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Agent of Rome #1.5
The Flames of Cyzicus
Set between the events of 'The Siege' and 'The Imperial Banner', this compelling short story follows imperial agent Cassius Corbulo as he investigates a mysterious series of fires.
PRAISE FOR NICK BROWN'S 'Agent of Rome' novels:
'Brown has become a master of his trade, serving up thrilling Roman history and mystery courtesy of a band of now hard-bitten combatants and comrades whose adventures in imperial wastelands and far-flung hotspots are becoming the stuff of legend." - Lancashire Evening Post.
'A fast-paced, action-packed novel tinged with humour which brings alive the harsh reality of the period, the people and the culture.' - Historical Novels Review.
'A Roman James Bond ... an abundance of intrigue and clever counter-moves.' - de Telegraaf, Holland.
'A race against the hourglass ... an exciting, engaging mix between Indiana Jones, Hercule Poirot and James Bond.' - SJA Turney, author of the Marius Mules' series.
'If you love Scarrow, adore Iggulden and of course admire Scott, then make sure you add Brown to your list. Great Stuff.' - Falcata Times.
PRAISE FOR NICK BROWN'S 'Agent of Rome' novels:
'Brown has become a master of his trade, serving up thrilling Roman history and mystery courtesy of a band of now hard-bitten combatants and comrades whose adventures in imperial wastelands and far-flung hotspots are becoming the stuff of legend." - Lancashire Evening Post.
'A fast-paced, action-packed novel tinged with humour which brings alive the harsh reality of the period, the people and the culture.' - Historical Novels Review.
'A Roman James Bond ... an abundance of intrigue and clever counter-moves.' - de Telegraaf, Holland.
'A race against the hourglass ... an exciting, engaging mix between Indiana Jones, Hercule Poirot and James Bond.' - SJA Turney, author of the Marius Mules' series.
'If you love Scarrow, adore Iggulden and of course admire Scott, then make sure you add Brown to your list. Great Stuff.' - Falcata Times.
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2015
6 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Nick Brown
15 books117 followersA keen reader from a young age, Nick graduated from Enid Blyton to Douglas Hill and JRR Tolkien, and from there to Ian Fleming, Michael Crichton and C.J. Sansom. After three years studying in Brighton, he travelled to Nepal where he worked at an orphanage and trekked to Mount Everest. After qualifying as a history teacher in 2000, he worked for five years in England before taking up a post at an international school in Warsaw.
Nick had completed a few screenplays and a futuristic thriller before being inspired to try historical fiction after reading C.J. Sansom’s Dissolution: “Researching the Roman army and life in the third century was a fascinating but time-consuming project and the book went through many drafts before arriving at its final form. I had always intended Cassius to be a somewhat atypical protagonist and when I came across the research about the Roman ‘secret service’, I knew I’d found an ideal vocation for my reluctant hero.”
If he’s not writing he might be found at the cinema, in a pub or playing football.
Nick is represented by the David Grossman Literary Agency (general@dglal.co.uk)
Follow Nick on Twitter @randomrome or Agent of Rome on Facebook.
Nick had completed a few screenplays and a futuristic thriller before being inspired to try historical fiction after reading C.J. Sansom’s Dissolution: “Researching the Roman army and life in the third century was a fascinating but time-consuming project and the book went through many drafts before arriving at its final form. I had always intended Cassius to be a somewhat atypical protagonist and when I came across the research about the Roman ‘secret service’, I knew I’d found an ideal vocation for my reluctant hero.”
If he’s not writing he might be found at the cinema, in a pub or playing football.
Nick is represented by the David Grossman Literary Agency (general@dglal.co.uk)
Follow Nick on Twitter @randomrome or Agent of Rome on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 1, 2019
Flames of Vulcan
I gave this a five star rating due to my being a fan of Nick Brown's Agent of Rome series. This short story took place after the first book of the series. It was a short investigation into a series of fires endangering a grain supply earmarked for the army. The story reflects the investigative techniques of "grain man" Corbulo.
I gave this a five star rating due to my being a fan of Nick Brown's Agent of Rome series. This short story took place after the first book of the series. It was a short investigation into a series of fires endangering a grain supply earmarked for the army. The story reflects the investigative techniques of "grain man" Corbulo.
May 1, 2015
originally posted at: http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/2015...
Ever since having had the pleasure of reading The Siege, the first book in Nick's Brown Historical Fantasy series Agent of Rome, I have been hooked. Over the time with The Black Stone and The Far Shore I have only come to like this series more. When it comes to Historical Roman Fiction Nick Brown is definitely the author to follow.
The two short stories so far that featured in this universe all focused on different characters, with The Flames of Cyzicus, Nick Brown puts the focus on Cassius Corbulo and how he became the man that we see in his books. Which is a big plus for me as the protagonist Cassius Corbulo is just spot and definitely one of my favorites.
The story of The Flames of Cyzicus picks up in between the events of The Siege and The Imperial Banner. In The Siege Cassius got a promotion, he has gained a lot of responsibilities. One day Cassius finds himself in the city of Cyzicus located in Anatolia (currently better known as Turkey). Here Cassius is charged with making sure everything is in tip top shape for when a Legion of Rome comes for a visit. Well just as when Cassius thought this would be an easy task, trouble comes knocking on his door. In the middle of the night several granaries go up in smoke, the losses though minor at the start become much more significant at the long run. If Cassius wants to have anything left he has to get into action as soon as possible. Luckily Cassius has been trained to be a frumentarii, Rome's secret service so he knows his way around such things. Cassius starts to ask the locals questions and with their cooperation he is able to get a lead, a lead linking to Vulcan the Roman god of fire. Now here the story takes a turn, up until now it was a lot of investigation and talk, but when Cassius meet the person who is responsible. WOW. I think this is how an such a person think about fires like: ‘They think the water will save them,’ hissed Lykourgos. ‘But the flames will always return, they will cover everything, they will-’. It's only great to see Cassius response, ending with mad bastard.
Once again Nick Brown has delivered a great story, he clearly proves that you dont need 300+ pages to write a story but that he can deliver one with the same impact with only 30ish pages. Just in the first few paragraphs of the story I felt at home the city of Cyzicus, it felt authentic. I know the fifth book in the Agent of Rome series is published this summer but how I wished I had it waiting to be read at this moment. Nick Brown is definitely one of my favorite historical authors out there. If you haven't read one of his stories so far, be ashamed/
Ever since having had the pleasure of reading The Siege, the first book in Nick's Brown Historical Fantasy series Agent of Rome, I have been hooked. Over the time with The Black Stone and The Far Shore I have only come to like this series more. When it comes to Historical Roman Fiction Nick Brown is definitely the author to follow.
The two short stories so far that featured in this universe all focused on different characters, with The Flames of Cyzicus, Nick Brown puts the focus on Cassius Corbulo and how he became the man that we see in his books. Which is a big plus for me as the protagonist Cassius Corbulo is just spot and definitely one of my favorites.
The story of The Flames of Cyzicus picks up in between the events of The Siege and The Imperial Banner. In The Siege Cassius got a promotion, he has gained a lot of responsibilities. One day Cassius finds himself in the city of Cyzicus located in Anatolia (currently better known as Turkey). Here Cassius is charged with making sure everything is in tip top shape for when a Legion of Rome comes for a visit. Well just as when Cassius thought this would be an easy task, trouble comes knocking on his door. In the middle of the night several granaries go up in smoke, the losses though minor at the start become much more significant at the long run. If Cassius wants to have anything left he has to get into action as soon as possible. Luckily Cassius has been trained to be a frumentarii, Rome's secret service so he knows his way around such things. Cassius starts to ask the locals questions and with their cooperation he is able to get a lead, a lead linking to Vulcan the Roman god of fire. Now here the story takes a turn, up until now it was a lot of investigation and talk, but when Cassius meet the person who is responsible. WOW. I think this is how an such a person think about fires like: ‘They think the water will save them,’ hissed Lykourgos. ‘But the flames will always return, they will cover everything, they will-’. It's only great to see Cassius response, ending with mad bastard.
Once again Nick Brown has delivered a great story, he clearly proves that you dont need 300+ pages to write a story but that he can deliver one with the same impact with only 30ish pages. Just in the first few paragraphs of the story I felt at home the city of Cyzicus, it felt authentic. I know the fifth book in the Agent of Rome series is published this summer but how I wished I had it waiting to be read at this moment. Nick Brown is definitely one of my favorite historical authors out there. If you haven't read one of his stories so far, be ashamed/
April 13, 2015
How long has it been since I last read of Cassius Corbulo in ‘The Black Stone’? Well I’m not sure, but it feels like half a decade. And I don’t know how long we have to wait for the next instalment. It gets like that with a really good series, doesn’t it? Like a drug. You’re waiting, twitching, for your next fix. Luckily, Nick Brown has given me enough of a fix to keep me going until his next novel is released.
Flames of Cyzicus is a short story of around 10,000 words, which is long enough to tell a good story, but short enough to make a quick and easy read in one session. It is a self-contained tale and once again represents Nick Brown at his best.
Corbulo, an agent of Imperial Security (a frumentarius or ‘grain man’) is currently in the Anatolian city of Cyzicus, working on the staff there with the responsibility for arranging the grain supply for a visiting legion, when in the dark of night one of the city’s four main granaries is incinerated. Faced with the loss of a quarter of the grain for which is is responsible, and fearing that other such disaster is still to come, Corbulo sets out on an investigation to discover the cause of the trouble.
If you have read Nick’s series so far you will find this tale to be every bit as action packed, humourous, intriguing, intelligently-plotted, character and plot driven and exotic as the novels. The plot works in a surprisingly tight arc.
If you’ve not read any of Nick’s work, this might very well be your perfect entry point to the series, to dip your toe in the water, so to speak. There are no major spoilers for the other books and just hints as to what Corbulo has gone through, so at 99p you can afford to try it and see whether you fancy the series. My hunch is that you will.
Just go buy it, eh? It’s the price of a packet of biscuits but much more nourishing…
Flames of Cyzicus is a short story of around 10,000 words, which is long enough to tell a good story, but short enough to make a quick and easy read in one session. It is a self-contained tale and once again represents Nick Brown at his best.
Corbulo, an agent of Imperial Security (a frumentarius or ‘grain man’) is currently in the Anatolian city of Cyzicus, working on the staff there with the responsibility for arranging the grain supply for a visiting legion, when in the dark of night one of the city’s four main granaries is incinerated. Faced with the loss of a quarter of the grain for which is is responsible, and fearing that other such disaster is still to come, Corbulo sets out on an investigation to discover the cause of the trouble.
If you have read Nick’s series so far you will find this tale to be every bit as action packed, humourous, intriguing, intelligently-plotted, character and plot driven and exotic as the novels. The plot works in a surprisingly tight arc.
If you’ve not read any of Nick’s work, this might very well be your perfect entry point to the series, to dip your toe in the water, so to speak. There are no major spoilers for the other books and just hints as to what Corbulo has gone through, so at 99p you can afford to try it and see whether you fancy the series. My hunch is that you will.
Just go buy it, eh? It’s the price of a packet of biscuits but much more nourishing…
December 15, 2015
So we are back with Corbulo and Simo for a nice short tale set between books 1 & 2 of the Agent of Rome series. It's a nice little tale with a decent plot.. the only thing it lacked for me was some sort of a twist or surprise. For a short story it great though and for someone like me wanting to get into the Agent of Rome series again this is good book to do it. Some times i need a good short story to break up my reading progress.. going from one 400 page book to another.. books like this are perfect for me
With this being a short story there's not a lot of chance to develop the characters but i thought Nick did well especially with Lykourgos.
Credit to the author he left me wanting to read more of his work.. and soon
With this being a short story there's not a lot of chance to develop the characters but i thought Nick did well especially with Lykourgos.
Credit to the author he left me wanting to read more of his work.. and soon
August 5, 2016
Another job well done with this story. The character (Cassius) that Nick has created is probably my favorite literary character. He's not always good, and you don't always like the things he does (or his reasons why), but that makes him even better! It's been so long since I've read a book without Indavara, it was strange haha - but this story didn't need him. Shows the great investigative skills of Cassius, and helps you realize why he is chosen and why he succeeds in later stories.
April 17, 2015
When I see a Nick Brown short/book it’s a drop everything and read occasion and once again Nick delivers. A quick simple story that really helps readers get a good background on Cassius and why he is so good at what he does and what makes him think the way he thinks. I loved it.
June 16, 2015
4 stars.
A very nice short story. I like Cassius the investigator a lot more than Cassius the centurion.
A very nice short story. I like Cassius the investigator a lot more than Cassius the centurion.
September 28, 2019
Short but enjoyable story
A Roman officer must investigate the cause of a series of arsons in the eastern city of Cyzicus. Unlike most Roman historical fiction novels with their emphasis on big battles and muscular brawn, this short story focuses on a Roman bureaucrat with a sharp investigative mind, loyal slave and reputation as an efficient servant of the state. Good pacing, intriguing plot and unique characters made this an enjoyable short story for me!
A Roman officer must investigate the cause of a series of arsons in the eastern city of Cyzicus. Unlike most Roman historical fiction novels with their emphasis on big battles and muscular brawn, this short story focuses on a Roman bureaucrat with a sharp investigative mind, loyal slave and reputation as an efficient servant of the state. Good pacing, intriguing plot and unique characters made this an enjoyable short story for me!
January 26, 2022
It is crazy to me that people with mental issues were thought to be possessed of the devil. Today in some environments, it still seems that way. Cassius was the man to get the job done. Moral of the story, let people think what they want, you just be diligent in what you're called to do to completion.
December 19, 2017
Great read
Quick read that was entertaining , I didn't want it to end.
Free book on kindle from a great writer.
Quick read that was entertaining , I didn't want it to end.
Free book on kindle from a great writer.
November 21, 2015
When it comes to Roman Historical Fiction, Nick Brown is the man! In The Flames of Cyzicus: A Cassius Corbulo short story we catch up with Corbulo who has received a promotion and has a lot going on. His responsibility is to prepare for a visit from a Legion of Rome.
Cassius thinks this should be a pretty simple assignment until in one night several granaries go up in flames. While this isn't a major problem at first, things escalate and Cassius knows he has to get to the bottom of this and quickly.
Using his former training, he begins to delve into what is going on. He talks to the locals and eventually his path leads to Vulcan, the Roman God of Fire. What comes next is the really good stuff...and no I'm not spoiling it for you!
Nick Brown is a must read and I love it that he gave us this little story in between the big ones! You won't be disappointed! Grab them all and have a great weekend meeting Mr. Brown and the magic he does so well.
Cassius thinks this should be a pretty simple assignment until in one night several granaries go up in flames. While this isn't a major problem at first, things escalate and Cassius knows he has to get to the bottom of this and quickly.
Using his former training, he begins to delve into what is going on. He talks to the locals and eventually his path leads to Vulcan, the Roman God of Fire. What comes next is the really good stuff...and no I'm not spoiling it for you!
Nick Brown is a must read and I love it that he gave us this little story in between the big ones! You won't be disappointed! Grab them all and have a great weekend meeting Mr. Brown and the magic he does so well.
April 13, 2015
A nicely done short story that gives us a look into the mind and abilities of Cassius Corbulo...the unlikely hero of the author's series about Corbulo starting with The Siege.
December 30, 2017
Great reading back to a younger Corbulo. Hard to really get into a story when it’s only 10,000 or so words but Nick does a brilliant job of squeezing in as much plot as he can into a few sheets of paper.
We see Corbulo in the city of Cyzicus, still in the early days of his career. The story is set shortly after the first novel in the series, ‘the siege’ and we see Corbulo actually fulfilling his duties as a member of the frumentarii (grain collectors, often used as spies in the mid to late principate)
He is tasked with gathering enough grain to feed the incoming Fifth Legion, and has just enough when one then two grain warehouses go up in flames.
Foul play is suspected, and with no one else suitable enough to investigate, Corbulo risks crossing a line and doing it himself.
A great read for fans of the series or newcomers alike. Highly recommend
We see Corbulo in the city of Cyzicus, still in the early days of his career. The story is set shortly after the first novel in the series, ‘the siege’ and we see Corbulo actually fulfilling his duties as a member of the frumentarii (grain collectors, often used as spies in the mid to late principate)
He is tasked with gathering enough grain to feed the incoming Fifth Legion, and has just enough when one then two grain warehouses go up in flames.
Foul play is suspected, and with no one else suitable enough to investigate, Corbulo risks crossing a line and doing it himself.
A great read for fans of the series or newcomers alike. Highly recommend
August 4, 2025
I love Cassius Corbulo and would read anything he's in, but this particular installment was underwhelming. The stakes felt low and impersonal, and nobody in the cast, whether series favorites or one-offs, got much personality or development. The only thing that kept me going was lingering affection for Cassius and Simo carried over from the main series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews