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Eagles of the Empire #4
The Eagle and the Wolves
THE EAGLE AND THE WOLVES is the gripping fourth novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling Eagles of the Empire series. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.
It's AD 44, and Vespasian and the Second Legion are forging ahead in their campaign to seize the south-west of Britain. Macro and newly appointed centurion Cato are ordered to provide Verica, ruler of the Atrebatans, with an army. They must train his tribal levies into a force that can protect him and take on the increasingly ambitious raids that the enemy is launching.
But despite the Atrebatans' official allegiance to Rome, open revolt is brewing, for many want to resist the Roman invaders. Macro and Cato must win the loyalty of the disgruntled levies - but can they succeed whilst surviving a deadly plot to destroy both of them?
Macro and Cato face the greatest test of their army careers as only they stand between the destiny of Rome and bloody defeat...
It's AD 44, and Vespasian and the Second Legion are forging ahead in their campaign to seize the south-west of Britain. Macro and newly appointed centurion Cato are ordered to provide Verica, ruler of the Atrebatans, with an army. They must train his tribal levies into a force that can protect him and take on the increasingly ambitious raids that the enemy is launching.
But despite the Atrebatans' official allegiance to Rome, open revolt is brewing, for many want to resist the Roman invaders. Macro and Cato must win the loyalty of the disgruntled levies - but can they succeed whilst surviving a deadly plot to destroy both of them?
Macro and Cato face the greatest test of their army careers as only they stand between the destiny of Rome and bloody defeat...
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
225 people are currently reading
1945 people want to read
About the author
Simon Scarrow
171 books2,139 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
January 5, 2022
Read this book in 2006, and its the 4th volume of the amazing "Eagle" series.
This tale is set in the year AD 44, and with Vespasian and the 2nd Legion in control of things, this same Vespasian wants to seize the south-west.
Centurion Macro and newly-appointed Centurion Cato, are sent to the Atrebates and provide Verica with an army.
Training the tribal levies they hope they can away the animosity towards the Roman army, so they can defend themselves from threats from across their Atrebates border, and so protect Vespasian and his enforcing rule.
Although the Atrebates allegiance to Rome, brewing still is an open revolt, because many of the tribal levies are cautious of the Legions and want to resist the Romans every way possible.
Cato and Macro must somehow seem to convince the locals before they can encounter the threat from without, and when especially their own lives are at stake they will need their wit and cunning to repel this volatile situation.
What is to follow is an intriguing and suspenseful Roman adventure, in which Cato and Macro will show real leadership and determination to quell an uprising and defeat, and so in the end save their own lives and the rule and destiny of Rome.
Highly recommended, for this is another marvellous addition to this tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Eagle Sequel"!
This tale is set in the year AD 44, and with Vespasian and the 2nd Legion in control of things, this same Vespasian wants to seize the south-west.
Centurion Macro and newly-appointed Centurion Cato, are sent to the Atrebates and provide Verica with an army.
Training the tribal levies they hope they can away the animosity towards the Roman army, so they can defend themselves from threats from across their Atrebates border, and so protect Vespasian and his enforcing rule.
Although the Atrebates allegiance to Rome, brewing still is an open revolt, because many of the tribal levies are cautious of the Legions and want to resist the Romans every way possible.
Cato and Macro must somehow seem to convince the locals before they can encounter the threat from without, and when especially their own lives are at stake they will need their wit and cunning to repel this volatile situation.
What is to follow is an intriguing and suspenseful Roman adventure, in which Cato and Macro will show real leadership and determination to quell an uprising and defeat, and so in the end save their own lives and the rule and destiny of Rome.
Highly recommended, for this is another marvellous addition to this tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Eagle Sequel"!
June 22, 2024
All I can say about Macro and Cato is that they are brave soldiers but the cause of colonizing Britain is not a noble one. The Atrebatans allied with Rome will eventually lose their lands and independence and it is no surprise that many of them are turning against the Romans. My sympathies are with those defending their way of life against imperialism. What is ironic is that in a thousand years: Britain will rule over an even greater empire. Many of the Imperial Roman policies were mirrored in British Imperialism as lands are stolen and local rulers serve as puppets. I believe that Macro and Cato are soldiers fighting more for men fighting alongside them than for anyone's political agenda.
November 30, 2023
Im enjoying the historical and military read of this.
Honestly makes me want to reinstall Rome 2 Total War.
Honestly makes me want to reinstall Rome 2 Total War.
November 21, 2013
-Dentro de lo repetitivo, alguna idea tan novedosa como improbable.-
Género. Novela histórica.
Lo que nos cuenta. La conquista de Britania por parte de Roma está siendo mucho más lenta y dura de lo que habían supuesto los romanos por la enconada resistencia local que incluso llega a atacar una columna al mando del legado Vespasiano. Catro y Macro, actualmente centuriones, participarán en el acercamiento a grupos locales más permeables a Roma y en su entrenamiento militar como auxilia en los que poder apoyarse. Cuarto libro de la serie Quintio Licinio Cato.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Novela histórica.
Lo que nos cuenta. La conquista de Britania por parte de Roma está siendo mucho más lenta y dura de lo que habían supuesto los romanos por la enconada resistencia local que incluso llega a atacar una columna al mando del legado Vespasiano. Catro y Macro, actualmente centuriones, participarán en el acercamiento a grupos locales más permeables a Roma y en su entrenamiento militar como auxilia en los que poder apoyarse. Cuarto libro de la serie Quintio Licinio Cato.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
February 13, 2011
I had hoped to avoid reading the books in this series out of order. No luck as I got my hands on #4 before I was able to acquire #3. Turns out that while there are hints as to what happened in Volume 3, nevertheless, I'm convinced what I know won't spoil the story.
One of the reasons for this is that the series is character driven with Centurion Macro and newly promoted Centurion Cato providing the glue that holds everything together, while well drawn villains and heroes come and go, these two endure.
The plot here recounts how the Romans with their forces split and their supply lines constantly threatened, recruit and train native Britons to fight under the Roman Eagle, hold the key city of Calleva and protect the Roman ally, King Verica. Two cohorts are formed from the Atrebatans under the leadership of Macro and Cato. The rest of the story follows as the Briton tribes threaten to overrun the City and in the process destroy General Vespasian's forces.
There are two sub-plots in which a cheeky and arrogant Roman Legate plots to become the Governor of the nominally independent territory ruled by King Verica while some of those in Verica's court plot to assassinate him and join the the Briton tribes opposing the Romans.
There are a number of excellently described battles in the book as well as enough suspense to keep the reader turning the pages.
The ending of the book is somewhat bittersweet but true to historical records. I may have to buy rather than mooch Volume 3 so I don't get to far ahead of ongoing narrative. I am certainly enjoying this series. It takes some of the sting out of having finished Cornwell's "Richard Sharpe" series.
One of the reasons for this is that the series is character driven with Centurion Macro and newly promoted Centurion Cato providing the glue that holds everything together, while well drawn villains and heroes come and go, these two endure.
The plot here recounts how the Romans with their forces split and their supply lines constantly threatened, recruit and train native Britons to fight under the Roman Eagle, hold the key city of Calleva and protect the Roman ally, King Verica. Two cohorts are formed from the Atrebatans under the leadership of Macro and Cato. The rest of the story follows as the Briton tribes threaten to overrun the City and in the process destroy General Vespasian's forces.
There are two sub-plots in which a cheeky and arrogant Roman Legate plots to become the Governor of the nominally independent territory ruled by King Verica while some of those in Verica's court plot to assassinate him and join the the Briton tribes opposing the Romans.
There are a number of excellently described battles in the book as well as enough suspense to keep the reader turning the pages.
The ending of the book is somewhat bittersweet but true to historical records. I may have to buy rather than mooch Volume 3 so I don't get to far ahead of ongoing narrative. I am certainly enjoying this series. It takes some of the sting out of having finished Cornwell's "Richard Sharpe" series.
March 28, 2018
Once again, Scarrow delivers. Like the others, this book is well written with a tight plot. He never loses sight of where he’s headed or what he wants to do with the book. It is easy for historical fiction to get lost in the time and place they are conveying. This gives both the flavor of early Roman / late Celtic Britain, but never forgets it’s telling a great action packed story with characters you end up adoring.
This is Scarrow’s fourth entry in this series and he manages somehow to avoid being repetitive while still using the same characters - and that’s a trick not easily accomplished this far into a series. This one adds high political intrigue, grand military strategy from a very complex war often forgotten about in the history books, Cato’s first independent command, a closer look at the inhabitants of Britannia and their multifaceted relation to the invading Romans, great fights scenes (Scarrow’s prose excels at these scenes), and the usual heart warming and funny relation between Cato and Macro.
It is easy to be sad that I was born so late in history (and in this real world). I’d so love to have a beer with Cato and Macro sometime. lol
Obviously, I’ll be reading on...
This is Scarrow’s fourth entry in this series and he manages somehow to avoid being repetitive while still using the same characters - and that’s a trick not easily accomplished this far into a series. This one adds high political intrigue, grand military strategy from a very complex war often forgotten about in the history books, Cato’s first independent command, a closer look at the inhabitants of Britannia and their multifaceted relation to the invading Romans, great fights scenes (Scarrow’s prose excels at these scenes), and the usual heart warming and funny relation between Cato and Macro.
It is easy to be sad that I was born so late in history (and in this real world). I’d so love to have a beer with Cato and Macro sometime. lol
Obviously, I’ll be reading on...
February 5, 2017
The Eagle and the Wolves by Simon Scarrow
Macro and Cato or centurens in Britton They are assigned to protect the Roman supply trains supporting Romes troupe sent to conquer Britain in about 44ad. Gave this 4 stars I like Scarrows descriptions of the battles and his character s are believable and sympathetic.
Macro and Cato or centurens in Britton They are assigned to protect the Roman supply trains supporting Romes troupe sent to conquer Britain in about 44ad. Gave this 4 stars I like Scarrows descriptions of the battles and his character s are believable and sympathetic.
November 2, 2015
The usual excellent writing from Mr Scarrow. If I see him compared to Bernard Cornwell one more time....sheesh! They are not in the same league; Scarrow is by far the better writer - and historian.
December 10, 2017
Ich habe endlich das letzte sich in meinem Besitz befindende Buch von Macro und Cato gelesen und war - wie üblich - begeistert. Habe ich eigentlich schon einmal erwähnt, dass Macro meine kleine, süße Kartoffel ist? Nein? Dann wisst ihr es jetzt.
Natürlich ist nach dem vierten Band nicht einfach Schluss in Rom bzw. Britannien. So weit ich weiß, folgen noch um die zehn Bände, aber die besitze ich leider nicht und ob es von denen noch einmal eine Neuauflage gibt, so wie von den ersten vier hier, weiß ich nicht. Ich möchte die Reihe auf dem Bücherregal ganz gern optisch einheitlich haben, deswegen werde ich wohl auf die Neuauflagen warten müssen. Vielleicht lege ich mir auch die eBooks zu... Mal schauen.
Jetzt serviere ich euch erst einmal den Inhalt auf einem kleinen Silbertablett.
Verschworen bis in den Tod!
Britannien, A.D. 44. Mit nadelstichartigen Attacken zerstören die britischen Barbaren immer mehr der wichtigen römischen Versorgungswege! Allein Macro und Cat können die Nachschublinien jetzt noch retten - an der Spitze einer Schar von keltischen Rekruten. Doch zunächst müssen die beiden Centurionen den einheimischen Kriegern zwei Dinge beibringen: Disziplin und Treue zu Rom - ihrem größten Feind...
Ich weiß nicht, ob es euch in meiner Rezension zu »Der Zorn des Adlers« (Bd. 3) aufgefallen ist, aber ich bin immer noch happy über die Beförderung von Cato! Endlich ist er Centurio. Das hat er sich auch redlich verdient, der Bursche!
Auch dieser Teil hat mich - wie zuvor bereits erwähnt - absolut begeistert. Ich fand es auch nicht so schlimm, dass man diesmal nicht so viel Krieg, sondern wieder mehr Lektionen und Politikverständnis hatte, wie ersteres bereits am Anfang der Fall war. Was mich jedoch ein bisschen gestört hat, war, dass sich Flavia erneut hier nicht wieder einfand. Ich würde gern wissen, wie es ihr ergangen ist, nachdem ihr Verrat aus Buch zwei aufgefallen war. Sie scheint einfach wie von der Bildfläche verschwunden. Aber sicherlich kommt Scarrow noch darauf zurück, da ich weiß, dass sich spätere Bände der Reihe in Rom abspielen werden, worauf ich mich schon immens freue.
Die Freundschaft zwischen Cato und Macro ist auch in diesem Band beständig wie eh und je. Gerade diese ungleiche Beziehung macht die Rom-Serie komplett aus und gibt ihr den Charakter, den sie nun einmal besitzt. Nur durch Macro und Cato erhält die Reihe diese wundervolle Atmosphere für die ich sie sehr schätze. Ich kann an dieser Stelle nur wieder erwähnen, wie faszinierend ich Scarrows Verwebung von Fiktion und Geschichte finde. Ebenso sein Talent, das Alte und Tote wieder aufleben zu lassen, sodass es jemanden aus der heutigen Zeit unterhält.
Von mir erhält auch dieser Teil fünf Sterne, weil es immer wieder gut angelegte Lesezeit ist, die man mit Macro und Cato auf ihren Abenteuern verbringt. Ich freue mich schon auf die nächsten Romane!
Natürlich ist nach dem vierten Band nicht einfach Schluss in Rom bzw. Britannien. So weit ich weiß, folgen noch um die zehn Bände, aber die besitze ich leider nicht und ob es von denen noch einmal eine Neuauflage gibt, so wie von den ersten vier hier, weiß ich nicht. Ich möchte die Reihe auf dem Bücherregal ganz gern optisch einheitlich haben, deswegen werde ich wohl auf die Neuauflagen warten müssen. Vielleicht lege ich mir auch die eBooks zu... Mal schauen.
Jetzt serviere ich euch erst einmal den Inhalt auf einem kleinen Silbertablett.
Verschworen bis in den Tod!
Britannien, A.D. 44. Mit nadelstichartigen Attacken zerstören die britischen Barbaren immer mehr der wichtigen römischen Versorgungswege! Allein Macro und Cat können die Nachschublinien jetzt noch retten - an der Spitze einer Schar von keltischen Rekruten. Doch zunächst müssen die beiden Centurionen den einheimischen Kriegern zwei Dinge beibringen: Disziplin und Treue zu Rom - ihrem größten Feind...
Ich weiß nicht, ob es euch in meiner Rezension zu »Der Zorn des Adlers« (Bd. 3) aufgefallen ist, aber ich bin immer noch happy über die Beförderung von Cato! Endlich ist er Centurio. Das hat er sich auch redlich verdient, der Bursche!
Auch dieser Teil hat mich - wie zuvor bereits erwähnt - absolut begeistert. Ich fand es auch nicht so schlimm, dass man diesmal nicht so viel Krieg, sondern wieder mehr Lektionen und Politikverständnis hatte, wie ersteres bereits am Anfang der Fall war. Was mich jedoch ein bisschen gestört hat, war, dass sich Flavia erneut hier nicht wieder einfand. Ich würde gern wissen, wie es ihr ergangen ist, nachdem ihr Verrat aus Buch zwei aufgefallen war. Sie scheint einfach wie von der Bildfläche verschwunden. Aber sicherlich kommt Scarrow noch darauf zurück, da ich weiß, dass sich spätere Bände der Reihe in Rom abspielen werden, worauf ich mich schon immens freue.
Die Freundschaft zwischen Cato und Macro ist auch in diesem Band beständig wie eh und je. Gerade diese ungleiche Beziehung macht die Rom-Serie komplett aus und gibt ihr den Charakter, den sie nun einmal besitzt. Nur durch Macro und Cato erhält die Reihe diese wundervolle Atmosphere für die ich sie sehr schätze. Ich kann an dieser Stelle nur wieder erwähnen, wie faszinierend ich Scarrows Verwebung von Fiktion und Geschichte finde. Ebenso sein Talent, das Alte und Tote wieder aufleben zu lassen, sodass es jemanden aus der heutigen Zeit unterhält.
Von mir erhält auch dieser Teil fünf Sterne, weil es immer wieder gut angelegte Lesezeit ist, die man mit Macro und Cato auf ihren Abenteuern verbringt. Ich freue mich schon auf die nächsten Romane!
October 6, 2016
Continua a saga. Falta a respiração, por vezes, para acompanhar estes dois amigos num mundo perverso e duro: inimaginável - suponho. Maravilhosa, obra.
July 14, 2025
Ce quatrième tome nous offre une plongée particulièrement bien réussie dans la seconde phase de la conquête romaine de la Bretagne. La problématique de la soumission des tribus bretonnes à l'autorité romaine déploie toute sa complexité au cours de la lecture. Cette tension nous tient en haleine de bout en bout, notamment par son lot de trahisons, d'injustices et de sang versé.
May 15, 2023
Well read - enjoyable history, great characters . Slowly working through this series, it's particularly good on audible
January 22, 2024
Decent.adventure for Cato and Macro as they train locals loyal to Rome to fight like the legions and then fight impossible odds at their version of the Alamo. Brutal but great fu
February 5, 2025
I never thought I’d be a Roman Empire fiction girlie but I am LOVING this !!!
April 1, 2025
This time the two Roman centurions train cohorts of Brits to fight for the empire. It's as quick to read as the previous 3, and manages to hold your attention well. The battle scenes and tension towards the end become especially crazy and visceral, the reality of brutal man to man warfare quite well written.
I guess I would put Scarrow around the Dan Brown area of writers, but quite a bit above Brown. Scarrow writes thrilling scenes well and captures your attention even better, and sprinkles a lot of his own historical knowledge in each page. Scarrow is however not afraid to use different setups in each book, which is infinitely better than the 3 Dan Brown books I read which I can no longer tell apart. Reading them was enjoyable though.
One gripe I have though, Scarrow just reuses some sentences 100 times in each book. My favourite repeated sentence has been his staple "and he saw an exposed armpir and rammed his sword into it" that can literally be found at least 15 times in this book. Funny to me, maybe annoying to you, decide for yourself!
I guess I would put Scarrow around the Dan Brown area of writers, but quite a bit above Brown. Scarrow writes thrilling scenes well and captures your attention even better, and sprinkles a lot of his own historical knowledge in each page. Scarrow is however not afraid to use different setups in each book, which is infinitely better than the 3 Dan Brown books I read which I can no longer tell apart. Reading them was enjoyable though.
One gripe I have though, Scarrow just reuses some sentences 100 times in each book. My favourite repeated sentence has been his staple "and he saw an exposed armpir and rammed his sword into it" that can literally be found at least 15 times in this book. Funny to me, maybe annoying to you, decide for yourself!
September 28, 2025
Great read! Love Simon Scarrow's books—fantastic settings, battles that aren't boring, characters you love, and lots of historical richness—and this one is no different. Cato and Macro 💛
October 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish the ending was a bit emotional definitely books like this to get me really excited for history definitely gonna play some Rome two after this
February 15, 2024
Another great Roman adventure from Simon Scarrow. Well-written characters and a good mix of political intrigue and bloody battlefield action.
February 22, 2025
Välskriven och spännande. Älskade att få följa Cato när han tar steget att leda sin egen kohort. Ledarskap sätts på prov. Yttre hot. Inre konflikter. Förräderi. Moraliska dilemman. Striderna är väl skildrade. Karaktärsutvecklingen är fortsatt det som gör att jag åter och återigen återkommer till serien.
Macro och Cato skickas till Calleva för att försvara staden mot ett uppror lett av den brittiska kungen Caratacus. De tilldelas varsin kohort (senare döpt till Vargarna och Vildsvinen), bestående av oerfarna bönder och stadsbor med uppdraget att bygga ett stridsdugligt försvar. Samtidigt hotas de av förräderi och interna konflikter.
Macro och Cato skickas till Calleva för att försvara staden mot ett uppror lett av den brittiska kungen Caratacus. De tilldelas varsin kohort (senare döpt till Vargarna och Vildsvinen), bestående av oerfarna bönder och stadsbor med uppdraget att bygga ett stridsdugligt försvar. Samtidigt hotas de av förräderi och interna konflikter.
August 9, 2013
Macro and Cato are on the mend and they have been left in Calleva to train two cohorts of Atrebatans to protect the supply lines from Durotrigan raiders. Cato gets off on the wrong foot with Prince Artax and never truly sees him as the honorable man he is. This has serious consequences later in the book.
Prince Tincommius on the other hand goes out of his way to make himself agreeable to Macro and Cato. Oddly enough Macro is suspicious of him and keeps him in his own cohort (The Boars) where he can keep an eye on him Since Cato speaks some Celtic he becomes closer to the men in his cohort (The Wolves).
King Verica chooses Artax as his successor and emphasis how important the relationship with Rome is for their tribe. Artax agrees to keep the alliance with Rome. Meanwhile General Plautius fearing the Atrebatans aren't as loyal as they pretend to be sends Tribune Quintillus to Calleva to find out what the situation really is. Quintillus has the power to annex Calleva if he deems it necessary and rule as it's Governor. Needless to say Quintillus tries to stir up trouble to justify annexing Calleva, but he stirs up more trouble then he bargained for.
Bedriacus (the standard bearer for the Wolves) overhears a plot to assassinate King Verica and comes to tell Cato, but before he can he is stabbed. Cato suspects Artax and has him imprisoned but Quintillus demands that he be released. King Verica arranges a hunt for Boer and while they are hunting someone tries to kill him. Cato comes upon a wounded Tincommius who claims that Artax attacked the King. Cato rushes to King Verica's aid and see Artax standing over him with a club. While Artax is trying to explain to the rather thick Cato what happened Tincommius arrives and kills Artax. King Verica is rushed back to Calleva, where he lingers in a coma.
Quintillus orders the two cohorts to ride to the aid of a supply wagon they see burning, too late Cato realizes it is a trap. Quintillus takes the opportunity to flee for help and goes to seek Legate Vespasian's aid. Cato, Macro and the few survivors of the ambush retreat to Calleva. Tincommius arrives at the gates and demands that Calleva surrender to his allies the Durotrigans. He also claims the Romans killed King Verica.
The Romans and the Atrebatans loyal to King Verica make a heroic stand in the royal compound. When they refuse to surrender Tincommius brings the captured Roman prisoners to the walls and breaks their legs and arms one by one. Cato can't stand the brutality and begs Macro to do something, but Macro replies the only thing they can do is remain calm. When Figulus(who is a favorite with the Wolves) is brought forward to be tortured Cato uses the opportunity to turn the Atrebatans against Tincommius. King Verica regains consciousness and is brought to the wall where he tells everyone that it was Tincommius who tried to kill him. Cato leads a charge and rescues the prisoners and captures Tincommius. But the Durotrigans quickly overrun the compound but before the Romans are defeated Vespasian arrives with reinforcements.
Once he realizes that Tincommius was telling the truth about Caratacus coming, Vespasian orders a retreat to his legion. But before they can reach them they are surrounded by Caratacus. Vespasian opts to make a stand on a hill and before they can be overrun General Plautius arrives. Caratacus flees from the superior troop force. They march back to Calleva, Quintillus is named Governor and Cato is order to disarm the Wolves.
Prince Tincommius on the other hand goes out of his way to make himself agreeable to Macro and Cato. Oddly enough Macro is suspicious of him and keeps him in his own cohort (The Boars) where he can keep an eye on him Since Cato speaks some Celtic he becomes closer to the men in his cohort (The Wolves).
King Verica chooses Artax as his successor and emphasis how important the relationship with Rome is for their tribe. Artax agrees to keep the alliance with Rome. Meanwhile General Plautius fearing the Atrebatans aren't as loyal as they pretend to be sends Tribune Quintillus to Calleva to find out what the situation really is. Quintillus has the power to annex Calleva if he deems it necessary and rule as it's Governor. Needless to say Quintillus tries to stir up trouble to justify annexing Calleva, but he stirs up more trouble then he bargained for.
Bedriacus (the standard bearer for the Wolves) overhears a plot to assassinate King Verica and comes to tell Cato, but before he can he is stabbed. Cato suspects Artax and has him imprisoned but Quintillus demands that he be released. King Verica arranges a hunt for Boer and while they are hunting someone tries to kill him. Cato comes upon a wounded Tincommius who claims that Artax attacked the King. Cato rushes to King Verica's aid and see Artax standing over him with a club. While Artax is trying to explain to the rather thick Cato what happened Tincommius arrives and kills Artax. King Verica is rushed back to Calleva, where he lingers in a coma.
Quintillus orders the two cohorts to ride to the aid of a supply wagon they see burning, too late Cato realizes it is a trap. Quintillus takes the opportunity to flee for help and goes to seek Legate Vespasian's aid. Cato, Macro and the few survivors of the ambush retreat to Calleva. Tincommius arrives at the gates and demands that Calleva surrender to his allies the Durotrigans. He also claims the Romans killed King Verica.
The Romans and the Atrebatans loyal to King Verica make a heroic stand in the royal compound. When they refuse to surrender Tincommius brings the captured Roman prisoners to the walls and breaks their legs and arms one by one. Cato can't stand the brutality and begs Macro to do something, but Macro replies the only thing they can do is remain calm. When Figulus(who is a favorite with the Wolves) is brought forward to be tortured Cato uses the opportunity to turn the Atrebatans against Tincommius. King Verica regains consciousness and is brought to the wall where he tells everyone that it was Tincommius who tried to kill him. Cato leads a charge and rescues the prisoners and captures Tincommius. But the Durotrigans quickly overrun the compound but before the Romans are defeated Vespasian arrives with reinforcements.
Once he realizes that Tincommius was telling the truth about Caratacus coming, Vespasian orders a retreat to his legion. But before they can reach them they are surrounded by Caratacus. Vespasian opts to make a stand on a hill and before they can be overrun General Plautius arrives. Caratacus flees from the superior troop force. They march back to Calleva, Quintillus is named Governor and Cato is order to disarm the Wolves.
February 24, 2017
Otro libro de esta saga que me ha encantado por muchos motivos : porque desarrollan bastante al personaje de Macro y demuestra que a pesar de su facha de tipo duro tiene un gran corazón , su forma de ser se debe a la infancia que tuvo . Se puede ver como junto con Cato ,ambos con paciencia y esfuerzo consiguen adiestrar a unos nativos de Calleva para que luchen al estilo romano y el resultado es positivo . Cada vez me cae mejor Macro .
Ha habido un personaje que me ha caido mal y me ha parecido insoportable en muchas cosas Quitilo el patricio que sale me ha recordado a Gilderoy Lockart igual de presumido , arrogante , y encima cobarde.
Como siempre las descripciones han sido en su justa medida para describir las batallas para sientas lo que les sucede a los personajes .
Ha habido dos personajes que han resultado ser lo que no parecían , aquí el autor demostro que a veces las apariencias engañan .
Y el final me ha parecido un poco emotivo por las palabras de Cato a su cohorte nativa que casi se me sale una lágrima porque es duro despedirse de los que han sido tus compañeros de lucha durante tanto tiempo como Mandrax .
Sin duda , pronto seguiré con el tomo 5 de la saga . Le doy un 10 .
Ha habido un personaje que me ha caido mal y me ha parecido insoportable en muchas cosas Quitilo el patricio que sale me ha recordado a Gilderoy Lockart igual de presumido , arrogante , y encima cobarde.
Como siempre las descripciones han sido en su justa medida para describir las batallas para sientas lo que les sucede a los personajes .
Ha habido dos personajes que han resultado ser lo que no parecían , aquí el autor demostro que a veces las apariencias engañan .
Y el final me ha parecido un poco emotivo por las palabras de Cato a su cohorte nativa que casi se me sale una lágrima porque es duro despedirse de los que han sido tus compañeros de lucha durante tanto tiempo como Mandrax .
Sin duda , pronto seguiré con el tomo 5 de la saga . Le doy un 10 .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
I am really enjoying the Eagle series of books. The two main characters Macro and Cato are engaging, entertaining and at times funny. The books are particularly well written, with enough action and intrigue to keep the pages turning.
August 17, 2014
It's easiest to review this book in the context of it being the sixth book by the author that I've read, and the fourth in this particular series.
The best way to describe this particular series would be episodic. Sure, each episode is engrossing enough to mean you get enough enjoyment through the course of the book to keep going till the end (of the book) but there's little in the way of an overall story arc - almost treated as an unimportant afterthought rather than something to link the series together - and the characters are fairly stunted by an abject lack of development on top of being about as deep as a puddle. In fact you can pretty easily sum up each character in two words, if not as few as one.
That's not to demean the book too much as it is still a story you can fly through and it is mercifully free of the kind of sloppy plot or anachronisms that you get from other authors. It is just that this isn't quite the cut above that the author's prominence would have you believe, it's more hack & slash pulp.
I normally include a disclaimer advising people that they must have read the earlier books in the series before diving in at this relatively late state but frankly the stories are so episodic, with so little a story arc, that so far you could pretty much dip in and out at any point and not suffer any detrimental effect.
The disappointing thing is that the first Scarrow book I read was Sword and Scimitar, which I still maintain is a hot little belter of a book and one of the most engrossing, exciting books in recent memory. After that, everything of his that I've tried has just been wooden, lacklustre and formulaeic.
Sure, the battle scenes are passable but they're not a patch on Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane, Anthony Riches or even Jack Whyte. Everything just feels like a kind of contented so why try harder.
Three out of five is a little on the generous side in my opinion, but if decimals were possible, I wouldn't put it too far off that mark anyway so it's not a massive stretch.
Pretty telling that so far I've found nothing to warrant not donating these books to the charity shop as I progress through the series.
The best way to describe this particular series would be episodic. Sure, each episode is engrossing enough to mean you get enough enjoyment through the course of the book to keep going till the end (of the book) but there's little in the way of an overall story arc - almost treated as an unimportant afterthought rather than something to link the series together - and the characters are fairly stunted by an abject lack of development on top of being about as deep as a puddle. In fact you can pretty easily sum up each character in two words, if not as few as one.
That's not to demean the book too much as it is still a story you can fly through and it is mercifully free of the kind of sloppy plot or anachronisms that you get from other authors. It is just that this isn't quite the cut above that the author's prominence would have you believe, it's more hack & slash pulp.
I normally include a disclaimer advising people that they must have read the earlier books in the series before diving in at this relatively late state but frankly the stories are so episodic, with so little a story arc, that so far you could pretty much dip in and out at any point and not suffer any detrimental effect.
The disappointing thing is that the first Scarrow book I read was Sword and Scimitar, which I still maintain is a hot little belter of a book and one of the most engrossing, exciting books in recent memory. After that, everything of his that I've tried has just been wooden, lacklustre and formulaeic.
Sure, the battle scenes are passable but they're not a patch on Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane, Anthony Riches or even Jack Whyte. Everything just feels like a kind of contented so why try harder.
Three out of five is a little on the generous side in my opinion, but if decimals were possible, I wouldn't put it too far off that mark anyway so it's not a massive stretch.
Pretty telling that so far I've found nothing to warrant not donating these books to the charity shop as I progress through the series.
April 18, 2014
I spent ages looking for 'When The Eagle Hunts' only to realise that I don't actually own it. I skipped to this one and don't feel like I've missed much. We are still in Britian, still fighting the natives. Cato has been given a promotion and Flavia seems to have disappeared. I was disappointed about this because I wanted to know more about the plots she was involved with. There are no women in this book! Well apart from the young girl the wrinkly old king is shagging although she only features for about half a page.
This book is about the same as the others in the series, an enjoyable but average read. I'm not sure if this is how the history actually happened but it seemed like whenever you think Cato and Macro are done for, another part of the Roman army shows up in the nick of time and saves them. On to the next one!
This book is about the same as the others in the series, an enjoyable but average read. I'm not sure if this is how the history actually happened but it seemed like whenever you think Cato and Macro are done for, another part of the Roman army shows up in the nick of time and saves them. On to the next one!
September 2, 2015
Cambia nuovamente quella che potremmo definire l'ambientazione. In questo libro Catone e Macrone si trovano al comando di due coorti novelle.
Il problema è che la storia non diventa mai davvero appassionante, nonostante l'autore cerchi di infilarci l'intrigo politico o psicologico, e i personaggi secondari faticano ad avere uno spessore e un carattere che non sia troppo stereotipato.
Il problema è che la storia non diventa mai davvero appassionante, nonostante l'autore cerchi di infilarci l'intrigo politico o psicologico, e i personaggi secondari faticano ad avere uno spessore e un carattere che non sia troppo stereotipato.
April 5, 2019
An absolute pleasure to read. It's a fast paced plot, with multiple facets weaving between the vernacular narrative, and protagonists with believable sympathetic human traits.
One rip-roaring boys adventure story within the historical context that it's set in.
Great fun.
One rip-roaring boys adventure story within the historical context that it's set in.
Great fun.
November 27, 2024
On se retrouve dans cet avant dernier tome de la saga Les Aigles de l'Empire. On peut dire que Macro et Cato n'en sont pas au bout de leur peine, au vu de ce qui les attend dans ce tome.
Dans ce tome-ci, on retrouve nos deux protagonistes alors que l'armée romaine tente toujours de sécuriser la zone qu'ils ont déjà conquise mais les lignes de ravitaillement étant assez peu protégées et longues, Caratacos en profite pour toujours lancer des raids car une armée avec un ventre vide est toujours plus facile à battre, de plus si elle est démoralisée et qu'elle a faim, et éventuellement prête à se diviser à cause du manque de nourriture. De leur côté, Cato et Macro continue leurs vies ; Cato a toujours un peu mal à cause de sa blessure à la fin du tome précédent.
Les Atrébates sont un peuple qui s'est allié à Rome un peu étrangement, faute de trouver un autre nom. Les Atrébates avait un roi auparavant et Berikos avait été exilé, son neveu l'ayant suivi également et le neveu de Berikos a, avec le temps, appris le latin. Berikos a demandé à l'Empereur que si l'armée romaine lui garantit son retour sur le trône des Atrébates, il serait fidèle à Rome, une offre intéressante et qui s'est réalisée, d'où l'alliance entre les Atrébates et Rome.
Par la suite, la campagne se concentre sur les Durotinges, un autre peuple celte qui refuse la présence de Rome sur son sol. Plautius doit donc gérer Caratacos pendant que Vespasien s'occupe des Durotinges, d'où le fait que les ravitaillements et les informations prennent un peu plus de temps, c'est plus facile à attaquer les convois. Cato et Macro se retrouvent engager dans la bataille tout en perdant de nombreux hommes. De plus, certains Atrébates voient d'un mauvais oeil cette alliance avec Rome car si le roi Berikos venait à mourir, ou si Rome venait à perdre la bataille en Bretagne, cela pourrait rabattre les cartes. Et malheureusement, lors d'une partie de chasse, quelqu'un de l'entourage proche de Berikos a tenté de le tuer. Un suspect est interrogé mais les apparences sont trompeuses. Berikos et les chefs romains s'arrangent donc pour que 2 cohortes atrébates soient formées et assurent la protection de Berikos et des terres des Atrébates.
L'aventure continue toujours aussi bien dans ce nouveau tome et ce qui est un peu différent car Cato est maintenant un centurion. Il est le plus jeune centurion dans tout l'empire romain car il n'a que dix-huit ans, ce qui a surpris un peu son ami Macro. Du coup, Macro doit lui crier un peu dessus de temps en temps pour qu'il montre son autorité et je me dis qu'il lui fait passer un peu de mauvais moments pour ne pas commettre d'erreurs qu'un jeune centurion pourrait faire. On a également un nouveau personnage chiant, le tribun Quintillius mais on se doute vite du caractère du personnage : ne veut pas se mélanger aux officiers inférieurs (aka les centurions) car selon lui, un homme de la haute société romaine ne saurait traîner avec de si bas soldats. En gros, on se doute vite que cela va être le chiant du tome. Autant, Vitellius a été le chiant pendant deux tomes mais ce tribun là, il l'égale déjà si ce n'est plus. J'ai l'impression que certains personnages ne font d'apparition que dans deux tomes maximum comme avec Vitellius, Boadicée et Prasutagos, qui ont été présents seulement pendant deux tomes.
En conclusion, l'histoire fut vraiment intéressante, très addictive comme toujours, comme avec les tomes précédents et je me demande comment cela va se finir, le tome 5 étant le dernier de la saga, j'espère qu'il n'arrivera rien de mal à nos deux centurions romains. D'un côté, Cato qui doit encore tout apprendre et qui est encore jeune ; de l'autre, Macro, qui est un vieux de la vieille, qui mérite de finir ses jours tranquillement et qui est trop vieux que pour changer son caractère maintenant. Bref, une valeur sûre qu'est ce quatrième tome.
Dans ce tome-ci, on retrouve nos deux protagonistes alors que l'armée romaine tente toujours de sécuriser la zone qu'ils ont déjà conquise mais les lignes de ravitaillement étant assez peu protégées et longues, Caratacos en profite pour toujours lancer des raids car une armée avec un ventre vide est toujours plus facile à battre, de plus si elle est démoralisée et qu'elle a faim, et éventuellement prête à se diviser à cause du manque de nourriture. De leur côté, Cato et Macro continue leurs vies ; Cato a toujours un peu mal à cause de sa blessure à la fin du tome précédent.
Les Atrébates sont un peuple qui s'est allié à Rome un peu étrangement, faute de trouver un autre nom. Les Atrébates avait un roi auparavant et Berikos avait été exilé, son neveu l'ayant suivi également et le neveu de Berikos a, avec le temps, appris le latin. Berikos a demandé à l'Empereur que si l'armée romaine lui garantit son retour sur le trône des Atrébates, il serait fidèle à Rome, une offre intéressante et qui s'est réalisée, d'où l'alliance entre les Atrébates et Rome.
Par la suite, la campagne se concentre sur les Durotinges, un autre peuple celte qui refuse la présence de Rome sur son sol. Plautius doit donc gérer Caratacos pendant que Vespasien s'occupe des Durotinges, d'où le fait que les ravitaillements et les informations prennent un peu plus de temps, c'est plus facile à attaquer les convois. Cato et Macro se retrouvent engager dans la bataille tout en perdant de nombreux hommes. De plus, certains Atrébates voient d'un mauvais oeil cette alliance avec Rome car si le roi Berikos venait à mourir, ou si Rome venait à perdre la bataille en Bretagne, cela pourrait rabattre les cartes. Et malheureusement, lors d'une partie de chasse, quelqu'un de l'entourage proche de Berikos a tenté de le tuer. Un suspect est interrogé mais les apparences sont trompeuses. Berikos et les chefs romains s'arrangent donc pour que 2 cohortes atrébates soient formées et assurent la protection de Berikos et des terres des Atrébates.
L'aventure continue toujours aussi bien dans ce nouveau tome et ce qui est un peu différent car Cato est maintenant un centurion. Il est le plus jeune centurion dans tout l'empire romain car il n'a que dix-huit ans, ce qui a surpris un peu son ami Macro. Du coup, Macro doit lui crier un peu dessus de temps en temps pour qu'il montre son autorité et je me dis qu'il lui fait passer un peu de mauvais moments pour ne pas commettre d'erreurs qu'un jeune centurion pourrait faire. On a également un nouveau personnage chiant, le tribun Quintillius mais on se doute vite du caractère du personnage : ne veut pas se mélanger aux officiers inférieurs (aka les centurions) car selon lui, un homme de la haute société romaine ne saurait traîner avec de si bas soldats. En gros, on se doute vite que cela va être le chiant du tome. Autant, Vitellius a été le chiant pendant deux tomes mais ce tribun là, il l'égale déjà si ce n'est plus. J'ai l'impression que certains personnages ne font d'apparition que dans deux tomes maximum comme avec Vitellius, Boadicée et Prasutagos, qui ont été présents seulement pendant deux tomes.
En conclusion, l'histoire fut vraiment intéressante, très addictive comme toujours, comme avec les tomes précédents et je me demande comment cela va se finir, le tome 5 étant le dernier de la saga, j'espère qu'il n'arrivera rien de mal à nos deux centurions romains. D'un côté, Cato qui doit encore tout apprendre et qui est encore jeune ; de l'autre, Macro, qui est un vieux de la vieille, qui mérite de finir ses jours tranquillement et qui est trop vieux que pour changer son caractère maintenant. Bref, une valeur sûre qu'est ce quatrième tome.
September 21, 2020
This fourth installment sees the new centurion, Cato, and his able mentor, Macro, freed from the hospital after their grievous wounds while fighting druids in their last mission.
This time, Macro and Cato are tasked to create, train and equip two cohorts of Atrebatan tribe men to fight like legionnaires to help with the guarding of the Roman invasion's supply lines that are being harassed mercilessly by the Briton general Caratacus.
One thing I found very interesting in this book was the level of detail. For example, it is the younger man, Cato, who takes the time to learn the Celtic language and through that, comes to understand and value them more. Macro, still has his redeeming leadership features and unflagging realism mixed with optimism that proves invaluable.
Throughout this book, there is great description given to battle scenes, which convey what must have been a chaotic and frightening experience. I think that there can be nothing more challenging that looking into the face of an enemy horde that greatly outnumbers your own force, knowing that help is a long way away.
For those of us who are a bit older and recall watching the movie "Zulu" I was left with a similar feeling. A small group, gradually wore down to the bare survivors in the face of successive waves of enemy attacks. One scene, near the end of the book, is particularly poignant when it describes the use of prisoners by an Atrebatan traitor to try and get the group to surrender.
Overall, I thought that this book was particularly well done. Macro and Cato are compelling characters that make you want to read to see what happens to them next. I think that it was the perfect book for sitting in a hammock during the day and a campfire at night to relax with and was well worth the time spent reading it. I recommend the book and series to those who enjoy Roman history and the legions in particular.
This time, Macro and Cato are tasked to create, train and equip two cohorts of Atrebatan tribe men to fight like legionnaires to help with the guarding of the Roman invasion's supply lines that are being harassed mercilessly by the Briton general Caratacus.
One thing I found very interesting in this book was the level of detail. For example, it is the younger man, Cato, who takes the time to learn the Celtic language and through that, comes to understand and value them more. Macro, still has his redeeming leadership features and unflagging realism mixed with optimism that proves invaluable.
Throughout this book, there is great description given to battle scenes, which convey what must have been a chaotic and frightening experience. I think that there can be nothing more challenging that looking into the face of an enemy horde that greatly outnumbers your own force, knowing that help is a long way away.
For those of us who are a bit older and recall watching the movie "Zulu" I was left with a similar feeling. A small group, gradually wore down to the bare survivors in the face of successive waves of enemy attacks. One scene, near the end of the book, is particularly poignant when it describes the use of prisoners by an Atrebatan traitor to try and get the group to surrender.
Overall, I thought that this book was particularly well done. Macro and Cato are compelling characters that make you want to read to see what happens to them next. I think that it was the perfect book for sitting in a hammock during the day and a campfire at night to relax with and was well worth the time spent reading it. I recommend the book and series to those who enjoy Roman history and the legions in particular.
February 16, 2021
Macro and Cato continue their service in the Roman armies, once again facing the forces of Caractacus who is fighting a guerrilla style war against the empire’s forces under General Plautilus in Britain. The Britons’ continued opposition is carefully designed to wear out the Roman legions with their hit and run tactics, stretching the imperial lines of communication to breaking point.
In return the Romans need friends who they can rely on to help with their supply lines. To that end Cato and Macro are entrusted with the training and leadership of the Atrebatan tribe’s warriors in order to keep the ailing king, Verica, in power and so maintain a safe haven for the Roman armies and their supplies.
The forces of Caractacus are meanwhile seeking to put an end to any such alliance between native and invading forces, and plot to overthrow the old king and turn his tribe back against the Romans. Macro and Cato have to prevent that and to do so they have to arm the Atrabatans and train them to fight Caractacus.
The success of their task depends on diplomacy as well as force of arms and like all diplomacy is subject to interference from plotters and those who would seek to undo their work. In addition, the inevitable internal jealousies and ambitions of the Romans themselves make the task even more of a challenge.
The action is good, the characterisations too. We see friendship, camaraderie and treachery play out their parts as the Roman generals weigh up what is true and what is propaganda, with the spectre of a crushing defeat not far away if they misread the events before them.
A good book.
In return the Romans need friends who they can rely on to help with their supply lines. To that end Cato and Macro are entrusted with the training and leadership of the Atrebatan tribe’s warriors in order to keep the ailing king, Verica, in power and so maintain a safe haven for the Roman armies and their supplies.
The forces of Caractacus are meanwhile seeking to put an end to any such alliance between native and invading forces, and plot to overthrow the old king and turn his tribe back against the Romans. Macro and Cato have to prevent that and to do so they have to arm the Atrabatans and train them to fight Caractacus.
The success of their task depends on diplomacy as well as force of arms and like all diplomacy is subject to interference from plotters and those who would seek to undo their work. In addition, the inevitable internal jealousies and ambitions of the Romans themselves make the task even more of a challenge.
The action is good, the characterisations too. We see friendship, camaraderie and treachery play out their parts as the Roman generals weigh up what is true and what is propaganda, with the spectre of a crushing defeat not far away if they misread the events before them.
A good book.
January 17, 2022
After less than two years service in the Roman army Cato has risen to the rank of centurion. His first assignment, alongside his stalwart friend Macro, is to train and then command a cohort of native Britons.
The Britons in question are allied with Rome against their fellow countrymen commanded by Caratacus - or, most of them are. The tribe is divided and secret plots and schemes are being hatched to betray the Romans and unite with Caratacus.
Meanwhile, a young yet high ranking Roman officer is intent on furthering his career, so much so that he would encourage division amongst Rome's allies in order to be granted governorship of the province once it has "unfortunately" been annexed for its treachery.
Who can be trusted and who is likely to stab Cato and Macro in the back?
The fourth episode in Simon Scarrow's Eagles series continues the saga in the same way as its predecessors. The book is fast moving and exciting, filled (as ever) with battles, politics, heroes, villains, inept commanders and great ones. Alongside these the horrors of war are depicted vividly and the story is told in a way that brings the past back to life with believable depictions of life in Roman Britain two thousand years ago.
Brilliant book and I am looking forward the the fifth in the series.
The Britons in question are allied with Rome against their fellow countrymen commanded by Caratacus - or, most of them are. The tribe is divided and secret plots and schemes are being hatched to betray the Romans and unite with Caratacus.
Meanwhile, a young yet high ranking Roman officer is intent on furthering his career, so much so that he would encourage division amongst Rome's allies in order to be granted governorship of the province once it has "unfortunately" been annexed for its treachery.
Who can be trusted and who is likely to stab Cato and Macro in the back?
The fourth episode in Simon Scarrow's Eagles series continues the saga in the same way as its predecessors. The book is fast moving and exciting, filled (as ever) with battles, politics, heroes, villains, inept commanders and great ones. Alongside these the horrors of war are depicted vividly and the story is told in a way that brings the past back to life with believable depictions of life in Roman Britain two thousand years ago.
Brilliant book and I am looking forward the the fifth in the series.
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