The Dreams of Morpheus

Crossroads Brotherhood #2

by Robert Fabbri

Rome, AD 34. Marcus Salvius Magnus, leader of the Crossroads Brotherhood, is searching for the resin of an eastern flower that can unlock the realm of Morpheus. His patron, Senator Pollo, needs it for the city's most powerful woman, the Lady Antonia, in order to recoup a considerable debt.

Meanwhile, rebellion is in the air. The people in Magnus' area believe they are being given short measure at the grain dole. As the Ides of October festival dawns bright and clear to celebrate the completion of agricultural and military campaigns, a violent riot erupts. Can Magnus help right the wrongs that have been perpetrated upon the stirred-up crowd?

In this exclusive e-novella for fans of the Vespasian series, Magnus must lead his men in securing a deal over the sale of the highly treasured resin, with its unique power to transport the taker to another place, whilst battling his way through Rome's savage and corrupt political arena.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Roman

64 pages, ebook

First published May 21, 2014

About the author

Robert 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.

Reviews

[Berengaria]

3.5 stars

short review for busy readers:
The 3rd criminal adventure for Marcus Salvius Magnus and his Crossroads Brotherhood in ancient Rome's South Quirinal district. Just as enjoyable, and brutal, as the previous two, but with slightly fewer comedic conversations.

in detail:
This time it's all about 24 tablets of opium resin worth more than gold, and much sought after as medication for surgery and post-surgical recovery.

Lady Antonia wants them stolen as part of her plan to teach a reneging scoundrel a lesson, and who better to pull off a heist and sale than Magnus? Obviously, not everything goes to plan and the autumn festival of the "October Horse" in honour of the god Mars becomes central to getting it back on track.

A high body count in this one -- as per usual of mostly innocents or bystanders -- but the big message is how often people are prone to misuse or divert a needed good for pleasure or profit. Medicine for needed operations? Forget it! Happy dreams for the very rich who can and will pay top prices for the privilege.

Not recommended for sensitive readers. Rome was brutal to its most vulnerable and this series doesn't gloss over that fact.

[Ian]

An enjoyable, though too short a read. The story, is it really important? The inimitable Magnus 'acquires' a powerful painkiller, with hallucinogenic properties. A bunch of adventures, arrangements, and good luck everyone (the good guys at least) come out ahead. Though Magnus is now despatched to Alexandria. Read on a train to Beijing.

[William Mills]

Drug dealing in Roman times. A bit short for the money but excellent read.

[Miles Atkinson]

Another gritty no-holds barred excursion into the Roman underworld, courtesy of Magnus and the South Quirrinal Brotherhood. Bribery, corruption and drug dealing result in a pretty toxic mix. Magnus will require every ounce of his customary skill, humour and ruthlessness to get through this in one piece.