you like legal thrillers and intrigue with war heroes and good versus evil, this is definitely one to add to your collection.

I’d like to thank Random House and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It was okay, learned a bit more about history. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Review of Advance Reader’s Copy

From infancy, his mother told Gaius Julius Caesar that he was uniquely special, that he is Rome.

As some advocate for change, powerful senators want to keep things as they are and the optimates murder the troublemakers. And now, at the age of twenty-three, Caesar steps up to prosecute Gnaeus Cornelius Dolabella, an ally of the tyrannical Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the former dictator of Rome. Dolabella, accused of corruption while serving as governor of Macedonia, holds unthinkable wealth and power.

Although Labienus and others try to talk him out of prosecuting the powerful senator, Caesar is adamant, even though he knows that no one the wealthy [and cruel] Dolabella can buy off the tribunal or hire assassins.

How will Caesar fare in this highly charged political battle? And what of the conflict between the optimates and the populares?

=========

Here, in the first of six planned volumes focused on Julius Caesar, readers explore the little-known first twenty-three years of Caesar’s life. Set in 77 BC and with little historical documentation available, some of the telling of this tale comes from the mind of the author. But, with strong, well-developed characters, the history of Rome during this time comes to life as Caesar defends against the corrupt Dolabella.

A strong sense of place, an intriguing plot, and characters with depth all work together to keep the pages turning as the narrative leads to a gripping courtroom scene. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will find much to appreciate here.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#IAmRome #NetGalley

I really tried to read this and love it, but simply could not get into it. There seemed to be so many names and details that I couldn't find the story. And the dialogue just did not seem natural. I appreciate the opportunity to read this, but I could not finish. For that reason I will not post a review to Goodreads.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. A man is awaiting trial when a young man steps up, many lives will be changed. This book made me look at Julius Ceasar in a new light

This year in reading has definitely been about departures from what I usually grabbed to read, and stepping outside of those boxes. A good example of this is my reading of Santiago Posteguillo's "I Am Rome", a historical fiction about the rise of, you guessed it, my birthday buddy, Julius Ceasar.
The year is 77 B.C and a trial is about to take place charging Senator Dolabella for various crimes. Story as old as time, the legal system is not a fair one and the jury and court has been bought and paid for. Career suicide awaits anyone willing to take on this case, as well as the threat of death to you and your family, but one brave unknown lawyer steps up to fight against the corruption. Ceasar.
What follows is a book that feels like an epic movie that gives us background stories and one hell of a courtroom trial tale and the aftermath. I wasn't sure that I'd really enjoy this one, (contrary to popular internet belief, some of us never once think about Rome)but I really did enjoy the courtroom saga and behind the scenes back stabbing. No pun intended.

When the editor from Ballantine Books asked me to read, I Am Rome (Roma Soy Yo), because I had enjoyed The Tainted Cup so much, I was leery. It certainly wouldn’t have been a normal pick for me. But I found myself really enjoying it! Despite the naysayers who say it isn’t factual enough, I learned a lot about Rome and Julius Caesar and many of the other characters in the novel as I was constantly Googling them as I read. So, the book was more than real enough for me. Also, it was a compelling read with plenty of drama. I normally don’t like reading about battles and courtroom scenes, but Posteguillo managed to make those parts interesting to me, as well. Julius Caesar is only twenty-three when this book ends so he has another thirty-three to go before he is assassinated. I am looking forward to reading the translation of Maldita Roma, the continuing saga of Julius Caesar.

Santiago Posteguillo does a great job in creating a historical fiction novel about Julius Caesar, it had everything that I wanted from this type of book. It felt like they belonged in the world and the characters didn’t feel like modern characters. I never felt bored when reading this.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

This is historical fiction biography about the early life of Julius Caesar up to the time that he leaves Rome due to the potential for attempts on his life. It is well written and an engaging read especially for those interested in history and what may have taken place to fill in the blanks of the historical record. I assume that this is the first novel of a series that will fill out the rest of his life.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.