Enthralling novel. Vol. 8 in the author's Vespasian series, this takes us from his stint as governor of Africa to his appointment as leader of military forces set to fight the Jewish War. As governor, he brings a group of Roman citizens out of non-Roman territory where they have been made slaves, into Roman territory, despite hardship, mutiny among his auxiliaries, and a slave revolt. Back in Rome, he and his brother live through Nero's excesses. The man is becoming more and more demented and depraved. Vespasian is present at the Great Fire and helps to fight it as he can and gives his approval to Nero's choice of scapegoat, who Nero blames as arsonists. For awhile to escape Nero's eye, Vespasian flees to one of his estates and puts down a gang of bandits, but loses his wife to them. Back in Rome, and having caught Nero's notice as military genius, he is tasked to fight and win Jewish War, having first helped foil a conspiracy againt the emperor's life.

The novel was spine-tingling, especially the march across the desert and the episode on his estate. I thought his wife's death a bit far-fetched, as well as bringing Peter and Paul in as supposed directors of the arson. Supposedly, some of the flame from the Vestals [hence Rome's Sacred Flame was used as title] was used to start the Great Fire, in the author's conception. Characterization was very good, but Vespasian was a bit too perfect. And, I didn't like his attitude towards Christians, but I suppose in that place and time, it was typical. I especially liked his OTT Nero--[shades of Peter Ustinov's film Nero crossed with a certain government figure of our day, but, who, as far as I know doesn't play the lyre and bore people with concerts] and his Uncle Gaius, who only wanted to be unobtrusive. I have no interest in Vespasian's earlier life in Fabbri's series, but found this novel was easily a standalone.

Highly recommended. ( )