This is the fifth in Fabbri’s excellent series charting the life of Vespasian, an ordinary Roman soldier who rose through the ranks of the army and society to ultimately become emperor. The series is half swords and sandals adventure and half serious history with Fabbri very closely following what is known to have happened and taking a few liberties every now and again. Set partly in Rome and partly in Britain as Vespasian spearheads its conquest, in this book the liberties come in the form of the druids’ plot to capture Vespasian’s brother and sacrifice them both to their gods. But these only serve to make it more enjoyable and as Vespasian is torn between duty to his family and country, and is caught more and more in the political intrigues of Rome, the tensions mount.
A 'Piece of Passion' from the publisher...
‘Robert Fabbri writes with such energy and passion about a fascinating period of history. Rome’s Lost Son is laced with wonderful, vivid historical detail, gripping battle scenes and fascinating insights into the cat-and-mouse game of Imperial politics. Full of unexpected facts, Robert’s page-turning novels reveal a side to Ancient Rome not often explored in fiction. Most of all though, one feels his passion for history stitched into every line. His love of storytelling simply burns off the page.’ - Sara O’Keefe, Corvus Editorial Director
"Britannia, 45 AD: Vespasian's brother, Sabinus, is captured by druids. The druids want to offer a potent sacrifice to their gods - not just one Roman Legate, but two. They know that Vespasian will come after his brother and they plan to sacrifice the siblings on Midsummer's Day.
But to whom will they be making this sacrifice? What were the gods of this land before the Celts came? Only the druids still hold the secret and it is one of pure malevolence. Vespasian must strive to save his brother whilst completing the conquest of the south-west of the haunted isle, before he is drawn inexorably back to Rome and the heart of Imperial politics. Claudius' three freedmen remain at the focus of power.
As Messalina's time as Empress comes to a bloody end, the three freedmen each back a different mistress. But who will be victorious? And at what price for Vespasian?"
Robert 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. His life-long passion for ancient history inspired him to write the Vespasian series. He lives in London and Berlin.
