Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collections
Publication
Headline (2008), Kindle Edition, 448 pages
Description
Simon Scarrow's brilliant adventure novels about the Roman army appear with stunning new covers. It is 42 AD, and Quintus Licinius Cato has just arrived in Germany as a new recruit to the Second Legion, the toughest in the Roman army. If adjusting to the rigours of military life isn't difficult enough for the bookish young man, he also has to contend with the disgust of his colleagues when, because of his imperial connections, he is appointed a rank above them. As second-in-command to Macro, the fearless, battle-scarred centurion who leads them, Cato will have more to prove than most in the adventures that lie ahead. Then the men discover that the army's next campaign will take them to a land of unparalleled barbarity - Britain. After the long march west, Cato and Macro undertake a special mission that will thrust them headlong into a conspiracy that threatens to topple the Emperor himself...… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member euang
A fantastic read - utterly gripping from the first page.: Mr. Scarrow's first book in this new series is inspired. It is a gripping, enjoyable read that provides a thrilling sense of what it must have been like in the heart of a Roman legion as it fights its way through the barbarian hordes. The
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barracks life also feels very authentic. The characters are very life-like and likeable and I want to see how the Cato/Macro relationship develops, as well as plot the career of young Vespasian. The dialogue is sharp, the settings vivid, and the action nail-biting. If he can keep this up then Scarrow is onto a winner. If I had to comapre it to anything, it would be Hornblower, but a Hornblower who lived in a much grittier, bloodier and lethally political world. If you like Cornwell, Davis and their ilk, and you enjoyed Gladiator as much as I did - then this one is for you! Show Less
LibraryThing member Ging
This is an enjoyable adventure story that smacks slightly of 80's buddy movies, with the new guy and the experienced veteran who unhappily takes him under his wing.
It's fascinating to read a roman story that doesn't focus entirely on the political chicanery but more on the life of the common
I certainly intend to pick up the rest of the series and I'm kicking myself that I didn't go down to see the author when he appeared at my local bookseller recently!
It's fascinating to read a roman story that doesn't focus entirely on the political chicanery but more on the life of the common
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soldier. The story flows well with a good build up to the final few action sequences and story twists.I certainly intend to pick up the rest of the series and I'm kicking myself that I didn't go down to see the author when he appeared at my local bookseller recently!
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LibraryThing member john257hopper
Pacey thriller, fulfilling the author's wish to write a military page turner set during the Roman invasion of Britain. The actual invasion of Britain (over three quarters of the way through) is a bit of an anti-climax and the Britons are not really in it until the battle at the end, except as an
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amorphous horde over the next hill or just inside the nearest patch of mist. Not as good as Saylor, but diverting and exciting. I will be reading the following 7 (at the latest count) novels in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member DavidBurrows
Again - a good Roman based story. The characters are very believable and Cato and Marco are excellent. I wasn't keen on Centurion though - I felt it was a rehash of an earlier story. The others are well worth reading for fans of historical fiction.
LibraryThing member cuicocha
Excellent character development of Cato and Macro with intriguing plot and fast action. This is the author's first novel: hopefully he will be able to keep things going without falling into a repetitive rut. If so, he will rate right up there with Bernard Cornwell and Dewey Lambdin!
LibraryThing member Zare
Interesting crime story set into the period when Romans (under emperor Claudius) are preparing for second invasion of British Isles.
We follow Cato, intellectual of sorts, from the time he enters the Second Legion, becomes sergeant under centurion Macro and finally ends up involved into court
Interesting read, very fast-paced action but nevertheless it is obvious this one is intended to be the first in series of books – ending is somewhat undefined.
Recommended.
We follow Cato, intellectual of sorts, from the time he enters the Second Legion, becomes sergeant under centurion Macro and finally ends up involved into court
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machinations and plots.Interesting read, very fast-paced action but nevertheless it is obvious this one is intended to be the first in series of books – ending is somewhat undefined.
Recommended.
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LibraryThing member turtlesleap
A well-researched look at Roman military operations during the invasion of Britain in the First Century. Scarrow has done a very effective job of painting a realistic picture of warfare as it might have been fought in this time and place, and spiced the package liberally with political intrigue.
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His character development is uneven, although when it is good, it is very good indeed. The ending is inconclusive and unsatisfying; probably intended to be a precursor to a sequel. Solid entertainment though. Show Less
LibraryThing member Paroxysm10
Could do with some more character development. An easy read though. Probably an airport novel. I thought it was historical fiction, but apart from some commentary at the beginning on the structure of a legion, there was nothing that helped me to know whether anything in the book bore any
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resemblance to anything in history. Some of these sorts of stories hold the tension because you invest your concern in the underdog overcoming and stronger adversary. I find it hard to regard the Romans as underdogs. Therefore found myself cheering for the Germans and the British. I reckon this tension detracts a little from the enjoyability of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member JGolomb
Simon Scarrow's "Under the Eagle" is the first in a terrific series of novels on the Roman Military. The series follows two soldiers - Macro and Cato - fighting under Vespasian in the mid-first Century AD.
"Under the Eagle's" action is terrific and Scarrow has done a very good job of making each
The core components of the story consist of the introduction of the characters, their initial bonding during an action-packed fight in Europe, and then, as the war front moves to Britain, a series of exciting battles orbiting the search and discovery of war loot buried in Britain by Julius Caesar about a century earlier.
"Under the Eagle" introduces our two main characters. Macro is the older battle-hardened Centurion. He fights hard and drinks harder. Cato is a freed slave who grew up in the palaces on the Palatine Hill in Rome. He's young, lanky, bookish and completely unfamiliar with a military lifestyle. Coming from different worlds, Macro and Cato clash. And the story launches it most persistent theme by defining the growth of each character individually and the growth of their relationship.
It's a "buddy" book, with action, adventure, and fun interplay between characters set in the dramatic locations of a peaking Roman Empire.
The characters are a bit thin and superficial, but are drawn from familiar military examples. In Scarrow's world, while the weapons, strategies, tactics and politics are very Roman, the character-types are pretty timeless. You could conceivably modify the language slightly and picture Macro and Cato in WWII, Vietnam, or even on an alien world.
If you're looking for military action, then this book is for you. It's a fast and engaging read. It's not the deepest of military dramas, so if you're looking for something more substantial, I'd recommend Wallace Breem's "Eagle in the Snow", or Robert Graves' "I, Claudius".
Consider "Eagle" a solid snack, compared to the full meal you'd get with Breem or Graves. Another analogy would place "Eagle" as a summer blockbuster, but you shouldn't expect it to win many Oscars.
All in all...I highly recommend this book and series.
"Under the Eagle's" action is terrific and Scarrow has done a very good job of making each
Show More
battle sequence unique. It's perhaps the best in Scarrow's series, but I've found the second, "The Eagle's Conquest", equally as enjoyable.The core components of the story consist of the introduction of the characters, their initial bonding during an action-packed fight in Europe, and then, as the war front moves to Britain, a series of exciting battles orbiting the search and discovery of war loot buried in Britain by Julius Caesar about a century earlier.
"Under the Eagle" introduces our two main characters. Macro is the older battle-hardened Centurion. He fights hard and drinks harder. Cato is a freed slave who grew up in the palaces on the Palatine Hill in Rome. He's young, lanky, bookish and completely unfamiliar with a military lifestyle. Coming from different worlds, Macro and Cato clash. And the story launches it most persistent theme by defining the growth of each character individually and the growth of their relationship.
It's a "buddy" book, with action, adventure, and fun interplay between characters set in the dramatic locations of a peaking Roman Empire.
The characters are a bit thin and superficial, but are drawn from familiar military examples. In Scarrow's world, while the weapons, strategies, tactics and politics are very Roman, the character-types are pretty timeless. You could conceivably modify the language slightly and picture Macro and Cato in WWII, Vietnam, or even on an alien world.
If you're looking for military action, then this book is for you. It's a fast and engaging read. It's not the deepest of military dramas, so if you're looking for something more substantial, I'd recommend Wallace Breem's "Eagle in the Snow", or Robert Graves' "I, Claudius".
Consider "Eagle" a solid snack, compared to the full meal you'd get with Breem or Graves. Another analogy would place "Eagle" as a summer blockbuster, but you shouldn't expect it to win many Oscars.
All in all...I highly recommend this book and series.
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LibraryThing member usnmm2
A good read. A young boy is enlisted into the Roman Army and grows up quick and comes of age. Throw in some Empirial power struggles add some spy versus spy and you have a book to spend a few quite evenings in.
LibraryThing member Neilsantos
I liked the story, although Scarrow uses very current British vernacular. I'll probably try another of these and some of his other work. He has a Napeleonic series which is what drew me to him originally.
LibraryThing member nicky_too
This is a page turner.
Granted, Simon Scarrow is not the best writer in the world, but he's definitely good enough. His writing is entertaining, he is great in coming up with good intriges and tells a good tale. What he is really good at is creating characters. When I read this book I could almost
I like the fact that Simon Scarrow know so much about the Romans and their army/battles. He mixes fiction with history and comes up with quite an interesting mix. It reads like a novel (which of course it is), but you learn something at the same time.
Where I used to find Romans incredibly boring, I am now enjoing reading about them and I'm seriously thinking about buying the entire Eagle series.
I like the style of the book as well. It's straight and to the point. A real no nonsense approach. As I said in the beginning, it's a page turner. You can't really go wrong with this.
Granted, Simon Scarrow is not the best writer in the world, but he's definitely good enough. His writing is entertaining, he is great in coming up with good intriges and tells a good tale. What he is really good at is creating characters. When I read this book I could almost
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touch Macro and Cato. Wonderfully done and they also develop as the story goes on. A true pleasure to read.I like the fact that Simon Scarrow know so much about the Romans and their army/battles. He mixes fiction with history and comes up with quite an interesting mix. It reads like a novel (which of course it is), but you learn something at the same time.
Where I used to find Romans incredibly boring, I am now enjoing reading about them and I'm seriously thinking about buying the entire Eagle series.
I like the style of the book as well. It's straight and to the point. A real no nonsense approach. As I said in the beginning, it's a page turner. You can't really go wrong with this.
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LibraryThing member neurodrew
I discovered this at a book store, but decided to acquire the book as a Kindle edition, rather than a physical book. I have partially decided that purchasing paperback editions of ephemeral novels is not a good use of shell space, and the Kindle allows me to indulge in escapist fiction without a
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prolonged wait to get to the bookstore. This is the first novel in the series about Cato and Macro, Roman centurions in the time of Claudius. Cato is a son of a freedman in the imperial household, sent to join the legion so he can gain citizenship. He is appointed immediately as an optio because of the imperial influence. Macro is his centurion, and they become friends, and the basis for the continuing series. There is a plot against the emporer, fighting with German tribes, and the initial invasion of Britain. Cato and Macro retrieve the gold left behind by Julius Caesar, become known to Narcissus, the power behind Claudius, and to Vespasian, here the good legate leading the legion, and the conniving Vitellius. Very convincing historical fiction, fast paced, and absorbing. Show Less
LibraryThing member Gordopolis
The first book in the Eagle series was really addictive reading for me. Two totally different characters thrown together in the brutal world of the Roman Legion, where together they form an unlikely partnership that quickly becomes warm, witty and intriguing. The author does a good job of making
I picked this up one Christmas holiday a few years back and had it finished the next day...and was then on the net looking for the rest of the series.
Well worth a read.
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the Roman world, that can often be portrayed as a stuffy and aloof, seem real and identifiable to modern readers who might not otherwise enjoy this genre. The dialogue especially helps in this sense. I picked this up one Christmas holiday a few years back and had it finished the next day...and was then on the net looking for the rest of the series.
Well worth a read.
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LibraryThing member pmackey
Very entertaining read.
LibraryThing member Zare
Interesting crime story set into the period when Romans (under emperor Claudius) are preparing for second invasion of British Isles.[return][return]We follow Cato, intellectual of sorts, from the time he enters the Second Legion, becomes sergeant under centurion Macro and finally ends up involved
Show More
into court machinations and plots.[return][return]Interesting read, very fast-paced action but nevertheless it is obvious this one is intended to be the first in series of books ending is somewhat undefined.[return][return]Recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member Chris.Graham
Very interesting take on actual historical events when the Emperor came over to expand Roman rule of Britain.
Good plot too.
Good plot too.
LibraryThing member majkia
Interesting, and at times quite funny, story of a young man who finds himself in the Roman Legions in Gaul under Emperor Claudius.
LibraryThing member Novak
A really good yarn involving a couple of Roman soldiers mixed up in the invasion of Britain some long time before Brexit.
LibraryThing member runner56
The first book in the Eagles of the Empire series and an essential read if you want an insight into the the making of two great careers Centurion Macro and his Optio Cato. Macro is a hardened warrior deeply committed to the Roman second legion when he receives into his command a young untested
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soldier Cato. Cato is promoted above his comrades at the order of the Empire and is deeply resented by the other men. Soon the legion has to prepare for a dangerous assignment to Britannia a country still relatively untamed with gangs of tribesmen still eager to test the so called invincibility of the Roman soldier. How will the well educated new recruit react to the daily grind and hardship that was the life of a soldier expected to serve 25 years with death as an unwelcome bedfellow every waking day. Simon Scarrow's research as always is immaculate, giving a real feel as to the hardships faced by a serving soldier, of the Roman Empire, at that time. Recommended Show Less
LibraryThing member MJWebb
Enjoyable adventure which bodes well for the series of five books I have purchased. Good holiday read.
LibraryThing member PhilSyphe
‘Under the Eagle’ is my first Simon Scarrow book and I knew before the halfway point it wouldn’t be my last.
If you like dull moments, don’t expect to find any here. This is a Roman adventure, full of action and drama, along with a little humour and a touch of romance.
Although it’s fast
The characters are vivid. Cato, the main ‘star’, is my favourite. He’s believable and relatable. He’s a seventeen-year-old thrown into the Roman army with no clue what he’s doing. Worse still, his letter of recommendation results in him being given a position of responsibility as an optio, which is a centurion’s second-in-command. Earning the respect on the soldiers beneath his rank is no easy task.
The different ranks take some getting used to if, like me, you’re knowledge of Roman times is sparse.
Reading other reviews, I see the biggest criticism of ‘Under the Eagle’ is the language. More specifically, the use of modern English slang. My feelings on language in historical fiction is that it should be contemporary but without using modernisms like, for example, ‘It’s a corker.’
That said, the main thing is consistency. I've read historical novels where in one scene a character says something like, ‘Keep it in your trousers,’ while in another scene someone else says, ‘Whence came he thus?’ Mr Scarrow is consistent and never slips in an archaic term.
While I admit I would’ve preferred the language to not incorporate modern slang, the characters and third-person narration are engaging enough for this not to make me feel like I’m reading a story set during any period other than the first century AD.
Perhaps with me being an Englishman makes the slang words and phrases more palatable. I admit, it did annoy me when, in another historical novel, the author of that book used the odd Americanism – ‘ass’ and ‘butt’, for example – so I can understand why any non-English reader – and certainly non-British – would be distracted by the slang terms.
So, while the slang words and phrases didn’t bother me, three other elements did distract me at times. One being a trait that keeps cropping up in books I’ve read this year by different others, namely this sort of thing: ‘more loudly’, ‘more quietly’, instead of the more concise ‘louder’ and ‘quieter’. Don’t use two words if one will do.
Adverbs: they ‘tell’, not ‘show’, and a fair few appear in this wonderful story, but not too many to spoil it.
The two points above are minor criticisms. The one big gripe I have is the overuse of ‘then’ to state what happens next. This novel is riddled with ‘thens’, at times making the third-person narrative sound like a child’s voice. It’s most frequent during the exciting actions scenes, and I found it distracting to the point that (whilst listening to this on an audio) I started predicting that the narrator would say ‘then’ in the next sentence. ‘Then’ is easy to cut when editing, and it’s not hard to drop it altogether. It ends up being a filler word, notably when using it to start a sentence. The reader knows whatever’s happening is taking place after what’s just happened, so no need to put, ‘Then he …’ and such like.
In most cases, I'll deduct a star if a book is riddled with ‘thens’ or swamped with adverbs. As someone who appreciates good writing style, these things drive me to distraction. Yet, as mentioned, ‘Under the Eagle’ is such a great story it overrode these niggling points, and I’d feel I was doing Simon Scarrow an injustice by rating this anything other than 5 stars.
It’s easier to go on and on criticising a book than it is to praise it over and over, and I’ve doubtless not expressed how impressed I am with ‘Under the Eagle’ to the extent it deserves, so, in a nutshell, I’ll state this: it’s one heck of a great read.
If you like dull moments, don’t expect to find any here. This is a Roman adventure, full of action and drama, along with a little humour and a touch of romance.
Although it’s fast
Show More
paced, it’s not all hell and no notion. The plot is solid and is engaging from start to end. The characters are vivid. Cato, the main ‘star’, is my favourite. He’s believable and relatable. He’s a seventeen-year-old thrown into the Roman army with no clue what he’s doing. Worse still, his letter of recommendation results in him being given a position of responsibility as an optio, which is a centurion’s second-in-command. Earning the respect on the soldiers beneath his rank is no easy task.
The different ranks take some getting used to if, like me, you’re knowledge of Roman times is sparse.
Reading other reviews, I see the biggest criticism of ‘Under the Eagle’ is the language. More specifically, the use of modern English slang. My feelings on language in historical fiction is that it should be contemporary but without using modernisms like, for example, ‘It’s a corker.’
That said, the main thing is consistency. I've read historical novels where in one scene a character says something like, ‘Keep it in your trousers,’ while in another scene someone else says, ‘Whence came he thus?’ Mr Scarrow is consistent and never slips in an archaic term.
While I admit I would’ve preferred the language to not incorporate modern slang, the characters and third-person narration are engaging enough for this not to make me feel like I’m reading a story set during any period other than the first century AD.
Perhaps with me being an Englishman makes the slang words and phrases more palatable. I admit, it did annoy me when, in another historical novel, the author of that book used the odd Americanism – ‘ass’ and ‘butt’, for example – so I can understand why any non-English reader – and certainly non-British – would be distracted by the slang terms.
So, while the slang words and phrases didn’t bother me, three other elements did distract me at times. One being a trait that keeps cropping up in books I’ve read this year by different others, namely this sort of thing: ‘more loudly’, ‘more quietly’, instead of the more concise ‘louder’ and ‘quieter’. Don’t use two words if one will do.
Adverbs: they ‘tell’, not ‘show’, and a fair few appear in this wonderful story, but not too many to spoil it.
The two points above are minor criticisms. The one big gripe I have is the overuse of ‘then’ to state what happens next. This novel is riddled with ‘thens’, at times making the third-person narrative sound like a child’s voice. It’s most frequent during the exciting actions scenes, and I found it distracting to the point that (whilst listening to this on an audio) I started predicting that the narrator would say ‘then’ in the next sentence. ‘Then’ is easy to cut when editing, and it’s not hard to drop it altogether. It ends up being a filler word, notably when using it to start a sentence. The reader knows whatever’s happening is taking place after what’s just happened, so no need to put, ‘Then he …’ and such like.
In most cases, I'll deduct a star if a book is riddled with ‘thens’ or swamped with adverbs. As someone who appreciates good writing style, these things drive me to distraction. Yet, as mentioned, ‘Under the Eagle’ is such a great story it overrode these niggling points, and I’d feel I was doing Simon Scarrow an injustice by rating this anything other than 5 stars.
It’s easier to go on and on criticising a book than it is to praise it over and over, and I’ve doubtless not expressed how impressed I am with ‘Under the Eagle’ to the extent it deserves, so, in a nutshell, I’ll state this: it’s one heck of a great read.
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Subjects
Language
Original publication date
2000
Physical description
448 p.; 6.85 inches
ISBN
0747266298 / 9780747266297
Local notes
When Quintus Licinius Cato, a formerly pampered imperial slave, is forced to join the army, the other members of the Second Legion doubt he will be able to adapt to their harsh lifestyle. Proving himself to Centurion Lucius Cornelius Macro in the heart of battle against the Germans, Cato earns both his freedom and the respect of his commander. Landing in Britain as part of an expeditionary force, Cato and Macro attempt to foil a traitorous plot involving unbridled political ambitions and a concealed cache of gold.