Dive into the shadowy streets of ancient Rome with the Crossroads Brotherhood series by Robert Fabbri, where cunning, crime, and survival collide in a thrilling historical fiction saga. This collection of novellas follows Marcus Salvius Magnus, the sharp-witted leader of the South Quirinal Crossroads Brotherhood, as he navigates the gritty underworld of a city teeming with corruption and danger. If you love fast-paced tales of power plays and Roman intrigue, this series is your ticket to an unforgettable ride!
Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire’s chaotic early years, Crossroads Brotherhood offers a street-level view of a society where loyalty is fleeting, and every deal could be your last. Fabbri’s vivid storytelling pulls you into a world where gang rivalries and political schemes intertwine, making every page pulse with tension.
How Crossroads Brotherhood Began
Robert Fabbri, a former assistant director in film and TV with a passion for Roman history, crafted the Crossroads Brotherhood series as a gritty companion to his bestselling Vespasian novels. Inspired by the organized crime networks that thrived in ancient Rome’s bustling streets, Fabbri introduced Magnus in 2011 with the novella *The Crossroads Brotherhood*. His goal was to shine a light on the empire’s underbelly, blending historical accuracy with pulse-pounding drama. A lifelong war-gamer and history enthusiast, Fabbri’s meticulous research brings authenticity to every scheme and skirmish.
The Heart of Crossroads Brotherhood
The series spans six novellas, each a standalone gem that weaves into the broader Vespasian universe. *The Crossroads Brotherhood* (2011) kicks things off in 25 AD, with Magnus plotting revenge after a rival gang raids his brothel, all while juggling a deadly favor for Lady Antonia. *The Racing Factions* (2013) dives into Rome’s chariot races, where Magnus schemes to outsmart a cheating bookmaker. *The Dreams of Morpheus* (2014) sees him chasing a rare resin amid riots, and *The Alexandrian Embassy* (2015) pits him against a rival brotherhood over illegal weapons.
Fabbri’s novellas blend crime, politics, and survival, painting Rome as a city where power is won through wits and brute force. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition run deep, with Magnus embodying the pragmatic antihero who thrives in chaos. The setting—Rome’s crowded, seedy alleys—feels alive, with vivid details of its sights, smells, and dangers. Fans of authors like Bernard Cornwell or Simon Scarrow will relish the series’ raw energy and historical depth.
Why Crossroads Brotherhood Resonates
The Crossroads Brotherhood series stands out for its unflinching look at Rome’s darker side, offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden historical era. Readers praise its fast-paced plots and morally complex characters, with Magnus earning a cult following as a street-smart fixer. The series’ ability to tie into the Vespasian saga while standing alone adds to its appeal, making it a hidden gem for historical fiction fans. Its gritty realism and clever twists keep readers hooked, proving that even Rome’s shadows have stories worth telling.
- Publication Years: 2011–2018
- Number of Novellas: Six
- Setting: Ancient Rome (25–51 AD)
- Main Character: Marcus Salvius Magnus
Ready to roam Rome’s dangerous streets? Grab *The Crossroads Brotherhood* and plunge into Robert Fabbri’s thrilling world of crime and cunning!