Tribune of Rome (Vespasian #1), Robert Fabbri
My rating: 5 of 5stars
Authors/Publishers Book Description/Synopsis
ONE MAN: ONE DESTINY 26 AD: Sixteen-year-old Vespasian leaves his family farm for Rome, his sights set on finding a patron and following his brother into the army. But he discovers a city in turmoil and an Empire on the brink. The aging emperor Tiberius is in seclusion on Capri, leaving Rome in the iron grip of Sejanus, commander of the Praetorian Guard. Sejanus is ruler of the Empire in all but name, but many fear that isn’t enough for him. Sejanus’ spies are everywhere – careless words at a dinner party can be as dangerous as a barbarian arrow. Vespasian is totally out of his depth, making dangerous enemies (and even more dangerous friends – like the young Caligula) and soon finds himself ensnared in a conspiracy against Tiberius. With the situation in Rome deteriorating, Vespasian flees the city to take up his position as tribune in an unfashionable legion on the Balkan frontier. Un-blooded and inexperienced, he must lead his men in savage battle with hostile mountain tribes – dangerous enough without renegade Praetorians and Imperial agents trying to kill him too. Somehow, he must survive long enough to uncover the identity of the traitors behind the growing revolt
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. Now, his life-long passion for ancient history, especially for that of the Roman Empire, has drawn him to write his first novel. He lives in London and Berlin.
What Do I Think?
A very good read this the author without a doubt has a sincere love of the historical genre and this stood out all through.
The characters were agreeable and I found the relationship between Vespasian and Magnus entertaining and unforgettable.
Clearly this story weaver knows his facts and wove them into a believable story, with a whole horde of books out there with the Roman army in action, a story weaver has to do something distinct to get their stories noticed, what Robert Fabbri has done in this story is placing one of the most fascinating of the Roman Emperors who emerged to this lofty rank about AD 68.
Robert Fabbri has written a story of style, well plotted with superb characters, with fiction and non-fiction brought together well.
So now we have probably a fresh challenger to Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, Douglas Jackson and the like competing for the prime position of this genre.
In conclusion I can truly say if you’re a enthusiast of Roman historical novels then this is an unquestionable must read.
Buy it, you won’t be disappointed!
The Book Shelf, My Book Blog 
I love historical fiction that takes place in ancient Rome, so this sounds right up my alley! You mention that the characters are agreeable enough, but can you comment on the historical accuracy of the novel? I find historical accuracy is very important to me, which is why I have a love-hate relationship with Conn Iggulden’s novels. I love the characters and plot, but I hate how he changes history, sometimes for no justifiable reason.