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Vespasian #8
Heilig vuur van Rome
Rome, 63 na Christus. De onvoorspelbare keizer Nero benoemt Vespasianus tot gouverneur van Afrika en geeft hem de opdracht naar het afgelegen koninkrijkje Garama af te reizen. Hij moet de honderden Romeinse burgers die daar als slaaf worden gehouden zien te bevrijden. Vespasianus hoopt de klu snel te klaren en als held naar Rome terug te keren om zo bij Nero in de gunst te komen.
Hij heeft de Romeinse burgers nog maar net vrij gekregen of de andere slaven in Garama komen in opstand en in het kleine woestijnrijk breekt een bloederige strijd uit. Vespasianus moet de stad ontvluchten en begint met tweehonderd Romeinse burgers aan een lange en verraderlijke tocht door de woestijn. Intussen lijdt Rome onder de uitspattingen van Nero. De situatie verslechtert met de dag en de bovenlaag van Rome vreest voor zijn leven. Kan iemand de keizer stoppen voor hij Rome in de afgrond stort?
Hij heeft de Romeinse burgers nog maar net vrij gekregen of de andere slaven in Garama komen in opstand en in het kleine woestijnrijk breekt een bloederige strijd uit. Vespasianus moet de stad ontvluchten en begint met tweehonderd Romeinse burgers aan een lange en verraderlijke tocht door de woestijn. Intussen lijdt Rome onder de uitspattingen van Nero. De situatie verslechtert met de dag en de bovenlaag van Rome vreest voor zijn leven. Kan iemand de keizer stoppen voor hij Rome in de afgrond stort?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2018
86 people are currently reading
452 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 52 reviews
April 16, 2023
Coming to the end of the series, this the penultimate book
We start with an update in Rome (prologue) to see how the family is getting along in Nero’s company who by now rules the Senate & by virtue Rome through absolute fear, nobody dare incurring his ire….. before the story proper transports us to Africa where Vespasian is now governor having been sent on a mission to reclaim Roman citizens from a petty despot in a desert oasis 100 miles to the South of his region, he has been set up to fail from the powers to be in Rome but of course Vespasian is a resourceful man albeit he’s 63 years old by now…… It seems a simple story at this point…….
What we get in a hurry is a slave revolt kicking off jus as Vespasian sets off with his reclaimed Roman citizens, stuck in the middle he allies with neither side thus making an enemy of both.
Let the mayhem begin!
Part 1 follows as an action-packed adventure tail played out across the desert, where there are consequences that come to bear later in the tale….
Back in Rome, we catch up on the politics & excesses of Nero, which are many, to the point that the senate are starting to stir & talk of deposing him, it’s a dangerous time, where to survive is an achievement in itself let alone prosper. Especially if your name is Vespasian!
A fast-moving story, the fire of Rome occurs in this chapter, whilst of course Nero fiddled, this event covered in depth as the politics around it are played out & that’s part 2 in the bag.
Part 3 jumps us forward almost 8 months, we’re now in 65AD, the rebuilding of Neropolis (Rome) is well underway & the mob are baying for blood, with the finger being firmly pointed at Nero for starting the fire as he has reclaimed much of the city for his new palace, will his dictatorship survive or will a scapegoat be found…..
There is a fourth part which covers much of the aftermath, talk of supplantation of Nero, plots & treason plus more of Nero’s descent into madness….
Who will survive?
An enjoyable episode of the series, some might say a little bitty but it’s played out covering all the important events of this period revolving around Nero’s reign, I liked it 4, stars for me.
We start with an update in Rome (prologue) to see how the family is getting along in Nero’s company who by now rules the Senate & by virtue Rome through absolute fear, nobody dare incurring his ire….. before the story proper transports us to Africa where Vespasian is now governor having been sent on a mission to reclaim Roman citizens from a petty despot in a desert oasis 100 miles to the South of his region, he has been set up to fail from the powers to be in Rome but of course Vespasian is a resourceful man albeit he’s 63 years old by now…… It seems a simple story at this point…….
What we get in a hurry is a slave revolt kicking off jus as Vespasian sets off with his reclaimed Roman citizens, stuck in the middle he allies with neither side thus making an enemy of both.
Let the mayhem begin!
Part 1 follows as an action-packed adventure tail played out across the desert, where there are consequences that come to bear later in the tale….
Back in Rome, we catch up on the politics & excesses of Nero, which are many, to the point that the senate are starting to stir & talk of deposing him, it’s a dangerous time, where to survive is an achievement in itself let alone prosper. Especially if your name is Vespasian!
A fast-moving story, the fire of Rome occurs in this chapter, whilst of course Nero fiddled, this event covered in depth as the politics around it are played out & that’s part 2 in the bag.
Part 3 jumps us forward almost 8 months, we’re now in 65AD, the rebuilding of Neropolis (Rome) is well underway & the mob are baying for blood, with the finger being firmly pointed at Nero for starting the fire as he has reclaimed much of the city for his new palace, will his dictatorship survive or will a scapegoat be found…..
There is a fourth part which covers much of the aftermath, talk of supplantation of Nero, plots & treason plus more of Nero’s descent into madness….
Who will survive?
An enjoyable episode of the series, some might say a little bitty but it’s played out covering all the important events of this period revolving around Nero’s reign, I liked it 4, stars for me.
May 22, 2024
4.5 stars
February 24, 2018
Enthralling novel. Vol. 8 in the author's Vespasian series, this takes us from his stint as governor of Africa to his appointment as leader of military forces set to fight the Jewish War. As governor, he brings a group of Roman citizens out of non-Roman territory where they have been made slaves, into Roman territory, despite hardship, mutiny among his auxiliaries, and a slave revolt. Back in Rome, he and his brother live through Nero's excesses. The man is becoming more and more demented and depraved. Vespasian is present at the Great Fire and helps to fight it as he can and gives his approval to Nero's choice of scapegoat, who Nero blames as arsonists. For awhile to escape Nero's eye, Vespasian flees to one of his estates and puts down a gang of bandits, but loses his wife to them. Back in Rome, and having caught Nero's notice as military genius, he is tasked to fight and win Jewish War, having first helped foil a conspiracy againt the emperor's life.
The novel was spine-tingling, especially the march across the desert and the episode on his estate. I thought his wife's death a bit far-fetched, as well as bringing Peter and Paul in as supposed directors of the arson. Supposedly, some of the flame from the Vestals [hence Rome's Sacred Flame was used as title] was used to start the Great Fire, in the author's conception. Characterization was very good, but Vespasian was a bit too perfect. And, I didn't like his attitude towards Christians, but I suppose in that place and time, it was typical. I especially liked his OTT Nero--[shades of Peter Ustinov's film Nero crossed with a certain famous government person of our day, but, who, as far as I know doesn't play the lyre and bore people with concerts] and his Uncle Gaius, who only wanted to be unobtrusive. I have no interest in Vespasian's earlier life in Fabbri's series, but found this novel was easily a standalone.
Highly recommended.
The novel was spine-tingling, especially the march across the desert and the episode on his estate. I thought his wife's death a bit far-fetched, as well as bringing Peter and Paul in as supposed directors of the arson. Supposedly, some of the flame from the Vestals [hence Rome's Sacred Flame was used as title] was used to start the Great Fire, in the author's conception. Characterization was very good, but Vespasian was a bit too perfect. And, I didn't like his attitude towards Christians, but I suppose in that place and time, it was typical. I especially liked his OTT Nero--[shades of Peter Ustinov's film Nero crossed with a certain famous government person of our day, but, who, as far as I know doesn't play the lyre and bore people with concerts] and his Uncle Gaius, who only wanted to be unobtrusive. I have no interest in Vespasian's earlier life in Fabbri's series, but found this novel was easily a standalone.
Highly recommended.
January 3, 2018
Gripping and compelling but undoubtedly grim. Nero's Rome at its most deviant.
July 14, 2021
BLURB
Vespasian has been made Governor of Africa. Nero, Rome's increasingly unpredictable Emperor, orders him to journey with his most trusted men to a far-flung empire in Africa to free 200 Roman citizens who have been enslaved by a desert kingdom. Vespasian arrives at the city to negotiate their emancipation, hoping to return to Rome a hero and find himself back in favor with Nero. But when Vespasian reaches the city, he discovers a slave population on the edge of revolt. With no army to keep the population in check, it isn't long before tensions spill over into bloody chaos. Vespasian must escape the city with all 200 Roman citizens and make their way across a barren desert, battling thirst and exhaustion, with a hoard of rebels at their backs. It's a desperate race for survival, with twists and turns aplenty. Meanwhile, back in Rome, Nero's extravagance goes unchecked. All of Rome's elite fear for their lives as Nero's closest allies run amok. Can anyone stop the Emperor before Rome devours itself? And if Nero is to be toppled, who will be the one to put his head in the lion's mouth?
REVIEW
When a book has as many ratings/reviews as this one, it is difficult to write something that hasn't been already written. So, this review will be succinct - to wit - The author's portrayal of Nero is fiendishly outlandish, in other words spectacular; especially concerning the fire; oh yeah especially the fire. Another facet of this episode that I found so compelling is the long lived/exquisitely planned plots for revenge on Vespasian; in other words masterful storytelling, or as Magnus would say, 'if you get my meaning.' 😁 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Vespasian has been made Governor of Africa. Nero, Rome's increasingly unpredictable Emperor, orders him to journey with his most trusted men to a far-flung empire in Africa to free 200 Roman citizens who have been enslaved by a desert kingdom. Vespasian arrives at the city to negotiate their emancipation, hoping to return to Rome a hero and find himself back in favor with Nero. But when Vespasian reaches the city, he discovers a slave population on the edge of revolt. With no army to keep the population in check, it isn't long before tensions spill over into bloody chaos. Vespasian must escape the city with all 200 Roman citizens and make their way across a barren desert, battling thirst and exhaustion, with a hoard of rebels at their backs. It's a desperate race for survival, with twists and turns aplenty. Meanwhile, back in Rome, Nero's extravagance goes unchecked. All of Rome's elite fear for their lives as Nero's closest allies run amok. Can anyone stop the Emperor before Rome devours itself? And if Nero is to be toppled, who will be the one to put his head in the lion's mouth?
REVIEW
When a book has as many ratings/reviews as this one, it is difficult to write something that hasn't been already written. So, this review will be succinct - to wit - The author's portrayal of Nero is fiendishly outlandish, in other words spectacular; especially concerning the fire; oh yeah especially the fire. Another facet of this episode that I found so compelling is the long lived/exquisitely planned plots for revenge on Vespasian; in other words masterful storytelling, or as Magnus would say, 'if you get my meaning.' 😁 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
November 25, 2022
Ottavo libro della saga. Strepitoso per tutti gli amanti della storia di Roma. Aderente alle vicende avvenute durante il principato di Nerone.
October 10, 2018
Is there anyone writing better Roman historical fiction than Robert Fabbri right now? I don't think so.
I have read many, many, many, books on Rome in the time of Nero. I always think the best of them as being Rome: The Emperor's Spy by Manda Scott, this one is most certainly on the same level.
Nero is of course depicted as being a complete lunatic: he marries a man, holds a party in which senators wives are forced to give their bodies freely to any man that asks, and naturally - burns Rome to the ground.
Vespasian in this series is masterfully depicted. He is no hero, but a three dimensional man full of flaws. I will not go into detail and give plot spoilers, but I would say that there is a lesson for every writer in Robert's work. Each chapter is like its own mini story, so much happens over the course of the book that loose ends from chapter two are a delightful surprise in the final chapters when they are finally tied together.
I have loved every book in this series so far, gutted there's only one more to go.
I have read many, many, many, books on Rome in the time of Nero. I always think the best of them as being Rome: The Emperor's Spy by Manda Scott, this one is most certainly on the same level.
Nero is of course depicted as being a complete lunatic: he marries a man, holds a party in which senators wives are forced to give their bodies freely to any man that asks, and naturally - burns Rome to the ground.
Vespasian in this series is masterfully depicted. He is no hero, but a three dimensional man full of flaws. I will not go into detail and give plot spoilers, but I would say that there is a lesson for every writer in Robert's work. Each chapter is like its own mini story, so much happens over the course of the book that loose ends from chapter two are a delightful surprise in the final chapters when they are finally tied together.
I have loved every book in this series so far, gutted there's only one more to go.
March 3, 2018
Another great book in his Vespasian series, with some real shocks as it builds up towards a dramatic climax - to be concluded in the next book!
If you haven't yet read Robert Fabbri, his Vespasian novels do an amazing job of connecting much of the history of the early Roman Empire into a single, clear, and entertaining narrative.
If that sounds like it might be of interest to you, then do yourself a favor and check out the first book in this series, Tribune of Rome, which is usually available at a discount on Amazon.
If you haven't yet read Robert Fabbri, his Vespasian novels do an amazing job of connecting much of the history of the early Roman Empire into a single, clear, and entertaining narrative.
If that sounds like it might be of interest to you, then do yourself a favor and check out the first book in this series, Tribune of Rome, which is usually available at a discount on Amazon.
February 4, 2023
Läsning 2: Förra läsningen skrev jag ingen beskrivning. Jag är frestad att fortsätta med det, för denna bok är mestadels transportsträcka. Den är absolut inte dålig, bara inte speciellt intressant. Fokus är intrigerna för att överleva under Neros regim.
August 6, 2018
Vespasian is one of the more appealing Roman emperors. Emerging after the volatile 'year of the four emperors', we know surprisingly little about him. This, of course, allows Robert Fabbri a lot of artistic freedom for this series about his life.
This is volume 8, and we are nearing the end of the story. Vespasian has been made Governor of Africa by Nero, but he has some powerful enemies. He is ordered to travel to a small kingdom outside the empire to rescue 500 citizens who have been enslaved.
Vespasian sees negotiation as the order of the day. But when he arrives things start to get out of control, and the surprise appearance of an old enemy changes everything. Eventually, he has to cross miles of barren desert with his entourage and the freed slaves.
In Rome, Nero goes from bad to worse. There are many groups conspiring to overthrow him, but most are amateurish at best. When Vespasian finally returns from Africa, he and his brother Sabinus are approached by several conspirators, and they have to decide where they stand.
The author has made a real success of Vespasian as a man and a character. He has developed over the preceding books from idealistic youth to cynical - but still highly likeable - survivor. He has more to juggle than many of his rivals. The family were never rich, so he has to deal not only with the everyday political challenges, but also work to secure the future of his family. A few events in this volume show not only his financial vulnerability, but also provide one or two solutions.
The world the author conjures is generally very believable. He brings the febrile atmosphere of Nero's court to life well, and it is easy to see why such situations - not too rare in Roman history - weren't resolved more quickly. No one knew who to trust; very few people were prepared to make the first move. Even within the same conspiracy, there were betrayals and rivalries.
I do have one or two criticisms, though. Firstly, one that I had for a couple of the previous books. At times, Fabbri seems to get carried away with explicit and crude descriptions. It happened in the books about Tiberius and Caligula, and it happens here. I'm in no way prudish, but it seems out of place, and inconsistent with the rest of the writing. I'm not sure if the author feels the need to do it in an attempt to show us how horrific these emperors were, but it isn't necessary. Orgies where the women are unwilling participants will tell us all we need to know, without needing graphic descriptions of some of the activities. And the events surrounding the death of someone very close to Vespasian were unnecessary and, crucially, potentially changed the dynamics of other aspects of his life.
The other issue concerns what I might call lazy characterisation. Vespasian's sons, Titus and Domitian, are rather one dimensional - good son, bad son. Perhaps this is based on what we know of their later lives, but they are entirely predictable. As is Nero really. He is the pantomime villain, with no real depth.
Having said all this, and come this far, I will certainly read what I believe is the final volume when it appears. Vespasian is one of the more likeable emperors, and Fabbri has generally done an excellent job in giving us his version of the story.
This is volume 8, and we are nearing the end of the story. Vespasian has been made Governor of Africa by Nero, but he has some powerful enemies. He is ordered to travel to a small kingdom outside the empire to rescue 500 citizens who have been enslaved.
Vespasian sees negotiation as the order of the day. But when he arrives things start to get out of control, and the surprise appearance of an old enemy changes everything. Eventually, he has to cross miles of barren desert with his entourage and the freed slaves.
In Rome, Nero goes from bad to worse. There are many groups conspiring to overthrow him, but most are amateurish at best. When Vespasian finally returns from Africa, he and his brother Sabinus are approached by several conspirators, and they have to decide where they stand.
The author has made a real success of Vespasian as a man and a character. He has developed over the preceding books from idealistic youth to cynical - but still highly likeable - survivor. He has more to juggle than many of his rivals. The family were never rich, so he has to deal not only with the everyday political challenges, but also work to secure the future of his family. A few events in this volume show not only his financial vulnerability, but also provide one or two solutions.
The world the author conjures is generally very believable. He brings the febrile atmosphere of Nero's court to life well, and it is easy to see why such situations - not too rare in Roman history - weren't resolved more quickly. No one knew who to trust; very few people were prepared to make the first move. Even within the same conspiracy, there were betrayals and rivalries.
I do have one or two criticisms, though. Firstly, one that I had for a couple of the previous books. At times, Fabbri seems to get carried away with explicit and crude descriptions. It happened in the books about Tiberius and Caligula, and it happens here. I'm in no way prudish, but it seems out of place, and inconsistent with the rest of the writing. I'm not sure if the author feels the need to do it in an attempt to show us how horrific these emperors were, but it isn't necessary. Orgies where the women are unwilling participants will tell us all we need to know, without needing graphic descriptions of some of the activities. And the events surrounding the death of someone very close to Vespasian were unnecessary and, crucially, potentially changed the dynamics of other aspects of his life.
The other issue concerns what I might call lazy characterisation. Vespasian's sons, Titus and Domitian, are rather one dimensional - good son, bad son. Perhaps this is based on what we know of their later lives, but they are entirely predictable. As is Nero really. He is the pantomime villain, with no real depth.
Having said all this, and come this far, I will certainly read what I believe is the final volume when it appears. Vespasian is one of the more likeable emperors, and Fabbri has generally done an excellent job in giving us his version of the story.
January 9, 2018
I have not read the previous 7 books in the Vespasian series and was relieved to find that you really don't need to in order to understand this book. Neither is a knowledge of Roman History required to make sense of it, in fact I would suggest that to have such would be a detriment to the book. No disrespect to Mr Fabbri but he himself admits in the Afterword that much of the tale is just that, a tale, and should not be taken as Historical fact.
This is a story of political intrigue and war-mongering machinations set in the time of perhaps, the most infamous Roman Emperor Nero - you know the one who fiddled while Rome burned. Whilst that has been proven to be historically inaccurate there is some truth to the slur; this is taken to further extrapolation in this book and it is even weirder than you may suppose.
I am not normally a reader of this style of book, political thrillers have never really been my thing and that is very definitely what this book is. Rather than the political systems that we are used to it is set in an earlier autocracy but the rules of "combat" are the same - watch your back and look out for the main chance.
The writing is good and jogs along at a steady pace. The issue I had was the unfamiliarity of the names kept jolting me out of the tale. Not the author's fault but mine I appreciate. The plot is good if sometimes a little muddy and there is action aplenty with an almost gleeful delight in the retelling of actions which we would now think of as barbarous but which were everyday at the turn of the first millennium.
I enjoyed this book to some extent but would not hurry to read any of the previous 7 due to personal preferences. If this is a genre that you enjoy then I would urge you to pick the book up as it will give you a great deal of pleasure.
I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
This is a story of political intrigue and war-mongering machinations set in the time of perhaps, the most infamous Roman Emperor Nero - you know the one who fiddled while Rome burned. Whilst that has been proven to be historically inaccurate there is some truth to the slur; this is taken to further extrapolation in this book and it is even weirder than you may suppose.
I am not normally a reader of this style of book, political thrillers have never really been my thing and that is very definitely what this book is. Rather than the political systems that we are used to it is set in an earlier autocracy but the rules of "combat" are the same - watch your back and look out for the main chance.
The writing is good and jogs along at a steady pace. The issue I had was the unfamiliarity of the names kept jolting me out of the tale. Not the author's fault but mine I appreciate. The plot is good if sometimes a little muddy and there is action aplenty with an almost gleeful delight in the retelling of actions which we would now think of as barbarous but which were everyday at the turn of the first millennium.
I enjoyed this book to some extent but would not hurry to read any of the previous 7 due to personal preferences. If this is a genre that you enjoy then I would urge you to pick the book up as it will give you a great deal of pleasure.
I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
August 18, 2020
This was, in many ways, a great historical adventure novel. I confess that I have not read of the other novels in this series so I came to this book about halfway the overall story arc. Fortunately the main character is Vespasian - well-known Roman Emperor so it was fairly easy to place the book in the story line of his life.
What the author seems to have done is to take what is known about Vespasian's life in this period before he became emperor, and then weave in fictional characters and events to make for an exciting action book. He has done this well.
I found the book to be well written with believable characters and a great story line(s). The action scenes were well done, and trotted along at a good pace. Certainly a cracking holiday read.
On the other hand, there were a few oddities. The book is written in four parts, with each part being a self-contained story. A couple of characters carry over from one part to another, but not the story lines. The third part seems to be the conclusion to something that happened in an earlier novel in this series. I found that unsatisfying as I could not really follow what was supposed to have happened in the earlier section.
My only real historical criticism here is that the author has included just about everything bad that was ever written about Nero. This makes him an entirely negative character. Fair enough, I suppose, but I have always wondered how Nero got to be so popular for so long if he was that bad. And the sources were all written by his enemies after his death.
But I quibble. This is a jolly good read. Enjoy it.
What the author seems to have done is to take what is known about Vespasian's life in this period before he became emperor, and then weave in fictional characters and events to make for an exciting action book. He has done this well.
I found the book to be well written with believable characters and a great story line(s). The action scenes were well done, and trotted along at a good pace. Certainly a cracking holiday read.
On the other hand, there were a few oddities. The book is written in four parts, with each part being a self-contained story. A couple of characters carry over from one part to another, but not the story lines. The third part seems to be the conclusion to something that happened in an earlier novel in this series. I found that unsatisfying as I could not really follow what was supposed to have happened in the earlier section.
My only real historical criticism here is that the author has included just about everything bad that was ever written about Nero. This makes him an entirely negative character. Fair enough, I suppose, but I have always wondered how Nero got to be so popular for so long if he was that bad. And the sources were all written by his enemies after his death.
But I quibble. This is a jolly good read. Enjoy it.
March 22, 2019
As Rome descends into perversion, debauchery and all round madness Vespasian is embracing his destiny. If in previous books he considered possibility that he might seize the purple "for good of Rome" he now understands he must do it.
As usual book is divided into two parts, one sees Vespasian in Africa where he is governor. Sadly Fabbri decided to give us fictional story about saving roman citizens from desert city state rather than show us how Vespasian used this time to establish and cultivate various contacts that helped him later. Which, I suppose, is more interesting and tense. Second part is usual "back in Rome" plot where he gets front row seat to Ner's rule. We see Nero's marriages (so to speak), great fire, persecution of Christians and burgeoning plots. People that will ply role in Year of Four Emperors pop up, as they did before. And yes, the notorious sleep incident is there.
Book also sees departure of two key characters, . While former was expected due to historical fact (not manner of departure though) latter is still somewhat of a surprise. I think main goal here was to sever as many attachments Vespasian has to Rome so that when time will come to make his move he will be unburdened by them and also less vulnerable to retaliation.
Entire book feels more of a preparation for next one where Vespasian fulfills his destiny than stand alone or regular part of series. Still, that is important building bloc and I'm looking forward to folling it.
As usual book is divided into two parts, one sees Vespasian in Africa where he is governor. Sadly Fabbri decided to give us fictional story about saving roman citizens from desert city state rather than show us how Vespasian used this time to establish and cultivate various contacts that helped him later. Which, I suppose, is more interesting and tense. Second part is usual "back in Rome" plot where he gets front row seat to Ner's rule. We see Nero's marriages (so to speak), great fire, persecution of Christians and burgeoning plots. People that will ply role in Year of Four Emperors pop up, as they did before. And yes, the notorious sleep incident is there.
Book also sees departure of two key characters, . While former was expected due to historical fact (not manner of departure though) latter is still somewhat of a surprise. I think main goal here was to sever as many attachments Vespasian has to Rome so that when time will come to make his move he will be unburdened by them and also less vulnerable to retaliation.
Entire book feels more of a preparation for next one where Vespasian fulfills his destiny than stand alone or regular part of series. Still, that is important building bloc and I'm looking forward to folling it.
January 13, 2018
I received a free copy from Readers First in exchange for an honest review.
I love this period of history, even though i haven't read many books from the era, strong omission on my part, but the tv shows are always superb. I was a bit hesitant when i found out this was book 8 of a series, but on finishing it i don't think you are missing anything from not reading them in series. It is a period of history that has been so well documented you probably know most of what happened in the previous books too, just not whatever fictional elements Robert Fabbri used to tie them together with our titular hero Vespasian.
This one is in several distinct parts, starting off in Africa with a slave rescue and escape across an unforgiving dessert, before moving back to Rome and the inner circle of probably the craziest emperor of Rome there ever was - Nero. Everyone knows the myth about him fiddling while Rome burned, but i enjoyed the different take on it here where Nero was responsible for the fire starting in the first place - was it true, who knows.
Vespasian is an excellent character and definitely makes me want to check out the earlier books in the series now as it was an excellent adventure in political machinations in ancient Rome and just how fickle Nero was, one minute you are in favour the next he is having you commit suicide as you displeased him in some way.
I love this period of history, even though i haven't read many books from the era, strong omission on my part, but the tv shows are always superb. I was a bit hesitant when i found out this was book 8 of a series, but on finishing it i don't think you are missing anything from not reading them in series. It is a period of history that has been so well documented you probably know most of what happened in the previous books too, just not whatever fictional elements Robert Fabbri used to tie them together with our titular hero Vespasian.
This one is in several distinct parts, starting off in Africa with a slave rescue and escape across an unforgiving dessert, before moving back to Rome and the inner circle of probably the craziest emperor of Rome there ever was - Nero. Everyone knows the myth about him fiddling while Rome burned, but i enjoyed the different take on it here where Nero was responsible for the fire starting in the first place - was it true, who knows.
Vespasian is an excellent character and definitely makes me want to check out the earlier books in the series now as it was an excellent adventure in political machinations in ancient Rome and just how fickle Nero was, one minute you are in favour the next he is having you commit suicide as you displeased him in some way.
June 3, 2019
This is a book which can be read in two halves, although both halves are very brutal in different ways. Once Vespasian arrives in Parthia with what is left of his legions after going through a shocking journey and battle he finds that the city where he is bound, is a well-fed and good place to be if one is a member of the ruling class but it is clear to Vespasian that without the horror of its slavery it would be nothing. I found myself wishing that Vespasian would quickly recover the Roman citizens there who have been made into slaves, but the personal cost to him and his army of legionnaires is very high and his saving of a paltry number of Roman citizens instead of the thousands he needed to bring out to placate the Emperor Nero, is a personal disappointment. His return to Rome is perhaps even worse when he and his family behold how Rome has become so decadent and subject to every terrible excess of the Emperor. Men and women live in fear about Nero and Vespasian needs to use his brain power always, as even to think of joining a plot to kill Nero is too dangerous. Luckily the reader who knows that Vespasian will triumph and not die are just about able to bear the consequences of Nero's sodomy and his destruction of Rome by burning. Fabbri gives the reader a picture of every sickening excess possible and understand Vespasian's wish to be sent somewhere else in the Empire to govern and get away from such a dangerous position. This is a very good book if you can put up with such brutality. I, myself, would like to read the next book and discover it is a little less nerve-racking.
March 25, 2018
I can't understand how I'd never heard of Robert Fabbri before. Rome's Sacred Flame is the eighth in a series telling the life story of Vespasian so I have many more treats in store. I particularly want to find out all about his times in Britannia.
This segment takes place during the reign of the Emperor Nero so, yes, that explains the title and the cover illustration but it begins with an exciting African adventure in the Sahara desert, echoes of which reverberate throughout the book. I read it as a standalone novel quite happily because the writer briefly gives the details of other characters' previous encounters with Vespasian.
Vespasian is a tough soldier, very determined and clever, who will do pretty well anything to achieve his goals. The writing brings him to life and it's impossible not to wish him well. His friendships are important to him and Fabbri shows (not tells) how each relationship works and is unique, as well as valuable, to Vespasian.
I definitely intend to read the whole series now. There must be several volumes still to come as I know Vespasian eventually becomes Emperor himself.
This segment takes place during the reign of the Emperor Nero so, yes, that explains the title and the cover illustration but it begins with an exciting African adventure in the Sahara desert, echoes of which reverberate throughout the book. I read it as a standalone novel quite happily because the writer briefly gives the details of other characters' previous encounters with Vespasian.
Vespasian is a tough soldier, very determined and clever, who will do pretty well anything to achieve his goals. The writing brings him to life and it's impossible not to wish him well. His friendships are important to him and Fabbri shows (not tells) how each relationship works and is unique, as well as valuable, to Vespasian.
I definitely intend to read the whole series now. There must be several volumes still to come as I know Vespasian eventually becomes Emperor himself.
October 24, 2018
Quite an emotional one as a number of the characters we’ve been following over the 8 volumes bit the dust in this one. Even Flavia, Vespasian’s wife who we have loved to hate, elicited some mournful thoughts (particularly due to the manner of her untimely death).
This wasn’t the author’s intention, but it was also powerful to read of the executions of two of the most influential men of all time - Paul and Peter - in spite of the deliberate attempts to discredit them, those of us who revere them will have reflected on the manner of their passing.
Ending with the suicide of good old Uncle Gaius was also a tough read, even though he’d reached the ripe old age of 75. Even his catamites were emotional apparently.
One criticism from me was how sharply Corbulo’s suicide was included almost as an afterthought, particularly considering he was arguably a bigger prospect for the purple than Vespasian. Admittedly it doesn’t sound like the author had much background material to go on though.
So we reach the final period of Nero’s reign - I’m looking forward to finding out more about how Vespasian made the transition from Commander of Legions to Imperator
This wasn’t the author’s intention, but it was also powerful to read of the executions of two of the most influential men of all time - Paul and Peter - in spite of the deliberate attempts to discredit them, those of us who revere them will have reflected on the manner of their passing.
Ending with the suicide of good old Uncle Gaius was also a tough read, even though he’d reached the ripe old age of 75. Even his catamites were emotional apparently.
One criticism from me was how sharply Corbulo’s suicide was included almost as an afterthought, particularly considering he was arguably a bigger prospect for the purple than Vespasian. Admittedly it doesn’t sound like the author had much background material to go on though.
So we reach the final period of Nero’s reign - I’m looking forward to finding out more about how Vespasian made the transition from Commander of Legions to Imperator
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2022
Picked this up in Montecassini, Italy: because we were in Italy, reading Roman fiction seemed like a good thing to do, and I brought Colleen McCullough for that, but this looked good as well. More so, because it was 'two English language books for ten Euro', but I only wanted the one, this one. And at the register the lady said, 'Then you'll have to pay the full cover price of 32', and I said, 'That sounds crazy to me'. After discussing it with the manager I got it for 5 euro's.
Great book. One gets the feeling Vespasian gets somewhat over romanticized, and Nero is framed exactly as Suetonius pictured him, and saint Paul, who makes a guest appearance, seems a bit less verbose then I would have expected, but then again, who knows. There were some harsh crucifixion-scenes in this book, which made me reconsider that punishment in a new and not so pleasant light, and the scenes with the senatorial wives looked rathe unlikely to me, but then again, like I said.
Because its part 8 in a 9 book series I felt myself force to buy number 9 as well, as soon as I came home. It's titled 'Emperor of Rome', so Verpasian will probably be alright.
Great book. One gets the feeling Vespasian gets somewhat over romanticized, and Nero is framed exactly as Suetonius pictured him, and saint Paul, who makes a guest appearance, seems a bit less verbose then I would have expected, but then again, who knows. There were some harsh crucifixion-scenes in this book, which made me reconsider that punishment in a new and not so pleasant light, and the scenes with the senatorial wives looked rathe unlikely to me, but then again, like I said.
Because its part 8 in a 9 book series I felt myself force to buy number 9 as well, as soon as I came home. It's titled 'Emperor of Rome', so Verpasian will probably be alright.
November 16, 2021
I have now finished reading the nine Vespasian novels by Robert Fabbri. Rome's Sacred Flame is novel #8, but I have already read and reviewed novel #9. Generally when I write a review, I don't like to tell the whole story. I want the reader to discover the answers to questions like, How did Vespasian get posted to north Africa? Where there really a slave revolt in the kingdom he visited? What has happened to his wife, Flavia? Who is the Cripple and what has he done to Vespasian? What happened at the wild party on the lake that Emperor Nero was at in the book? What is the latest on the Emperor wives and his child? Why did Vespasian go into self-imposed exhile with Canesis? Did the Emperor
really start the fires that burned over half of Rome down? All these questions and more are answered in book #8. If you have enjoyed the previous Fabbri novels, then this one won't disappoint you and set you up for a new Emperor of Rome in novel #9.
really start the fires that burned over half of Rome down? All these questions and more are answered in book #8. If you have enjoyed the previous Fabbri novels, then this one won't disappoint you and set you up for a new Emperor of Rome in novel #9.
June 3, 2018
The trouble with books based around the Roman Empire is having to get your head around all the characters names!
This is the first book I've read in the series (it would seem to have several predecessors) but works easily as a stand alone novel.
The hero of the piece is Vespasian - Governor of Africa - who has been sent to free several Roman slaves.
That is an undertaking of great peril and adventure but for me the book really comes alive when the action returns to Rome. Currently under the control of the narcissistic Emperor Nero the mix of fact and fiction really brings the era alive.
When Rome starts to burn attention turns to how the blaze started and we really see how darned rotten to the core Nero is.
There is blood and guts aplenty, death galore, revenge, action and thrills from start to finish. I rattled through this in a day as it was completely in-put-downable!
This is the first book I've read in the series (it would seem to have several predecessors) but works easily as a stand alone novel.
The hero of the piece is Vespasian - Governor of Africa - who has been sent to free several Roman slaves.
That is an undertaking of great peril and adventure but for me the book really comes alive when the action returns to Rome. Currently under the control of the narcissistic Emperor Nero the mix of fact and fiction really brings the era alive.
When Rome starts to burn attention turns to how the blaze started and we really see how darned rotten to the core Nero is.
There is blood and guts aplenty, death galore, revenge, action and thrills from start to finish. I rattled through this in a day as it was completely in-put-downable!
July 5, 2024
This is book 8 in Fabbri's Vespasian series and we're in the middle of Nero's rule. It continues with the mostly convincing narrative of Vespasian's path to becoming Emperor. As always Fabbri does sometimes get rather carried away with the more gory aspects of the story though, of course, that period in history certainly had its fair share of goriness, so pretty hard to dodge. Slightly more annoying is the way Fabbri seems to have a real downer on Vespasian's son Domitian. Now he might not have been the nicest person in the Roman Empire but he is presented as such a nasty bit of stuff by the age of 12-13 as to be, for me, implausible. Also there is a whole moderately large section of the book that is not really relevant to the whole arc and is not based on any history that I could find and felt to me to be solely there to pad what would otherwise have been a very short book.
December 25, 2023
Ein vorletztes Mal entführt Robert Fabbri uns in das Rom vor knapp 2000 Jahren. In diesem 8. Und zugleich vorletzten Band überschlagen sich die Ereignisse, Verschwörungen und Handlungen aus den vorangegangenen Teilen führen hier auf ein packend es Finale hinaus. Für diejenigen, die sich mit der wahren Historie auskennen, werden diese Ereignisse nicht überraschend kommen, der Rest wird gespannt lesen müssen. Im diesem Teil wird Fabbris Genialität der Reihe erst so richtig klar, welche Personen er an welchen Stellen der Reihe geschickt platziert hat und in seine Fiktion eingewoben hat, um am Ende die Geschehnisse ins reche Licht zu rücken. Alles andere als 5 Sterne wäre falsch. Danke Fabbri für diese wunderbare Lektüre, ich bin gespannt auf das Finale.
July 31, 2022
Peril under Nero
The saga continues with Vespasian on a mission in the African desert to free Roman citizens who have been enslaved. Here he again encounters the treacherous Decianus who continues to work against Vespasian. The mission succeeds in freeing citizens although many are lost in the attempt.
After this Vespasian must return to Rome where he and his brother must work to avoid the perils of Nero's increasingly unpredictable and cruel ways. They have some success in this but the story ends with Vespasian charged with suppressing a revolt in Judea where success might be a trigger for his own death.
The saga continues with Vespasian on a mission in the African desert to free Roman citizens who have been enslaved. Here he again encounters the treacherous Decianus who continues to work against Vespasian. The mission succeeds in freeing citizens although many are lost in the attempt.
After this Vespasian must return to Rome where he and his brother must work to avoid the perils of Nero's increasingly unpredictable and cruel ways. They have some success in this but the story ends with Vespasian charged with suppressing a revolt in Judea where success might be a trigger for his own death.
January 27, 2018
As Nero’s reign begins to take on the more debauched excesses of Gaius Caligula’s, Vespasian comes increasingly to realise that something needs to be done about the emperor. The author’s story-telling skills remain strong and the action proceeds at a fast but believable pace. Fabbri freely admits to some modification of the facts in order to get a better story and this may not go down well with the purist reader. The stage is set for the Year of the Four Emperors and Vespasian’s eventual accession to the throne.
July 5, 2018
Didn’t enjoy this Vespasian books as much as the others in the series. It felt like there were 3 separate short stories that were forced together rather than a cohesive yarn, neatly packaged. We are all waiting for the big unveiling of the “prophecy” and some lose ends were tied off in preparation for the big finale I felt.
On the plus side, Vespasian remains as likeable as ever and you are wiling him onwards. Historical context feels right and true and you are quickly immersed into Ancient Rome.
Overall, not as free flowing as others, the prose not as crisp and all a bit forced.
On the plus side, Vespasian remains as likeable as ever and you are wiling him onwards. Historical context feels right and true and you are quickly immersed into Ancient Rome.
Overall, not as free flowing as others, the prose not as crisp and all a bit forced.
February 18, 2021
Eighth installment in the Vespasian series. We find Nero has murdered his wife (and half sister) Octavia to enable his marriage to Pappea Sabina. Next Nero has his Mother Agrippina assassinated.
Vespasian is granted Governorship of Africa. Soon after his return to Rome, the devastating fire🔥destroys the city, but is quickly rebuilt as 'Neropolis' (at least that's what Nero calls it).
This volume ends with the death of Poppea (fatally kicked by Nero)
While Vespasian is sent to 'Judaea' to make short of the Jews.
Vespasian is granted Governorship of Africa. Soon after his return to Rome, the devastating fire🔥destroys the city, but is quickly rebuilt as 'Neropolis' (at least that's what Nero calls it).
This volume ends with the death of Poppea (fatally kicked by Nero)
While Vespasian is sent to 'Judaea' to make short of the Jews.
May 7, 2018
The next step in Vespasian's long, slow, but sure march to the purple. Here we see the dark side of Roman rule, the insane emperor Nero, who terrorises and murders his subjects. Vespasian, by luck and design, navigates these waters, though not without loss. At the conclusion of the novel is newly appointed to the east to crush the revolt of the Jews.
I wonderfully written story, cannot put it down.
I wonderfully written story, cannot put it down.
August 9, 2018
On par with the previous seven in regards to entertainment and sheer readability. The novel is divided into a number of disparate sections, and while the others were too, it really jars this time. I found the section in the kingdom of the Garamantes to be more fascinating (and enlightening) than the series of intrigues and debaucheries that follow. I didn't even know Garama existed, and it had me running for Wikipedia to bone up on it all. Well done.
Bring on Emperor Vespasian!
Bring on Emperor Vespasian!
August 28, 2019
Heel interessant als je nieuwsgierig bent naar de Romeinse geschiedenis. Heel prettig leesbaar en waarheidsgetrouw (achterin wordt beschreven waar de auteur van de geschiedschrijving afwijkt) maar de beschrijving van gruwelijkheden vind ik naar en zou ik niet willen lezen en zeker niet hoe de personages er over denken/voelen. Afgezien daarvan zeer de moeite waard ook vanwege de uitdieping en invulling van allerlei personages, zoals bv Seneca of Paulus.
April 6, 2018
The one but last episode in the Vespasian series, this time with a strong focus on Nero's debauchery, as well as an interesting expedition to a litte kingdom deep in the Sahara desert. Entertaining as always, but the books in the series are starting to feel a bit samey. Still my favourite historic series though. Looking forward to the last part, where Vespasian will finally take the purple.
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