R.W. Peake Books In Order

Publication Order of Caesar Ascending Books

Chronological Order of Caesar Ascending Books

Publication Order of Marching With Caesar Books

Chronological Order of Marching With Caesar Books

Publication Order of The Tenth Books

Publication Order of The Titus Chronicles Books

R.W. Peake is an American author of historical fiction books best known for his long-running book series Matching with Caesar. His first adult author with whom he formed a long-term relationship was Louis L’Amour, whose literary work nurtured his life philosophy. After he retired from the Marines, Peake studied for a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Houston. Peake’s writing “career” started as a kid when he wrote a novel that was never published. His first novel was published at the age of 50. Though born and raised in Houston, Peake relocated to the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, where he lives with his yellow Lab, Sadie.

R.W. Peake’s book, Marching with Caesar, is a historical fiction tale of Titus Pullus, as told to his scribe and companion, narrated from the legionary’s point of view, kicking off when Titus was only 16 years and determined to join Rome’s legion. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be a Roman legion during the first century B.C., this is your novel. Aiding this story’s smooth flow is the author’s background knowledge and first-hand understanding of the psychology of the common soldier and the higher-ranking leaders in the military. Peake also possesses knowledge of Caesar’s military men and events of the day. Besides Caesar’s commentaries, it’s evident that extensive research has gone into this novel.

As mentioned, the story is told by Titus Pullus, a Roman soldier born and raised in Astigi, Hispania. He and his friend Vibius have always longed to be soldiers from childhood. Titus has the advantage of having a brother-in-law, Cyclops serving in the Roman army who will teach him basic army skills. In addition, Titus has an upper edge of being a man well built and over six feet and masculine. Unfortunately, his father is a mean drunkard who hates him and blames Titus for the death of his mother, who died while giving birth to Titus, an overly big baby.

Even though the age of joining the Roman army is seventeen years, Titus is only 16. Hence, he persuades his father to convince the military men that his son is 17 years and his father is more than willing to do so since he loathes to get rid of him- get him out of sight, hoping he’d die in a battle somewhere. The only love Titus has ever received was from his sisters and his father’s slaves, Gaia and Phocas. For this affection he received from the enslaved people, he swore to work hard and buy their freedom once he got enough money.

Inherently equipped with enormous strength and uncommon skill, Titus becomes a unique and highly admired soldier and, sooner than expected, rises through the Roman army ranks. He fights and survives all battles against the Gauls thanks to his blend of unique skills, strength, and a fair share of luck. He gets strong emotional connections to most of his tent mates. Initially, ten men are in the tent, but at the end of the story, most of these men perish in the battle, which powerfully haunts Titus.

R.W. Peake spares us nothing regarding the cruel and vicious nature of the Roman legionary’s life. Sometimes, Caesar offers clemency to those he defeats; at other times, he allows rapine, massacres, and plunder. At one point, the main character explains an occurrence where Caesar gives the order to destroy a tribe, and Titus finds himself chasing and murdering kids and women. He has no option but to submit to these orders, but the scenes from this battle haunt him in dreams for the rest of his life. Discipline in the Roman army was something every man in the military was supposed to have; failure would have resulted in an execution. At one point, the main character has no option but to preside over the scourging and crucifixion of a tent mate who raped and murdered townspeople in a fete of rage after a drinking binge.

Conquest of Gaul is only 652 pages, and though relatively longer than most historical fiction books out there, the pages never slow down as Caesar is busy and an ambitious man determined to build the strongest empire, subdue tribes in Gaul that are determined to go against the will of the Rome’s rule. The book details the everyday life of legionaries, complete with comradeship, killing lust, vulgarities, harsh punishments that befell those who dealt infractions, and the joy of victories. Peake has included a glossary of Latin terms, some of which will make you laugh out loud. There are several maps included in the book at the beginning. The main character is wholly believable, as are his friends Vibius and the other legionaries. The bigger picture of this story is every detail of what it was to be a legionary, the food they ate, the equipment they carried, and the life of living in a tent is vividly captured.

Invasion of Parthia is the first book in the Caesar Ascending series by R.W. Peake. This is the underlying idea of Caesar’s Ascending-Invasion of Parthia, the forerunner of Caesar Triumphant, a hypothetical scenario in which Caesar instead marches onward and eastward following his intended invasion of Parthia. Caesar Ascending is set in 44 B.C. and recounts the tale of the planned conquest of Parthia. It features characters from the globally popular Marching with Caesar series, which stars Titus Pullus, in contrast to Caesar Triumphant, which describes Caesar’s conquest of the Isle of Wa, now known as Japan.

Focused on not repeating the same mistakes made by Triumvir Marcus Licinius Cracus, the dictator trains his army tactics specially designed to baffle the famous Parthian horse archers and cataphracts. But as Caesar and his legions train, the Parthians also have been training on their surprises, all to eliminate the Roman army and send a clear message to Rome that they are not the only powerful men in the world. The Invasion of Parthia is a fascinating alternative history. The epilogue involving the conversation with Cicero and Marc Anthony is believable; the story is well-researched and features plenty of historical facts, along with Peake’s deduction of what could have happened. If you’re a fan of the Marching with Caesar series, you will be happy with this series.