Fałszywy Bóg Rzymu

Vespasian #3

by Robert Fabbri

Rzym lata czterdzieste I w Wespazjan wraca do Rzymu z nadzieja ze wraz ze smiercia cesarza Tyberiusza skonczy sie szalencze rozpasanie i cesarstwo podzwignie sie z kryzysu Tymczasem kolejny wladca Kaligula na jego oczach przeistacza sie w szalenca Jednak ekstrawaganckie projekty budowlane niekonczace sie igrzyska ostentacyjnosc kazirodczego zwiazku z siostra Druzylla sa niczym w porownaniu z najbardziej szalonym pomyslem Kaliguli zamierza przerzucic most przez Zatoke Neapolitanska i przejechac nim w zbroi Aleksandra Wielkiego I wlasnie Wespazjan ma sie udac do Aleksandrii byS dokonac kradziezy tego legendarnego pancerza Inteligentna intryga wartka blyskotliwie prowadzona akcja plastycznie i nienachalnie oddane realia Rzymu w czasach pryncypatu mocna kreska zarysowane glowne postaci procz tytulowego bohatera rowniez jego ochroniarza Magnusa cesarza Kaliguli ale tez SzawlaPawla Heroda Agryppy i wielu innych to atuty pisarstwa Fabbriego do ktorych Autor przyzwyczail Czytelnika juz w pierwszych tomach cyklu Wespazjan Trybun Rzymu oraz Wespazjan Kat Rzymu Robert Fabbri urodzil sie w Genewie w 1961 roku Ukonczyl studia z teatrologii na Uniwersytecie Londynskim Pracowal w przemysle filmowym i telewizyjnym na stanowisku asystenta rezysera przy takich produkcjach jak Czas patriotow Billy Elliot czy Hellraiser Jego cykl powiesciowy o Wespazjanie ma liczyc siedem czesci

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Roman, War, Ebooks, Adventure

448 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

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

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jerusalem, April 33AD...... RING ANY BELLS?

And so starts our prologue with a familiar tale......

Forward 18 months to the Roman province of Cyrenaica (that’s modern day eastern coastal region of Libya) ..... enter Vespasian along with Marcus of the crossroads brotherhood, who wants to go hunting Lions! Then a fair maiden appears & we’re off into the desert wilds to rescue a solitary Roman citizen (Trader come Circus manager, that is he purchases wild beasts for the arena!) – Its all boys own stuff & not the political nous of the first two books at all......

Some of Vespasian’s dialogue transcends into modern day vernacularism which does take away from the read & for my mind is a different character as portrayed in the first two books........ Felt like I was reading about Macro & Cato there for a minute..... them of Scarrow fame, a far more jaunty & “up & at ‘em” kinda read in their adventure tale scenarios...... maybe its his close proximity to Marcus that brings this side out in him but Vespasian’s character is not what I expected....... which takes up the first 1/3rd of the book...... mind he is ONLY 25 or so & away from home for the first time..... so the adventurous side is plausible, perhaps even the naivety at times. The adventure over in the wilds of the desert & we’re......

Back in Rome for Part II (one annoyance in this book is that the author gets his Roman numerals wrong!!! For instance Chapter 9 he puts as VIIII & not IX as it should be!! Authenticity gripe over!!) & arise the Vespasian of the politics that we know & love from the prior books, the plot as uncovered is explained by his protector (Antonia) back in the heart of the Roman Empire which you have to keep with as its explained in some detail but then makes sense of what has already transpired in Cyrenaica. Needed that! I admit I much prefer this side of his character & it’s a very clever middle part played out.

Skip forward to AD37 for the second half of the book for the period of rule under Caligula which is played out splendidly where the madness & fear of the times comes through admirably in the writing with some quite heinous “crimes” occurring...... Plots of Imperial magnitude unfold as well as escapades when Vespasian hangs out with Marcus again who virtually becomes his travelling companion throughout this book. I should add that some of Caligula’s ways are very much x-rated & depravity is played out in many a scene which might be distasteful for some.

The final chapter sees us back in Egypt AD38 where the Greek & Jewish quarters are in turmoil due to this new “religion” doing the rounds which is of course blasphemous to the majority, its a theme which has cropped up all through the book & is a part of the story along with the reign of Caligula & of course Vespasian’s prominent rise in Imperial circles.

All in all a very enjoyable read & scores a 4.25 rounded down to 4 stars.

[Mr. Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Tiberius dead, all eyes including Vespasian's turn to the young, handsome, charismatic Caligula. Although there are concerns over his excesses, surely they must be exaggerated. Alas, they are not. The young Emperor - raised in the household of the perverted and jaded Tiberius - knows no boundaries. He also resents the patrician Senatorial families whom he blames for the death of his father, Germanicus. The result is a descent into the worst of the human depravity.

The half-mad, perverted, angry Emperor explodes onto Rome. Respectable men and women from patrician families are raped at dinners by Caligula and his friends. Senators are murdered on a whim. Caligula builds a theater where his sister, Drusilla, "performs" in front of an audience. He pimps out his other sisters. He squanders a fortune and drains the treasury on games and events. He declares himself a god and makes people worship him.

The great and powerful families find themselves fuming and powerless. They all hate Caligula, but they fear him. They all know where power comes from - the Praetorian Guard. The Praetorians know it too. With an Emperor they have power and prestige, without an Emperor there is no reason for a Guard. Additionally, despite their loathing, the families know that to act against Caligula is to sign their own death warrant. Even if they succeed, the next Emperor will have them killed. (Emperors don't want people running around killing Emperors indiscriminately!)

In the end, Caligula goes too far, and he is killed by a cabal of Praetorians and Senatorial families. In the chaos that follows Vespasian and the other families debate the future of Rome. There is Claudius. true, he is the brother of Germanicus, but he is also a stuttering cripple. There are other would be Emperors as well. And then there are those who call for a return to the Republic. Great stuff.

These books really give the reader a sense of the delicate Imperial politics of the early Empire period. The great Emperors - Julius and Augustus - are gone, and their line is a pale shadow of what it once was. The Praetorian Guard changed from protectors to king-makers. The point of a sword ultimately trumped tradition, custom and law.

IV out of V stars. Excellent for the politics as noted above. To be clear, this also leaves out the other twists in the story. The growing tension in the east due to a new cult adds pressure to the story. It also gives the reader an excellent sense of how twisted Caligula was - with out necessarily portraying him as completely mad. He has flashes of clarity that make you think he knows exactly what he is doing. Ultimately, however, this is a story of Imperial politics.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite series of Roman historical fiction, tracing the life and career of Vespasian who achieved the extraordinary - he survived the reigns of a run of insane emperors before assuming the purple himself. In this third volume, we reach the reign of Caligula with all the horror and perversion that one expects when thinking of this particularly odious individual. False God of Rome isn't my favourite of the three (that would be the second) but that is largely due to Caligula himself. I would not want to read parts of this book while eating.... Nevertheless, an enjoyable addition to the series.

[Deborah Pickstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was less taken with this episode - the plot was becoming very odd and Vespasian was coming across like a bit of a prat - and thought the series might be going off the boil already; however, by the end I was enrapt again and Caligula is about to be assassinated. So, I continue!

[Fabiano Parmesan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terzo libro della sagra di Vespasiano. Meno militaresco e più politico. Avvincente. Si può leggere da solo ma è preferibile leggerlo dopo i precedenti.
A tratti perfino divertente, Vespasiano deve gestire le follie di Caligola. Ambientato in Cirenaica, Roma e Alessandria d'Egitto.

[MarkoJestem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeszcze więcej tego co w poprzednich dwóch częściach, sączący się klimat jednak w tym przypadku możesz aż przerazić, a to za sprawą Kaliguli, to co wyprawiał ten człowiek nie mieści się nawet w głowie, każda jego obecność wywołuję dyskomfort oraz strach u bohateów jak i u czytelnika/słuchacza.
Jego zboczenie w pewnych momentach aż przytłacza, a obawa o bohaterów staję się nieznośna. Wiadome jest, że prędzej czy później ktoś go zlikwiduje, a satysfakcja z tego będzie błogim zbawianiem dla czytelnika/słuchacza, czego się nie mogę doczekać w kolejnej części.

[Zena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ta część zawiera wiele wątków, które mogą być uznane za kontrowersyjne, a nawet szokujące. Początek, który ma miejsce na piaskach pustyni raczej mi nie przypadł do gustu. Jak dla mnie był zaczerpnięty z jakiejś przygodówki. Natomiast rządy Kaliguli po śmierci Tyberiusza były jak przysłowiowe z deszczu pod rynnę.

[kranzfafka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
A nice made psychological study of the madman (Caligula), some descriptions of what he did made me sick, but probably it means that it is well written. I still don't feel attached to Vespasian, which is quite a big problem when he's the main good character, but well. A few things that I didn't like in the first volume, here have been corrected, it's more politics f.e, which I consider as a plus - but still this series is not one of my favorites.
I see that a lot of people has a grudge against Fabbri, that he didn't stick to the history - for me it is not so problematic, I agree with the fact that the author could change or rework something for the needs of the plot, that's ok.
But some of the dialogues are so embarrassing and irrelevant, really.

[Tom D'Hauwer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adventure. Exciting. Historical accuracy drops. But the atmosphere remains.

[Patryk Kaczmarek · Rating 1 out of 5]

Te szczegóły z odpałów Kaliguli można było sobie darować, ale jak widać autorowi bardzo to odpowiadało. Wyimaginowana żona Jezusa i synowie to chyba z "Kodu Da Vinci" zgapione xd

[Alan Rust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vespasian continues to march off the page and into my minds eye.

[Speesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Fabbri seems to be documenting, pretty much minute by minute, the career of Vespasian. Vespasian is a pretty well-known historical character. That is the problem, I guess, with writing about a historical figures - how to keep the excitement up, given that your readers most probably know how their ‘story’ ends, or when the person died. So this incident here, in book x of x, clearly isn’t gonna kill him. So how to keep me on the edge of my seat knowing that? Robert Fabbri has done a really excellent job so far, doing just that, keeping the excitement and interest and generally here, he continues that good work.

We’re on book three (of nine, I think I’ve seen him say), it is AD33 and Vespasian’s brother Sabinus is out in the province of Judea. And you know what happened in AD33/34 in Judea? Yes, that. There is a fair bit about the ’new’ religion of Christianity, with some very good points made, however, the arrest, trial and execution of ‘Yeshua’ feel more than a little awkward. Trying to shoehorn Gospel references into the narrative as Vespasian’s older brother turns out to be the one who, by demanding his death on behalf of the Senate, caused Jesus’ crucifixion, doesn’t really work. Especially in the context of what I’ve read in the uniformly excellently planned and written previous two books. There is also a look at - in my interpretation of it, and thinking about the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten - the origins of belief in one single god, over the Romans’ many. I’d say young Robert has read ‘Holy Blood, Holy Grail’ at some point.

So, Vespasian, after an adventure or two in the Libyan desert, returns to Rome with what he found there and has to turn to his aunt for guidance. She, you’ll remember from the previous books, is a Roman matron of the old school, with more fingers in more pies than she has fingers. She’s soon plotting to help steer Vespasian through the minefields (I know, I know) and quicksands that passed for Roman politics. Tiberius is soon ‘replaced' by Caligula and a brave new dawn, full of hope and…well, you (probably) know how quickly Caligula’s reign deteriorated. Caligula, was, coincidentally, reasonably sane, in his pre-Emperor days, but absolute power soon corrupts absolutely, though unluckily for Vespasian, Caligula still considers him to be his friend. And Vespasian finds out all too quickly, that he doesn’t need enemies when he’s got a friend like Caligula. Caligula has had the great idea of building a bridge over the bay at Naples and of riding across it, wearing the breastplate of Alexander The Great. As you would. So, Vespasian is sent to get it. Well, steal it, as the Egyptians aren’t all that keen on lending it to a madder than a barrel-load of monkeys Emperor.

Again, as Robert says in the Historical Note at the end, he has followed pretty much what is/was known about Caligula’s excesses. If he hadn’t said that, I’d have recommended psychiatric help after reading some of the stuff here, I must say. However, the interesting theme that Robert at least partly follows, is how Vespasian realises that Caligula is - as Caligula himself says in a rare moment of relative lucidity - a mirror for human behaviour. Including Vespasian’s own. If he had unlimited power. People treat Caligula like a god, so he begins to think he is one. And if a god says something is so, it is. The word of (a) god cannot be faulted, discussed or argued against. Democracy goes against that and is therefore against the word of God, as God isn’t a democracy (hello, ISIS!). Vespasian does, as I say, begin to wake up towards the end and begins to realise that divine right or not, Caligula may have to ‘make way’ for another, for the good of Rome’s - and everyone else’s - future.

It did feel like it got very bogged down in political affairs when it moved back to Rome. Not sure what it was all supposed to signify. His thorough understanding of the situation at the time? Historical accuracy? I don’t know. And I couldn’t tell you much about all the ins and outs now. It really switched me off and didn’t really seem relevant or anything that couldnt have been effectively condensed without losing, maybe even gaining, impact. To be fair, you do get a very good idea of how rigid Roman society was at the very top end. Sometimes, even the slaves seem to have more ‘freedom.’

Like I say, I wasn’t all that convinced at the start and in periods in the middle, but it sure sneaked in under my skin by the end. If you know anything of the history of how Vespasian’s life progressed, you’ll find clues, or at least incidents, here that will surely be used later as explanation to how he got the ideas for his future plans.

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[Robin Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
Sometimes going to the TBR (to be read) pile can be a chore, how do you pick a book from so many genre's and often so much class? But then there are a few authors who just leap to the top of the pile and take that need for choice away. Robert Fabbri is one such author and his Vespasian series to date has been well told and action packed... So how does this latest 3rd part of the tale compare?

As usual we follow Vespasian, possibly (in my opinion) either the luckiest or sharpest General / Emperor Rome ever had. This man outlived one of the most insane periods of Roman history as well as being very successful General, he then went on to be one the greatest Emperors of Rome. This book as well as the first two of the series is set in his early life. He has now made it to Jerusalem, his brother is now a Quaestor and is embroiled in the ever present politics and struggle between the Jews and the Roman invaders. Vespasian himself is off in the desert carrying out his own dangerous mission and back in Rome the arch nutbag Caligula has his own mission for Vespasian, dropping in a nice link to the great Alexander (the subject of the mission). In books one and Two we saw Caligula and Vespasian become friends, in book three we see how being Emperor changes one man and changes a relationship beyond anything you could expect, some friendships.... well, we all have had friends we wish we didn't!

Fabbri as ever brings the roman world to life, the heat and size of its empire, Jerusalem, and the depth of character of the great names involved in the tale. The pace as usual is electric, its one of those books that you have to force yourself to put down to go to sleep. (i wish i had had a whole day to sit and read it).

This is highly recommended and 3 books into 2013 this one is top of the charts so far.

(Parm)

Product Description
Vespasian is serving as a military officer on the outskirts of the Roman Empire, suppressing local troubles and defending the Roman way. But political events in Rome - Tiberius's increasingly insane debauchery, the escalating grain crisis - draw him back to the city. When Caligula becomes Emperor, Vespasian believes that things will improve. Instead, he watches the young emperor deteriorate from Rome's shining star to a blood-crazed, incestuous, all-powerful madman. Lavish building projects, endless games, public displays of his relationship with his sister, Drusilla, and a terrified senate are as nothing to Caligula's most ambitious plan: to bridge the bay of Neapolis and ride over it wearing Alexander's breastplate. And it falls to Vespasian to travel to Alexandria and steal it from Alexander's mausoleum. Vespasian's mission will lead to violence, mayhem and theft - and in the end, to a betrayal so great it will echo through the ages

[PRJ Greenwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet again, another book I'd give 4½ stars to. Compared to the previous two, this outing is lot more grittier, a lot dirtier and decidedly more savage. To be expected, as it deals with the rise of Caligula (and his murderous lunacy) and the Jewish revolt in Alexandra of 38 AD.

Still, it's superb historical fiction, and we gain insight into one of Rome's warrior emperors in Vespasian and how he compromises his principles to pander to Caligula's diabolical whims.

Despite my praise, this book is less of a unity than the prior two, yet for once, that doesn't work against it. The flitting about Vespasian does from one place to another does really waylay the plot or tie things down.

What can I say further? Bring on book four please.

[Beorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good if relatively unremarkable and pedestrian book.
It's well-written with believable human characters and historical events. It just doesn't have the potency or adrenaline fix you get with other Roman fiction set around the early 1st century ACE.
It's the kind of book that you could compare with a made for TV swords-and-sandals 'epic' that you could easily enjoy, you just wouldn't particularly be all that moved or inspired to remember it much long after you've read it.
A little disappointing really.

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 2 out of 5]

Läsning 2: inget ytterligare att tillägga.

Läsning 1: Det är egentligen ganska självklart att en bok om politik under Caligula blir en bok i skräckgenren. Det är denna. Vilket inte hindrar att den är välgjord nog att skapa djup avsmak.

[Wampy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buchmeinung zu Robert Fabbri – Vespasian: Der falsche Gott

„Vespasian: Der falsche Gott“ ist ein Historischer Roman von Robert Fabbri, der 2019 bei Rowohlt Taschenbuch in der Übersetzung von Anja Schünemann erschienen ist. Der Titel der englischen Originalausgabe lautet „False God of Rome“ und ist 2013 erschienen. Dies ist der dritte Band um Vespasian. Ich bin der ungekürzten Lesung von Erich Wittenberg gefolgt, die im Audiobuch Verlag erschienen ist.

Zum Autor:
Robert Fabbri, geboren 1961, lebt in London und Berlin. Er arbeitete nach seinem Studium an der University of London 25 Jahre lang als Regieassistent und war an so unterschiedlichen Filmen beteiligt wie «Die Stunde der Patrioten», «Hellraiser», «Hornblower» und «Billy Elliot – I Will Dance». Aus Leidenschaft für antike Geschichte bemalte er 3 500 mazedonische, thrakische, galatische, römische und viele andere Zinnsoldaten – und begann schließlich zu schreiben. Mit seiner epischen historischen Romanserie «Vespasian» über das Leben des römischen Kaisers wurde Robert Fabbri in Großbritannien Bestsellerautor.

Klappentext:
Das Jahr 34 n. Chr.: Vespasian dient am Rande des Imperiums, bis er endlich nach Rom zurückkehren darf. Unerwartet ereilt Kaiser Tiberius der Tod, und Caligula ergreift die Macht – doch die leuchtende Hoffnung Roms verkommt zu einem unkontrollierbaren Despoten, der sich als Gott huldigen lässt. Verschwenderische Bauten, endlose Spiele, ein verängstigter Senat verblassen neben Caligulas gewagtestem Plan: eine Brücke über die Bucht von Neapel, über die er dekoriert mit dem Brustpanzer Alexanders des Großen reiten will. Kein anderer als Vespasian soll die legendäre Rüstung rauben …

Meine Meinung:
Selten habe ich von einer Hauptfigur gelesen, der so viele schlechte Eigenschaften zugeordnet wurden. Vespasian ist Offizier in der römischen Armee und ist im Osten des Reiches unterwegs. Der Autor serviert einen sehr eigenen Blick auf die ersten Christen und Paulus wird als hasserfüllter Prediger gegen das Christentum dargestellt. Vespasian bremst ihn aus, auch um die Ruhe in den Städten wiederherzustellen. Vespasian wird vom Krieger Magnus unterstützt, der das Verhalten seines Chefs immer wieder erklären darf. Vespasian dehnt seine Möglichkeiten immer weiter aus, muss dabei aber feststellen, dass er immer wieder über de Tisch gezogen wird. Politisch vertritt er das Lager Antonias und wenn ein Mord zur Erreichung der Ziele notwendig ist, dann wird es halt gemacht. Noch hat Vespasian Gewissensbisse, aber die vergehen mit der Zeit. Als dann auch noch Caligula die Macht übernimmt, lernen wir einen ängstlichen, ja furchtsamen Vespasian kennen, der zu allem ja sagt, um seine Haut zu retten. Und doch hat mich diese Figur fasziniert. Auch wenn Vespasian viele Mängel hat, so sind die herrschenden Politiker doch noch um ein gutes Stück übler. Die Sprache ist recht derb und die Schilderung der Taten ist oft mehr als deutlich. Am Anfang ist es vor allem ein Abenteuerroman mit vielen auch grausamen Kampfszenen. Aber gerade dies verdeutlicht die glaubhafte Einstellung der Krieger. Als es nach Rom geht, wird es etwas ruhiger, aber die Welt der politischen Intrigen ist noch weitaus gefährlicher als ein Schlachtfeld. Wir lernen in Rom auch einen in eine Sklavin verliebten Mann kennen, der aber nach einer angemessenen Partnerin für eine Familiengründung sucht. Die Schilderung der Ausschweifungen unter Caligula lässt an Deutlichkeit keine Zweifel aufkommen und Caligula findet Gefallen daran, andere Leute zu demütigen. Beachtlich ist, dass Fabbri dabei im Rahmen der historischen Fakten bleibt. Manchmal ist es mir aber zu laut und zu sehr auf Außenwirkung ausgerichtet.

Sprecher:
Mein erster Eindruck war, dass es der Vorleser etwas theatralisch angeht. Dies führt oft im Auto zu Verständnisproblemen. Doch meine Befürchtungen erwiesen sich als grundlos und der Vortrag war nicht nur gut zu verstehen, sondern er war auch noch pointiert. Chapeau für Herrn Wittenberg.

Fazit:
Eine spannende auf Abenteuer ausgerichtete Geschichte, die doch sehr auf Effekte ausgerichtet war. Der Autor präsentierte auch eine ungewöhnliche Sicht auf die Geschichte des Christentums. Die oft derbe Sprache passt aber zur Handlung. Die Hauptfigur Vespasian erfüllt kaum ein Klischee eines Helden und doch hat sie mich überzeugt. Auch der Vortrag Erich Wittenbergs führt zu einer positiven Bewertung mit vier von fünf Sternen (80 von 100 Punkten).

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vespasian has a lot to deal with in this third book in the series; unrest in Rome caused by grain shortages, unrest in the Judean province caused by religious conflict - oh and Caligula taking power in Rome.

I like the fact that, along with the usual political scheming, we see Vespasian struggling with his conscience. Caligula is clearly not fit to rule, but his power is such that Vespasian and others are forced to play along with his madcap schemes and applaud his debauchery in order to keep their heads attached to their bodies. Of course, this does not sit well with our idealistic hero - but it does illustrate the violent reality of the Roman imperial family. How far do you sacrifice your standards in the name of survival? And how could senators and Praetorians sleep at night knowing they were doing nothing to stop the madman?

Characters that are familiar from the previous two books are present and correct - although it does make it a little difficult for anyone to read this as a standalone novel. You need to have read the previous two in order to make sense of some of the references to previous events and characters.

I also liked the way it weaves in the aspect about the emergence of Christianity and how that was initially viewed by the Romans (and everyone else). It allows for debate about the true nature and purpose of religions; Romans believed in many gods who they hoped would help them while they were alive and here, they struggled to get their head around the idea of a single god who *might* reward you when you're dead, but only if you've met certain conditions. And of course, the Christians only believing in one god means they don't worship the emperor - so the Romans begin to view them as a threat.

Overall, it's an engrossing read - although some people may be put off by the graphic descriptions of some of Caligula's deeds. I look forward to reading book 4.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third one was a lot harder than the previous books for me to get through.

My big problem was that; as Simon Scarrow also did with one of his Eagles novels, Fabbri has put a number of early biblical characters into this novel. Doesn’t work and pretty much put me off this book. It wasn’t so much their inclusion but the parts they played.

Herrod I can understand as he was a client King, therefore moved in the high level of Roman society, but to suggest that Vespasian’s brother was present in the crucifixion and that Vespasian met the apostle Paul in Egypt is too much. Although acknowledged as pure fiction in the Afterword by the author it just really ruined the plot for me. I know it is historical fiction but there are limits!

On a positive note, Fabbris description of Caligula’s reign and the sheer degradation he put many, including his own family through, is shockingly and masterfully told. Like he did with Tiberius in the last book.

We learn how the Flavian brothers managed to survive this period under the mad emperor (and to think they still have Nero to go!)

Hopefully this will be the last time biblical figures cross paths with our protagonists, as it really took the book down a ⭐️ for me.

[Michael Stolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sequel. A bit bloody maybe (like the previous books) as Fabbri has been working on film sets, the reader can almost feel and even smell the battles, the sex and the intense fighting.

Very daring to weave the crucifying of Christ and Apostle Paul into his story and he may upset the fraction of the religious faithful but I think it's been well managed and well written and it fits perfectly into the plot.
In such a vast plot it's always difficult not to lose yourself and keep the momentum but Fabbri manages this task with ease and elegance. I don't think that there's been a second of boredom.

Nothing else to say really - bought the 4th sequel already and look very much forward to reading it, makes a nice change from writing myself :).

[delta1908 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Po przeczytaniu tego tomu, przypomniałem sobie, dlaczego porzuciłem ten cykl jakieś 5 lat temu. Do "Orłów imperium" Scarrowa się nie umywa. Bliżej tu chyba do młodzieżowej przygodówki osadzonej w realiach starożytnego Rzymu. Mamy tu opisane różne misje młodego Wespazjana, kiedy jeszcze nie był nikim ważnym. Początek w Judei jeszcze dawał nadzieję na coś ciekawego. Niestety, im dalej, tym coraz nudniej i bez polotu. Autor próbował się ratować opisami wynaturzeń Kaliguli, ale było to wręcz odrażające i jeszcze bardziej zniechęcało do lektury. Liczyłem tu na jakieś bitwy czy choćby pomniejsze potyczki, ale tych było jak na lekarstwo. Chyba podziękuję za ten cykl i skupię się na innych o podobnej tematyce.

[Tom Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in Fabbri's Vespasian enters the reign of Caligula, and if you know anything about this particular Roman Empire, you will know the events of his reign were anything but boring. I realised from the end of the second book that this series is not going to be a rose tinted look at history, and I was definitely not mistaken there. I must admit as someone of faith, I wasn't that hair with the way he is painting the emerging sect, as it was then, especially the depiction of a particular figure of my faith. But given he doesn't particularly paint anyone in a favourable light, I can't really complain too much. Plus he admits to a lot of that beingafe up anyway.

[Wilmington · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the previous books it is very well written and gripping. However there are two things that prevent me from giving a five star rating. The first is the inclusion of a supernatural being (the mythological phoenix), Which makes the story less realistic. The second is the representation of Caligula's incestuous relationships with his sisters. This was just a rumour, not a proven fact. Even if it did happen it surely would not have been as a public spectacle in a purpose built theatre. This is really pushing it too far. Had it been so outrageously public it would not have remained a mere rumour. Furthermore, Drusilla died of a long illness, not suddenly as described in the book.

[Krystina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfactory book, definitely an improvement over the first two, but I still think that this author is terrible when writing about relationships between men and women. However, some very obvious foreshadowing in this book leads to me believe that this is a deliberate plot device, so I'll hold full judgment until the series' conclusion. I did enjoy the scenes and scheming in Rome, but I found myself speed reading through Vespasian's adventures in Cyreneica and Alexandria: they seem to be there solely to get battle scenes in when the current scenario doesn't call for battle scenes.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabbri's third installment of the Vespasian series. Here Vespasian is elevated to the position as a Senator of Rome. As Emperor Tiberius now dies, Caligula inherits the Imperial position. Vespasian has to weigh his political career with his increasing horror at the ever mounting depraved actions of the new Emperor.
Fabbri is very good at plainly explaining which sections of the book are derived from Ancient Roman chronicles, which event are rearranged in the timeline for a more cohesive read, and finally which are completely fictional.
A great read - now on the episode IV!

[Michael Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vespasian under the Emperor Caligula

The story spans Vespasian's exploits in northern Africa, Rome and Egypt as he strives to build a future life for himself, gain wealth and survive under Caligula's reign. There is plenty of action and political manipulation as he is drawn into Antonia's schemes. Along the way we start to see some of Vespasian's moral principles being eroded. We are left with a cliffhanger. Caligula is very much alive but how will Vespasian behave towards him in the next book.

[Mike Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to have mixed feelings about Fabbri's Vesapasian books. On the one hand he writes very authentic, well researched and exciting stories of Roman life but on the other, no matter how authentic, I could really do without his positive revelling in the brutality and gore of the times. Also he has a tendency to present many of the superstitions of the times as reality rather than just beliefs and that nudges these books close to the rather grey line between historical and fantasy. Despite my reservations these books are good enough for me to continue with the series.

[Keith Beddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this early in2019 and decided to rad it again. On the whole it was a good choice. The plot line showing the chaos in Rome under the early Julian Caesars is well written despite dealing with some extremely adult topics. the characterisation of Caligula and his drift into depravity and insanity is historically accurate and the crazy and extravagant spectacles he created were actually true. A brilliant read.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction at its best. To be transported back to the Roman Empire with all its machinations is a pleasure for me as I am very familiar with Rome so can visualise many of the places referred to. Bring on book #4 !

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Roman fiction from Robert Fabbri. The portrayal of Caligula is horrifying and based upon many historic sources. This was interesting as it differed from the more sympathetic portrayals of Caligula I have read in other books. Great read.