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A review by traveller1
Masters of Rome by Robert Fabbri
3.0
The continuing story of the future emperor Vespasian. The novel falls into two parts, both set in the latter years of Claudius. First, Vespasian is a legionary commander in Britain, charged with crushing resistance to the Roman occupation. He proves himself to be a competent military commander, who is not afraid of putting himself in danger. His battles lead him into conflict with the Druids of Britain, and a daring rescue of his brother, captured by the same.
The second part of the novel centres around the dangerous world of Roman politics. After completing his military service Vespasian returns to Rome, and finds himself immediately immersed in plots against the emperor's wife, Messalina. After betraying a friend to his death, Vespasian assists with the downfall of Messalina.
I enjoyed the novel, but, maybe I am getting old, the continual military battles, ably told though they were, I found a little wearying. Can't we all just get along? The politics of Rome, again, makes me long for the grand old days of the Republic!
Fabbri has promised at least one more novel in the series. This will see Seneca returned to Rome. Interesting to see how he is dealt with.
The second part of the novel centres around the dangerous world of Roman politics. After completing his military service Vespasian returns to Rome, and finds himself immediately immersed in plots against the emperor's wife, Messalina. After betraying a friend to his death, Vespasian assists with the downfall of Messalina.
I enjoyed the novel, but, maybe I am getting old, the continual military battles, ably told though they were, I found a little wearying. Can't we all just get along? The politics of Rome, again, makes me long for the grand old days of the Republic!
Fabbri has promised at least one more novel in the series. This will see Seneca returned to Rome. Interesting to see how he is dealt with.