I recall in a conversation that Colleen Mcullough spent many years and a great deal of money getting the most amount of information she could about this period of Rome in order to write this series. It certainly does show. The series so far has been almost like a textbook with its slavish historical accuracy - I do not mind, in fact, this detail of it elevates it head and shoulders above all contemporaries in the genre.
Of course; historical accuracy is not enough. The first 2 books are carried by the two great personalities, Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla whom both drive the plot for the first two books. Seriously, if you don't like them then this series isn't for you. The two of them are richly characterised and a joy to read. Sulla himself I would describe as a worm in human flesh; a sociopath, terribly unhappy and miserable, who enjoys inflicting misery on others and is incapable of liking anyone. His only redeeming quality being that he is very good a hiding it. And Gaius Marius; the titan, a powerful, albeit crass Italian hayseed who by the skill and power of his own personality rises to the top and reaches the highest and most prominent position in Rome, 7 times. But alas that seventh time; for that is what turns his story into a tragedy. For by the end he goes insane and it is quite sad to see someone so great, brought so low.
I will probably continue it later; but with the death of Marius the wind has been taken out of my sails. And to be frank, I'm not sure I can tolerate how hard the series rides Julius Caesar's shmeat.

Second book of last days of the Republic

After suffering from stroke, Gaius Marius was the privatus after completing his sixth consualship in 99 B.C. He went through a series of exercises to get better hoping to fulfil Martha's prophecy.

Meanwhile, Sulla set out his quest to become a consul with his bizarre actions.

Pompey first appeared in this novel alongside with Marcus Linicius Crassus while young Julius Caesar and Servillia were growing up.

It was appalling events as Marius was going mindless. Brilliant story from Colleen McCullough.

Caesar XIII

Breakaway Reviewers bought this book to review.

I was disappointed with the abridged version—not for what it included, but for what had to be cut to make the story more dramatic. McCullough’s strength lies in her deep historical detail, not just as background but as a driving force behind her characters' actions, shaped by political, cultural, and religious beliefs. Not all of it is thrilling, but it’s necessary.

Ancient history can feel more distant to us than even a fantasy novel, where the author, writing within modern sensibilities, ensures accessibility. Rome, however, operated on a different societal topography, requiring context to be fully understood. Cutting that detail for brevity undermines McCullough’s research and skill.

That said, I might be nitpicking. Still, abridging a McCullough novel feels like selling it short. The voice acting was solid, with Marius standing out—the actor captured his slurred speech and pettiness perfectly, adding weight to his decline. The occasional use of music worked well, but ultimately, I wanted the full experience though I can see many people being happy with a more streamline accessible version