Utracony orzeł Rzymu

Vespasian #4

by Robert Fabbri

Czwarty tom cyklu o Wespazjanie Szalony cesarz Kaligula zamordowany pretorianie wprowadzaja na tron Klaudiusza Jednak jego sytuacja jest niepewna Jego trzej wyzwolency Narcyz Pallas i Kallistos musza sprokurowac dlan natychmiastowe szybkie zwyciestwo Ma to byc odzyskanie orla legionu Siedemnastego utraconego w lesie Teutoburskim prawie czterdziesci lat wczesniej Wyprawe do ponurych kniei Germanii na czele jedynie niewielkiego oddzialu jazdy prowadzi Wespazjan ktos jednak z wielka determinacja probuje sabotowac jego misje Szukajac Orla i prawdy scigany przez barbarzyncow Wespazjan usiluje przebijac sie do wybrzezy Brytanii Czy jednak zdola uciec przed gniewem swojego cesarza 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, Ancient History, Ebooks

428 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 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

[Mr. Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Caligula assassinated by a cabal of Senators and Praetorians, the despised Greek freedman Narcissus places the crippled Claudius on the seat of power. Fortunately for Narcissus and his allies, the Praetorian Guard is quick to back Claudius. They understand that their own power and privilege comes from having an Emperor - and what is better than a weak willed, very pliable Emperor? Of course, the Empire is more than the Senate and the city. Will the far flung legions rally to the new, less than beloved Emperor? Narcissus needs a victory - and quickly - if he is to secure Claudius' (and his own) clutch on Imperial power.

Vespasian finds himself mired in yet another bout of Imperial intrigue. Due to his brother's part in the assassination of Caligula, the two brothers are sent on a do or die mission in distant Germania to recover the lost Eagle of the massacred 17th legion. The legions' Eagles held an almost religious place in soldiers' eyes. Recovering this near holy relic would give the new Emperor a boost.

So far so good. Unfortunately, although the Eagle is recovered, Vespasian gets swept up in the pending invasion of Britannia and the Eagle is more or less dropped. The first part of the story is about the recovery of this relic. The second is about the invasion of Britannia. it felt to me as if the author was exploring a very cool idea but then realized that it didn't quite add up to a full book so he quickly shifted gears to the invasion. Why not just start with the invasion?

To be frank, the invasion of Britannia is a far more interesting thread than the quest for the Eagle. The first part of the story involved tramping through the cold, damp forest wilderness of Germania while occasionally fighting. The invasion, by contrast, was thick with Imperial intrigue. Corvinus, the senior Legate and brother-in-law to Claudius, is trying to use the invasion to enhance his own position. If he were to be seen as the conqueror of Britain, no one would object when he became regent to his young nephew should Claudius die unexpectedly. And, if the young Emperor then passed away, who better to be an Emperor than a proven warrior? Vespasian and Narcissus, aware of Corvinus' ambitions, have no choice but to maneuver and twist to thwart him.

If this sounds overly negative it is not meant to. The book was still good and fun. Vespasian continues to develop and grow. You can see the future Emperor learning lessons about leadership, decisiveness and politics in the series. In this book you can also see the first stirrings of ambition. He may not come from a great Patrician family, but in the absence of truly legitimate candidates is that necessarily a liability?

III stars out of V. The book could use some focus. Too much Germania, not enough Britannia.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We start in Rome with Caligula.... briefly that is as he is assassinated in the opening scene by persons known to our hero Vespasian. A massacre ensues as the emperors loyal guard run amok amongst the citizens in what is quite a bloodthirsty scene, the author being quite matter of fact & realistic with his scenes of butchery. Its a livery start! The Political machinations that follow the action are genial, they go very deep & being of the Roman variety normally means “submit or be murdered”!

What’s the rest of the book about....? If you’ve read the book blurb you’ll see it involves the end of Caligula’s reign/the rise of Claudius, Roman Eagles, the Teutoburg Forest & Britannia. The story is thus split into four parts with the timelines/location being shifted onwards at each juncture & it does exactly what it says on the tin!

All the characters from the prior books are back, along with Vespasian we have his brother Sabinus & Uncle Gaeus who is still alive & well (as can be all things considered), the trio being front & centre of the action. Magnus & his brotherhood of the crossroads still serve the family, providing equal measure of amusement & skulduggery whilst Vespasian’s love life has become somewhat more complex since we last encountered him which makes for an interesting side distraction. Claudius’s freedmen also make a big impact on the story, Pallis we know of from former stories but Narcissus himself makes an appearance in this one & his interactions at the start are wonderfully schemed.

There’s no drag to the writing or unnecessary scenes as the author gets to the nub of the action/drama in each arena/part of the story which I hugely enjoy & favour in my reading. The fight scenes are vivid & brutal in a way where the training/discipline of the Roman war machine shows through even sometimes when up against it. The politics are well crafted by the players of the piece, the pawns realising all too late in the day that that is all they are. The story flows, the action is vivid giving a grand adventure. The battle scenes are vivid & the story on Britannia is jus that, one long battle which may drag somewhat if that’s not your thing.

A lively series Im very glad to have picked up after struggling to find a suitable Roman one to follow despite the many that are on offer out there, really hits the spot for me with it’s adventure, grit, humour & politics all in a well balanced delivery.

4.25 stars rounded to a four.

[Michal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a nice read and I will definitely continue to follow up with this series. What I am starting to like a bit less is the fact that Vespasian always seems to be in the middle of the action - even when it is obviously unnecessary - which is a bit implausible for a legatus. Especially since the book likes to make the impression that it was normal. The book includes some engaging moments, but it cannot compare to the many other books describing the invasion of Britain. The three stars might be a result of my disappointment by the way it was described because I was looking forward to this particular part of the story. I have read about it from couple of perspectives, but never from the Vespasian's one. I think Fabbri should have taken more care while writing the part, because there are just so many books describing it and readers are likely to be familiar with these other perspectives. I hope the next instalment is going to be more in line with the previous books.
3.4 stars

[Darek Zawisko · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this whole Vespasian series but without doubt Rome's Fallen Eagle is the best and that is no mean feat. The hunt for lost Roman eagles in the forests of Germania, the invasion of Britannia - both events are brilliantly brought to life in a novel packed full of action, intrigue and battle and peopled by a plethora of memorable characters, both Roman and 'barbarian'. I could not put this down. Excellent!

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 3 out of 5]

Läsning 2: Återigen är de delar som är magiska starkare vid omläsning. Frågan är om denna serie inte egentligen hör hemma i historisk fantasy?

Läsning 1: Denna är normalgod för författaren, både vad gäller tema, stil och intrig. Delar, såsom slagen i England mot kelterna, är riktigt välskrivna. Andra, såsom de Indiana Jones-liknande äventyren i Tyskland, är mindre så.

[Zena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyprawa Wespazjana do Brytanii ze specjalną misją w rzeczywistości okazuje się mieć zupełnie inny cel. W tle zagmatwane życie polityczne, od którego może kręcić się w głowie. Mimo wielu intryg i wątków książkę czyta się szybko i z zaciekawieniem.

[Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

I loved that Rome's Fallen Eagle combined action, adventure, warfare and intrigue; with Vespasian inveigled in the plots of freedmen which take him to the very edges of the empire.

[Wampy · Rating 3 out of 5]

von Kampf zu Kampf

Buchmeinung zu Robert Fabbri – Vespasian: Der gefallene Adler

„Vespasian: Der gefallene Adler“ 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 „Rome‘s fallen Eagle“ und ist 2013 erschienen. Dies ist der vierte Band um Vespasian. Das ungekürzte Hörbuch ist 2019 im Audiobuch Verlag erschienen und wird von Erich Wittenberg vorgetragen.

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:
Im Jahr 41 n. Chr.: Caligula findet seinen gerechten Tod. Nun ist Claudius der neue Kaiser von Rom – aber der unbeholfene Herrscher braucht einen präsentierbaren Erfolg. Vespasian und sein Bruder Sabinus sollen den gefallenen Adler der Legio XVII zurück nach Rom bringen, der bei Varusʼ desaströser Niederlage in den Wäldern Germaniens verloren ging. Mithilfe dieser Trophäe will Claudius in Britannien einmarschieren. Die Brüder haben keine Wahl, sie nehmen die Fährte auf …

Meine Meinung:
Caligulas Schreckensherrschaft wird durch eine Verschwörung beendet. Offiziell ist Claudius sein Nachfolger, aber tatsächlich herrschen seine drei Freigelassenen.Sie konkurrieren aber untereinander und erweisen sich als erfahrene Ränkeschmiede. Vespasian und sein Bruder haben keine Wahl, als sie eine Expedition zur Wiederbeschaffung des gefallenen Adlers anführen sollen. Anschaulich und sehr detailverliebt beschreibt der Autor die Kampfszenen und Vespasian entkommt mehrere Male nur knapp den Tod. Zur Auflockerung dieser harten Kampfszenen dienen die flotten Sprüche von Magnus, dessen Kommentare mir sehr gefallen haben. Vespasian kämpft unverdrossen, aber er ist nur ein Spielball der Mächtigen. Dann geht es nach Britannien und auch dort wird vorwiegend gekämpft. Die grausame Darstellung erreicht neue Höhen, aber bei Vespasian wird eine Entwicklung spürbar. Er beginnt Entwicklungen vorherzusehen und bewußter zu erleben. Weiterhin agiert er aber oft ohne Rücksicht auf die eigene Gesundheit und vollbringt aberwitzige Taten. Der Leser erfährt einiges über die römische Kriegsführung, aber auch darüber, wie die besiegten Gegner behandelt wurden. Insgesamt waren es mir aber zu viele Kampfszenen mit zu vielen Grausamkeiten.

Sprecher:
Erich Wittenberg überzeugt. Sein Vortrag ist ruhig, aber doch ausdruckstark. Jede Figur hat ihre eigene Stimme und ist eindeutig erkennbar. Mich als hörender Autofahrer freut der weitgehende Verzicht auf sehr leise Stellen. So konnte ich den Vortrag des Sprechers uneingeschränkt genießen. Fünf Sterne für den Sprecher sind angebracht.

Fazit:
Mir hat dieses Buch nicht so gut wie sein Vorgänger gefallen, weil einfach zu viel und zu grausam gekämpft wurden. Deshalb vergebe ich diesmal nur drei von fünf Sternen (60 von 100 Punkten).

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourth part of the series, Vespasian is trying to navigate the seemingly endless plots of imperial Rome. Caligula was a debauched mess, so they get rid of him in the hope Claudius will do better, although many Romans don't like the idea of a disabled emperor as they fear it will make them look weak.

Vespasian is commanded to recover a legionary standard lost in Varus's infamous defeat in Germany - but fears he's being stitched up. The three freedmen who seek to control Claudius all have agendas of their own - and their infighting threatens to prevent the legions from being able to fulfill their roles. Sometimes, as a reader, I wanted to reach into the book and knock their heads together. None of them seem to have been capable of seeing the damage their in-fighting was doing. Ultimately, people like them destabilised the Empire through their own selfishness. It's a miracle it held together as long as it did!

It's a decent read, despite some of the characters being annoying. Given that most of them are historically attested to have existed, it can't really be helped - the author is just portraying them as he believes they were. You do ideally need to have read the previous parts of the series to understand some of the references though - and there are times when the now-customary explanatory conversations threaten to become info-dumps.

The historical notes are also interesting regarding the later part of the book the exact location and circumstances of the Roman arrival in Britain is still debated, but it's fun to see this well-known point of history depicted.

Now I just have to find part V.

[Denis Bruins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dit is tot nu toe het bloederigste deel van de Vespasianus-serie.

[Speesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a relief to be done with Caligula! Not just for Vespasian and the rest of the Roman population of AD41, but also for us in 2015 reading Robert Fabbri’s excellent books. In the nicest possible sense, it is good that Caligula has met his just desserts. He cast a terrible, malignant shadow over the previous book, 'False God of Rome.' His unpredictability and not all that slow descent into madness, was fantastic writing from Robert Fabbri, but hard to stomach sometimes. That made it’s impression (rightly so) even more forceful, I felt.

Anyway, Caligula is stabbed in the vitals on the way home from yet another debauched theatre visit. By a hooded man. However, despite having done just about everyone, apart from Caligula’s wife, a tremendous favour, the Roman bunting is a little slow to be put out. This is die to the only alternative to Caligula as Emperor is Claudius (CLAVDIVS to give him his proper Shenley Court Comprehensive shool-watching the Derek Jakobi TV version 'I Claudius'-name). 'What’s wrong with that?' you who haven’t read the story so far, or skipped your school History lessons, might cry: Well, to bring you up to speed, the only problem with that, with Claudius is, he a drooling, stammering, half-idiot. Perfect as a politician then. Well, he is the only game in town - for now - that most can agree on. The best least worst solution to the succession. However, he is surrounded by powerful men. Both physically, in the shape of the feared Prætorian guard, and with Narcissus, Pallas and Callistus, three of the schemingest schemers it will ever be the Romans’ misfortune - but our good fortune - to come up against. Each is seemingly trying to out-do the other in proving their loyalty to Clavdivs by proving to the Roman people, the mob, that Clavdivs is a worthy Emperor. And what better way to do that than have the Roman army go off in search of a stolen Legion Eagle in Germania. Not just any stolen Eagle, but the one that was lost at the scene of possibly Rome’s greatest - as in worst - defeat. The catastrophic, humiliating defeat 40 years previously in the Germanian Teutoburg forests. Capturing and returning the Eagle would go a long way to restoring Roman pride and ensuring Clavdivs' popularity. Not to mention subduing the troublesome Germanians and setting the Empire nicely up for another round of expansion, where Clavdivs can prove his worth by out-doing even the great Julius Caesar - not to mention Caligula - and conquering Britannia.

Luckily for Robert Fabbri and us, it is Vespasian who is sent off on what most believe is an impossible mission that even Ethan Hunt would think twice about. That of finding and bringing the Eagle back. I can’t now remember whether that is fiction Robert F has put in, or actual fact, based on likelihood, but either way, it works. And how! As we - Vespasian and us - escape from Rome’s clutches, the story and the writing blossom, flow and soar. If something can blossom and soar at the same time. Incredible stuff. So exciting, compulsive and compelling. I hate cliche’s to do with book reading - you try ‘devouring’ a book one day - but I really did not want to put the book down. Even to have my tea. Or my breakfast. And I’ll be sending the marriage guidance counselling bill direct to Mr Fabbri. It engages immediately and never lets go - not until the end anyway. The story, the character, the author have really been set free by coming out from the stifling confines of the Caligula period. The hunt for the Eagle’s residing place in the threatening, mysterious forests of Germania, is done a little like 'Southern Comfort,' if you’ve ever seen that film, mixed with ‘Predator.' Remember what happened in those two and you’ll get what's going on here. It really is done so well, the sense of threat is palpable. Superb writing! Very filmic, which may or may not be a coincidence...

I’m going to go on a limb and say it’s one of the two best books I’ve read this year. The other being Greg Iles’ 'The Bone Tree.' For sure in the best three anyway. Certainly the best Roman-period book I can remember ever reading. It really reads like a modern-day thriller, set in AD 41. Robertus Ludlumus. And it’s the fourth in the series, how can THAT be? Shouldn’t people be running on auto-pilot at this point? Not Mr F. If you like your action fast and your Romans and Barbarians furious, then pick up Rome’s Fallen Eagle now! Go on, do it! (You see what I did there?).


More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caligula lies dead by the hands of assassins. Claudius, the drooling fool is proclaimed Emperor but his rule will be a short one unless he wins over the legions. To do that his three conniving freedmen, Narcissus, Pallas and Callistus, concoct a scheme of breath taking magnitude. Thus we find Vespasian and his brother Sabinus on a seemingly impossible mission to find and return the lost Eagle of the 17th Legion; lost 30 years prior in the Teutoburg Forest massacre. What follows is a masterful story of danger, excitement and unrelenting action coupled with the snake-oil, behind the scenes plotting of the powers behind Claudius; not only of his freedmen but of his devious wife Messalina. Mr. Fabbri has created a compelling tale of Vespasian and his ever increasing belief in himself and his destiny. His leadership qualities and his abilities as a warrior come to the fore in this volume of what is a great series of books. From the vast and dark forests of Germania to the savage battles fought for Claudius' benefit in Britain, Rome's Fallen Eagle takes the reader on a splendid ride indeed. 5 stars

[Helen Mccabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rome's Fallen Eagle is divided into 3 sections: Rome, AD 41, Germania Ad 41 and The Invasion of Brittania in Spring AD 43. In these 3 sections, you learn a great deal of Roman history which has been meticulously researched by the author and as a novel has been changed in various places. The omissions and additions shown in the Notes at the end of the book are very interesting for a reader who would like to understand what was happening in Imperial Rome and the machinations as to supremacy which at that time was being planned by three freedmen, who held the Empire to ransom, such was the fear of the ruling family of the time. At this time, Ancient Rome was a marvel of both horror and admiration.
The novel begins with the brutal murder of Caligula which puts the end to his wicked reign and his treatment of all the Roman aristocratic families which changed them into almost fawning creatures afraid for their lives. After his death, Claudius, who is perceived as a foolish and drooling idiot, takes over from Caligula and then Claudius' three freedmen who have planned to make their master only a puppet ruler, begin to wield what they believe is their supreme power over the disabled Emperor. Vespasian, a blunt young aristocrat realises his brother Sabinus is implicated in the Caligula's death, but happily Sabinus is not executed for his part in the assassination as Vespasian is owed two favours by one of the freedmen. Then the two young men are ordered to go to Germania to bring back the lost Eagle of the Seventeenth Legion which is almost as bad as signing their own death warrants. It is in Germania that Vespasian learns more of his trade, fighting the Checchi in their sacred groves and later, in a great naval battle where his finding of the Eagle is thwarted by another Roman officer, Gabinius, who steals the Eagle and returns it to Claudius as if he was the one who found it. Afterwards Vespasian is despatched as legate to the Second Augusta, with General Aulius Plautius in charge, to bring Britannia under Roman rule. The brutalities that happen during this war are hard to read and the first and last battle of that invasion are written in so much detail that it matches the days the killing continued when thousands of savage Britons are slain, with many casualties also on the Roman side. It is very interesting to find out how the Romans fought and owing to such a disciplined army were able to overcome, even if they had a lot less men. Any Roman soldiers who grumbled about the system were put to death immediately, which was a cruel but successful way to remind a soldier discipline is everything and warning each man that he must act on any orders, bad or good, and fight until the last man standing.
Against the backdrop of this war, the political intrigue in Rome continues and Vespasian in particular is always trying to find a way out of the freedmen's web that could result in his death when he arrives back in Rome. In this novel most characters know their role and are determined to surface triumphant both in battle or in agreement with those who plot against them politically.
It is only towards the end of the novel, Vespasian begins to understand a great deal more about politics that have affected him and how to look after himself on the battlefield. He has been a popular leader of the Roman soldiery and honourable in their eyes. He is now a man who has made mistakes, learned from them, yet he has survived. But his wife and children have been taken to live in the palace to be brought up with Claudius' son and his mother, the evil Messalina and her brother, Vespasian's enemy. His thoughts begin to turn on higher things and he begins to ask himself the question as to why one imperial family alone should rule the whole of the known world. A thought comes briefly that he himself might one day do a lot better for himself and his stricken family: to stand a chance to make and wield the supreme power himself. A 5* book but only read it, if you love battles.

[Emiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het vierde deel in de reeks boeken over het leven van Vespasianus gaat verder met de beproefde formule. Dit keer bevindt Vespasianus zich in Germania en Britannia. Politiek gekonkel, geniepige militaire missies en grootse veldslagen bepalen ook in dit boek weer het beeld. Het zou bij sommige delen van het boek handig zijn een kaart erbij te paken als je precies wil weten waar het verhaal zich afspeelt en hoe de verschillende legeronderdelen door de landen bewegen, maar strikt noodzakelijk om het verhaal te kunnen volgen is het niet.

In dit deel heeft Fabbri minder, zoals in eerdere delen nog wel gebeurde, extra obstakels op de weg van Vespasianus opgeworpen om het verhaal te verlengen. Wederom een vermakelijk verhaal, maar ik vraag me meer en meer af hoe waarschijnlijk het is dat Vespasianus bij alle historische gebeurtenissen waar Fabbri hem plaatst daadwerkelijk betrokken is geweest.

[Rod · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no wonder each of these books gets a higher rating than the one before. How does Fabbri keep up the intensity, story line and intrigue? The characters are so well developed. Each has such an important role in every turn of the page!
The amount of adventure, blood and gore, twists and turns to the story, simply keep you breathless and unable to put it down! Vespasian is the central character, and yet he has so many alongside him who value add to him! Magnus is fabulous, a man worthy of admiration...and a little fear if you fell foul of him! The fat Gaius is fun and a little eccentric! Caenis is in and out of the story, but is a strong female presence of great depth. Great stuff Robert...keep writing mate!

[Frederik Plunia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Für mich die perfekte Mischung aus politischen Intrigen, persönlichen Schicksalen und Fäden, logistischen Anforderungen im Krieg, und natürlich Kampfszenen die hier definitiv nicht gerade wenig sind, aber für mich immer verbunden mit taktischer und strategischer Tiefe. auch die 3 verschiedenen Teile in Rom, Germanen und Britannien haben alle ihren eigenen Stil. ich bin nach wie vor begeistert von der Reihe und finde sie steigert sich noch immer von Teil zu Teil. ich bin gespannt inwieweit das aufrecht erhalten werden kann je höher Vespasian in der Hierarchie aufsteigt und dementsprechend weniger an direkten Kämpfen beteiligt sein müsste. Magnus ist nach wie vor eine unheimlich sympathische Figur, die das ganze herrlich aufkockert.
I'm loving it. Exactly my kind of stuff. :-)

[Michael Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A change of emperor and further peril for the Flavian brothers

The book starts with the assassination of Caligula, his succession by Claudius and the assumption of power by the three freedoms Pallas, Narcissus and Callistus. Vespasian and Sabinus are soon drawn into the schemes of these players and despatched to Germania to search for the missing eagle of the 17th legion. This is followed by being despatched to Brittania as part of the Roman invasion force. Plenty of action in this book and the brothers become increasingly embroiled as pawns in the scheming of the freedmen and members of the imperial household and their family.

[Mike Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good volume in Fabbri’s fictionalised account of the life of Vespasian. These books feel well researched and, like Cornwell, Fabbri gives notes at the end explaining where he has deviated from the known history and where he has speculated in the absence of documented history. Aspects that make the books feel more convincing. The main problem I have with the books is the high levels of gratuitous gore in the fighting sequences. I guess it’s a difficult balance; these battles would have been grim affairs and veracity demands some honesty in the descriptions but, for me, Fabbri does step a little further over that line than is necessary.

[Krystina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be the first to admit that I ended up not reading Part II of this book. I give the author credit at his evident skill in writing battle scenes, but they've become pretty perfunctory at this point. We all know that Vespasian dies at home in the imperial palace in 79 A.D., so there really isn't any urgency to the battles. On the flipside (while I continue to object to the characterization of Vespasian's relationships with his wife and his mistress), the intrigue in Ancient Rome in this book were some of the series' best.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid descriptions, as with its predecessor Tribune of Rome, mark this fourth in the series on Vespasian which starts with Caligula’s assassination and then takes Vespasian to the Rhine to recover one of Varus’ lost Eagles and finally to the invasion of Britain with Roman political duplicity following him all the way. The battle descriptions and detail of the landscapes are superbly done; characters are fully fleshed particularly Plautius, the leader of the invasion, although dialogue is a little too 21st century. All totally engrossing.

[Avsar2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as the former books in this series.

Vespasianus is involved in many controversies and actions. It made sense in the first books, but it is a bit much and not logical why he is involved with things about the new emperor.

I do like the battles and how the British people are portrayed in the book.

I will still read the books and I hope they are better than this one.

I do enjoy the characters and hate Claudius with all of my soul. He is written well and unlikeable just like any overpowered person.

[Zany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Více než dvouletý odstup od přečtení předchozího dílu série byl zpočátku trochu na překážku, přesto jsem se do děje dostal celkem rychle. Rozdělení děje na římskou, germánskou a britskou část mi oproti jiným komentářům nijak zvlášť rušivě nepřipadalo. Zajímavé by bylo srovnání se stejným dějem ztvárněným v sérii Simona Scarrowa, tu jsem bohužel četl ještě před delší dobou.

[Keith Beddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book by Robert Fabbri. His extensive knowledge of the early Roman Empire is excellent and he builds a creditable story dealing with the assassination of Caligula, the machinations of Claudus's freedmen and the invasion of Britain by Claudius's legions. A really god book which rolls along at a good pace with characters developing within it.

[MarkoJestem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kolejna świetna część historii, opisy tortur, egzekucji i zniewolenia Legionistów biorących udział w rzezi Lasu Teutoburskiego mogą zapaść w pamięć na długo.
Opisy w trakcie Bitew w Brytanii pozwalają wyobrazić sobie DOKŁADNIE co się działo w każdym ich momencie.
Naprawdę szczegółowe opisy wyliczeń ile potrzeba i na co w trakcie Kampanii w Brytanii robią wrażenie.

[Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book of the series.
Again, I loved the intrigues of Roman politics, the evolution of Vespasian as a character and the hunt for the lost eagle and the conquest of Britannia.

But I honestly skipped parts of the combat scenes. The are sometimes just too long and too dramatic (but Vespasian inevitably has "plot armor").

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enthralling read

This has thus far been the best of the set in my opinion. The adventures of Vespasian is captivating and description of life in that period is quite interesting. Its an enthralling read.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, Emperor Caligula is murdered, and Claudius (the last living male of the Julio/Claudio blood line.
In this, the 4th installment of the Vespasian Series, Claudius has his sights set on conquering Britain!
Vespasian gains much notoriety during this battle.
Looking forward to Book V!

[Blanka Lednická · Rating 4 out of 5]

Konečně jsem po asi dvou měsících dočetla nějakou knížku. A je to právě další díl Vespasiána.

Občas z toho trochu rostu, protože nesnáším nespravedlnost a tak (sakra, co dělám v politice?), ale jinak je to parádní čtení...

[Luca Bolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrighi e battaglie in Britannia. Ritengo un po' forzato il discorso magico dei Druidi, forse le vere difficoltà romane si vedono più a fine libro o ad inizio successivo, dove i limiti della gestione Britannia vengono elencati meglio.