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The Four Emperors #4
Vitellius' Feast
AD 69. As this most dramatic year draws to a close, now is the time to choose a definitive side. Whilst Vitellius enjoys the trappings of power around him, machinations are afoot. In the East, Vespasian has his eye on the throne, but he needs help preparing Rome for his plans and, for his teenage son Domitian, protection from Vitellius' agents. With her characteristic flair, and lashings of skulduggery, sex, brutality, and humour, L. J. Trafford brings her Roman quartet, tracing the Year of the Four Emperors, to a spectacular conclusion.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2018
About the author
L.J. Trafford
15 books60 followersL.J. Trafford studied Ancient History at the University of Reading after which she took a job as a Tour Guide in the Lake District.
Moving to London in 2000 she began writing ‘The Four Emperors’ series. The series comprises four books – Palatine, Galba’s Men, Otho’s Regret and Vitellius’ Feast – which cover the dramatic fall of Nero and the chaotic year of the four emperors that followed.
Palatine, published in 2015, received an Editor’s Choice Mark from the Historical Novel Society. Her first book for Pen and Sword, How to Survive in Ancient Rome was published in October 2020.
Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome was published in 2021
Moving to London in 2000 she began writing ‘The Four Emperors’ series. The series comprises four books – Palatine, Galba’s Men, Otho’s Regret and Vitellius’ Feast – which cover the dramatic fall of Nero and the chaotic year of the four emperors that followed.
Palatine, published in 2015, received an Editor’s Choice Mark from the Historical Novel Society. Her first book for Pen and Sword, How to Survive in Ancient Rome was published in October 2020.
Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome was published in 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 6, 2020
Cleverly written novel of the reign of the unlamented and gluttonous Roman emperor, Vitellius, the third of the emperors in the "Year of the Four Emperors." The novel unfolds through the eyes of various palace staff, members of the Flavian family, assorted soldiers and slaves, with their actions and reactions to events of that perilous period. We've met many of the characters previously in earlier volumes of this tetralogy. The dialogue is sparkling and sometimes the book hits notes of humor.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
October 14, 2018
First things first - I'm going to be sad for a long time. This is the final episode in this, 'the year of four emperors', and this makes me sad. Now whenever I get a craving for the author's very creative writing style I'll be forced into a rereading her books - oh, wait a moment, that is actually a good thing. :-) Alrighty then, glad to have thought this through, I feel much better; now onto the review of Vitellius' Feast.
As with the other failed emperors, this particular failure is told from the perspective of the professional palace staff members, which means we get to follow the exploits of some of my favorite fictional characters (at least the one's who have survived the previous failures). Philo, Epaphroditus, Lysander, Felix, Sporus, and Mina are all involved in various ways. At first, serving the new emperor, but in the end - well I best not go there, let's just say that the author has once again bewitched me with her plots, subplots, and surprises. The interaction between the fictional characters and the historical figures is, as expected, flawlessly contrived; the description of Vitellius' gluttony and abhorrent bedtime practices, the sometime comical interplay between Mina and Domitian, yes dear readers, the author is at the top of her game. I expectantly await more from her. :-) 5 stars
As with the other failed emperors, this particular failure is told from the perspective of the professional palace staff members, which means we get to follow the exploits of some of my favorite fictional characters (at least the one's who have survived the previous failures). Philo, Epaphroditus, Lysander, Felix, Sporus, and Mina are all involved in various ways. At first, serving the new emperor, but in the end - well I best not go there, let's just say that the author has once again bewitched me with her plots, subplots, and surprises. The interaction between the fictional characters and the historical figures is, as expected, flawlessly contrived; the description of Vitellius' gluttony and abhorrent bedtime practices, the sometime comical interplay between Mina and Domitian, yes dear readers, the author is at the top of her game. I expectantly await more from her. :-) 5 stars
December 1, 2018
Vitellius’ Feast is the final installment of the Four Emperors series by L. J. Trafford. 69AD in Rome must have been a tough time with four emperors holding power within the same year after the suicide of the emperor Nero.
After the tragic demise of emperor Otho we now have Vitellius on his way to Rome to take his place of power, but little do the people know how utterly useless this man will be and within a few sort months will find himself in deep trouble.
During 69AD it seemed like anyone with a few men could try to make claim to the throne and after some questionable movements of troops Vitellius quickly loses any support he might have been able to get from the legions in the east who proclaim Vespasian their emperor.
With this in mind you know there will be a plot to remove Vitellius as quickly as possible with minimal bloodshed but planning takes time and it never goes smoothly. During this period we see who Vitellius really is, quite a vile man who is more interested in abusing his workforce than seeing the paperwork done to keep Rome running. He parties the nights away without concern until it’s too late.
What the author manages to do so well is weave a tale of known facts with her own input with the characters based right in the middle of the action. This serves to give you not only a cracking read but also helps you learn something about history that I for one never knew about until I starting reading this series.
My favorite character Philo is back and is caught right in the middle of a plot that could see him hanged for treason. He’s got a family to worry about now but Philo knows what he has to do.
Now if you follow my reviews you’ll know I love Philo the most but Vitellius’s Feast is a tale that belongs to another. Sporus…I’m not going to lie..I never really took a liking to Sporus until now..but in this book he shines through as you learn more about him and the reason behind his attitude in life. His part in this tale is a tough read and I find myself with a new-found respect for the man, the pain he endures must have been unbearable.
Trafford manages to breathe life to history and gives a voice to those who no longer have one. As much as events in the previous books have been quite brutal I think this one is the darkest and most vivid of all and it really shows you the dark time Rome was facing.
It’s been one hell of a journey which I’m sad has come to an end but this is definitely a series to keep on the book shelf to read again and to rave about to friends and family. Trafford’s style of writing makes the book so easy to read and 400 plus pages goes by in a flash.
After the tragic demise of emperor Otho we now have Vitellius on his way to Rome to take his place of power, but little do the people know how utterly useless this man will be and within a few sort months will find himself in deep trouble.
During 69AD it seemed like anyone with a few men could try to make claim to the throne and after some questionable movements of troops Vitellius quickly loses any support he might have been able to get from the legions in the east who proclaim Vespasian their emperor.
With this in mind you know there will be a plot to remove Vitellius as quickly as possible with minimal bloodshed but planning takes time and it never goes smoothly. During this period we see who Vitellius really is, quite a vile man who is more interested in abusing his workforce than seeing the paperwork done to keep Rome running. He parties the nights away without concern until it’s too late.
What the author manages to do so well is weave a tale of known facts with her own input with the characters based right in the middle of the action. This serves to give you not only a cracking read but also helps you learn something about history that I for one never knew about until I starting reading this series.
My favorite character Philo is back and is caught right in the middle of a plot that could see him hanged for treason. He’s got a family to worry about now but Philo knows what he has to do.
Now if you follow my reviews you’ll know I love Philo the most but Vitellius’s Feast is a tale that belongs to another. Sporus…I’m not going to lie..I never really took a liking to Sporus until now..but in this book he shines through as you learn more about him and the reason behind his attitude in life. His part in this tale is a tough read and I find myself with a new-found respect for the man, the pain he endures must have been unbearable.
Trafford manages to breathe life to history and gives a voice to those who no longer have one. As much as events in the previous books have been quite brutal I think this one is the darkest and most vivid of all and it really shows you the dark time Rome was facing.
It’s been one hell of a journey which I’m sad has come to an end but this is definitely a series to keep on the book shelf to read again and to rave about to friends and family. Trafford’s style of writing makes the book so easy to read and 400 plus pages goes by in a flash.
April 6, 2019
Loved the whole series!
December 8, 2018
A novel of sex, murder and mayhem in AD69 ROME
Vitellius’ FeastA novel of sex, murder and mayhem set in Rome, 69 AD is Book IV in L J Trafford’s The Four Emperors Series. It is set in Rome in 69 AD. As with the other books in the series, L J Trafford very skilfully combines all the historical facts she can discover about the emperors (in this case Vitellius), with a vivid imagination – it is historical fiction at its best. Her imagined characters work well alongside the historical ones.
Vitellius had a (mercifully) short reign. He was a pretty vile and loathsome sort of a chap. The book is not for the faint hearted or prudish amongst us. It is full of sadism and perverted sex (quite often in the same sentence). But I guess Rome, at a least under some of the emperors (Caligula leaps to mind) was actually like that. Little point in trying to impose our values on a bygone age. Vitellius’ Feast, though, is also very human and sometimes funny. Some of the characters from the earlier books – Philo, Mina, and Sporos (the eunuch) – appear in this one. They add to the feeling that Rome is a real place with real people, that goes on despite the ever-changing emperors.
The story is very much based on historical fact. Vitellius arrived in Rome at the head of the German legions who had fought their way down Italy. He was, to a significant degree, under the influence of the two generals – Fabius Valens and Caecina Alienus, who became consuls of Rome. He had no interest in governing as an emperor should, and spent his time eating, carousing, being sadistic, and having sex with anything that moved (normally Sporos). Vitellius did, though, have a rival who wished to be emperor in his place. Vespasian, in charge of the eastern legions, was that person. His troops marched slowly towards Rome. There was, of course, plotting in Rome… Vespasian’s son, Domitian (later to become a successful emperor in his own right) was under house arrest in the house of his uncle, Flavius. With the aid of the whip cracking Mina (with whom, of course, he was having an affair) Domitian escapes. He is central to events as Vespasian’s troops enter the city.
The lightness, humour, and deft style of Vitellius’ Feast belies the historical research that L J Trafford must have done to create the book. It is a great way to get your head round a particularly violent and confused period of Roman history.
Vitellius’ FeastA novel of sex, murder and mayhem set in Rome, 69 AD is Book IV in L J Trafford’s The Four Emperors Series. It is set in Rome in 69 AD. As with the other books in the series, L J Trafford very skilfully combines all the historical facts she can discover about the emperors (in this case Vitellius), with a vivid imagination – it is historical fiction at its best. Her imagined characters work well alongside the historical ones.
Vitellius had a (mercifully) short reign. He was a pretty vile and loathsome sort of a chap. The book is not for the faint hearted or prudish amongst us. It is full of sadism and perverted sex (quite often in the same sentence). But I guess Rome, at a least under some of the emperors (Caligula leaps to mind) was actually like that. Little point in trying to impose our values on a bygone age. Vitellius’ Feast, though, is also very human and sometimes funny. Some of the characters from the earlier books – Philo, Mina, and Sporos (the eunuch) – appear in this one. They add to the feeling that Rome is a real place with real people, that goes on despite the ever-changing emperors.
The story is very much based on historical fact. Vitellius arrived in Rome at the head of the German legions who had fought their way down Italy. He was, to a significant degree, under the influence of the two generals – Fabius Valens and Caecina Alienus, who became consuls of Rome. He had no interest in governing as an emperor should, and spent his time eating, carousing, being sadistic, and having sex with anything that moved (normally Sporos). Vitellius did, though, have a rival who wished to be emperor in his place. Vespasian, in charge of the eastern legions, was that person. His troops marched slowly towards Rome. There was, of course, plotting in Rome… Vespasian’s son, Domitian (later to become a successful emperor in his own right) was under house arrest in the house of his uncle, Flavius. With the aid of the whip cracking Mina (with whom, of course, he was having an affair) Domitian escapes. He is central to events as Vespasian’s troops enter the city.
The lightness, humour, and deft style of Vitellius’ Feast belies the historical research that L J Trafford must have done to create the book. It is a great way to get your head round a particularly violent and confused period of Roman history.
February 8, 2019
review originally posted on my blog / allieereads.com
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Crafting a spectacular narrative from the remnants of Ancient Rome, L.J. Trafford brings forth a brutal and bloody, but humorous and sometimes outright hilarious, conclusion to the Four Emperors Series.
Do you know how long it has taken me to find the words to write this review? I was approached by the lovely Jessica from TheBookPublicist a few months ago concerning whether I would be interested in reading and reviewing Vitellius' Feast by L.J. Trafford, the synopsis drew me right in. If you know me at all, you know that I am an absolute lover of history. I majored it in my undergraduate degree, I did my honours thesis specialising in history - specifically, on the crusades and I'm now a teacher of history; I adore everything historical and this was not any different. Vitellius' Feast is the concluding novel in Trafford's Four Emperors Series and honestly, it was magnificent. Trafford's writing is exceptional; she honestly understands how to create characters that have such depth of personality with real strengths and flaws. There is a brutality, not just with the actual narrative, but with the way in which Trafford writes. Trafford does not have time for the superficial, she writes with passion and does not shy away from depicting the very real ruthlessness, cruelty and arrogance of the characters that she has created (and that who exist in our history).
I came into reading this book at a complete disadvantage; I never read the previous three books in the series nor did I have time to before reading and writing this review. As a result, it took me a few chapters to acclimate myself to the vast array of characters, the context and the plot. To be honest, though, it wasn't an extreme disadvantage as Trafford quickly ensures that the reader knows which characters are which, the context of the story and the overarching plotlines that tie the series together. One thing that stood out to me was Trafford's writing. When I say to you that her level of sophistication and ability to paint such a powerful picture with her words, I mean it. I've already discussed this above, but I honestly feel that I need to emphasise how amazing a writer Trafford is.
In the previous books of the series, Trafford has explored and painted the turbulent, corrupt and ultimate demise of Roman Emperors, Galba and Otho. Vitellius, in this case, is the new Emperor in the wake of Othos' death, in thanks to the most part of the Germanic Legion - as Vitellius was the commander. The character of Vitellius himself was such an interesting characterisation, especially since it is based on an actual physical historical figure who rule Rome in 69 AD. In this, Vitellius is everything you could ever imagine of an Ancient Roman ruler; cruel, gluttonous, incredibly perverted and, one could say incredibly lazy, despotic ruler. Vitellius is a not-so-distant figure, but he is so disconnected from his people and from his empire that he really does not understand nor observe the impact his actions have. Rather, Trafford explores the ramifications of Vitellius' schemes, actions and cruelty through its impact on characters. Fundamentally though, Vitellius is nothing more than a puppet, there because of the Germanic Legion and Vitellius himself fares no better when they decide that Vitellius is not the leader that is wanted.
Trafford thus brings to life the depravity of Ancient Rome coupled with its corruption, its cruelty, its military might and it does not paint slaughter, murder and rape with rose-coloured glasses; Trafford writes with an astounding truthfulness in order to showcase the reality of Ancient Rome. It was brutal; there's no romanticising it. But Ancient Rome brought us many things and Trafford also highlights the connection between the past and the present through her characters and narrative. Depravity and cruelty finds itself a part of all historical era, not only the Ancient ones, and we should understand that the human condition has the ability to do such good for people, for our understanding of the world; but we also have the capability for such evil and atrocity. That is one of the main aspects of our history as a human race that was reminded to me through reading Vitellius' Feast.
So I hope my ramblings made sense! I would have to give Trafford's Vitellius' Feast a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Only because I sometimes found the vastness of the character cast overwhelming, but honestly, this is such a fantastic book and I am going to reading this series as soon as I can get my hands on it! Vitellius' Feast is set to hit the shelves TOMORROW so, if I was you, start the series and let me know what you think!
Allie
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Crafting a spectacular narrative from the remnants of Ancient Rome, L.J. Trafford brings forth a brutal and bloody, but humorous and sometimes outright hilarious, conclusion to the Four Emperors Series.
Do you know how long it has taken me to find the words to write this review? I was approached by the lovely Jessica from TheBookPublicist a few months ago concerning whether I would be interested in reading and reviewing Vitellius' Feast by L.J. Trafford, the synopsis drew me right in. If you know me at all, you know that I am an absolute lover of history. I majored it in my undergraduate degree, I did my honours thesis specialising in history - specifically, on the crusades and I'm now a teacher of history; I adore everything historical and this was not any different. Vitellius' Feast is the concluding novel in Trafford's Four Emperors Series and honestly, it was magnificent. Trafford's writing is exceptional; she honestly understands how to create characters that have such depth of personality with real strengths and flaws. There is a brutality, not just with the actual narrative, but with the way in which Trafford writes. Trafford does not have time for the superficial, she writes with passion and does not shy away from depicting the very real ruthlessness, cruelty and arrogance of the characters that she has created (and that who exist in our history).
I came into reading this book at a complete disadvantage; I never read the previous three books in the series nor did I have time to before reading and writing this review. As a result, it took me a few chapters to acclimate myself to the vast array of characters, the context and the plot. To be honest, though, it wasn't an extreme disadvantage as Trafford quickly ensures that the reader knows which characters are which, the context of the story and the overarching plotlines that tie the series together. One thing that stood out to me was Trafford's writing. When I say to you that her level of sophistication and ability to paint such a powerful picture with her words, I mean it. I've already discussed this above, but I honestly feel that I need to emphasise how amazing a writer Trafford is.
In the previous books of the series, Trafford has explored and painted the turbulent, corrupt and ultimate demise of Roman Emperors, Galba and Otho. Vitellius, in this case, is the new Emperor in the wake of Othos' death, in thanks to the most part of the Germanic Legion - as Vitellius was the commander. The character of Vitellius himself was such an interesting characterisation, especially since it is based on an actual physical historical figure who rule Rome in 69 AD. In this, Vitellius is everything you could ever imagine of an Ancient Roman ruler; cruel, gluttonous, incredibly perverted and, one could say incredibly lazy, despotic ruler. Vitellius is a not-so-distant figure, but he is so disconnected from his people and from his empire that he really does not understand nor observe the impact his actions have. Rather, Trafford explores the ramifications of Vitellius' schemes, actions and cruelty through its impact on characters. Fundamentally though, Vitellius is nothing more than a puppet, there because of the Germanic Legion and Vitellius himself fares no better when they decide that Vitellius is not the leader that is wanted.
Trafford thus brings to life the depravity of Ancient Rome coupled with its corruption, its cruelty, its military might and it does not paint slaughter, murder and rape with rose-coloured glasses; Trafford writes with an astounding truthfulness in order to showcase the reality of Ancient Rome. It was brutal; there's no romanticising it. But Ancient Rome brought us many things and Trafford also highlights the connection between the past and the present through her characters and narrative. Depravity and cruelty finds itself a part of all historical era, not only the Ancient ones, and we should understand that the human condition has the ability to do such good for people, for our understanding of the world; but we also have the capability for such evil and atrocity. That is one of the main aspects of our history as a human race that was reminded to me through reading Vitellius' Feast.
So I hope my ramblings made sense! I would have to give Trafford's Vitellius' Feast a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Only because I sometimes found the vastness of the character cast overwhelming, but honestly, this is such a fantastic book and I am going to reading this series as soon as I can get my hands on it! Vitellius' Feast is set to hit the shelves TOMORROW so, if I was you, start the series and let me know what you think!
Allie
November 29, 2018
Note: I received a copy of this in exchange for review.
Vitellius' Feast is a truly epic story from the heart of the Roman Empire, during the Year of the Four Emperors. It is the last in a series from L. J. Trafford, which I will be collecting in due course as this is the first time I had heard of the series.
The book opens with young Domitian being watched over by a freedman, Philo, who is charged with watching the Flavian family. Vespasian is in the East with his legions, and remains a distant worry. However, for the victorious Vitellius and his two generals - Valens and Caecina - the party is just beginning.
And it is a party. Not since the days of Nero's successes has the palace seen such hedonism and debauchery. But it is not all harmless fun. Vitellius quickly proves to be much darker and crooked than any of his predecessors. Shining eunuchs such as Sporus quickly crumble under Vitellius' burdens, and it isn't long before whispers of mutiny start to float through the palace.
The painstaking research Trafford undertook to produce such an epic literary account of one of Rome's most turbulent times is seen throughout. The world building, the characters, the whispers and betrayals, the friendship and family dramas, and the grand soap opera of the story kept me flicking page after page well into the night. If you are a fan of the Roman period, or even just historical fiction in general, then this is the book for you.
Vitellius' Feast is a truly epic story from the heart of the Roman Empire, during the Year of the Four Emperors. It is the last in a series from L. J. Trafford, which I will be collecting in due course as this is the first time I had heard of the series.
The book opens with young Domitian being watched over by a freedman, Philo, who is charged with watching the Flavian family. Vespasian is in the East with his legions, and remains a distant worry. However, for the victorious Vitellius and his two generals - Valens and Caecina - the party is just beginning.
And it is a party. Not since the days of Nero's successes has the palace seen such hedonism and debauchery. But it is not all harmless fun. Vitellius quickly proves to be much darker and crooked than any of his predecessors. Shining eunuchs such as Sporus quickly crumble under Vitellius' burdens, and it isn't long before whispers of mutiny start to float through the palace.
The painstaking research Trafford undertook to produce such an epic literary account of one of Rome's most turbulent times is seen throughout. The world building, the characters, the whispers and betrayals, the friendship and family dramas, and the grand soap opera of the story kept me flicking page after page well into the night. If you are a fan of the Roman period, or even just historical fiction in general, then this is the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2018
The final book in the Year of the Four Emperors did not disappoint. I loved it just as much as the others! Told through the eyes of Palace officials and slaves, it's a fun, intriguing, sometimes disturbing, but thoroughly enjoyable depiction of this particular period in Rome. All the favourite characters are back - Epaphroditus, Philo, Mina, Sporus, to name but a few. And one much-loved character meets a very sad end. Vitellius seems to be the worst emperor of the lot. A vile creature depicted with LJ Trafford's usual flair. And then there's the myriad of minor characters. I particularly love Felix (I know, it's strange) and Caecina, with his strange obsession with trousers. So, I'm no expert on Roman history, but love reading about it. And LJ's style and humour brings it all to life with brilliance. Of all the historical fiction I've read based in that period, the Four Emperors Quartet is my favourite. Now, I want to know more about the Flavians. How about a trilogy? Vespasian, Titus, Domitian? Pretty please!
September 14, 2018
In this final book of the Four Emperors series, we are treated to another rich serving of history, seasoned as we've come to expect by riotous humour and unexpected moments of pathos. There's real tragedy in this book, and although my dislike of spoilers precludes my saying much about it, I can say that few readers will avoid shedding a tear as we farewell one of our most lovable characters. Trafford is not afraid to let her characters die, and that's a real strength of hers; there is no awkward straining of the plot to make everything come out alright for everyone. As in life, there are the tragic moments, and this is one of the things that give depth and authenticity to the work.
I thought the book started a little more slowly than the others, but within a very few pages I was once again swept into the story, and I could hardly put the book down, and in fact lost most of a day when I should have been working on my own book. There's really no higher compliment I can give.
I thought the book started a little more slowly than the others, but within a very few pages I was once again swept into the story, and I could hardly put the book down, and in fact lost most of a day when I should have been working on my own book. There's really no higher compliment I can give.
December 12, 2018
The fourth and final book in the Four Emperors Series by L.J. Trafford does not disappoint. Trafford has a fantastic understanding of the history surrounding the extraordinary events of 69 A.D. and she punches it up with a perfect cast of characters. They're smart, snarky, funny and you fall in love with them, wanting them to outwit the portly Vitellius. This volume brings back old favorites from the previous three books; Epaphroditus, Philo, Mina and my favorite, Sporus, among others. I was heartbroken in parts, elated in others, and overall, thoroughly entertained. While you can read each volume of this series on its own, in my humble opinion, a true lover of ancient Rome should start with Book I and savor them all.
Thank you, Sphinx Books, for the early preview of this delightful novel!
Thank you, Sphinx Books, for the early preview of this delightful novel!
April 9, 2019
The final book in the author's Year of the Four Emperors series continues to be more fun than Roman history has ever been! Once again we get the slaves' perspective on all the wildness and crazy behavior of the newest Roman emperor, Vitellius. He appears to have been a glutton and full of the decadence and debauchery that we have come to expect in Roman emperors! Most of the cast of slave characters (who have survived this traumatic year) that we have come to love, are still here - Epaphroditus, Philo, Teretia, Mina, Sporus, Felix, Nymphidia. We also spend a lot of time with Domitian - a nervous young man who seems totally unprepared to be the son of the next emperor, Vespasian.
If you have enjoyed the previous three books about Nero, Galba and Otho, you will love this one. If you enjoy your history fast-paced and with a side of ironic humor, this is the book for you.
If you have enjoyed the previous three books about Nero, Galba and Otho, you will love this one. If you enjoy your history fast-paced and with a side of ironic humor, this is the book for you.
October 4, 2018
Working in a way that brought to mind to writings of Robert Graves, this book delves into history from a fictional angle. L.J. Trafford constructs a believable and vivid world, and there is enough plot here to keep us moving, rather than getting bogged down in all the details of what must have been a good deal of research.
Well-plotted, intriguing, and a very engaging read. I recommend Vitellius' Feast for consumption.
Well-plotted, intriguing, and a very engaging read. I recommend Vitellius' Feast for consumption.
October 2, 2018
A fitting and satisfying conclusion to this excellent series. More plotting, shenanigans, bad behaviour and once again the death of a much loved character just in case you thought all your favourites would live on beyond the scope of the story. Alas!
Trafford's evocation of imperial Rome is as convincing as ever in all its noisy, messy glory.
Trafford's evocation of imperial Rome is as convincing as ever in all its noisy, messy glory.
December 28, 2018
It’s been quite a ride through the year of 4 emperors with LJ Trafford
November 8, 2018
I Was Excited to Read This Book — I Was Not Fully Satisfied
This is the fourth novel in the Four Emperors Series that covers the tumultuous 69AD when there were four emperors. This particular novel covers from the marching on Rome by Vitellius and his forces until Rome is captured by the forces of Vespasian. This is an historical novel, and I am not a historian, but I love reading novels set from the late Republic through the early Empire. I did not find any glaring historical errors.
All the ingredients for a captivating novel were there. There is Vitellius and his generals trying to consolidate their power, but ineptitude and other priorities seem to get in the way. Palace freeman are scrambling to find positions under the new emperor and positioning themselves for a possible new emperor. Some carry political baggage having worked for the previous emperor or emperors. Lastly, there is Vespasian’s brother, Sabinus, his mistress, Caenis, and his youngest son, Domitian. Vespasian has been declared Imperator by his troops in the East. Therefore, these three are essentially hostages and doing their best to stay alive.
As I stated, I was excited to read this book. When I started to read, the hooks started to hold my imagination but then never set and finally released its grip on my imagination. It eventually took me a full month to read this novel. Normally, I finish a book of this length in 10 to 14 days. The reasons were that some of the characters such as Vitellius and one of his generals were one dimensional. I wish that Caenis and Sabinus were developed more. Lastly, I wished that Domitian was stronger character, but he was only 18 at the time of this novel, so it may be more historically consistent. The conundrums facing the palace freedmen’s shifting loyalties was interesting and a plus for the book.
If you have issues with foul language and sex scenes, beware of this novel. The legionaries and the chief overseer swear like sailors (note that I am retired Navy). The language was consistent with the characters that use it. There are sex scenes and references to sexual activity while generally not titillating but are numerous, not all voluntary, some same sex activity, and bestiality. For me, the sex was not an over-the-top depiction of the depravity of ancient Rome. Lastly, there is some use of British slang. As usual, the Kindle Fire’s dictionary and ready Internet access helped me understand the more obscure usage. All I can say is, “Let the reader be forewarned.”
Overall, since the novel did not capture my attention, I could not give it a highest rating, and I was not fully satisfied with reading it. I rate it between three and a half and four stars. Since half stars are not available, I rounded to four stars. If you are interested in this period of ancient Roman history, this novel could be an interesting read for you.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Aeon Books/Sphinx with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Aeon Books/Sphinx for the opportunity to read this novel early.
This is the fourth novel in the Four Emperors Series that covers the tumultuous 69AD when there were four emperors. This particular novel covers from the marching on Rome by Vitellius and his forces until Rome is captured by the forces of Vespasian. This is an historical novel, and I am not a historian, but I love reading novels set from the late Republic through the early Empire. I did not find any glaring historical errors.
All the ingredients for a captivating novel were there. There is Vitellius and his generals trying to consolidate their power, but ineptitude and other priorities seem to get in the way. Palace freeman are scrambling to find positions under the new emperor and positioning themselves for a possible new emperor. Some carry political baggage having worked for the previous emperor or emperors. Lastly, there is Vespasian’s brother, Sabinus, his mistress, Caenis, and his youngest son, Domitian. Vespasian has been declared Imperator by his troops in the East. Therefore, these three are essentially hostages and doing their best to stay alive.
As I stated, I was excited to read this book. When I started to read, the hooks started to hold my imagination but then never set and finally released its grip on my imagination. It eventually took me a full month to read this novel. Normally, I finish a book of this length in 10 to 14 days. The reasons were that some of the characters such as Vitellius and one of his generals were one dimensional. I wish that Caenis and Sabinus were developed more. Lastly, I wished that Domitian was stronger character, but he was only 18 at the time of this novel, so it may be more historically consistent. The conundrums facing the palace freedmen’s shifting loyalties was interesting and a plus for the book.
If you have issues with foul language and sex scenes, beware of this novel. The legionaries and the chief overseer swear like sailors (note that I am retired Navy). The language was consistent with the characters that use it. There are sex scenes and references to sexual activity while generally not titillating but are numerous, not all voluntary, some same sex activity, and bestiality. For me, the sex was not an over-the-top depiction of the depravity of ancient Rome. Lastly, there is some use of British slang. As usual, the Kindle Fire’s dictionary and ready Internet access helped me understand the more obscure usage. All I can say is, “Let the reader be forewarned.”
Overall, since the novel did not capture my attention, I could not give it a highest rating, and I was not fully satisfied with reading it. I rate it between three and a half and four stars. Since half stars are not available, I rounded to four stars. If you are interested in this period of ancient Roman history, this novel could be an interesting read for you.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Aeon Books/Sphinx with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Aeon Books/Sphinx for the opportunity to read this novel early.
May 26, 2021
And so we come to the end of the Year of Four Emperors and it is a hell of a ride. Vitellius plops himself on the throne and is immediately challenged by Vespasian - but he refuses to recognize the threat, insisting on his reign be one long party filled with food, wine, and sexual assault. Vitellius, in just a few short months, manages to do something Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba and Otho, with all their faults, didn't - he pisses off the palace staff. They have seen everything - and he is too much even for them.
So, plots swirl at all levels as a tide rises against Vitellius, reaching a critical mass where there is once again blood on the streets as both high level political players and low level soldiers, citizens and slaves, determine who will be emperor.
I was impressed Trafford was able to resist having a soothsayer or oracle make an accurate prophecy about the future - something a lot of authors writing in this time period like to indulge in. But at the same time I was surprised we don't get any sort of foreshadowing about what Domitian's reign is going to be like - he is just another moody, angsty, scared teenager here.
An excellent series that captured the events of the Year of Four Emperors in all its violent, heady, insane glory.
December 8, 2020
A thrilling conclusion to a wonderful series.
I have loved every single book in the series. Trafford combines humour, horror, and thrilling excitement with characters you feel absolutely invested in. I don’t think I have rooted for a character as much as I did for Philo. And for all his flaws, even Epaphroditus won me over. I felt like I was living in the midst of the chaos that was AD 69 so much so that at times I felt breathless with the sheer panic of the events that were occurring. One of the best series I’ve ever read.
I have loved every single book in the series. Trafford combines humour, horror, and thrilling excitement with characters you feel absolutely invested in. I don’t think I have rooted for a character as much as I did for Philo. And for all his flaws, even Epaphroditus won me over. I felt like I was living in the midst of the chaos that was AD 69 so much so that at times I felt breathless with the sheer panic of the events that were occurring. One of the best series I’ve ever read.
April 27, 2022
Vitellius’ feast
So dark, but so full of light. Mina and Philo are at their best, as is Epaphroditus, and it’s sweet to see the characters happy and moving towards peace AT LAST.
So dark, but so full of light. Mina and Philo are at their best, as is Epaphroditus, and it’s sweet to see the characters happy and moving towards peace AT LAST.
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