I Was Excited to Read This Book — I Was Not Fully Satisfied

This is the fourth novel in the Four Emperors Series that covers the tumultuous 69AD when there were four emperors. This particular novel covers from the marching on Rome by Vitellius and his forces until Rome is captured by the forces of Vespasian. This is an historical novel, and I am not a historian, but I love reading novels set from the late Republic through the early Empire. I did not find any glaring historical errors.

All the ingredients for a captivating novel were there. There is Vitellius and his generals trying to consolidate their power, but ineptitude and other priorities seem to get in the way. Palace freeman are scrambling to find positions under the new emperor and positioning themselves for a possible new emperor. Some carry political baggage having worked for the previous emperor or emperors. Lastly, there is Vespasian’s brother, Sabinus, his mistress, Caenis, and his youngest son, Domitian. Vespasian has been declared Imperator by his troops in the East. Therefore, these three are essentially hostages and doing their best to stay alive.

As I stated, I was excited to read this book. When I started to read, the hooks started to hold my imagination but then never set and finally released its grip on my imagination. It eventually took me a full month to read this novel. Normally, I finish a book of this length in 10 to 14 days. The reasons were that some of the characters such as Vitellius and one of his generals were one dimensional. I wish that Caenis and Sabinus were developed more. Lastly, I wished that Domitian was stronger character, but he was only 18 at the time of this novel, so it may be more historically consistent. The conundrums facing the palace freedmen’s shifting loyalties was interesting and a plus for the book.

If you have issues with foul language and sex scenes, beware of this novel. The legionaries and the chief overseer swear like sailors (note that I am retired Navy). The language was consistent with the characters that use it. There are sex scenes and references to sexual activity while generally not titillating but are numerous, not all voluntary, some same sex activity, and bestiality. For me, the sex was not an over-the-top depiction of the depravity of ancient Rome. Lastly, there is some use of British slang. As usual, the Kindle Fire’s dictionary and ready Internet access helped me understand the more obscure usage. All I can say is, “Let the reader be forewarned.”

Overall, since the novel did not capture my attention, I could not give it a highest rating, and I was not fully satisfied with reading it. I rate it between three and a half and four stars. Since half stars are not available, I rounded to four stars. If you are interested in this period of ancient Roman history, this novel could be an interesting read for you.

I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Aeon Books/Sphinx with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Aeon Books/Sphinx for the opportunity to read this novel early.

Working in a way that brought to mind to writings of Robert Graves, this book delves into history from a fictional angle. L.J. Trafford constructs a believable and vivid world, and there is enough plot here to keep us moving, rather than getting bogged down in all the details of what must have been a good deal of research.

Well-plotted, intriguing, and a very engaging read. I recommend Vitellius' Feast for consumption.