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.