Rome's Lost Son

Vespasian #6

by Robert Fabbri

Rome, AD 51: Vespasian brings Rome's greatest enemy before the Emperor. After eight years of resistance, the British warrior Caratacus has been caught. But even Vespasian's victory cannot remove the newly-made consul from Roman politics: Agrippina, Emperor Claudius's wife, pardons Caratacus.

Claudius is a drunken fool and Narcissus and Pallas, his freedmen, are battling for control of his throne. Separately, they decide to send Vespasian East to Armenia to defend Rome's interests. But there is more at stake than protecting a client kingdom. Rumours abound that Agrippina is involved in a plot to destabilise the East. Vespasian must find a way to serve two masters - Narcissus is determined to ruin Agrippina, Pallas to save her.

Meanwhile, the East is in turmoil. A new Jewish cult is flourishing and its adherents refuse to swear loyalty to the Emperor. In Armenia, Vespasian is captured. Immured in the oldest city on earth, how can he escape? And is a Rome ruled by a woman who despises Vespasian any safer than a prison cell?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Roman, Military Fiction, Ebooks, Audiobook

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2015

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

[Mr. Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book marks a turning point. Vespasian has learned a lesson and taken it to heart. Imperial politics are a nasty winner-takes-all game that you either play for keeps or don't play at all. After years of toiling "for the good of the Empire" Vespasian has had enough. He will no longer be a pawn. He is in it to win it.

I liked this book. It marked a real change from the prior books. Vespasian is a new man. For this point forward the well meaning Senator is no more. He begins plotting and maneuvering. Switching allegiances from Narcissus and the Emperor to the duo of Pallas and Agrippa and, more importantly, Agrippa's son, Nero. Yes, he realizes that Nero will be a train-wreck of an Emperor - a Caligula with a hint of restraint - but Vespasian doesn't care. The ultimate aim of all this plotting is to destabilize the Empire and bring the Julio-Claudian line to an end. In the ensuing vacuum an ambitious man of ability with money and, more importantly, legions at his back can shape his own destiny.

Talk about character development! I can't wait for the next book. Vespasian and Nero. There's a match made in heaven. Of course, I know how it ends. It is historical fiction after all. Still, it'll be a fun read.

IV stars out of V.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We start with Sabinus on what is now the Black Sea making quite a spectacle of himself before failing to apprehend his prey, easily tricked & as is thus in the Roman world bringing shame onto his family, notably his brother Vespasian’s ambitions.

Swiftly moving on after the Black Sea debacle we meet an unaware Vespasian in Rome, although all his political adversaries and allies are aware of his impending predicament, it seems he is always one step behind despite his now being a consular of Rome, an elevation in status/power/influence from the last episode in the series. Although not totally naïve he does at times come across still as someone slightly outta his depth in the Roman World of ambition mostly through his honesty & integrity which although admirable traits in most walks of life definitely not for the world he wishes to traverse in.

As to the story, there was far more politics in this one than say the opening book of the series, the landscape has certainly changed, it’s all laid out for you as it goes along but it’s still pretty deep & for those that play the loooooong game you’ll love it, for me it fair taxed my noodle in patches……. I jus lets it wash over me knowing the action is jus around the corner. Vespasian, whether he likes it or not at times, is moving up the ladder & to be fair to him is a quick study.

The battle scenes which take place in Armenia & involve the Parthians are well retold, the action thick n fast when it comes showing the true horror of the beast.

Most of the characters all return to the fold, Magnus, Gaius, Pallas, Narcissus, Agrippina, Claudius, Britannicus, Titus, Canaes & Nero himself all playing their roles with aplomb with the main thrust being the end of Claudius reign & the ascension of Nero. Who will gain favour? Whose live will be forfeit?

If you like Roman politics & machinations with lashings of combat then this is mostly definitely a series for you which gets more intriguing/involved as the series develops.

[Speesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are two things about novels dealing with Roman times at the height of the Empire. Did all the politicking that all the Roman writers I've read write about, actually go on? Or is it just a device that has become a given in Hist Fic circles? Or are we applying a 21st Century view on first century politics? It’s politics, it goes on now, it must have been the same back then. My thoughts as well, would be that a book like this really could cross over to more modern genres, and appeal to those who liked ‘House of Cards,’ for example. And, in Roman times (thought this could cover all periods 'a long time ago' were there ever any dull days? Where nothing of note, no poisonings, no huge banquets, no Emperors shagging their half-brothers in public. Days where it rained all day and they sat inside in front of the fire and watched a fresco. You know what I'm saying. Of course, that sort of thing wouldn't make a good book, let alone a series (of seven, as Robert F is up to now). Maybe, as he points out at the end, saying that this book is speculative, covering at least in part, a period undocumented in Vespasian's life, maybe the reason there is nothing, is because he didn't do anything. 'Ides of March AD 51. Got up, messed about, went to bed.'

The first part, third or so, is concerned with goings on in Rome. Setting out the problems and the reasoning for why the rest of the book deals with what it does. There are perhaps one or two too many ifs and buts and maybes and names ending in ‘us’ to keep total track of, but apart from glazing over a couple of times, I can see why it’s there. Some authors, sensibly, stay at a distance from all the politicking - Ben Kane, Anthony Riches I’d venture - they seem more interested in the consequences of the machinations, than the machinations themselves. I hope authors aren’t including all this kind of thing because it appears to add a certain gravitas to their work. Certainly, given that we know where Vespasian ended up, he had two choices - go along with all this, play the great game, or remove himself from it all. From reading about the period after this book details, from Douglas Jackson for example, that he seems to have done a little of both.

All that aside, there’s a lot to like about this, once it moves away from the plate of spaghetti that is Roman politics (in Historical Fiction at least) of the time. The writing is as ever, absolutely first-rate. You’re allowed in immediately, and you know, pretty much where you’ve got Vespasian. Thinking back over the previous books, you can see what a superb job Robert F has done in slowly developing the Vespasian character to be where he is now. He is also making some points about the free-for-all that was the beginnings of Christianity and Paul(us) in particular, hijacking and deifying of it for his own ends. If I were to go out on a limb, and put words in RF’s mouth, I’d say he wasn’t a great fan of Christianity. I’m not either, I’d hasten to add, but then, I’m not a great fan of any religion and especially not one created and twisted away from its original message.

It didn’t quite take me by the spatula and swing me round by the denarii like, for example, Rome's Fallen Eagle, but it is a very strong volume in the overall series. And, judging by the end of this one, the next book is going to be a tense affair, as all is ready for Nero to take centre stage. If it’s anything like the one dealing with Caligula, we’re going to need a strong stomach, nerves of steel and hope the story goes off with Vespasian rather than staying in Rome.

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[Truls Ljungström · Rating 3 out of 5]

Läsning 2: I jämförelse med förra läsningen är min bild av denna bok bättre. Intrigen som Thrakernas exdrottning försöker styra igenom är trovärdig utifrån förklarade omständigheter, liksom Vespasianus respons och härdade hjärta. Effekten av okunnighet om värvet i ledarskapet i Armenienexpeditionen är också trovärdig. Inte helt dum.

Läsning 1: Ytterligare en mörk historia om politiska intriger, sexuellt våld som politiskt verktyg, och nedbrytande av fångar genom att isolera dem utan ljus. Författaren är sig lik. Han gör verkligen klart varför Julianernas dynasti blev så hatad under dess sista år.

[Zena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ta część losów Wespazjana może czytelnika zaskoczyć, a szczególnie pewne 2 lata jego życia. Tym razem troszkę więcej wschodu w historii, która niezmiennie wzbudza ciekawość.

[lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't see why these novels are so popular.
I read this book a few months ago since this is a period in the imperial court I'm particularly interested in, and it caught my eye. This is the kind of historical fiction that pisses me off just a little bit. The writing style's average, not especially engaging, but then again you don't expect the writing to be the focus of historical fiction. But it's the degree of exaggeration and implausibility which gets on my nerves. The plotline of Vespasian being thrown into jail was silly and hard to believe, and didn't fit with the rest of the book. And the final scene is one which will be burned into my mind for a long time, and for no good reason. Why do some authors think that gratuitous sexual violence and scenes of debauchery are a shortcut to good writing?

Don't get me wrong, I know that 100% historical accuracy isn't essential to historical fiction. Far from it. A good author knows when to inject imagination into a story - and how to fill in gaps in the record - in a way which is both inventive and believable. I don't take issue with the distortion of historical fact, but I do take issue with needless twisted sensationalism used to shock. I don't know, maybe I'm letting my own personal investment in the figures of this period affect my judgement. Probably. As a novel, it's certainly a fun ride, if nothing too original, and there were aspects of it I did like. But I wish that mainstream Roman historical fiction was less cardboard cut-out depravity and heartlessness.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLURB


Rome, AD 51: Vespasian brings Rome's greatest enemy before the Emperor. After eight years of resistance, the British warrior Caratacus has been caught. But even Vespasian's victory cannot remove the newly-made consul from Roman politics: Agrippina, Emperor Claudius's wife, pardons Caratacus. Claudius is a drunken fool and Narcissus and Pallas, his freedmen, are battling for control of his throne. Separately, they decide to send Vespasian East to Armenia to defend Rome's interests. But there is more at stake than protecting a client kingdom. Rumors abound that Agrippina is involved in a plot to destabilise the East. Vespasian must find a way to serve two masters—Narcissus is determined to ruin Agrippina, Pallas to save her. Meanwhile, the East is in turmoil. A new Jewish cult is flourishing and its adherents refuse to swear loyalty to the Emperor. In Armenia, Vespasian is captured. Immured in the oldest city on earth, how can he escape? And is a Rome ruled by a woman who despises Vespasian any safer than a prison cell?

REVIEW


A gap in the historical record of Vespasian; a veritable open canvas for the author, a proving ground for a fertile imagination. Once again I was awed by the character building, and the level of political intrigue involved in this brilliant look at Vespasian and the way he is playing the "long game". His birth prophecy and a sacrificial liver set him on a course to the throne, but a lot has to happen first. And a lot does happen in this intricate, page turning tale.  Claudius is on the way out...Nero is next in line to continue the Julio-Claudian tendency to excess... Rome's Lost Son, as one would expect given the previous books in the series, is a thrilling tale that keeps the reader coming back for more. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rome's Lost Son, we again travel across the empire. This book is full of action, intrigue and warfare; all set in a complex contact which Fabbri encapsulates with finesse.

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.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous series this is and Rome's Lost Son, the sixth, is every bit as good as the best. It has some stand out scenes, notably in Parthia and in Rome at the novel's outstanding conclusion, which I will remember for a long time.

[Jeroen · Rating 4 out of 5]

nog maar 5 jaar wachten voor ik deze serie kan uitlezen, I'm so excited!

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

[Helen Mccabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the series and I am determined to read them all until Vespasian becomes Emperor of Rome. Throughout the series, the reader comes to know Vespasian better. I have liked the man all along, but I am not too happy in this novel with his total embroilment in the political scene in the Capitol. I can see why he needs to meddle and examine, because he has pushed himself to discover and believe his mother's secret auguries about his future. He is not quite sure that some day he might be Emperor, so all his machinations are part of trying to stay alive especially when the Golden Boy (Nero) takes the throne. Will Nero be the last member of the Julian ruling family or will there be others to follow?

Vespasian is determined to be there when Nero meets his fate, so he plots, but never fawns with the rest. He is no sychophant. He is a schemer, but, internally, the real man the reader has met and loved, still exists. He is a hardened soldier, and does not bother about small losses of life or dreadful crucifixions. He has seen too much death. He feels pity for some victims and has scant regard for some. He is still an unhappy husband and a loving father. He saves his affections for his mistress, the faithful Caenis. He is interested in the rise of the early Christians, but sees the Apostle Paulus as a threat to his own god, Mars, who has kept him safe throughout times of anguish that happen to him for long periods in this novel. It is not an easy book to read with its cruelties and incarcerations. Human life means very little to the ruling classes in Rome. They face the idea of their death with fear, but many accept it as a fact of life and receive it with honour.

I am not quite sure if I like Vespasian as much as I did, but bits of his former nature do appear when for example he contemplates his destiny watching the stars in the desert or he struggles wildly to saves his son Titus from being poisoned. I shall not spoil this book for you telling you what has happened, but you can rely on Fabbri, the author, to put at a reader's disposal the difficulties of a man like Vespasian, who has no chance of taking the throne as his family is not noble enough, but who believes that he is destined for it and if it is ever offered, then he will rise to the occasion. This novel is worth reading and pondering about the life that the Roman nobility lived. At the end, Fabbri explains his sources, whether taken from Tacitus and other classical authors, but avers that when he, himself, strays, this is part of his own imagination which he feels could be true. I have not given it 5* because Vespasian is changed, but I am looking forward to the man he inevitably will become.

[Tanpopo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es handelt sich hier um die Rezension des Hörbuches!

Dieser Teil führt uns in die Endzeit des Kaisers Claudius. Vespasian gerät immer tiefer in das politische Spiel Roms um Macht und Vorherrschaft und langsam, ja ganz langsam bringt er sich selbst mehr ein und versucht innerhalb des ihm möglichen das Gespinst auch zu seinem Nutzen mitzugestalten – nicht ganz ungefährlich. Und da nicht immer alles so läuft wie man es plant, gerät er in parthische Gefangenschaft.

Was fand ich in diesem Band gut?
Die Charakterisierung Vespasians. Ich konnte die Entwicklung seiner Persönlichkeit gut nachvollziehen. Vespasian passt sich absolut pragmatisch den Entwicklungen seiner Zeit an. Er geht bewusst Risiken ein und gestaltet mit. Immerhin unterstützt er den Machtaufstieg Neros, da er durchaus erkennt, dass dieser am Ende mehr als nur scheitern wird und dann der Weg frei ist für andere Geschlechter an die Spitze der Macht – auch wenn das bedeutet, einen eventuell hoffnungsvollen Spross der eigentlichen Kaiserlinie sterben zu lassen.
Und als Zweites gefällt mir die bildgewaltige Darstellung der orientalisch geprägten Kultur der Parther. Als die kriegerische Auseinandersetzung zwischen Römern und Parthern in Armenien beschrieben wird, kann man sich die Gegensätze zwischen beiden Kulturen so schön nachvollziehen. Gleiches gilt für die Szene Vespasians vor dem parthischen Großkönigs.

Erich Wittenberg hat das Buch wieder einmal hervorragend vorgetragen. Man mag dank seiner schönen Sprachmodulation die entsprechenden Charaktere oder findet sie auch richtig unsympatisch – je nachdem wie er diese sprachlich an einen heranträgt.

Also wieder ein tolles Hörbuch, bei dem es sich nicht um Zeitverschwendung handelt. Eine tolle Synthese aus Geschichte und Fiktion.

[Mike Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good volume in the ongoing story of the Emperor Vespasian, this time taking place during the end of Claudius’ reign. As ever Fabbri gives notes at the end about how much of the book is speculative and how much based on known history. In this particular case the main events are real but Vespasian’s part in them is all pretty much fictional; the reality being that little is know of Vespasian’s activity at this time and it’s actually most likely he was keeping his head down and out of the line of fire in his country estates. But never mind it’s still a good story covering the events of that period. My only complaints are, as ever, for my taste, when Fabbri gets into battle and fight sequences he tends towards the gratuitous end of the scale with his descriptions of the violence. Also, I find him getting ever more critical of the emerging Christian movement of the time and especially so of Paul. Was he really as nasty as Fabbri makes him out to be? I don’t have that knowledge but Fabbri’s constant sniping at him does become steadily more tedious. Overall, a very good if somewhat flawed historical novel.

[Ivana Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series started out so well, but is now getting more disappointing with each book. This volume is the literary equivalent of a 'running-down-corridors' scene in classic Doctor who episodes - it does very little to further the plot, but does extend the run-time. Fabbri admits at the end that little if anything is known of Vespasian during the 4 years in this book, so he's basically shoved him into some events he probably wasn't involved in - and for 2 years of that our title character is being held in a prison cell.
The best bit is the definitely the final part set back in Rome (dealing with the death of Claudius) which could have been covered within a few extra chapters at the start of the next book.

[Dennis Steussy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vespasain starts out doing fairly well in this 6th installment of this series. He's a procousel for two months and then things begin to change for him. He gets involved in a plot outside of Rome trying to expose the Emperor's wife and it all goes sideways. He ends up in prison for two years, meets the King of Parthia, and comes back to Rome. He settles some scores, but he sees the death of Claudius and the rise of Nero. He sees Nero kill his stepbrother and almost loses his son, Titus. Lots of things are packed into this novel. I hope you enjoy it. It is now on to book number 7 in the series for me.

[Kris Van Laer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in the series, Vespasian more and more slides away into the plotting and intrigues of the Roman leaders. Though as author claims this part about Vespasian is almost fully fictional, the story fits in perfectly into the series ending with the start of a new reign, emperor Nero which we all know will get more and more horrible.

[Michael Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vespasian at the mercy of enemies

Claudius continues to show increasingly weakness as emperor as his freedoms and wife jostle for position. Vespasian is a pawn in this battle and spends four years in the middle East caught up in other people's plots. The story end with the death of Claudius, the advent of Nero and Vespasian settling scores with some of his enemies.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I really enjoyed this book, along with the others I've read about Vespasian. Occasionally however, in the middle of the book, I did feel the transitions from one place to another were a bit lumpy, which spoiled the continuity, but I can't wait to read the next tale about Vespasian's journey to the very elite of Roman society.

[Hko · Rating 3 out of 5]

de hele serie blijft een aardige geschiedkundige interpretatie van de gebeurtenissen maar steeds meer krijg ik het gevoel dat het verhaal erbij gesleurd wordt. de intriges zijn boeiend maar de avonturen zijn gezocht, het voelt geforceerd.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is childhood escapism at its best. The sixth instalment just continues the story of Vespasian and number #7 is next !

[Terry Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Such attention to details.

Enjoyable story. The details and the breadth of the story is amazing. I needs map and a timeline to keep track. Thanks for this.

[Cosey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Niet veel nieuws te vertellen over de Vespasianusreeks :-)

[Mr P L Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Enjoyable if a little slow getting started. I'm on to the next instalment to maintain a level of continuity. A good series to follow.

[Tatjana Olekh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it...

[Niels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verhaal vol reizen en spannend einde. De ontknoping nadert.....

[Roman Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story you get to know the Persians and experience the fragile relation between Rome and Persia.

[Luca Bolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Da Roma all'impero dei Parti. Si infittisce la trama di un impero alle prese con troppi intrighi e troppa gente avida di potere

[Piotr_J_Adamowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.5/10

[Dan Stoicescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poate 5 stele ... pe alocuri..