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Vespasian #5
Masters of Rome
Britannia, 45 AD: Vespasian's brother, Sabinus, is captured by druids. The druids want to offer a potent sacrifice to their gods - not just one Roman Legate, but two. They know that Vespasian will come after his brother and they plan to sacrifice the siblings on mid-summer's day. But to whom will they be making this sacrifice? What were the gods of this land before the Celts came? Only the druids still hold the secret and it is one of pure malevolence.
Vespasian must strive to save his brother whilst completing the conquest of the south-west of the haunted isle, before he is drawn inexorably back to Rome and the heart of Imperial politics. Claudius' three freedmen remain at the locus of power. As Messalina's time as Empress comes to a bloody end, the three freedmen each back a different mistress. But which woman will be victorious? And at what price for Vespasian?
Vespasian must strive to save his brother whilst completing the conquest of the south-west of the haunted isle, before he is drawn inexorably back to Rome and the heart of Imperial politics. Claudius' three freedmen remain at the locus of power. As Messalina's time as Empress comes to a bloody end, the three freedmen each back a different mistress. But which woman will be victorious? And at what price for Vespasian?
589 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2014
97 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Robert Fabbri
56 books343 followersRobert Fabbri read Drama and Theatre at London University and has worked in film and TV for 25 years. He is an assistant director and has worked on productions such as Hornblower, Hellraiser, Patriot Games and Billy Elliot. Now, his life-long passion for ancient history, especially for that of the Roman Empire, has drawn him to write his first novel. He lives in London and Berlin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 19, 2015
The long story of Vespasian's rise from a lowly rural landowning family to the ultimate heights of power in Rome continues in Masters of Rome. The previous four volumes in the series were excellent, detailing the salient points of the young Vespasian's career in the Legions and in politics. This book was a bit of a disappointment.
Although Masters of Rome continues Vespasian's rise, the story is too disjointed to really be enjoyable as a complete and coherent story on its own. Yes, there are parts that are excellent, but the book felt to me like two books smashed together. The first half finds Vespasian in Britannia. He battles evil druids and rescues his brother from certain sacrifice. Then, at the end of an inconclusive campaign, he returns to Rome. Here the second story emerges. It is the story of Vespasian's skillful navigation of the murky Imperial politics.
It is in the second half that the book really shines. Emperor Claudius - never the sharpest knife in the drawer - is in decline. Around him, the Empress Messalina battles with subtle plot and counter-plot against the two Greek freedmen Narcissus and Pallas. Each faction is seeking to dominate access to Claudius and therefore the ultimate root of power in the Empire. This is the good stuff. This is where the story comes to life.
The book sort of makes a full circle when Druidic assassins (really?) come to Rome shrouded in mystery and kill some people close to Vespasian. this felt very - nay, extraordinarily - contrived to me. A good author like Fabbri shouldn't have to work that hard to move his story along. On that note, the Druids in this book were possessed of strange powers. No magic in my historical fiction, please. (Yes, I understand that they were using drugs and strange herbs, but really?)
Two and a half stars rounded down to a sad two stars. I expected more out of this book, but I like the series overall and I'm pushing on to book 6.
Although Masters of Rome continues Vespasian's rise, the story is too disjointed to really be enjoyable as a complete and coherent story on its own. Yes, there are parts that are excellent, but the book felt to me like two books smashed together. The first half finds Vespasian in Britannia. He battles evil druids and rescues his brother from certain sacrifice. Then, at the end of an inconclusive campaign, he returns to Rome. Here the second story emerges. It is the story of Vespasian's skillful navigation of the murky Imperial politics.
It is in the second half that the book really shines. Emperor Claudius - never the sharpest knife in the drawer - is in decline. Around him, the Empress Messalina battles with subtle plot and counter-plot against the two Greek freedmen Narcissus and Pallas. Each faction is seeking to dominate access to Claudius and therefore the ultimate root of power in the Empire. This is the good stuff. This is where the story comes to life.
The book sort of makes a full circle when Druidic assassins (really?) come to Rome shrouded in mystery and kill some people close to Vespasian. this felt very - nay, extraordinarily - contrived to me. A good author like Fabbri shouldn't have to work that hard to move his story along. On that note, the Druids in this book were possessed of strange powers. No magic in my historical fiction, please. (Yes, I understand that they were using drugs and strange herbs, but really?)
Two and a half stars rounded down to a sad two stars. I expected more out of this book, but I like the series overall and I'm pushing on to book 6.
March 21, 2020
Onto book 5 of the Vespasian series where we find ourselves in Britannia, AD 45 following the Roman invasion of our Isle.
Both Vespasian & Sabinus find themselves on the Isle although not together, in fact it’s not long before Sabinus is in the hands of the druids which leads Vespasian on a desperate quest to retrieve his older brother from their malevolent grip, yes druids are depicted as followers of the devil in this one who do only evil unto others….. well if yer a Roman invader you would say that wouldn’t you!!
Vespasian enters the story on the trail of one Caratacus who he chases from one hill top fort to another in a series of battles which are full & bloody whilst seeking information about his brother’s location. Client kingdoms side with the Romans but not all are subservient to Rome, as we see Britons turn upon each other having their new allies helping to settle old scores…. A natural breeding ground for turncoats & double agents as we find out…..
We are acquainted early on to the state of Roman politics which have an effect on Vespasian’s family, events are set in motion at this juncture but we have to wait until later to see how this pans out as the main thrust of the book is the Roman subjugation of the Britons & the attempted capture of the elusive Caratacus.
Having read the Simon Scarrow series (Macro & Cato) I’m familiar with this setting & half expected them to turn up! His series though spending the best part of 5 books in Britannia…… I think as I relate to that this book is almost like having a re-read but perhaps from a diffo perspective & certainly a briefer encounter in Britannia. I say brief as no sooner than settling into Britannia we’re whisked forward a year & in Rome knee deep in it’s politics, which I’ll admit to enjoying far more in this context as I’ve already done Caratacus through the Scarrow series. That said I think the author got the balance right by only devoting half a book in his series to Vespasian’s career in Briton, it was a footnote after all, but still had to be covered.
……….Back to the politics AND they are deep & very well thought out with Sabinus & Vespasian front & centre as always in the machinations of Claudius’s freedmen advisors who hold the real power in Rome. A very clever plot & one that can be followed even with it’s many layers as it’s all laid out before you. I shalt reveal any more.
Great addition to the series weighing it at 4.5 stars for me with a round down to 4.
Both Vespasian & Sabinus find themselves on the Isle although not together, in fact it’s not long before Sabinus is in the hands of the druids which leads Vespasian on a desperate quest to retrieve his older brother from their malevolent grip, yes druids are depicted as followers of the devil in this one who do only evil unto others….. well if yer a Roman invader you would say that wouldn’t you!!
Vespasian enters the story on the trail of one Caratacus who he chases from one hill top fort to another in a series of battles which are full & bloody whilst seeking information about his brother’s location. Client kingdoms side with the Romans but not all are subservient to Rome, as we see Britons turn upon each other having their new allies helping to settle old scores…. A natural breeding ground for turncoats & double agents as we find out…..
We are acquainted early on to the state of Roman politics which have an effect on Vespasian’s family, events are set in motion at this juncture but we have to wait until later to see how this pans out as the main thrust of the book is the Roman subjugation of the Britons & the attempted capture of the elusive Caratacus.
Having read the Simon Scarrow series (Macro & Cato) I’m familiar with this setting & half expected them to turn up! His series though spending the best part of 5 books in Britannia…… I think as I relate to that this book is almost like having a re-read but perhaps from a diffo perspective & certainly a briefer encounter in Britannia. I say brief as no sooner than settling into Britannia we’re whisked forward a year & in Rome knee deep in it’s politics, which I’ll admit to enjoying far more in this context as I’ve already done Caratacus through the Scarrow series. That said I think the author got the balance right by only devoting half a book in his series to Vespasian’s career in Briton, it was a footnote after all, but still had to be covered.
……….Back to the politics AND they are deep & very well thought out with Sabinus & Vespasian front & centre as always in the machinations of Claudius’s freedmen advisors who hold the real power in Rome. A very clever plot & one that can be followed even with it’s many layers as it’s all laid out before you. I shalt reveal any more.
Great addition to the series weighing it at 4.5 stars for me with a round down to 4.
March 20, 2016
If you’ve been with Robert Fabbri’s story of Vespasian from the start *raises hand* then you’ll know what you’re getting with each book. Great writing, a flexible approach to weaving the story in and out of the historical timeline, facts, speculation, and a superb story. Every time. That’s not to say they’re predictable, this is Rome we’re talking about, and at one of its most tumultuous periods (weren’t they all?) at that. And, it’s a 'real' historical character, Vespasian, trying to steer his family’s ship safely through dangerous and largely uncharted waters. If you’ve anything about you, you’ll know how it all ends, the trick Robert Fabbri has to do - and is doing it magnificently so far - is keep us on the edges of our seats, trying to figure out what could possibly happen next, how and if Vesp will survive...
Book IV, was incredible. One of my most favouritest books of last year. This one carries on where that left off. In that Vespasian and the Roman Army are still in the process of subduing the Britons. Or the Celts. Mostly, the Druids, who don’t want to see common sense, and who believe they are custodians of an even older legacy. That of the peoples and their beliefs, who were in Britannia before the Celts. The Roman’s idea that Britain is a strange, mysterious, dismal, unfriendly island, is communicated very well and Vespasian sees and hears about things that must have had the average Legionary quaking in his sodden sandals before, during and after his time in the gods-forsdaken isle.
It is largely the druids, their power over the local population and the power they claim that is behind them, that fills the first third to a half and which, for me, continues the superb form from 'Rome’s Fallen Eagle.' To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what to make of the passages involving the druids and their summoning of their god(s). As Arthur C Clark pointed out, if your civilisation’s technology can’t explain why something happens as it does, then it is magic. Because I’m reading this now, and know that things don’t happen like they’re being described here, either now or back then, then we’re deep into fantasy territory. That is then taking us away from the reality of the rest of the story and I'm asking, how much of the rest can I believe? I didn’t catch Vespasian or another character coming up with a practical explanation, so I read it as fantasy. Which I then have trouble marrying to the realistic, factual nature of the rest. Problematical. It’s one thing believing tales of people swearing they know of someone who swears they saw this happen, it’s another to describe it happening in front of the otherwise perfectly sane Vespasian.
The battle planning, is where it would seem Vespasian’s strength lies. His tactics, even during the fighting, where they have to be adjusted and changed, are calm, confident, largely faultless, or lucky. Which of course, gives up good reason to believe how he managed to weave his way through the politics back in Rome.
Whilst I would have liked Vespasian to stay in Britain for longer, unfortunately, history says otherwise. So, it is when Vespasian returns to Rome, that moves us into a whole different kind of story. Instead of not being able to believe their eyes, they know they can’t always believe their ears and the words, of their fellow Romans. I will admit to dropping off a couple of times during the early stages of this section. I don’t do Roman politics and too much examining of the ins and outs of this person doing this and that person maybe not doing that, and then that will happen…with names you’re not really sure who they are…However (hoorah!) it all gets pulled around in the second half of the back in Rome section and finishes with mental high-fives, as assorted characters you really didn’t like, get what’s coming.
Vespasian has been, for me, over the last two books at least, something of an innocent at large. He is now old enough to realise he has to take his situation and responsibilities more seriously and being sent to reclaim the Eagle last time out and subdue the druids in this, have clearly opened his eyes more than somewhat. Through the course of this book, he slowly changes, or alters character. Not dramatically, just there’s a hardening of determination, he can see things more clearly - even on the higher plain back in Rome. He becomes more worldly wise and this shows in his actions at the end, where in previous books, you feel he would have been out of his depth.
All in all, a worthy successor to #4 and a nice set up to #6. The Vespasian series has been an absolute and intriguing joy to read, and will continue to be so for many volumes to come.
More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads
Book IV, was incredible. One of my most favouritest books of last year. This one carries on where that left off. In that Vespasian and the Roman Army are still in the process of subduing the Britons. Or the Celts. Mostly, the Druids, who don’t want to see common sense, and who believe they are custodians of an even older legacy. That of the peoples and their beliefs, who were in Britannia before the Celts. The Roman’s idea that Britain is a strange, mysterious, dismal, unfriendly island, is communicated very well and Vespasian sees and hears about things that must have had the average Legionary quaking in his sodden sandals before, during and after his time in the gods-forsdaken isle.
It is largely the druids, their power over the local population and the power they claim that is behind them, that fills the first third to a half and which, for me, continues the superb form from 'Rome’s Fallen Eagle.' To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what to make of the passages involving the druids and their summoning of their god(s). As Arthur C Clark pointed out, if your civilisation’s technology can’t explain why something happens as it does, then it is magic. Because I’m reading this now, and know that things don’t happen like they’re being described here, either now or back then, then we’re deep into fantasy territory. That is then taking us away from the reality of the rest of the story and I'm asking, how much of the rest can I believe? I didn’t catch Vespasian or another character coming up with a practical explanation, so I read it as fantasy. Which I then have trouble marrying to the realistic, factual nature of the rest. Problematical. It’s one thing believing tales of people swearing they know of someone who swears they saw this happen, it’s another to describe it happening in front of the otherwise perfectly sane Vespasian.
The battle planning, is where it would seem Vespasian’s strength lies. His tactics, even during the fighting, where they have to be adjusted and changed, are calm, confident, largely faultless, or lucky. Which of course, gives up good reason to believe how he managed to weave his way through the politics back in Rome.
Whilst I would have liked Vespasian to stay in Britain for longer, unfortunately, history says otherwise. So, it is when Vespasian returns to Rome, that moves us into a whole different kind of story. Instead of not being able to believe their eyes, they know they can’t always believe their ears and the words, of their fellow Romans. I will admit to dropping off a couple of times during the early stages of this section. I don’t do Roman politics and too much examining of the ins and outs of this person doing this and that person maybe not doing that, and then that will happen…with names you’re not really sure who they are…However (hoorah!) it all gets pulled around in the second half of the back in Rome section and finishes with mental high-fives, as assorted characters you really didn’t like, get what’s coming.
Vespasian has been, for me, over the last two books at least, something of an innocent at large. He is now old enough to realise he has to take his situation and responsibilities more seriously and being sent to reclaim the Eagle last time out and subdue the druids in this, have clearly opened his eyes more than somewhat. Through the course of this book, he slowly changes, or alters character. Not dramatically, just there’s a hardening of determination, he can see things more clearly - even on the higher plain back in Rome. He becomes more worldly wise and this shows in his actions at the end, where in previous books, you feel he would have been out of his depth.
All in all, a worthy successor to #4 and a nice set up to #6. The Vespasian series has been an absolute and intriguing joy to read, and will continue to be so for many volumes to come.
More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads
August 31, 2019
I particularly enjoyed Masters of Rome because it struck a good balance between conflict away from Rome, in Britannia, and the intrigue at court in the heart of the empire.
This is an excellent series. The pace is spot on, the characters - both Vespasian himself and the supporting ones - are rich and excellently depicted, and the humour throughout makes these a joy to read. Historical accuracy is important to me in historical fiction novels, and Fabbri does not disappoint here. It is clear he has meticulously researched the period, ensuring events are portrayed with veracity and that daily life is represented with an authentic feel.
This is an excellent series. The pace is spot on, the characters - both Vespasian himself and the supporting ones - are rich and excellently depicted, and the humour throughout makes these a joy to read. Historical accuracy is important to me in historical fiction novels, and Fabbri does not disappoint here. It is clear he has meticulously researched the period, ensuring events are portrayed with veracity and that daily life is represented with an authentic feel.
July 30, 2019
BLURB
Britannia, 45 AD: Vespasian's brother, Sabinus, is captured by druids. The druids want to offer a potent sacrifice to their gods - not just one Roman Legate, but two. They know that Vespasian will come after his brother and they plan to sacrifice the siblings on mid-summer's day. But to whom will they be making this sacrifice? What were the gods of this land before the Celts came? Only the druids still hold the secret and it is one of pure malevolence.
Vespasian must strive to save his brother whilst completing the conquest of the south-west of the haunted isle, before he is drawn inexorably back to Rome and the heart of Imperial politics. Claudius' three freedmen remain at the locus of power. As Messalina's time as Empress comes to a bloody end, the three freedmen each back a different mistress. But which woman will be victorious? And at what price for Vespasian?
REVIEW
Due to circumstances beyond my control - well maybe I have some control - I have been subjected to a plethora of authors penning marvelous books, looking to me for reviews. In the long run, this is a good thing, but it has meant falling woefully behind, e.g. Robert Fabbri's Vespasian series. On the plus side, Masters of Rome reminded me that I need to lessen the time before I read the next one. In this tale, or rather, two tales, Vespasian is wrapping up his time serving in Britannia (tale 1) and preparing to return to Rome to further his career (tale 2) The situation in Rome at the time - Messalina's grasp for power - is what he returns to, as well as a devastating possibility that his brother Sabinus will be implicated in the assassination of Caligula.
The action is pulse pounding stuff...the characters are more than believable - the formidable Druids , the streetwise Magnus, a way more wicked Messalina than the Messalina of I, Claudius fame, and she was definitely wicked. The political machinations of Narcissus, Pallas and Callistus...this story has it all and then some. 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Britannia, 45 AD: Vespasian's brother, Sabinus, is captured by druids. The druids want to offer a potent sacrifice to their gods - not just one Roman Legate, but two. They know that Vespasian will come after his brother and they plan to sacrifice the siblings on mid-summer's day. But to whom will they be making this sacrifice? What were the gods of this land before the Celts came? Only the druids still hold the secret and it is one of pure malevolence.
Vespasian must strive to save his brother whilst completing the conquest of the south-west of the haunted isle, before he is drawn inexorably back to Rome and the heart of Imperial politics. Claudius' three freedmen remain at the locus of power. As Messalina's time as Empress comes to a bloody end, the three freedmen each back a different mistress. But which woman will be victorious? And at what price for Vespasian?
REVIEW
Due to circumstances beyond my control - well maybe I have some control - I have been subjected to a plethora of authors penning marvelous books, looking to me for reviews. In the long run, this is a good thing, but it has meant falling woefully behind, e.g. Robert Fabbri's Vespasian series. On the plus side, Masters of Rome reminded me that I need to lessen the time before I read the next one. In this tale, or rather, two tales, Vespasian is wrapping up his time serving in Britannia (tale 1) and preparing to return to Rome to further his career (tale 2) The situation in Rome at the time - Messalina's grasp for power - is what he returns to, as well as a devastating possibility that his brother Sabinus will be implicated in the assassination of Caligula.
The action is pulse pounding stuff...the characters are more than believable - the formidable Druids , the streetwise Magnus, a way more wicked Messalina than the Messalina of I, Claudius fame, and she was definitely wicked. The political machinations of Narcissus, Pallas and Callistus...this story has it all and then some. 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 3, 2023
Wespazjan podbija Brytanię, spotyka tajemniczy druidów, a przepowiednia ratuje mu życie. Znów mnóstwo ciekawostek i "smaczków" starożytnego Rzymu. Jak zwykle posłowie zdradza co jest prawdą, a co fikcją
January 26, 2015
This story continues to follow the path of Vespasian through the murky world of Roman politics. It is essentially two stories. The first third of the book deals with Vespasian’s on-going command of the II Augusta Legion as it consolidates Roman rule in the west of Brittanica, placing Vespasian and his brother in some perilous situations from which they must extract themselves. On the basis of these it is hard to see how Vespasian will eventually survive to return to Rome as the judgement that Robert Fabbri has him display is suspect, but it makes for a story and as fiction it just about holds up.
The second two thirds of the book see Vespassian back in Rome dealing with the corruption and intrigue of Claudius’s court. It is no less dangerous than Brittanica and Vespasian needs all his wits to survive. I have to say that trying to keep track of who is doing what to whom is quite a challenge, given so many similar sounding Latin names but unfortunately that is the reality of the Roman method of naming people.
I had two problems with this story which resulted in me giving it a 3* rating rather than 4*. Firstly Fabbri crosses the line from historical drama into the world of the fantasy novel. Using superstition to demoralise soldiers is acceptable, conjuring up demons is not right in a story that seeks to base itself on historical events. Leave that to the fantasy novels genre where the supernatural is acceptable.
The second issue is the fact that as Vespassian rises through Roman society he becomes less and less likeable, which is a very risky tactic for an author to take. Vespassian becomes venal and power hungry and it is becoming more and more difficult to differentiate between him and the supposed villains of the piece. At the end of the book I found myself starting to excuse Vespassian by saying “at least he’s not as bad as Messalina.” It’s tough to admire a hero who doesn’t behave heroically. We have Roman politics to thank for that. If anyone has Googled the real Vespassian they will know how his story ends and he didn’t get where he did by being Mr Nice Guy. But that doesn’t make it any easier to sympathise with his position. It is even harder when you realise that there is probably worse to come.
Overall it is a very readable book and I would have given it four stars if Fabbri had avoided the “sword and sourcery” part of his story, which I think actually detracts from it. There were enough real dangers around in AD48 without the need to wander into fantasy.
The second two thirds of the book see Vespassian back in Rome dealing with the corruption and intrigue of Claudius’s court. It is no less dangerous than Brittanica and Vespasian needs all his wits to survive. I have to say that trying to keep track of who is doing what to whom is quite a challenge, given so many similar sounding Latin names but unfortunately that is the reality of the Roman method of naming people.
I had two problems with this story which resulted in me giving it a 3* rating rather than 4*. Firstly Fabbri crosses the line from historical drama into the world of the fantasy novel. Using superstition to demoralise soldiers is acceptable, conjuring up demons is not right in a story that seeks to base itself on historical events. Leave that to the fantasy novels genre where the supernatural is acceptable.
The second issue is the fact that as Vespassian rises through Roman society he becomes less and less likeable, which is a very risky tactic for an author to take. Vespassian becomes venal and power hungry and it is becoming more and more difficult to differentiate between him and the supposed villains of the piece. At the end of the book I found myself starting to excuse Vespassian by saying “at least he’s not as bad as Messalina.” It’s tough to admire a hero who doesn’t behave heroically. We have Roman politics to thank for that. If anyone has Googled the real Vespassian they will know how his story ends and he didn’t get where he did by being Mr Nice Guy. But that doesn’t make it any easier to sympathise with his position. It is even harder when you realise that there is probably worse to come.
Overall it is a very readable book and I would have given it four stars if Fabbri had avoided the “sword and sourcery” part of his story, which I think actually detracts from it. There were enough real dangers around in AD48 without the need to wander into fantasy.
November 15, 2014
An okay, fairly run of the mill book that, for the first time in the series, could arguably work as a standalone novel, albeit one that wouldn't exactly sell someone on checking out the other instalments.
It's not that the story is shit or is badly written, it's just that the only remarkable thing about it is just how unremarkable it is.
Distinctly middle-of-the-road, it manages to pull off being short of greatness without lagging behind in the abysmal pile.
Overall, an improvement on the previous book in the series, but still not much to write home about. If you've read the series so far, you could do worse than adding to the canon with this book.
If you haven't read up to this point in the series, there's little enthusiasm I can imbue this book, or indeed the series, to make you choose it over another series. Not bad, just not all that memorable either.
There's some nice elements with some evil as hell druids which verges on the fantastical at times - possessed zombies etc - but that's about the standout thing I can think of to remark on that's different about this book to others set in the same period in the Roman Empire.
It's not that the story is shit or is badly written, it's just that the only remarkable thing about it is just how unremarkable it is.
Distinctly middle-of-the-road, it manages to pull off being short of greatness without lagging behind in the abysmal pile.
Overall, an improvement on the previous book in the series, but still not much to write home about. If you've read the series so far, you could do worse than adding to the canon with this book.
If you haven't read up to this point in the series, there's little enthusiasm I can imbue this book, or indeed the series, to make you choose it over another series. Not bad, just not all that memorable either.
There's some nice elements with some evil as hell druids which verges on the fantastical at times - possessed zombies etc - but that's about the standout thing I can think of to remark on that's different about this book to others set in the same period in the Roman Empire.
August 7, 2016
I have continued to enjoy this series but in the case of this installment I continue only due to the second half of the book. What was wrong with the first half? Bizarre plot. Yes, we know little about the Druids but to follow the recorded histories of Roman writers is a little unwise (history being written by the winners) and that was taken to the point of the ludicrous in the plot of the first half of the book. Odd how RF writes books in two halves; invariably we complete one story and move to a second, usually at another location.
So - the Druids are portrayed as evil, dark forces. They are focused on destroying Vespasian (unclear as to why?) and the book ends with an even more ridiculous, Druid-focused bit of plot. Come on, the Druids travelled to Rome to exact revenge? I think they had quite enough on their plate at home, even if they were evil morons or zombies or whatever.
RF writes very well which makes it possible to persevere but if the next one is as daft as this one, plot-wise, I will quit the series. Also, I wish his blasted brother would just tell him about the prophecy and stop all the moithering!
So - the Druids are portrayed as evil, dark forces. They are focused on destroying Vespasian (unclear as to why?) and the book ends with an even more ridiculous, Druid-focused bit of plot. Come on, the Druids travelled to Rome to exact revenge? I think they had quite enough on their plate at home, even if they were evil morons or zombies or whatever.
RF writes very well which makes it possible to persevere but if the next one is as daft as this one, plot-wise, I will quit the series. Also, I wish his blasted brother would just tell him about the prophecy and stop all the moithering!
January 31, 2023
Läsning 2: Återigen: vid en omläsning är valen tydligare från början. I Vespasianus värld finns gudarna och bryr sig om privatpersoners liv. Jag måste dock säga att just denna bok är lite enahanda. Det är väl episodiskt, vilket sänker den upplevda kvaliteten.
Läsning 1: Denna bok hoppar över gränsen från historisk roman till historisk fantasy. Som vanligt är författaren skicklig i sina miljöbeskrivningar, men mörk i sina val. Jag börjar tro att Vespasianus-sviten är avsedd att sluta som en Cthulhuiansk skräckhistoria.
Läsning 1: Denna bok hoppar över gränsen från historisk roman till historisk fantasy. Som vanligt är författaren skicklig i sina miljöbeskrivningar, men mörk i sina val. Jag börjar tro att Vespasianus-sviten är avsedd att sluta som en Cthulhuiansk skräckhistoria.
April 15, 2021
I liked the story for its initial setting in Druidic Britain. It set off my imagination about how the Romans would have been perceived and how the indigenous Britannic tribes and Druids would have responded to the cultural and economic invasion.
I also enjoyed absorbing the political machinations of Rome. It demonstrates how little the worst of politics has changed from 2000 years ago. Human nature remains the same - scheme, plot, lie, steal, fight, compete.
The Vespasian series are fictional (though partly factual), formulaic and predictable but I still enjoy being sent back in time and imagining another world.
I also enjoyed absorbing the political machinations of Rome. It demonstrates how little the worst of politics has changed from 2000 years ago. Human nature remains the same - scheme, plot, lie, steal, fight, compete.
The Vespasian series are fictional (though partly factual), formulaic and predictable but I still enjoy being sent back in time and imagining another world.
January 6, 2015
It should be noted that I have not yet read the rest of the Vespasian series, which is why I can't say whether Masters of Rome is better or worse than anything else Robert Fabbri has written (I tried to find the rest of the series, but it's incredibly hard to come by). Also, regardless of the fact that I started reading the series a bit late, I didn't find it too hard to keep up with the plot. What did kind of screw with my head, however, is trying to stay up to date with all the characters and their Roman names ... Personally, I would have preferred if there was a character list in the front of the book to keep me organised, but that's just me being stupid. In my defense, I've only recently gotten into historical fiction.
Furthermore, I can't say that I had a problem with the supernatural elements that was combined with the historical fiction. I thought it was a refreshing take on the usual Britannic plotlines that usually get written about (in truth it's what pulled me towards this book in the first place). I also enjoyed the writing, though it took me a while to get used to it (it always does when I read something by a newly acquired author). The Roman politics was quite interesting as well. I mean, I know a bit of Roman history and all that, but this book gave me a bit more insight into the inner workings of Romans in a whole.
I've never read an historical fiction that revolves around Romans, so I personally enjoyed the hell out of this Masters of Rome. Usually I fall into a different time period completely when I'm in the mood for this particular genre, though, for some reason it's always set in the general vicinity of the UK. Nevertheless, I liked Masters of Rome.
Will I read the rest of the Vespasian series? Yes. Totally! If I can find them. Will I read the next book in the series? You betcha pretty bonnet I will. Do I think other people will enjoy it? If they are into historical fiction with a twist, yep, definitely.
Review originally posted on:
Furthermore, I can't say that I had a problem with the supernatural elements that was combined with the historical fiction. I thought it was a refreshing take on the usual Britannic plotlines that usually get written about (in truth it's what pulled me towards this book in the first place). I also enjoyed the writing, though it took me a while to get used to it (it always does when I read something by a newly acquired author). The Roman politics was quite interesting as well. I mean, I know a bit of Roman history and all that, but this book gave me a bit more insight into the inner workings of Romans in a whole.
I've never read an historical fiction that revolves around Romans, so I personally enjoyed the hell out of this Masters of Rome. Usually I fall into a different time period completely when I'm in the mood for this particular genre, though, for some reason it's always set in the general vicinity of the UK. Nevertheless, I liked Masters of Rome.
Will I read the rest of the Vespasian series? Yes. Totally! If I can find them. Will I read the next book in the series? You betcha pretty bonnet I will. Do I think other people will enjoy it? If they are into historical fiction with a twist, yep, definitely.
Review originally posted on:
October 24, 2022
The story of Vespasian continues under the reign of Claudius as he takes part in the invasion of Britain before returning to Rome only to find himself once again embroiled in the politics of state. As ever, Fabbri’s historical research is evident throughout with all the fine detail of life in Roman times lending a great sense of accuracy. However, as always, I do find I have two major problems with his writing: he loves his gore with limbs and heads flying in all directions with single sweeps of Vespasian’s sword and he takes the supernatural elements just too far outside superstition and into reality for my tastes. This is an historical novel and not a fantasy so giving druids (and others) the levels of real magic that the narrative presents rather than just superstition simply grates with me.
January 3, 2018
Absolutely flippin' marvellous!
July 16, 2019
Das Cover fängt das Flair des alten Roms ein, wie es aus alten Filmen bekannt ist. Wir sehen einen Zweikampf im Hintergrund. Vorne kommt ein Soldat ins Bild. Es ist in Brauntönen gehalten und eine gute Einstimmung in das Hörerlebnis.
Zum Inhalt:
45 n. Chr.: Vespasians Bruder Sabinus wurde in Britannien von Druiden gefangen genommen und nun muss Vespasian ihn vor dem Opfertod retten – und zugleich den Kampf gegen seinen alten Feind Caratacus fortsetzen. Nachrichten aus Rom verheißen nichts Gutes: Am wenigsten Kontrolle über das Reich hat Kaiser Claudius selbst. Seine unersättliche Gemahlin Messalina weiß ihn durch ihre Einflüsterungen zu lenken. Claudius’ drei Freigelassene ringen um die Macht, und kaum aus Britannien zurückgekehrt, wird Vespasian in ihre Intrigen hineingezogen
Dies ist bereits der 5. Band der Vespasian Reise. Allerdings ist jeder Band in sich abgeschlossen. Es sind keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich.
Ein Teil des Lobes kommt sicher auch dem Sprecher der Texte zu. Er modullierte mit angenehmer Akzentuierung die vorgegebenen Texte.
So konnte ich als Hörerin problemlos in die alte Zeit eintauchen. Die teilweise recht detaillierte Beschreibungen beflügelten oft die eigene Fantasie.
Die Geschichte nimmt ihre Leser mit auf einen Feldzug nach Britannien. Hier erfahren wir Einiges über das Leben der Druiden.
Beeindruckend sind die Schilderungen über die Intrigen der römischen vornehmen Gesellschaft. Hier ist wirklich Jeder auf seinen Vorteil bedacht.
Die Rolle der Frau wird auch in den Blick genommen.
Das gesamte Hörbuch setzt ein gute Recherche über die Zeit voraus. Denn nur so können die starken Charaktere so authentisch handeln.
Zum Inhalt:
45 n. Chr.: Vespasians Bruder Sabinus wurde in Britannien von Druiden gefangen genommen und nun muss Vespasian ihn vor dem Opfertod retten – und zugleich den Kampf gegen seinen alten Feind Caratacus fortsetzen. Nachrichten aus Rom verheißen nichts Gutes: Am wenigsten Kontrolle über das Reich hat Kaiser Claudius selbst. Seine unersättliche Gemahlin Messalina weiß ihn durch ihre Einflüsterungen zu lenken. Claudius’ drei Freigelassene ringen um die Macht, und kaum aus Britannien zurückgekehrt, wird Vespasian in ihre Intrigen hineingezogen
Dies ist bereits der 5. Band der Vespasian Reise. Allerdings ist jeder Band in sich abgeschlossen. Es sind keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich.
Ein Teil des Lobes kommt sicher auch dem Sprecher der Texte zu. Er modullierte mit angenehmer Akzentuierung die vorgegebenen Texte.
So konnte ich als Hörerin problemlos in die alte Zeit eintauchen. Die teilweise recht detaillierte Beschreibungen beflügelten oft die eigene Fantasie.
Die Geschichte nimmt ihre Leser mit auf einen Feldzug nach Britannien. Hier erfahren wir Einiges über das Leben der Druiden.
Beeindruckend sind die Schilderungen über die Intrigen der römischen vornehmen Gesellschaft. Hier ist wirklich Jeder auf seinen Vorteil bedacht.
Die Rolle der Frau wird auch in den Blick genommen.
Das gesamte Hörbuch setzt ein gute Recherche über die Zeit voraus. Denn nur so können die starken Charaktere so authentisch handeln.
October 28, 2018
Finished reading this book last night. It opens with Vespasian in Britain, attempting to save his brother from druids. Fabbri notes that Vespasian did indeed spend 4 years campaigning in Britain, but exact details are inevitably sketchy - which gives him room to create some vivid scenes and really explore how Roman soldiers might have felt, being in a virtually uncharted land and faced with druids who even then had a frightening reputation.
The encounters with the druids also allow the author to ponder Roman religion as the main characters try to make sense of the apparently supernatural powers of their opponents. Add in a recurring character from the nascent Christian religion and there's a sense that the world Vespasian knows is just starting to change. This is parallelled back in Rome by the ever-present political plotting. Things are being put in motion that will have major ramifications in future books.
There were occasions where it got a little tricky to keep up with who was working for or against whom, but there are certain names that stand out if you're already familiar with the history of the era. It's an interesting read and an engrossing one.
Now I just need to find book 6.
The encounters with the druids also allow the author to ponder Roman religion as the main characters try to make sense of the apparently supernatural powers of their opponents. Add in a recurring character from the nascent Christian religion and there's a sense that the world Vespasian knows is just starting to change. This is parallelled back in Rome by the ever-present political plotting. Things are being put in motion that will have major ramifications in future books.
There were occasions where it got a little tricky to keep up with who was working for or against whom, but there are certain names that stand out if you're already familiar with the history of the era. It's an interesting read and an engrossing one.
Now I just need to find book 6.
November 15, 2019
Masters of Rome has been another good book in the Vespasian series. Although Vespasian suffered at the hands of the Druids in Britannia, as usual he managed to outwit them although the reader realised that somewhere inside he was frightened of them and what they could do. I know little about the Druids, but if they dressed and behaved like they did in this book, I would have been very scared too. But Vespasian could not show fear and he escaped from them just at the right time and returned to Rome, which was as usual a hotbed of political plotting. Vespasian realised that if he wished to further his family name and join the present aristocracy he would have to start plotting himself. He had a clear idea what he was going to do, especially as his wife, Flavia and two children were now the Empress Messalina's 'guests'. His fear for them drove Vespasian into the plotof killing Messalina and getting his wife and children out of the city as soon as possible. I have read all the Vespasian books up to here and I can see the hero gathering strength and having the wit and authority to carry him through the most dreadful times. As usual this book has its fill of licentiousness and murder. I did enjoy a lot of it, but although I couldn't stand the horrid parts, I feel that I am almost becoming used to them, but I am glad that I didn't live at that time. The end of the book when the Druids return to Vespasian's own home is very frightening indeed, but as usual he manages to evade them. A good book with a mixture of fear, plotting and cruelty.
June 26, 2019
Een standaard Vespasianus waar zowel Robert Fabbri als de vertaler hier en daar steken laten vallen. Persoonlijk vond ik dit verhaal minder intrigerend dan de vorige 4 en sleepte het begin veel te lang aan. De actiescènes zijn regelmatig chaotisch, waardoor je pas op het einde goed en wel beseft wat er eigenlijk gebeurd is. De verklaringen en beweegredenen van de personages houden soms geen steek en lijken enkel uit de duim gezogen om toch maar tot het gewenste einde te komen. Het doel heiligt de middelen.
De vertaler (ik kan me niet voorstellen dat het Fabbri zelf is?) vergist zich enkele keren van naam, bijzonder ergerlijk (Flavia, Messalina, Clementia, whatever zal die gedacht hebben; 't was iets met een -a).
Toch blijft het een fijn ontspannend tussendoortje en ligt nummer zes hier klaar op mijn salontafeltje om de vermoeiende dagen door te komen. Vooral niet te veel denken en proberen wegvluchten van de snikhete treinwagons. Ik zou zeggen een guilty pleasure, maar ik geloof daar niet in. Gewoon: pleasure.
Ave!
De vertaler (ik kan me niet voorstellen dat het Fabbri zelf is?) vergist zich enkele keren van naam, bijzonder ergerlijk (Flavia, Messalina, Clementia, whatever zal die gedacht hebben; 't was iets met een -a).
Toch blijft het een fijn ontspannend tussendoortje en ligt nummer zes hier klaar op mijn salontafeltje om de vermoeiende dagen door te komen. Vooral niet te veel denken en proberen wegvluchten van de snikhete treinwagons. Ik zou zeggen een guilty pleasure, maar ik geloof daar niet in. Gewoon: pleasure.
Ave!
January 13, 2021
Wederom een deel uit de Vespasianus-serie dat gevuld is met actie en intriges. De formule wordt nu na een aantal boeken wel een beetje voorspelbaar: een deel van het boek speelt zich af in de provincie en bestaat vooral uit beschrijvingen van veldslagen, en een deel van het boek speelt zich af in Rome en bevat vooral vele intriges.
Wat ik persoonlijk jammer vind is dat er meer moeite gedaan had kunnen worden om de „sfeer” van het Romeinse Rijk neer te zetten — had de hoofdrolspelers iets andere namen gegeven en het verhaal had zich net zo makkelijk in een geheel andere tijd kunnen afspelen.
Op zich wel spannend, maar niet super.
Wat ik persoonlijk jammer vind is dat er meer moeite gedaan had kunnen worden om de „sfeer” van het Romeinse Rijk neer te zetten — had de hoofdrolspelers iets andere namen gegeven en het verhaal had zich net zo makkelijk in een geheel andere tijd kunnen afspelen.
Op zich wel spannend, maar niet super.
July 15, 2020
Vir my was die hoogtepunt bl. 343-344:
Vespasian took a deep breath as they headed towards the Porta Collina, just two hundred paces distant. 'I've finally realised that after all this time of thinking that I'm serving Rome, I'm not; I've just been serving one or other of Rome's masters or mistresses. No one ever does anything out of altruism in order to benefit the public good. On the contrary, everything that I've ever been involved in since arriving in the city has been solely for an individual's personal gain. I very rarely profit from it directly and Rome certainly never does - or at least the idealistic view that I had of Rome because that Rome doesn't exist, it never really did.[...]'
January 24, 2023
The first half of the book was too fantastical for me. The druids' powers, the possessed body, people frozen in terror, the lost dead... It felt like a fantasy story in a historical setting. Add to that someone getting imprisoned and escaping three pages later and you get an irksome read (especially when it happens for the umpteenth time).
Luckily in the second half of the book, when Vespasian returned to Rome, the tension and excitement flared up and the quality of the story went up tremendously. Fast-paced political swordplay and intrigue interspersed with all kinds of historical detail, until you get to the penultimate chapter where it goes back to something bizarre. Quite disappointing unfortunately.
Luckily in the second half of the book, when Vespasian returned to Rome, the tension and excitement flared up and the quality of the story went up tremendously. Fast-paced political swordplay and intrigue interspersed with all kinds of historical detail, until you get to the penultimate chapter where it goes back to something bizarre. Quite disappointing unfortunately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
Highly entertaining, as always.
My only complaint: I didn't like the supernatural angle at all. It annoyed me in Britannia and I was glad when it was over only to be even more annoyed when there was another episode at the end. There was so much happening, intrigue to last a lifetime, gore in battle, gore at games, action wherever you went so that that added drama was unnecessary. I wouldn't have minded the druids coming to Rome per se (even though I found it slightly over the top), but the magic part was too much.
I want to read historical fiction and not fantasy. I really hope there is no more of that nonsense.
My only complaint: I didn't like the supernatural angle at all. It annoyed me in Britannia and I was glad when it was over only to be even more annoyed when there was another episode at the end. There was so much happening, intrigue to last a lifetime, gore in battle, gore at games, action wherever you went so that that added drama was unnecessary. I wouldn't have minded the druids coming to Rome per se (even though I found it slightly over the top), but the magic part was too much.
I want to read historical fiction and not fantasy. I really hope there is no more of that nonsense.
October 17, 2017
Not as engaging as some of the previous versions I found. The first half takes place in Britannia, but I didn’t enjoy the focus on the Druids and the bizarre addition of Joseph of Arimathea and Mary Magdalene (plus Jesus’s children, of course!?) in England’s green and pleasant land.
I felt like I was rushing through to get to the ending - which was much more interesting, although at times there was so much explanation about the intricacies of imperial politics that I defy anyone to have followed it all.
In the end, it was a page turner and it was good to see Vespasian starting to take some control over his destiny rather than forever being in thrall to others.
I felt like I was rushing through to get to the ending - which was much more interesting, although at times there was so much explanation about the intricacies of imperial politics that I defy anyone to have followed it all.
In the end, it was a page turner and it was good to see Vespasian starting to take some control over his destiny rather than forever being in thrall to others.
August 4, 2025
Historical fiction is one thing, but this is more like hysterical fiction. I've enjoyed this series up to this point, but half of this was terrible. The bit set in Rome was ( for the most part) really good, however the 1st 130 pages or so in Britannia were decidedly less so. Indeed the druids reanimating corpses so that a Goddess could inhabit them in both chapters 6 and 22 was something out of a Ray Harryhausen film.
I'd almost suggest skipping this nonsense altogether, but some of the actual historical events will be important to later books. Any more of the stupidity included in this one and I don't think I'll be finishing the set.
I'd almost suggest skipping this nonsense altogether, but some of the actual historical events will be important to later books. Any more of the stupidity included in this one and I don't think I'll be finishing the set.
September 13, 2020
The reign of Claudius continues with thrme conquering of Britannica (although the pesky Druids keep causing problems.)
Claudius' wife Messalina commits treason by marrying yet another man and is put to death.
Enter Agrippina the Younger, daughter of Germanicus, sister of Caligula, neice of Claudius, and most notably the mother of the future Nero! The ancient Roman laws are quickly changes to allow an Uncle to marry his Neice.....
Can't wait to read Fabbri's sixth installment in the Vespasian series!
Claudius' wife Messalina commits treason by marrying yet another man and is put to death.
Enter Agrippina the Younger, daughter of Germanicus, sister of Caligula, neice of Claudius, and most notably the mother of the future Nero! The ancient Roman laws are quickly changes to allow an Uncle to marry his Neice.....
Can't wait to read Fabbri's sixth installment in the Vespasian series!
December 5, 2021
Conquest in Britain and political scheming in Rome
The book follow on from the invasion of Britain and the struggles of the two brothers as they expand Rome's influence and encounter the malevolence of the druids.
In the second half of the book they have returned to Rome, a dangerous place, where they must negotiate the dangers of plotting among the powerful and those who seem advancement.
A good blend of action, intrigue and elements of the supernatural.
The book follow on from the invasion of Britain and the struggles of the two brothers as they expand Rome's influence and encounter the malevolence of the druids.
In the second half of the book they have returned to Rome, a dangerous place, where they must negotiate the dangers of plotting among the powerful and those who seem advancement.
A good blend of action, intrigue and elements of the supernatural.
April 6, 2019
Vespasian triumphs
The details of the battles in various areas of Britain have led me to research further. Vespasian has been asked to do things against his character, but he still knows what is right and what is wrong g.
This series is teaching me so much. I have looked up Robert Fabbri's references and learned a lot.
The details of the battles in various areas of Britain have led me to research further. Vespasian has been asked to do things against his character, but he still knows what is right and what is wrong g.
This series is teaching me so much. I have looked up Robert Fabbri's references and learned a lot.
October 19, 2020
Excellent Vespasian series book all of which I read out of sequence. This one has 2 halves. The first set in Britain with the Druids. Great dialogue and battle scenes. The second back in Rome with the machinations around Claudius’ wife Messallina. All good fun. Have another Vespasian in my pile for later.
June 19, 2021
Having just completed book 5 and reading the short information on the next books it’s with regret that the remaining 4 books find me disappointed that we return to the same battles and enemies the final conclusion seems to far away the situation in Rome creating intrigue and hold my reading to enjoy things as they unravel l must look to others to quench my desire to read
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