What do you think?
Rate this book
Eagles of the Empire #7
The Eagle in the Sand
THE EAGLE IN THE SAND is the action-packed seventh novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling Eagles of the Empire series. Essential reading for fans of Bernard Cornwell.
Trouble is brewing in Judaea, on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. With the troops in a deplorable state, centurions Macro and Cato are despatched to restore the competence of the cohort. But another challenge faces them as Bannus, a local tribesman, is brewing up trouble and preaching violent opposition to Rome.
As the local revolt grows in scale, Macro and Cato must stamp out corruption in the cohort and restore it to fighting fitness to quash Bannus - before the eastern provinces are lost to the Empire forever...
Trouble is brewing in Judaea, on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. With the troops in a deplorable state, centurions Macro and Cato are despatched to restore the competence of the cohort. But another challenge faces them as Bannus, a local tribesman, is brewing up trouble and preaching violent opposition to Rome.
As the local revolt grows in scale, Macro and Cato must stamp out corruption in the cohort and restore it to fighting fitness to quash Bannus - before the eastern provinces are lost to the Empire forever...
516 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2006
195 people are currently reading
1706 people want to read
About the author
Simon Scarrow
171 books2,154 followersSimon Scarrow is a UK-based author, born in Nigeria, and now living in Norfolk. He completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia, and, after working at the Inland Revenue, went into teaching as a lecturer at City College, Norwich.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
April 25, 2025
Armed conflict is political action by a different means and you see political plays that are behind much of the action. Macro and Cato are assigned to Fort Bushir in Judea that has a commander that is a pawn in a conspiracy to seize control by the Roman Syrian governor Longinius. Also making a play for power is a Judean Bannus who is aligned with Rome's geopolitical rival Parthia. What is interesting about Bannus is he is a follower of a martyred leader Jehoshua that I am very sure is another name for Jesus. When I think of it Jehoshua is Jesus because he was crucified, betrayed by Judas, and preached nonviolence in the end. What Christians would not like is Jehoshua(Jesus) has a son named Yusef that belies Christian teaching as him being celibate, and Judas betrayed him on the orders of other Apostles . The treachery was based on the need for a more forceful leader to replace him and also for a martyr for their movement. Simon Scarrow must have read On War by Von Clausewitz because the conflict in this book is all informed by politics.
January 6, 2022
Read this book in 2006, and its the 7th volume of the "Eagle" series.
This tale is set on the Eastern Frontier, in Syria mainly, and its there that our main protagonists, Centurions Cato and Macro must restore order and fighting competence on the cohort.
A challenge to Roman rule in the East is the leader of the local tribesmen, Bannus, and he and his men are preparing for violent opposition to Rome.
While on the one hand the threat of a local revolt is growing, Cato and Macro must also stamp out corruption within the Cohort, in order to get this Cohort ready to fight and finish this Bannus once and for all, and they must do it determinedly before the Eastern Province are lost to the Roman Empire.
What is to follow is an amazing Roman adventure, set in the East, and that will take Cato and Macro from one bad situation to another, but in the end due to their cunning and fighting prowess they will succeed in overcoming these obstacles and be victorious for the Roman Empire.
Highly recommended, for this is another great addition to this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Eagle In The Sand"!
This tale is set on the Eastern Frontier, in Syria mainly, and its there that our main protagonists, Centurions Cato and Macro must restore order and fighting competence on the cohort.
A challenge to Roman rule in the East is the leader of the local tribesmen, Bannus, and he and his men are preparing for violent opposition to Rome.
While on the one hand the threat of a local revolt is growing, Cato and Macro must also stamp out corruption within the Cohort, in order to get this Cohort ready to fight and finish this Bannus once and for all, and they must do it determinedly before the Eastern Province are lost to the Roman Empire.
What is to follow is an amazing Roman adventure, set in the East, and that will take Cato and Macro from one bad situation to another, but in the end due to their cunning and fighting prowess they will succeed in overcoming these obstacles and be victorious for the Roman Empire.
Highly recommended, for this is another great addition to this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Eagle In The Sand"!
September 3, 2010
Poor read the author had to take a piss on the Christian faith for no good reason other than for publicity and to cause a furor ,and he goes on to say "I have taken a few liberties with the story of the most famous of the Judaean rabble-rousers executed by Rome" that's more than a few liberties .I am disappointed that these so called authors take such liberties knowing well that their actions will cause no repercussions.I wonder if they will take the same liberties with another man from the same region ,i doubt it .
September 14, 2024
It's an interesting take regarding the aftermath on the death of Jesus.
Also enjoyed that the setting is in the Eastern part of the Roman Empire and they encounter the Parthians.
Also enjoyed that the setting is in the Eastern part of the Roman Empire and they encounter the Parthians.
December 13, 2014
-El escenario cambia, pero la propuesta no lo hace ni un ápice.-
Género. Novela Histórica (no exactamente, pero ubiquémoslo ahí por respetar las clasificaciones del blog).
Lo que nos cuenta. Cato y Macro han sido enviados a la parte más oriental del Imperio Romano para relevar al prefecto al mando del fuerte Bushir, cerca del Jordán, pero esa no es más que la excusa para su verdadera misión, que en realidad consiste en valorar la situación de la región de Judea por encargo de Narciso, la mano derecha del emperador Claudio, ya que por un lado la provincia no parece estar siendo bien gestionada, por otro lado hay bandas rebeldes de judíos atacando los intereses de Roma, además Partia parece muy interesada en la desestabilización de la zona y tiene la mirada puesta en Palmira e incluso parece que el gobernador romano de Siria tiene intereses propios en que la inestabilidad desemboque en algo más sangriento. Séptimo libro de la saga de Quinto Licinio Cato.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Novela Histórica (no exactamente, pero ubiquémoslo ahí por respetar las clasificaciones del blog).
Lo que nos cuenta. Cato y Macro han sido enviados a la parte más oriental del Imperio Romano para relevar al prefecto al mando del fuerte Bushir, cerca del Jordán, pero esa no es más que la excusa para su verdadera misión, que en realidad consiste en valorar la situación de la región de Judea por encargo de Narciso, la mano derecha del emperador Claudio, ya que por un lado la provincia no parece estar siendo bien gestionada, por otro lado hay bandas rebeldes de judíos atacando los intereses de Roma, además Partia parece muy interesada en la desestabilización de la zona y tiene la mirada puesta en Palmira e incluso parece que el gobernador romano de Siria tiene intereses propios en que la inestabilidad desemboque en algo más sangriento. Séptimo libro de la saga de Quinto Licinio Cato.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
March 12, 2024
4.75 stars
December 11, 2009
Reading the tales of Cato and Macro, you suspend your disbelief a little for Cato's induction into the army was a little unorthodox. These two also seemed to be at the center of many of the scrapes that the Britains and Vespesian were fighting. Well all to the good, because Cato is becoming and effective soldier.
When first reads these tales, you learn that the two officers, what we might think of as NCO's as they are from the lower non-senatorial classes, have a lot more latitude. Now finally Macro has achieved something with becoming an independent leader of several hundred men. Certainly a Lieutenant Colonel in authority.
The two have found themselves trusted, as they have been before to serve the Emperor's needs, and they do so well. Here however, dealing with the legacy of Jesus, perhaps might have been an added twist too many.
We have already seen the other spectrum of legendary leaders amongst the Britains and our heroes. Now we even have some of the important mythical relics passing through their hands. The story probably would have succeeded just fine with out that extra. Certain readers may even be tempted to think of the book as blasphemous.
But it does work, in a series that needed to boost Macro and Cato to the next level, it has done so, and done it well. Worth a read and perhaps even a second time once the series is finished.
When first reads these tales, you learn that the two officers, what we might think of as NCO's as they are from the lower non-senatorial classes, have a lot more latitude. Now finally Macro has achieved something with becoming an independent leader of several hundred men. Certainly a Lieutenant Colonel in authority.
The two have found themselves trusted, as they have been before to serve the Emperor's needs, and they do so well. Here however, dealing with the legacy of Jesus, perhaps might have been an added twist too many.
We have already seen the other spectrum of legendary leaders amongst the Britains and our heroes. Now we even have some of the important mythical relics passing through their hands. The story probably would have succeeded just fine with out that extra. Certain readers may even be tempted to think of the book as blasphemous.
But it does work, in a series that needed to boost Macro and Cato to the next level, it has done so, and done it well. Worth a read and perhaps even a second time once the series is finished.
September 27, 2025
Kilkumiesięczna przerwa od Katona i Macro wyszła na dobre. Książka, pomimo chyba najbardziej stonowanej akcji ze wszystkich tomów do tej pory, była ciekawa. Bardzo dużo religijnych nawiązań, zwroty akcji i chwile dobra w świecie opanowanym przez przemoc i agresję.
Nasi centurionowie wyruszają na kolejną misję. Tym razem sekretarz cesarza wysyła ich na bliski wschód, do Judei. Sekretarz podejrzewa tamtejszych zarządców o zdradę lub jej planowanie, a Katon i Macro mają na miejscu dowiedzieć się jak najwięcej i w miarę możliwości powstrzymać bunt w zalążku.
Na miejscu od samego początku spotykają się z nienawiścią i niechęcią miejscowej ludności do 'okupującego' ich Rzymu. Dowiadują się o licznych grupach bandytów, którzy zrzeszają coraz większe grupy ludzi i starają się przepędzić rzymian. Okazuje się, że jeden z buntowników uznaje samego siebie za mesjasza. A centurionowie, zamiast podejść do wszystkiego na spokojnie i przemyśleć plan działania, już na samym początku mieszają się w krwawą walkę uliczną.
Simon Scarrow pokazuje, że każdy konflikt ma różne strony, z różnymi przesłankami i motywami. Nie stawia Rzymu na miejscu tego nieomylnego i zawsze dobrego, pokazuje jego mroczniejszą stronę, spiski nim rządzące, zdrady i brutalność - z czego zdają sobie sprawę Macro i Katon. Niejednokrotnie stają przed trudnymi wyborami moralnymi, wiedząc, że nieposłuszeństwo wobec władzy będzie ich srogo kosztowało, mimo to zawsze są bohaterami, którzy mają w sobie ten pierwiastek dobra.
Książka bardzo dobra, a przygody na bliskim wschodzie wydają się rozciągać jeszcze na kolejne tomy. Polecam!
Nasi centurionowie wyruszają na kolejną misję. Tym razem sekretarz cesarza wysyła ich na bliski wschód, do Judei. Sekretarz podejrzewa tamtejszych zarządców o zdradę lub jej planowanie, a Katon i Macro mają na miejscu dowiedzieć się jak najwięcej i w miarę możliwości powstrzymać bunt w zalążku.
Na miejscu od samego początku spotykają się z nienawiścią i niechęcią miejscowej ludności do 'okupującego' ich Rzymu. Dowiadują się o licznych grupach bandytów, którzy zrzeszają coraz większe grupy ludzi i starają się przepędzić rzymian. Okazuje się, że jeden z buntowników uznaje samego siebie za mesjasza. A centurionowie, zamiast podejść do wszystkiego na spokojnie i przemyśleć plan działania, już na samym początku mieszają się w krwawą walkę uliczną.
Simon Scarrow pokazuje, że każdy konflikt ma różne strony, z różnymi przesłankami i motywami. Nie stawia Rzymu na miejscu tego nieomylnego i zawsze dobrego, pokazuje jego mroczniejszą stronę, spiski nim rządzące, zdrady i brutalność - z czego zdają sobie sprawę Macro i Katon. Niejednokrotnie stają przed trudnymi wyborami moralnymi, wiedząc, że nieposłuszeństwo wobec władzy będzie ich srogo kosztowało, mimo to zawsze są bohaterami, którzy mają w sobie ten pierwiastek dobra.
Książka bardzo dobra, a przygody na bliskim wschodzie wydają się rozciągać jeszcze na kolejne tomy. Polecam!
December 20, 2017
As usual, Scarrow does a stunning portrayal of the settings of the story. The narration of the intense battle scenes thrusts the reader into the story with great authenticity. Aside from the anachronistic language in the dialogues, with its modern twists, Scarrow usually portray the his stories with great realism.
However, this particular story has let me down in a very serious way. Scarrow has shown that he isn't interested in the historicity of the Early Church, but rather more interested in pushing his own theories about its development. He reveals a quite ridiculous predisposition for favouring conspiracy theories over proper historicity, at least concerning the Early Church movement. This rather displays a subtle agenda on Scarrows side, to promote conspiracy theories á la Dan Brown and his likes.
The possible historical texts that are usually relied upon in these cases are dated between 200-700 A.D., which by far exceeds the dating of the four canonical Gospels which are dated between 60-110 A.D., not to mention the New Testament epistles, e.g. the 13 letters of the apostle Paul dated between 40-60 A.D. Anyone who has read these texts will not be impressed by Scarrows portrayal of the Early Church movement, Jesus from Nazareth and other New Testament figures, however commendable Scarrow is for using Jesus' proper hebrew name Yeheshua.
Anyone concerned with facts will either find Scarrows deviation from both tradition and history a nuisance to say the least, or they will be swayed to think Scarrow portrays a accurate account of the Early Church movement. It is of course ridiculous, but people prone to believe conspiracy theories are seldom hard to convince.
However if you simply enjoy a fictional story, not concerning yourself with historical and religious figures, this will probably satisfy you regardless. It is not a bad fictional story, but mark well, it is fictional nonetheless.
However, this particular story has let me down in a very serious way. Scarrow has shown that he isn't interested in the historicity of the Early Church, but rather more interested in pushing his own theories about its development. He reveals a quite ridiculous predisposition for favouring conspiracy theories over proper historicity, at least concerning the Early Church movement. This rather displays a subtle agenda on Scarrows side, to promote conspiracy theories á la Dan Brown and his likes.
The possible historical texts that are usually relied upon in these cases are dated between 200-700 A.D., which by far exceeds the dating of the four canonical Gospels which are dated between 60-110 A.D., not to mention the New Testament epistles, e.g. the 13 letters of the apostle Paul dated between 40-60 A.D. Anyone who has read these texts will not be impressed by Scarrows portrayal of the Early Church movement, Jesus from Nazareth and other New Testament figures, however commendable Scarrow is for using Jesus' proper hebrew name Yeheshua.
Anyone concerned with facts will either find Scarrows deviation from both tradition and history a nuisance to say the least, or they will be swayed to think Scarrow portrays a accurate account of the Early Church movement. It is of course ridiculous, but people prone to believe conspiracy theories are seldom hard to convince.
However if you simply enjoy a fictional story, not concerning yourself with historical and religious figures, this will probably satisfy you regardless. It is not a bad fictional story, but mark well, it is fictional nonetheless.
December 14, 2013
Another rip-roaring adventure from Cato and Marco, this time in Palestine at the start of the first century. With guest appearances from a couple biblical characters the plot trots along very nicely.
February 24, 2017
Cato and Macro in Judea. Another good story.
October 8, 2025
Audiobook narrated by Russell Boulter
I jumped into this series at number #7, but didn’t have any problem getting into the characters despite not having any idea of what happened in books #1 - #6. It’s AD 46 and Roman centurions Cato and Macro have been posted to Judea to investigate Longinus, Roman governor of Syria, and to try to mitigate the effects of Roman oppression in a hearts and minds operation. Yeah, right! Religious figures are revolting (literally), and after Rome crucified the last charismatic Judean leader, Jehoshua, the whole place is a revolt waiting to happen, stirred up by local tribesman, Bannus. Add to that opportunistic Parthians eager to fight Rome and Macro and Cato have an almost impossible task. Macro is the seasoned centurion, happy to charge in regardless. Cato, his junior, but slightly more upper class, is a clever thinker. Together they make a good pair when the fort they’ve been assigned to is full of corruption. This is read quite well, if a little ponderous, by Russell Boulter, but he has a strange pronunciation of the letter A, as in last. He doesn’t have the short northern A, so it doesn’t rhyme with ass. Neither does he elongate the A-sound to rhyme with arse, but somehow manages to rhyme it with air, so last sounds like lairst. I can only think it a deliberate choice, but it kept pulling me out of the story at first, though by the time I reached the end I’d almost stopped noticing. The blurb says for fans of Bernard Cornwall, and I would also say for fans of Lindsey Davis’ Falco – though without the lightness of touch.
I jumped into this series at number #7, but didn’t have any problem getting into the characters despite not having any idea of what happened in books #1 - #6. It’s AD 46 and Roman centurions Cato and Macro have been posted to Judea to investigate Longinus, Roman governor of Syria, and to try to mitigate the effects of Roman oppression in a hearts and minds operation. Yeah, right! Religious figures are revolting (literally), and after Rome crucified the last charismatic Judean leader, Jehoshua, the whole place is a revolt waiting to happen, stirred up by local tribesman, Bannus. Add to that opportunistic Parthians eager to fight Rome and Macro and Cato have an almost impossible task. Macro is the seasoned centurion, happy to charge in regardless. Cato, his junior, but slightly more upper class, is a clever thinker. Together they make a good pair when the fort they’ve been assigned to is full of corruption. This is read quite well, if a little ponderous, by Russell Boulter, but he has a strange pronunciation of the letter A, as in last. He doesn’t have the short northern A, so it doesn’t rhyme with ass. Neither does he elongate the A-sound to rhyme with arse, but somehow manages to rhyme it with air, so last sounds like lairst. I can only think it a deliberate choice, but it kept pulling me out of the story at first, though by the time I reached the end I’d almost stopped noticing. The blurb says for fans of Bernard Cornwall, and I would also say for fans of Lindsey Davis’ Falco – though without the lightness of touch.
February 3, 2021
Genial, a xl 8é
April 19, 2021
Absolute banger. Great change of scene from the others
May 28, 2022
Fantastic 7th book of the Marco and Cato series. set in the east provenance of the Roman Empire
February 12, 2018
Another awesome and action packed page turner by Scarrow. Macro and Cato are the ultimate duo.
Set in the varied theatres and provinces of the vast Roman Empire during its golden years, Scarrow uses the two protagonists to explore key events in the Empire’s vast territory.
You gain valuable insights into the deadly politics of Rome, life on the frontiers as well as in the opulent provinces and of course Rome itself.
In this instalment Scarrow takes us to the holy land or what will one day become the holy land. At the time of this story Christianity is but a fledgling idea and on the precipice of becoming extinct.
Cato and Macros mission is arduous and risky in itself, but when they come into contact with the locals and discover that they have their own axe to grind with Rome, things heat up quickly.
Our heroes are plunged into the middle of what threatens to be all out war and it is up to them to hold back the tide.
I really enjoyed this, and I’d like me you’re this far into the series I think you will too.
Set in the varied theatres and provinces of the vast Roman Empire during its golden years, Scarrow uses the two protagonists to explore key events in the Empire’s vast territory.
You gain valuable insights into the deadly politics of Rome, life on the frontiers as well as in the opulent provinces and of course Rome itself.
In this instalment Scarrow takes us to the holy land or what will one day become the holy land. At the time of this story Christianity is but a fledgling idea and on the precipice of becoming extinct.
Cato and Macros mission is arduous and risky in itself, but when they come into contact with the locals and discover that they have their own axe to grind with Rome, things heat up quickly.
Our heroes are plunged into the middle of what threatens to be all out war and it is up to them to hold back the tide.
I really enjoyed this, and I’d like me you’re this far into the series I think you will too.
April 25, 2021
De las mejores novelas de la saga. Acción constante y una descripción fantástica de la zona que consigue que el lector se imagine flotando en el mar muerto o entrando en la maravillosa ciudad de Petra. Continuamos con la saga.
November 28, 2012
hmm. not the best one I've read, and after the pirates last book I was looking forward to the next one. the idea of the adventures being based in a fort meant that macro and cats experienced something of the siege experience that they inflicted on the britons. but, and here's the nub, introducing the story of Jesus, and having a back plot of his death, Peter turning into a lethal warrior ( really....?!) and Mary looking after Jesus's som Joseph (ugh ), was just.... contrived. I 'm sure Mr Scarrow had a fab time in jordan and petra, and he writes about the customs and politics well. I'm afraid I experienced a disconnect with the book, as there were too many jars and bidders in the story. pity.
August 21, 2017
Another satisfying addition to the Eagle series although one with controversy, while Scarrow sticks to the realistic outlook of the Roman world of the 50 AD, the use of real religious characters might not sit well with many. He has been using real historical characters from the start of the series with the likes of Emperor’s and Kings but this time round its religious figures, well at least I didn’t have a problem, in fact enjoyed the book quite a bit.
The setting is Isreal & Jordan, the new terrain comes with new enemy and different style of fighting, also there is plenty of political intrigue to keep our two protagonists on their toes. A fast paced paged turner which gives you the feel of how the eastern borders of Rome was managed.
The setting is Isreal & Jordan, the new terrain comes with new enemy and different style of fighting, also there is plenty of political intrigue to keep our two protagonists on their toes. A fast paced paged turner which gives you the feel of how the eastern borders of Rome was managed.
October 27, 2008
Simon Scarrow does another of his tales of the Roman legionaries Macro and Cato.
Unlike his previous books, the liberties that he takes with recorded history were, to me at least, grating, and substantially detracted from the story.
As usual, however, his battle scenes were gritty and realistic, and (especially after as many books in the series as he's written) still refreshingly different each time.
Not my favorite book in the series, but if you've read this far into the series, you shouldn't skip the book because of the relatively low rating.
Unlike his previous books, the liberties that he takes with recorded history were, to me at least, grating, and substantially detracted from the story.
As usual, however, his battle scenes were gritty and realistic, and (especially after as many books in the series as he's written) still refreshingly different each time.
Not my favorite book in the series, but if you've read this far into the series, you shouldn't skip the book because of the relatively low rating.
January 30, 2016
I believe this is book seven in the series... I haven't read any of the other ones in the series (this was given to me as a gift for Christmas), but I would be willing to start at the beginning of the series and give it a go. the writing style is modern so it was a quick read for me, but it was also a fun read and the battles were great. I could see this being done as a mini series or a series of movies...
January 2, 2018
Part of a series of novels set around Roman centurions, this one was set in the Dead Sea area, and brings in a fictional version of early Christianity. It prompted me to start thinking about the Roman experience in the region, which I will follow up by reading Apocalypse by N Faulkner (recommended in the author's notes). I enjoyed the book, and will read more in the series, and it has led me on to other things, so I'm glad I read it.
May 22, 2017
There are many worse ways of spending a Sunday than in the company of Scarrow's Macro and Cato. A well-researched centurion's eye view of the politics that seem to have been vexing various western empires for a very long time.
July 31, 2014
Bit of a let down compared to previous books
October 6, 2016
This has to be the weakest book so far. Just didn't deliver like the rest.
December 24, 2016
Épico. Mais uma história muito bem contada. O Simon não brinca em serviço. Obrigado por, mais, esta grande aventura.
February 7, 2018
Another enjoyable yarn from Scarrow. I really do love this series. It is immensely enjoyable and really takes you back to another time and place.
October 21, 2020
3.5 Only because it seemed more like a bridge book from the last book to the next one, which will be set in Syria and with the Parthian Empire. It had action and new roles for Macro and Cato (Prefect, etc), but at times it seemed to drag. Just a little. This gets Macro and Cato to the area and involved in the schemes and politics and introduces the Parthian threat. I noticed this was also the first book that did not feature Vespasian in the flesh. I am curious where he is at this time and if he'll be in the next book.
I personally didn't have issues with the mentions of Peter (Symeon), Jesus, Mary, etc. Christianity, even then was not solidified. The beliefs of the early Christians were scattered, diverse and in some cases, just plain weird (by our standards). A Christian from today going back in time to then, would be shocked at how things were then, I guarantee it! The book events occurred way before most of the Gospels were a thing, too. For example, this book occurs in AD 46. The Gospel of Mark probably dates from c. AD 66–70. Also, with Peter alone, I looked and there is a lot we don't know about him. Lots of gaps. Some might have issue with the portrayal of things, but keep in mind the main characters are Roman (Pagans), they're not Christians or even Jews. They have a totally different POV on things. And this is not an inspirational book, it will not read like Christian Fiction. It keeps things solidly in the realm of realistic. IMO, I think that works just fine with the series.
I personally didn't have issues with the mentions of Peter (Symeon), Jesus, Mary, etc. Christianity, even then was not solidified. The beliefs of the early Christians were scattered, diverse and in some cases, just plain weird (by our standards). A Christian from today going back in time to then, would be shocked at how things were then, I guarantee it! The book events occurred way before most of the Gospels were a thing, too. For example, this book occurs in AD 46. The Gospel of Mark probably dates from c. AD 66–70. Also, with Peter alone, I looked and there is a lot we don't know about him. Lots of gaps. Some might have issue with the portrayal of things, but keep in mind the main characters are Roman (Pagans), they're not Christians or even Jews. They have a totally different POV on things. And this is not an inspirational book, it will not read like Christian Fiction. It keeps things solidly in the realm of realistic. IMO, I think that works just fine with the series.
May 24, 2017
Me ha parecido el tomo que por el momento ha tenido más acción porque casi todo el libro ha sido de batallas , apenas tenían descanso .
Se puede ver como cada vez Cato mejora como soldado y como líder aunque sigue teniendo fallos que Macro le corrige , no para hacerle sentir mal sino para que mejore. Los planes de Cato son muy buenos y bien pensados pero a veces son algo locos y arriesgados .
De los personajes secundarios me ha encantado Simeon , que es un guerrero judío que de joven cometió un grave error que siempre le pesara en la conciencia pero que cuando fue madurando poco a poco fue mejorando y se convirtió en un hombre mucho mejor .Me alegro que al final él hay salido bien parado ,por un momento pensé lo peor .
Una de las cosas que me ha enseñado este libro es : Cuando luches o hagas algo , hazlo y menos parlotear como una maldita cotorra , como diría Macro .
A parte en este tomo también se ha podido ver como hay corrupción en otras zonas que no son la ciudad de Roma y como soldados que tendría que estar por la seguridad del Imperio no dudarían en hacer lo que fuera para conseguir todo el poder y ser el emperador .
Sin duda esta es de mis sagas favoritas , le doy a esta un 9 . Pronto me pondré con el siguiente .
Se puede ver como cada vez Cato mejora como soldado y como líder aunque sigue teniendo fallos que Macro le corrige , no para hacerle sentir mal sino para que mejore. Los planes de Cato son muy buenos y bien pensados pero a veces son algo locos y arriesgados .
De los personajes secundarios me ha encantado Simeon , que es un guerrero judío que de joven cometió un grave error que siempre le pesara en la conciencia pero que cuando fue madurando poco a poco fue mejorando y se convirtió en un hombre mucho mejor .Me alegro que al final él hay salido bien parado ,por un momento pensé lo peor .
Una de las cosas que me ha enseñado este libro es : Cuando luches o hagas algo , hazlo y menos parlotear como una maldita cotorra , como diría Macro .
A parte en este tomo también se ha podido ver como hay corrupción en otras zonas que no son la ciudad de Roma y como soldados que tendría que estar por la seguridad del Imperio no dudarían en hacer lo que fuera para conseguir todo el poder y ser el emperador .
Sin duda esta es de mis sagas favoritas , le doy a esta un 9 . Pronto me pondré con el siguiente .
October 31, 2021
Second only to the first one in the series, this is the best thus far. The setting is more alive and relevant than previous ones—partly by being so specifically locked into a place that you can still see today, and partly by a more intense foray into culture and faith than previous instalments—and the book really benefits from it. The look at early Christianity was fantastic, both managing to view Christianity much more as two Roman soldiers would have done at the time (i.e. another in a long line of would-be faiths popping up in and around Judea in this period of history, and through the eyes of people who don’t know it and have no reason to know it or presume it would ever become significant) but also offering an interpretation of Jesus rooted in viewing him as a human being living in a turbulent political era rather than a divinity. Yes this will no doubt upset some folks but I found it very refreshing and interesting. Cato in particular came to the fore here with his interest in other cultures and his bewilderment at the Christian approach of their god being exclusive and superior to others’ gods. I loved this book and if this is the new heights now that Macro and Cato have finally reached Judea, then I’m all for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews