Triumphator (MAGNUS) (Volume 2)

In this second in a series of three historical novels about Pompey Magnus we see Pompey emerging from the malign political shadow of Lucius Cornelius Sulla and becoming his own person. One of his tasks is to convince the Roman aristocracy and people that he is no Sulla.This book covers Pompey’s third marriage, with Mucia, which bore two sons and a daughter, and Pompey’s military campaigns in Hispania against Sertorius, his remarkably successful war against the pirates of the Mediterranean where he cleared the sea of pirates in 29 days, and his campaign against King Mithridates of Pontus. The story is told from the point of view of his last surviving son Sextus.Although an adept military commander, Pompey is less than adept as a politician and tended to make blunders. Angry with Sulla over the way the dictator has used him, he supports Lepidus for Consul and soon comes to regret it-he learns that he has created a monster that only he can destroy.It is in this volume that we first encounter Julius Caesar, a far more politically adept character than Pompey. Toward the end of his eastern campaign Pompey learns that his wife, Mucia, has been unfaithful. The book doesn’t spell out with whom, but, given Julius Caesar’s reputation it is not difficult to figure this out.Magnus Triumpator is a well written and intriguing look at a grand figure of Ancient Rome and one of the most significant periods of history. It held my interest throughout.Just one nitpick: Mucia may not have known this, but Pompey Magnus, at 37 years old, was not the youngest Roman ever to hold the Consulship. Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus held the Consulship at age 30, Titus Quinctius Flamininus held the Consulship in his early thirties, and Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus (Scipio Minor) also held the Consulship at age 37.

First, I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it. It's a quick read, and fun. The writing style is s bit uneven, and gets bogged down sometimes. The issue is mostly that the dialogue writing needs some help, and the action sequences, while generally thrilling, could use some story boarding to make them flow a bit better. Anyway, buy the book, read it with a tall glass of good Italian wine (Falernian, perhaps?), and look forward to the sequel!

Stay with the book even if it appears to be slow in some parts. It is the whole that you will enjoy. Seen from his son's eyes, Magnus can do no wrong. Yet his life and history are about his remarkable successes. His defeat of the pirates is one to be studied and had he been as self idolizing as Caesar he would be a topic in every class on strategy.

Iv never before had read anything about pompey but this second book like the first has opened my eyes of a truly great general and man . Cant wait for the third one now.

really enjoyed these books hopefully there will be a 3rd

A good read, but completely historically inaccurate when it comes to Pompey' motives for his unconventional career.

Could not put book down. Waiting for the third book in series

Good info on pompey that is not common knowledge, fun to read, and im looking forward to vol 3 in november