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mind_of_kaykay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Suicide
aminakara's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
m_j_webb's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the first in the series but thought this book a poor sequel. Well written but lacking in excitement for me. I'll still probably read more though and it was an okay read, just not a patch on book 1.
souljaleonn's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
kwcook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
speesh's review against another edition
5.0
There’s action a-plenty in ‘Rome’s Executioner (Vespasian II)’, on and off the pitch. Ranging from the outskirts of the Roman empire in Dacia in AD 30, to the very centre of power and those who hold it or want it, in the eternal city itself. From full-on combat at the point of a sword to daggers in the back in the dark of Roman side-streets and back alleys. All in all, just what you want to find in a book set in Roman times. However (the good sort) what elevates this one above - the most of - its competition, is the sparkle, invention and wit Robert Fabbri imbues his characters and their stories with. It manages to hold my interest and rapt attention, even in the (totally necessary) political skullduggery set-pieces back in Rome. No mean achievement that. Robert Fabbri really does seem to hit the right balance between intrigue, politicking and action in this series and Vespasian himself, is developing into a very interesting character indeed.
Along with the battles and brawls, intrigue and dirty-dickery, there are also interesting comments on the state of Roman ‘civilisation’ and the intricacy of its politics woven subtly all the way through. As well as thoughts on those pre-Christian festivals that just so happened to take place at the end of a year, involve the giving of gifts and celebrating the birth of a god…To compare it with another long-running Roman series, the ‘Empire’ books of Anthony Riches (of which I’ve just passed #7), I’d have to say it comes out easily on top. Better written and plotted, even after only having read two of them, that’s clear (though to be fair ’The Emperor’s Knives’ does show a lot more ambition on Riches’ side than has previously been evident). However, some things are clearly taken as read, by writers of books set in the Roman period - Greeks are obviously all homosexual. Here, as a character called Magnus says, “And it’ll be sometime before he can chew on a decent Roman sausage again; being Greek, he’s partial to sausage, if you take my meaning?” Seems Robert Fabbri’s Romans share much the same opinions of Greeks as Anthony Riches' boys over in Britannia.
And, though in a different way to the Empire series, you’re going to need a strong stomach while reading 'Rome’s Executioner.’ There, it’s mostly about what happens on the battlefield, but ‘Vespasian II' is warts and all Roman depravity. Prepare to have your mind - and stomach - tied up in knots trying to follow all the ins and outs of who is trying to stab who in the back trying to out - or second - guess an aged Emperor who has clearly gone stark staring, raving, yip-yip, barking at the moon mad and can - and does - do whatever his skittish mind takes a fancy to. As you would.
As with a lot of the series these days (does no one ever write one-offs any more?), I find myself asking: “do you need to have read #1?” Here, I’d say maybe not really, but it will help increase the enjoyment. All I thought was that the relationship between Vespasian and his brother Sabinus, does perhaps need a glance at #1, otherwise, you can certainly begin here, no problem.
So, and despite a(n interesting) new twist on the eyebrow raising device, so beloved of Roman period writers, here we have Secundus raising a ‘monobrow,’ I really enjoyed the book and rate it very highly indeed. In my view, the Vespasian series along with Douglas Jackson’s ‘…of Rome’ series are the best of the many Roman series I’ve read. ‘Vespasian II’ is up on the podium of the top three Roman novels I’ve read so far. In fact, it will have to be the best, most convincing, most captivating Roman-period book I’ve read since ‘The Lion and the Lamb.’ I’ll admit, I actually found myself holding my breath at one point. (P117) and I’ll go along with another of the book’s characters’ comments that “This is more fun than arse-licking back in Rome…” Then, as now, I guess. Go away and start this series now, if you haven’t already, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Along with the battles and brawls, intrigue and dirty-dickery, there are also interesting comments on the state of Roman ‘civilisation’ and the intricacy of its politics woven subtly all the way through. As well as thoughts on those pre-Christian festivals that just so happened to take place at the end of a year, involve the giving of gifts and celebrating the birth of a god…To compare it with another long-running Roman series, the ‘Empire’ books of Anthony Riches (of which I’ve just passed #7), I’d have to say it comes out easily on top. Better written and plotted, even after only having read two of them, that’s clear (though to be fair ’The Emperor’s Knives’ does show a lot more ambition on Riches’ side than has previously been evident). However, some things are clearly taken as read, by writers of books set in the Roman period - Greeks are obviously all homosexual. Here, as a character called Magnus says, “And it’ll be sometime before he can chew on a decent Roman sausage again; being Greek, he’s partial to sausage, if you take my meaning?” Seems Robert Fabbri’s Romans share much the same opinions of Greeks as Anthony Riches' boys over in Britannia.
And, though in a different way to the Empire series, you’re going to need a strong stomach while reading 'Rome’s Executioner.’ There, it’s mostly about what happens on the battlefield, but ‘Vespasian II' is warts and all Roman depravity. Prepare to have your mind - and stomach - tied up in knots trying to follow all the ins and outs of who is trying to stab who in the back trying to out - or second - guess an aged Emperor who has clearly gone stark staring, raving, yip-yip, barking at the moon mad and can - and does - do whatever his skittish mind takes a fancy to. As you would.
As with a lot of the series these days (does no one ever write one-offs any more?), I find myself asking: “do you need to have read #1?” Here, I’d say maybe not really, but it will help increase the enjoyment. All I thought was that the relationship between Vespasian and his brother Sabinus, does perhaps need a glance at #1, otherwise, you can certainly begin here, no problem.
So, and despite a(n interesting) new twist on the eyebrow raising device, so beloved of Roman period writers, here we have Secundus raising a ‘monobrow,’ I really enjoyed the book and rate it very highly indeed. In my view, the Vespasian series along with Douglas Jackson’s ‘…of Rome’ series are the best of the many Roman series I’ve read. ‘Vespasian II’ is up on the podium of the top three Roman novels I’ve read so far. In fact, it will have to be the best, most convincing, most captivating Roman-period book I’ve read since ‘The Lion and the Lamb.’ I’ll admit, I actually found myself holding my breath at one point. (P117) and I’ll go along with another of the book’s characters’ comments that “This is more fun than arse-licking back in Rome…” Then, as now, I guess. Go away and start this series now, if you haven’t already, I’m sure you’ll agree.
complete_sea's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tomjsturner's review
4.0
An ending that I will struggle with
This was most definitely a more cohesive book than the first book. This was mainly due to this book not having to say up as much as the first one did. There was far more of a linear storyline, and certainly moved away from the Sharpe-esqe series I mentioned it resonating with in the review for the previous book.
One thing I must say is, don't go into this book if you are faint of heart. You might survive the first 99%, but the last 1% might send you into therapy! It's certainly will change your relationship to the main character, Vespasian. Though the ending horrifies me, I'm intrigued enough to continue at my own risk.
This was most definitely a more cohesive book than the first book. This was mainly due to this book not having to say up as much as the first one did. There was far more of a linear storyline, and certainly moved away from the Sharpe-esqe series I mentioned it resonating with in the review for the previous book.
One thing I must say is, don't go into this book if you are faint of heart. You might survive the first 99%, but the last 1% might send you into therapy! It's certainly will change your relationship to the main character, Vespasian. Though the ending horrifies me, I'm intrigued enough to continue at my own risk.
traveller1's review
4.0
The second instalment of Fabbri's interpretation of the life of the emperor Vespasian. This novel deals largely with Sejanus and his fall. Our still young hero has returned from four years of military service on the frontier of the Empire, and is immediately catapulted into the centre of imperial politicking.
The lady Antonia, daughter of Mark Antony, leads the anti-Sejanus faction. She uses Vespasian, his brother, and his family to combat Sejanus's ambitions. With these willing tools she uncovers his plot to become emperor by promoting insurrection on the borders, gathering political power to himself, and one by one leading to their deaths his rivals to the throne.
This information is smuggled to the debauched and semi-addled Tiberius by a party that includes, amongst others, Vespasian, and his 'friend' the young Gaius Caligula. As Vespasian learns more about Caligula, the more he dreads his assumption of power.
The culmination of the novel is the downfall of Sejanus. The praetorian prefect is confronted in the Senate with his treason, and is then condemned to death, along with this son and children.
At the end of the novel Vespasian is disenchanted with life in the capital, and what it takes to serve Rome. He is still with his slave ladylove, and the future still awaits.
The lady Antonia, daughter of Mark Antony, leads the anti-Sejanus faction. She uses Vespasian, his brother, and his family to combat Sejanus's ambitions. With these willing tools she uncovers his plot to become emperor by promoting insurrection on the borders, gathering political power to himself, and one by one leading to their deaths his rivals to the throne.
This information is smuggled to the debauched and semi-addled Tiberius by a party that includes, amongst others, Vespasian, and his 'friend' the young Gaius Caligula. As Vespasian learns more about Caligula, the more he dreads his assumption of power.
The culmination of the novel is the downfall of Sejanus. The praetorian prefect is confronted in the Senate with his treason, and is then condemned to death, along with this son and children.
At the end of the novel Vespasian is disenchanted with life in the capital, and what it takes to serve Rome. He is still with his slave ladylove, and the future still awaits.
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