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Vespasian #7
Furie van Rome
Het jaar 58 na in Rome heerst chaos. Keizer Nero heeft zich omringd met handlangers en trekt ’s nachts plunderend door de straten, dood en verderf zaaiend. Intussen heeft Nero’s extravagantie nieuwe hoogten bereikt. Zijn astronomische uitgaven zetten de noodlijdende provincies zwaar onder druk. Kan Nero zich terugtrekken uit Britannia en welke prijs zal dat hebben voor het keizerrijk? Terwijl de bankiers van het keizerrijk in paniek hun uitstaande bedragen proberen te innen, wordt Vespasianus naar Londinium gestuurd op een geheime missie. Hij raakt tegen zijn wil betrokken bij de wrede opstand van Boudicca, een vrouwelijke krijger die uitzonderlijk dapper is. Als de rebellie aan steun wint, moet Vespasianus vechten om de vijanden van Rome het hoofd te bieden en zijn taak te volbrengen voordat Britannia in vlammen opgaat.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
113 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Robert Fabbri
56 books343 followersRobert 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 7, 2022
Nearing the end of the series about the rise of Vespasian to the pinnacle of the Roman Empire. Its been a good friend.
We start with Sabinus in a prologue, this time at a feast hosted by Nero but it’s no ordinary feast, its one when the party goers are either Nero’s sycophants or are in fear of him & what he’ll do next. The excesses of his reign have already begun as relayed through Sabinus’s thoughts with his uncle Gaius at said feast, a feast which later spills over into trouble for Uncle Gaius & forms part of the early story.
Next chapter we catch up with Vespasian at the side of his mother’s deathbed, a strength in his life passing soon after. The brothers are united in their grief but quickly the story turns to politics & the actions of the young Nero, plus those of his closest aide Seneca who has meddled in affairs in Britannica causing strive & rebellion.
An old ally Pallas & foe Agrippina, who are united in love, soon come into Vespasian’s sphere & the plot is laid out for the reader, well, that is the basic plot, as this is Rome after all & not all is as it seems! Which I’ll let you discover as the long game is played out.
As expected, this book is mostly about the politics of Rome as Vespasian, now in his early fifties, plots his path or should that be, ensures his survival with the feared Nero as emperor. We do though, in the later chapters, find ourselves in Britannia in a period known to many, The Iceni uprising of AD60-61, where we see action as Vespasian finds himself in the right place at the wrong time tying the story of Boudicca in quite nicely with his own mission.
At the back contains the historical notes of the period which is followed faithfully for those of the period all bar Vespasian whose insertion in the story is certainly somewhat liberal, where he seems to appear everywhere. Its fiction after all :D
A 4.5 for me rounded to a five, with another sound outing for this series.
We start with Sabinus in a prologue, this time at a feast hosted by Nero but it’s no ordinary feast, its one when the party goers are either Nero’s sycophants or are in fear of him & what he’ll do next. The excesses of his reign have already begun as relayed through Sabinus’s thoughts with his uncle Gaius at said feast, a feast which later spills over into trouble for Uncle Gaius & forms part of the early story.
Next chapter we catch up with Vespasian at the side of his mother’s deathbed, a strength in his life passing soon after. The brothers are united in their grief but quickly the story turns to politics & the actions of the young Nero, plus those of his closest aide Seneca who has meddled in affairs in Britannica causing strive & rebellion.
An old ally Pallas & foe Agrippina, who are united in love, soon come into Vespasian’s sphere & the plot is laid out for the reader, well, that is the basic plot, as this is Rome after all & not all is as it seems! Which I’ll let you discover as the long game is played out.
As expected, this book is mostly about the politics of Rome as Vespasian, now in his early fifties, plots his path or should that be, ensures his survival with the feared Nero as emperor. We do though, in the later chapters, find ourselves in Britannia in a period known to many, The Iceni uprising of AD60-61, where we see action as Vespasian finds himself in the right place at the wrong time tying the story of Boudicca in quite nicely with his own mission.
At the back contains the historical notes of the period which is followed faithfully for those of the period all bar Vespasian whose insertion in the story is certainly somewhat liberal, where he seems to appear everywhere. Its fiction after all :D
A 4.5 for me rounded to a five, with another sound outing for this series.
March 27, 2016
Earning the enmity of Claudius' wife Agrippina was usually the equivalent of a death sentence, but Vespasian was obviously a survivor literally as well as politically. Following his consulship in 51 CE he vanishes from the records for twelve years. This inconvenient lack of detail provides a real test of skill for the historical novelist; how do you keep the pace, excitement and interest going across a long story arc without becoming too far fetched? Fabbri's decision to place Vespasian, Sabinus and Caenis in the middle of Boudica's revolt appears to have been a move too far for some reviewers. I thought so as well at first, but had my mind changed by two unrelated factors.
Firstly, the means by which Fabbri has Vespasian end up there are not entirely impossible - especially given the plotting and scheming by Seneca and Pallas. Secondly, the trip to Britannia forms yet another chance for Vespasian to hone the skills of a political survivor. The prophecy made at his birth no longer sounds as impossible as it once did. If the Julio-Claudian family really is on the way out why shouldn't the Flavians succeed them?
Vespasian has come a long way from the idealistic sixteen year old whose only wish was to serve Rome. For me, this is one of the triumphs of Fabbri's writing. Nice guys really do finish last and in Imperial Rome they don't even get past the starting line. Vespasian has survived the paranoia of Tiberius' last years, the deified insanity of Caligula and the corruption and mismanagement of Claudius' court. As a result he has blood on his hands and some of it isn't his own. To use a modern analogy, he's on the merry-go-round and it's too late to get off - even if he really wanted to.
Fabbri's description of Nero's Rome is excellent and the atmosphere of fear is brilliant described. So too is the determination of Vespasian to do what he has to do to ensure the survival of himself and his family in a world where sudden death comes at the Emperor's whim.
Firstly, the means by which Fabbri has Vespasian end up there are not entirely impossible - especially given the plotting and scheming by Seneca and Pallas. Secondly, the trip to Britannia forms yet another chance for Vespasian to hone the skills of a political survivor. The prophecy made at his birth no longer sounds as impossible as it once did. If the Julio-Claudian family really is on the way out why shouldn't the Flavians succeed them?
Vespasian has come a long way from the idealistic sixteen year old whose only wish was to serve Rome. For me, this is one of the triumphs of Fabbri's writing. Nice guys really do finish last and in Imperial Rome they don't even get past the starting line. Vespasian has survived the paranoia of Tiberius' last years, the deified insanity of Caligula and the corruption and mismanagement of Claudius' court. As a result he has blood on his hands and some of it isn't his own. To use a modern analogy, he's on the merry-go-round and it's too late to get off - even if he really wanted to.
Fabbri's description of Nero's Rome is excellent and the atmosphere of fear is brilliant described. So too is the determination of Vespasian to do what he has to do to ensure the survival of himself and his family in a world where sudden death comes at the Emperor's whim.
January 3, 2018
A fantastic addition to a consistently excellent series on Vespasian. So much going on here - in Rome and in Britannia - and all of it is gripping. Highlights, and there are many, include a fabulously terrifying portrait of Nero.
October 2, 2023
4.5 stars
May 18, 2016
This series is getting more and more far-fetched. This time we are treated to a rather distasteful version of Boudica's revolt (a theme that has become horribly over-rehashed recently) - in which, of course, Vespasian just happens to take part. Vespasian and Sabinus become less pleasant and much less humane and the Druids continue to be stereotyped. All the characters are becoming more caricatures, really. Magnus remains likable (though typecast and repetitive) but it gets harder and harder to care what happens to most of them. Fabbri rushed through the first years of Vespasian's (mainly undocumented) life with brio and seems to have suddenly realised that he's running out of life to make into a novel - after all, it's only about 6 years hence that he becomes Emperor and well-documented! - and has suddenly ground to an agonising halt, dragging us through the last few years of Nero's parodied reign with agonising slowness. *wonders how many books he'll get out of the Year of Four Emperors*
My theory is Fabbri is writing under pressure as this latest book has only just come out and the next is trumpeted as 'imminent'. At least he can write engagingly, despite my complaints. The first book was so very good that the let down as he sinks into caricature has been severe.
*disappointed of Port Albert, NZ*
My theory is Fabbri is writing under pressure as this latest book has only just come out and the next is trumpeted as 'imminent'. At least he can write engagingly, despite my complaints. The first book was so very good that the let down as he sinks into caricature has been severe.
*disappointed of Port Albert, NZ*
February 2, 2023
Läsning 2: Inget att tillägga.
Läsning 1: Utmärkt liten saga!
Boken hanterar de i huvudsak okända åren av Vespasianus karriär, innan han nådde guvernörskapet i Afrika. Den placerar honom som hovman, och därefter intendent i Britannien, under Boudiccas uppror. Föga förvånande skildras Roms makthavare med samma svartsynta pensel som under de tidigare böckerna, medan huvudpersonen är hjälten enbart för att han förkroppsligar en grå karriärism snarare än aktivt vansinne.
Jag rekommenderar boken för historienördar.
Läsning 1: Utmärkt liten saga!
Boken hanterar de i huvudsak okända åren av Vespasianus karriär, innan han nådde guvernörskapet i Afrika. Den placerar honom som hovman, och därefter intendent i Britannien, under Boudiccas uppror. Föga förvånande skildras Roms makthavare med samma svartsynta pensel som under de tidigare böckerna, medan huvudpersonen är hjälten enbart för att han förkroppsligar en grå karriärism snarare än aktivt vansinne.
Jag rekommenderar boken för historienördar.
December 24, 2016
First up - Have you ever known a time when Rome wasn't in turmoil? It clearly is the mainstay of people writing Roman-era fiction of course, to have Rome constantly in the afore-mentioned turmoil, but come on! There must have been some dull years? Some quiet times, like when all the stuff got built. Still, the period we're entering into here, is one of the most tumultuous in Rome's history. I'm no expert in Roman history, I'm just going by the number of books I've read set in this period (!). And the little bit I do/did know about it. The time of four, or was it five? Emperors. In quick succession. Good riddance to half of them as well.
Second up, really should be first up: This book, Furies of Rome, is a masterpiece. A master work. The work of a writing master at the peak of his game. A masterpiece after six previous volumes? Outrageous! If you haven't read the previous books in the series, are you in for a treat. If you have and thought they were excellent, this one will take you even further into Rome-heaven. What really did it for me, was the big battle with Queen Boudicca towards the end. That is both a masterpiece of clear, effective, well-planned writing, and a masterly description of a masterpiece of tactical awareness and battle planning from (not Vespasian!), but Paulus. That is worth the entrance fee on its own, really, but it could only be so effective having been set on top of the already fabulous build up. We start in Rome, with some pretty hairy moments for Vespasian as he tries to steer a path to survival through Nero's madness - and the opportunists trying to take advantage of Nero's near total doo-lally-ness. It's a relief, and not just for Vespasian, to be able to get away from the tensions of Rome, to the quiet, calm, backwater that is Britannia. A province that refuses to be governed quietly and with revolting natives all over the show.
Vespasian has developed, not really a thicker skin, but, at least by the end of this book, I detected a more laissez faire kind of attitude. More, what will be, will be. The prophecy that was made at his birth, the meaning of which he has slowly begun to if not figure out, then more than suspect what it is, seems to have given him the 'do your worst, I know what is inevitably going to happen' attitude. I got the idea that, in the final chapter back in Rome (it's not giving anything away, I've checked), he kind of feels that the worst that could possibly have happened to him, has and hasn't. That it's more downhill sailing from here on. That I'm even able to think that, think back on the development of the character as it has happened over seven books, and notice subtle changes, speaks - for me - volumes about the work of Robert Fabbri in being able to do it.
The title also had me thinking. Obviously, the furies could refer to the dangerous women there are in Rome and here, Vespasian faces dangerous women at every turn. The storms and the fury being stirred up by Nero, is another. Then when he gets to Britannia, there's Boudicca, of course. But she is matched, in a subtly different way, by Vespasian's long-time mistress, Caenis. She, really comes good here, showing in full light, the strengths and subtleties that have been hinted at in previous volumes. A fury from Rome, of ever there was one.
There's so much to appreciate and savour in The Furies of Rome, that it would be churlish of me to suggest it's because Vespasian returns to his old Britannia stamping grounds. But I'll suggest it anyway.
I'm still gonna picture Vespasian with a full head of hair though...
See all my reviews here: Speesh Reads
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Second up, really should be first up: This book, Furies of Rome, is a masterpiece. A master work. The work of a writing master at the peak of his game. A masterpiece after six previous volumes? Outrageous! If you haven't read the previous books in the series, are you in for a treat. If you have and thought they were excellent, this one will take you even further into Rome-heaven. What really did it for me, was the big battle with Queen Boudicca towards the end. That is both a masterpiece of clear, effective, well-planned writing, and a masterly description of a masterpiece of tactical awareness and battle planning from (not Vespasian!), but Paulus. That is worth the entrance fee on its own, really, but it could only be so effective having been set on top of the already fabulous build up. We start in Rome, with some pretty hairy moments for Vespasian as he tries to steer a path to survival through Nero's madness - and the opportunists trying to take advantage of Nero's near total doo-lally-ness. It's a relief, and not just for Vespasian, to be able to get away from the tensions of Rome, to the quiet, calm, backwater that is Britannia. A province that refuses to be governed quietly and with revolting natives all over the show.
Vespasian has developed, not really a thicker skin, but, at least by the end of this book, I detected a more laissez faire kind of attitude. More, what will be, will be. The prophecy that was made at his birth, the meaning of which he has slowly begun to if not figure out, then more than suspect what it is, seems to have given him the 'do your worst, I know what is inevitably going to happen' attitude. I got the idea that, in the final chapter back in Rome (it's not giving anything away, I've checked), he kind of feels that the worst that could possibly have happened to him, has and hasn't. That it's more downhill sailing from here on. That I'm even able to think that, think back on the development of the character as it has happened over seven books, and notice subtle changes, speaks - for me - volumes about the work of Robert Fabbri in being able to do it.
The title also had me thinking. Obviously, the furies could refer to the dangerous women there are in Rome and here, Vespasian faces dangerous women at every turn. The storms and the fury being stirred up by Nero, is another. Then when he gets to Britannia, there's Boudicca, of course. But she is matched, in a subtly different way, by Vespasian's long-time mistress, Caenis. She, really comes good here, showing in full light, the strengths and subtleties that have been hinted at in previous volumes. A fury from Rome, of ever there was one.
There's so much to appreciate and savour in The Furies of Rome, that it would be churlish of me to suggest it's because Vespasian returns to his old Britannia stamping grounds. But I'll suggest it anyway.
I'm still gonna picture Vespasian with a full head of hair though...
See all my reviews here: Speesh Reads
Speesh Reads Facebook Page
April 19, 2016
This is the seventh book in the Vespasian series which is set in Ancient Rome. In AD58, Vespasian is now middle aged and has seen much unrest during his time spent at the centre of Roman politics. In this latest installment, the emperor Nero is behaving very badly and Vespasian gets drawn more and more into the conspiracies and counter conspiracies which revolve around the seeming cruelties of Nero's court.
The closeted atmosphere of the ancient Roman world is brought vividly to life in truly believable way and the petty jealousies and squabbles which festered in the shadows are allowed to take centre stage. I enjoyed the adventurous aspect of the story particularly when Vespasian is dispatched to Londinium on a secret mission and of his interaction with Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni.
I'm new to this historical series so some of the finer nuances of the story have probably escaped my attention. And yet, having said that, the author does a really good job of explaining some of the issues which have gone before, so that I never felt like I was floundering too much in the dark. The clever blending of fact and fiction really makes the history come alive in the imagination and the ancient world is so well recreated that it does feel totally authentic. Even though I hadn't met Vespasian or his family before, I felt like, by the end of the novel, that I come to know them all very well.
I really enjoyed this foray into the ancient Roman world and I am sure that the the author with his skillful storytelling will be able to keep the momentum of the series for some time to come.
The closeted atmosphere of the ancient Roman world is brought vividly to life in truly believable way and the petty jealousies and squabbles which festered in the shadows are allowed to take centre stage. I enjoyed the adventurous aspect of the story particularly when Vespasian is dispatched to Londinium on a secret mission and of his interaction with Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni.
I'm new to this historical series so some of the finer nuances of the story have probably escaped my attention. And yet, having said that, the author does a really good job of explaining some of the issues which have gone before, so that I never felt like I was floundering too much in the dark. The clever blending of fact and fiction really makes the history come alive in the imagination and the ancient world is so well recreated that it does feel totally authentic. Even though I hadn't met Vespasian or his family before, I felt like, by the end of the novel, that I come to know them all very well.
I really enjoyed this foray into the ancient Roman world and I am sure that the the author with his skillful storytelling will be able to keep the momentum of the series for some time to come.
November 21, 2017
Well...it only took seven books, but the author finally got to me. I absolutely loved this book, by far the best in the Vespasian Series. I attribute my change of heart to the fact that Mr. Fabbri finally let a female character be something more than a crude allusion to sexual pleasure. Those familiar with Ancient Roman Society know that its women had many ways to exert influence and power in their own right. Here, Caenis finally gets the opportunity to shine as the resourceful helpmate she always could have been in this series...it's a shame that the author is only really now exploring her character but I hope the he keeps it up whilst finishing out the series. I wanted to slap Vespasian around for how easily he believed the woman who has stood by him throughout his life and career would randomly just betray him, but the greatest sidekick ever aka Magnus said all that needed to be said. I believe the ending makes it clear that Caenis will accompany Governor Vespasian to his province in Africa and I'll be sorely disappointed if he does not. The fall of Brittania sequence was the most enjoyable and I also appreciate the increased presence of Titus. Eagerly anticipating the release of the 8th book.
November 30, 2016
Continuing the story of Vespasian - lots of interesting goings-on in Rome with that wacky-lovable all-around-man about town NERO.
Robert Fabbri is able to convey the fear that gripped Rome as Nero's reign continued and our boy Vespasian is right in the middle of things. I actually was was feeling just as uncomfortable as Vespasian.
Fabbri is good like that. His attention to details is second to none. You feel like you're right there.
The story shifts to Britain and the revolt of the natives led by Boudicca and Fabbri paints a portrait of hell on earth. I have read the accounts of this period by the ancient historians. Fabbri brings the terror down to the common man. Powerful stuff.
Robert Fabbri is able to convey the fear that gripped Rome as Nero's reign continued and our boy Vespasian is right in the middle of things. I actually was was feeling just as uncomfortable as Vespasian.
Fabbri is good like that. His attention to details is second to none. You feel like you're right there.
The story shifts to Britain and the revolt of the natives led by Boudicca and Fabbri paints a portrait of hell on earth. I have read the accounts of this period by the ancient historians. Fabbri brings the terror down to the common man. Powerful stuff.
January 6, 2021
BLURB
AD 58: Rome is in turmoil once more. Emperor Nero has set his heart on a new wife but to clear a path for her, he must first assassinate his Empress, Claudia Octavia. Vespasian needs to tread carefully here—Nero's new lover, Poppaea Sabina, is no friend of his and her ascent to power spells danger. Meanwhile, Nero's extravagance has reached new heights, triggering a growing financial crisis in Britannia. Vespasian is sent to Londinium to rescue the situation, only to become embroiled in a deadly rebellion, one that threatens to destroy Britannia and de-stabilize the empire.
REVIEW
As this book has been out for a while, and has garnered enough reviews that it's safe to assume all angles have been covered. Thus I will keep this short...damnation, what a tale. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AD 58: Rome is in turmoil once more. Emperor Nero has set his heart on a new wife but to clear a path for her, he must first assassinate his Empress, Claudia Octavia. Vespasian needs to tread carefully here—Nero's new lover, Poppaea Sabina, is no friend of his and her ascent to power spells danger. Meanwhile, Nero's extravagance has reached new heights, triggering a growing financial crisis in Britannia. Vespasian is sent to Londinium to rescue the situation, only to become embroiled in a deadly rebellion, one that threatens to destroy Britannia and de-stabilize the empire.
REVIEW
As this book has been out for a while, and has garnered enough reviews that it's safe to assume all angles have been covered. Thus I will keep this short...damnation, what a tale. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 19, 2025
Ganz ehrlich, meiner Meinung nach ist dieser Band bis jetzt der Beste der Reihe.
Die erste Hälfte des Bandes spielt rund um Rom und die kaiserliche Politik. In der zweiten Hälfte geht es nach Britannien und dem Aufstand von Boudicca. Dadurch entsteht meiner Meinung nach endlich eine schöne Mischung aus den Intrigen Roms und den Kampfhandlungen an der Grenze des Imperiums.
Die erste Hälfte des Bandes spielt rund um Rom und die kaiserliche Politik. In der zweiten Hälfte geht es nach Britannien und dem Aufstand von Boudicca. Dadurch entsteht meiner Meinung nach endlich eine schöne Mischung aus den Intrigen Roms und den Kampfhandlungen an der Grenze des Imperiums.
February 16, 2023
Letto in inglese in quanto l'edizione italiana è introvabile.
March 11, 2019
Possibly the best volume so far in this excellent series.
Vespasian is back with his pals Magnus and Caenis together with, brother Sabinus, and fat uncle Gaius. As usual Magnus gets all the best lines, even though he's now in his 70's. Vespasian isn't getting any younger either, but nonetheless this is another excellent tale in the ongoing saga.
Nero is more bonkers than ever and enemies circle as the political turmoil in the Roman empire continues. Some of the action is set in Rome and some in Britannia, which is based cleverly around the on the Iceni revolt led by Boudicca (or Bodicea as I called her as a kid).
The political scenes are done well and never boring or dull and the battles outstanding as usual.
Don't agree that you can read this as a standalone, you really need the background of novels 1 through 6 to really get into this.
Recommended Roman read.
Vespasian is back with his pals Magnus and Caenis together with, brother Sabinus, and fat uncle Gaius. As usual Magnus gets all the best lines, even though he's now in his 70's. Vespasian isn't getting any younger either, but nonetheless this is another excellent tale in the ongoing saga.
Nero is more bonkers than ever and enemies circle as the political turmoil in the Roman empire continues. Some of the action is set in Rome and some in Britannia, which is based cleverly around the on the Iceni revolt led by Boudicca (or Bodicea as I called her as a kid).
The political scenes are done well and never boring or dull and the battles outstanding as usual.
Don't agree that you can read this as a standalone, you really need the background of novels 1 through 6 to really get into this.
Recommended Roman read.
October 15, 2021
The Furies of Rome is broken into three major parts. The attack on Gaius, Vespasian's uncle, the death of Agrippina, Nero's mother, and the revolt in Britannia with Boudicca's native armies. Although historically, we can't place Vespasian for sure in Britannia, we can be sure of his knowledge of Agrippina's death and the crazy antics of Emperor Nero, and the beheading of this first wife. This is an easy and good read for any fans of Vespasian. In my reviews of books, I don't like to tell much of the story, but I do like to highlight a few keys points in the hope that people are encouraged to read it.
You will find the excitement and drama you have enjoyed in the other Robert Fabbri books, so I hope you pick up and read this one too. I'm now on to Rome's Sacred Flame which is the 8th book in the
series.
You will find the excitement and drama you have enjoyed in the other Robert Fabbri books, so I hope you pick up and read this one too. I'm now on to Rome's Sacred Flame which is the 8th book in the
series.
December 13, 2019
When in Rome..........!
What a dreadful place ancient Rome was. Corrupt officials at every level, a cruel and amoral aristocracy, a debauched, sadistic and psychotic emperor, millions of poor debased citizenry and countless downtrodden slaves. Just how did such a debauched Society managed to conquer much of the known world and produce such wonderful architecture and art? This book doesn't explain that conundrum but it does give the reader an exceptional insight into the political machinations and savage battles that actually took place during the reign of Emperor Nero. Well recommended.
What a dreadful place ancient Rome was. Corrupt officials at every level, a cruel and amoral aristocracy, a debauched, sadistic and psychotic emperor, millions of poor debased citizenry and countless downtrodden slaves. Just how did such a debauched Society managed to conquer much of the known world and produce such wonderful architecture and art? This book doesn't explain that conundrum but it does give the reader an exceptional insight into the political machinations and savage battles that actually took place during the reign of Emperor Nero. Well recommended.
January 30, 2021
Book VII in the Vespasian series finds Claudius murdered (by his wife Agrippina) and her son Nero installed as Emperor. When Nero tires of his Mother insinuating her considerable influence politically, he murders Agrippina.
Vespasian is sent to Britannia to collect all lent money before it is made public that Nero will withdraw from "this Godless heathen land, Britannia"
War, of course, breaks out between the natives and the ruling Romans.
After much Roman loss and the end of this war, Vespasian returns to Rome. Here he finds Nero has divorced from his half sister Claudia Octavia (daughter of Claudius), and subsequently marrying Poppea.
Vespasian is sent to Britannia to collect all lent money before it is made public that Nero will withdraw from "this Godless heathen land, Britannia"
War, of course, breaks out between the natives and the ruling Romans.
After much Roman loss and the end of this war, Vespasian returns to Rome. Here he finds Nero has divorced from his half sister Claudia Octavia (daughter of Claudius), and subsequently marrying Poppea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
Another good instalment in the life of Vespasian. As ever Fabbri’s writing is solid and his research sound, although much of Vespasian’s part in this book is speculation as the available records tell us little of his activities during this period. However, as always, he does love making his fighting descriptions as unnecessarily gory as he possibly can. Yes, battle in those times was certainly a gory affair but Fabbri could do worse than copy Bernard Cornwell’s rather more restrained coverage of such matters. That aside (and you can always skim the worst excesses as I do) the rest of the plotting, characters and action is very good.
August 23, 2017
This volume mainly deals with Nero's early rule and with Boudicca's uprising in Britain. I found this to be the weakest volume in the series so far. The intrigues are hard to believe (like Pallas spending a fortune to get Vespasian to deliver an invitation) and the writing regularly has "the maid and the butler" problems (with characters telling each other things they both know already just to inform the reader. The battle scenes are as good as ever though, with good insights in the strategies and trade-offs.
June 4, 2022
An atmosphere of fear
The story continues with Sabinas and Vespasian largely working togethet. Nero is becoming more unpredictable and there are plots and politics to navigate. In the course of this the brothers and Caenis travel back to Britannia where they become embroiled in the Iceni revolt and Boudicca's eventual defeat.
The book finishes back in Rome. Sabinus has the role of Urban Prefect and Vespasian is now Governor of Africa. How will they in the increasing climate of fear in Rome.
The story continues with Sabinas and Vespasian largely working togethet. Nero is becoming more unpredictable and there are plots and politics to navigate. In the course of this the brothers and Caenis travel back to Britannia where they become embroiled in the Iceni revolt and Boudicca's eventual defeat.
The book finishes back in Rome. Sabinus has the role of Urban Prefect and Vespasian is now Governor of Africa. How will they in the increasing climate of fear in Rome.
March 19, 2019
I had forgotten just how well-written and exciting these books by Robert Fabbri are! Even though the first half of this book is nothing more than politics, economics and intrigue, it's really interesting to read. The horrors and battle scenes in Britain do make up for the lack of action in this book's first half. Rather shocking and disgusting, but so was life in those days I suppose... Another superb addition to an impressive series!
January 29, 2024
I'd forgotten how much I am enjoying this series of books which has seen the growth of the future emperor, Vespasian, from callow youth, to a warrior forged in battle and now a wily political survivor. This book was full of highlights including the selfish madness of Nero which dominates Rome's elite. The Boudicca rebellion is also handled well in my opinion, conveying the sudden realisation that Roman legions were not all-powerful and could be beaten.
August 21, 2025
As with the last 2 books, due to lack of historical information for this period, Fabbri has inserted Vespasian into events he probably wasn't concerned with. However, this one is more plausible and certainly more entertaining than the last one was. I'd have happily had more of the book set in Britannia, with Boudicca as more of as rounder character. This is a great read - just hope the final 2 of the set are as good.
March 28, 2020
A different kind of Vespasian book. this one deals more with the scheming and plotting that went on behind the scenes in the Imperial Palace. The characters are well drawn especially Nero and Poppea Sabina drawing extensively from Robert Fabbri's knowledge of the period. A very good story which holds the readers attention.
January 22, 2018
Slow start
Slow start, bogged down by politics, spends too long in Rome. Story really gets going in the second half in Britannia. Let's hope that the next instalment pace picks up!
Slow start, bogged down by politics, spends too long in Rome. Story really gets going in the second half in Britannia. Let's hope that the next instalment pace picks up!
April 2, 2019
Still a good story although some of the writing is resorting to repetitive plot devices and conversational narrative to explain scene setting that is anything but natural sounding. Earlier books in the series were better.
May 1, 2019
Amazing read. Brings it all to life.
I feel the fear that living in Nero’s court must have engendered. Great battle scenes - the right mix of strategy and details. Ghastly how terrible it must have been.
I feel the fear that living in Nero’s court must have engendered. Great battle scenes - the right mix of strategy and details. Ghastly how terrible it must have been.
November 20, 2017
Mo spoilers but a very good read, cant wait for book #8 :-)
January 21, 2018
de geschiedkundige kant (en waarde) wordt steeds minder, het begint wel erg een avonturenverhaal te worden. het wordt tijd dat deze serie zijn einde nadert
December 13, 2018
The series that just keeps giving.....
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