The sixth in this magnificent series. Claudius’ actions and behaviour worsen, his wife is plotting for her son Nero to succeed him, Vespasian is sent to Britain when Caractacus is defeated. All that is history. This brings the period to life. The danger, the scheming, the ambitions, loyalties, rivalry and cruelty are beautifully portrayed. Vespasian is imprisoned, rescued and eventually, after many a life-threatening adventure, returns to Rome. This volume takes us to the succession of Nero. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
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
Rome, AD 51: Vespasian brings Rome's greatest enemy before the Emperor. After eight years of resistance, the British warrior Caratacus has been caught. But even Vespasian's victory cannot remove the newly-made consul from Roman politics: Agrippina, Emperor Claudius's wife, pardons Caratacus.
Claudius is a drunken fool and Narcissus and Pallas, his freedmen, are battling for control of his throne. Separately, they decide to send Vespasian East to Armenia to defend Rome's interests. But there is more at stake than protecting a client kingdom. Rumours abound that Agrippina is involved in a plot to destabilise the East. Vespasian must find a way to serve two masters - Narcissus is determined to ruin Agrippina, Pallas to save her. Meanwhile, the East is in turmoil. A new Jewish cult is flourishing and its adherents refuse to swear loyalty to the Emperor. In Armenia, Vespasian is captured. Immured in the oldest city on earth, how can he escape? And is a Rome ruled by a woman who despises Vespasian any safer than a prison cell?
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.
