Caesar's Avenger is the story of Antony (called Mark Antony on the cover but mercifully just Antony throughout the book) in the aftermatch of the assassination of Caesar, up until late 40BC. This is actually the 3rd book in a series, but I was confident I could easily pick up from where this book starts. I was right; it works perfectly well as a standalone if you're familiar with the events already.

And it was an excellent surprise! I read it in two sittings, I found it gripping. Antony is an engaging, complex man. He's torn between loyalty, ambition, love, anger, anxiety... Fulvia gets the attention she deserves, with Antony regularly relying on her advice and praising her qualities. Octavianus, through Antony's eyes, is an irritating yet impressive newcomer, with incredible political acumen for his young age. All the characters come alive on page, yes, even Lepidus! Much of the book focuses on politics: the strategies Antony devises with Fulvia's help, his analysis of his various allies and opponents, the battles between the different factions, the proscriptions... I thought it was fascinating, and even though I'm very familiar with these events, I was never bored.

Bonus point for that one chapter ending with 'What could go wrong?' and the next starting with 'Things started to go wrong almost immediately'. I love when a book can catch you off guard with quietly funny moments like that. Minus point for calling August August before it was actually named August (it's one of my pet peeves) but I think it's just one instance and it's called Sextilis the rest of the time so I forgive it.

A few things I disagreed with, like the suggestion that Agrippa had attempted to have Antony assassinated behind Octavianus's back, but I really enjoyed the author's chapter notes explaining the decisions he made and the sources he used. Overall, it was a very realistic and accurate novel. Once more, Canelo doesn't disappoint in the realm of historical fiction, and I will definitely read the earlier books asap! A fourth book is also announced for 2026 to finish Antony's story, and it will be fantastic to be in Antony's head as his life reaches its conclusion. I can't wait!