I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. This book is a little slow in the beginning and I was starting to doubt I was going to be able to make it through this large book, BUT THEN it really took off and pulled me into the setting of Rome and made me care about the characters. I kinda hated for it to end so I look forward to the next book in this series.

"I Am Rome" is a historical fiction book by Santiago Posteguillo. I have really mixed feelings about this book - which is the first in a series. I have an interest in Julius Caesar, but admit to knowing not much about him other than highlights. If I read this book *just* as an introduction to who Julius Caesar was - it wasn't a bad book, minus the time jumps (for backstory purposes) and multitudes of characters (it took a very long time for me to keep track of all the characters). But if I was reading the book for an exploration of who Julius Caesar was checking facts online, then it fell apart a bit (though, one could argue, that's why it's "historical fiction" not "history"). There's a lot to this book - a lot of backstory, a lot of characters, a lot of politics (though that's understandable), and it made, for me, some rather dense reading. I think this series is an interesting idea, but I'd prefer reading an abridged version - this one needed tightening. This book falls between a four and three star for me - again, the idea is great, but the execution wasn't as good as I hoped.

hank you @netgalley for the ARC of I am Rome. I love historical fiction and this book made Roman history and Julius Cesar interesting. The book tells the story of young Cesar and how he rose to fame and the love story of him and Cornelia.

I do appreciate a well plotted and written legal thriller every so often (not too often though), and I Am Rome is a high reaching, quick paced novel that proved to be one that absolutely kept me turning the pages.

I don't know enough about Julius Caesar to speak to the historical accuracy of this novel, but as historical fiction I found it very enjoyable.


Thank you to Ballantine Books and and NetGalley for the DRC

"I Am Rome: A Novel of Julius Caesar" by Santiago Posteguillo is a meticulously researched and beautifully crafted historical fiction masterpiece that immerses readers in the tumultuous world of ancient Rome. The narrative is set against the backdrop of political intrigue, corruption, and power struggles that defined the city in 77 B.C.

The central figure, Gaius Julius Caesar, emerges as a compelling and multifaceted character. At the age of twenty-three, Caesar defies societal norms and takes on the formidable role of prosecutor in the trial of the corrupt Senator Dolabella. This bold move sets in motion a series of events that will shape Caesar's destiny and alter the course of Roman history.

Posteguillo's writing is rich in detail, vividly capturing the essence of ancient Rome and its complex social and political dynamics. The author seamlessly weaves together elements of historical fact with the artistry of fiction, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and captivating. The courtroom drama, battles, and political machinations are rendered with precision and intensity, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The character development is exceptional, providing insight into Caesar's early life, ambitions, and the challenges he faces in a society dominated by corruption and aristocratic privilege. The supporting cast, including the antagonist Dolabella and other key figures, adds depth to the narrative, making it a tapestry of compelling personalities.

"I Am Rome" is not just a historical novel; it's a journey through the corridors of power, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a society fraught with peril. The book masterfully explores themes of courage, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that propels individuals to challenge the status quo.

Overall, Santiago Posteguillo has delivered a gripping and immersive tale that transports readers to a bygone era, offering a fresh perspective on the early life of Julius Caesar. For history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike, "I Am Rome" is a must-read, combining scholarly research with the artistry of storytelling to create an unforgettable literary experience.

I am Rome involves ancient, historical characters that should interest readers who enjoy reading about this period of history. These characters did not interest me so I will leave this book to others

I Am Rome is book 1 in the Julio César series by Santiago Posteguillo and it was a very enjoyable historical fiction.
Posteguillo Did a great job creating these characters and bringing them to life.
I liked following this journey to read more about one of the most important characters in history.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House & Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

One of the best historical fiction books I have read. I learned so much. The only downside was the timeline change was a little confusing at times.

I learned a lot about the Roman Republic. And I'm glad I don't live back then! This historical fiction book is definitely heavy on the history - lots of names and places, some in Latin or Greek. Once I finally got all the characters straight, there were some plot lines that held my interest and the weaving back and forth between time periods was well done. This book made me realize, however, how much I really don't like politics. Watching people manipulate and murder to gain power and control is not something I care to witness, apparently. There was also so much depraved behavior (not unlike modern times...) in Roman culture that the reading experience was greatly tainted. Moments of excitement and interest were not worth the slog through the historical details and wickedness.

This historical fiction book was sort of confusing with the back and forth in time. It did convey a lot of information but was a difficult read at times. Be prepared to invest of lot of mind power - not a beach read for sure!

Although I enjoyed the book, I found the back-and-forth timeline confusing. I also thought the choice to frame the focus of the book on Caesar's first trial as prosecutor was not as compelling as it could have been.

This was not an easy read, partly because of the flashbacks and partly because of the lack of appendices in the proof copy. But it was definitely an interesting read. My history-loving spouse and I had several conversations about the historical events depicted in the book. I would like to know whether Aurelia's betrayal of Caesar during the trial was substantiated. Portrayals of the Roman Senate seem shocking, but also seem to have parallels today. Epstein Island, anyone?

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for the eARC.
Wow, that was a marvellous read, it was lucky we had two rainy days in a row so I could devour the book.
I wasn't knowledgeable about Julius Ceasar, but saw all the stellar reviews and wanted to find out more. So glad I did! This didn't feel like some boring history book, but almost as if it was set in modern times - politicians haven't changed much, unfortunately, so.it felt almost familiar (without social media and tv).
Couldn't put it down and highly recommend it, it's fantastic!

A hard to put down historical novel of Gaius Iulius Caesar, know to the world as Gaius Julius Caesar, the man who ended the Roman Republic and began the Empire.