A Gathering of Eagles

by Lewis F. McIntyre

The Emperor Trajan has called on Aulus Aemilius Galba to leave his good life with his wife and son to serve as his senior advisor in the developing crisis with Parthia, Rome’s long-standing enemy. Aulus’ cousin Gaius Lucullus is commanding the Twelfth Thunderbolt, his old legion, destined to be the pointed end of Rome’s spear in the looming conflict. In the past ten years, the other veterans of Aulus’ epic Roman mission to China have moved on with their lives, scattered from Mongolia to China, from the sandstone city of Petra to Italy. But the Fates have conspired to draw all of them also, against all odds, into an unexpected reunion in the midst of Trajan’s final war, Rome’s invasion of Parthia. Each must play their part in the struggle against the chaos of war and insurrection, fighting for their lives from the snowy mountains of Armenia to the deserts of Mesopotamia.

596 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

Lew McIntyre is one of Southern Maryland’s newest authors, specializing for now in historical fiction, having published five books. Three are historical fiction: "The Eagle and the Dragon, a Novel of Rome and China" with its sequel, "A Gathering of Eagles, A Novel of Rome and Parthia" and, and "Come, Follow Me, a Story of Pilate and Jesus." The other two are non-fiction: "Take Charge and Move Out, the Founding Fathers of TACAMO" and "Riding on a Light Beam, Visualizing Relativity." He is a graduate of the US Naval Academy Class of 1970, with a BS and MS in aeronautical engineering. He spent his naval career in aviation, flying strategic communications missions in TACAMO and other aircraft. He retired as a Commander in 1970 to begin his second career supporting TACAMO E-6B Mercury aircraft at Patuxent River, MD as a senior communications systems engineer with SAIC. He retired to full time writing in 2020. He lives in La Plata with his wife Karen, who doubles as his editor, literary critic and inspiration. They have two children, Jesse, married to Nicole, parents of their grandson “Bean” Benedict, and Katy, married to Tim Bristow, with granddogs Penny and Bita, living in the UK. Besides writing and working at Patuxent River, Lewis enjoys biking, running, hunting and amateur radio.

Reviews

[Charles Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

One sentence in 61 words or less summarizes what the historical novel is about: An itinerant group of career diplomats, linguists, legionnaires, tribunes, prefects, nomads, and martial artists travel the long and winding, exotic Silk Road and navigate the slick and slippery watery passageways that exist between Rome and the Far East for the express purpose of improving trade relations during the years 111 to 118 AD, when the Romans and Parthians were at war.
I was reminded of an intramural flag-football game at college, years ago, when our team captain asked the referees if we could use his football in the competition. They said it would be okay with the officials if the opposing team agrees. Their representatives replied that it would be all right with them, as well. Likewise, "tribunes" are similar to the referees in a football game. Or JAG officers in the military, for that matter, since the "judge advocate general" routinely deals with important, relevant legal issues that arise now and again in the course of human endeavor in the uniformed services.
"Roman authorities don't want to punish the innocent, you understand, so they have tribunes investigate the crime, search for clues, and question witnesses first."
"That's because not everyone encountered by the intelligence community is 100% reliable or completely trustworthy in the military or in civilian life."
"Okay!"
"Prefects," on the other hand, are like good social chairmen. They make sure everyone is on the same sheet of music, and the linens, carpets, drapes, and paint on the wall matches. You want to pick up the correct spoon for soup in their presence. That sort of thing. They ensure that good etiquette and appropriate behavior is observed in formal proceedings. That proper table manners are followed on festive occasions.
"Toga! Toga! Toga!"
A few days ago, I noticed a new overpass being built on the highway connecting the retail shopping and manufacturing district in our bustling and booming hometown to the next city over, which happens to be the County Seat. Undoubtedly, this is part of a larger by-pass and major expansion highway system that will eventually help avoid and preclude snarling traffic congestion in the immediate vicinity. Such construction sites can pose significant safety considerations for countless numbers of travelers passing through the metropolitan area as well as for eliminating miscellaneous hazards to local commuters. Hence, the Silk Road may be slick, slippery, and terribly treacherous at times, if people are not careful as they move about. Accidents and incidents of negligence are reported daily in the newspapers.
"There was talk of economic uncertainty in the marketplace after the earthquake, but the "Princeps" promptly set the wheels in motion to rebuild the city."
"I didn't notice a single incident of road rage on record."
Suffice it to say that the battle lines have been drawn separating Roman and Parthian interests, as the above party of truly remarkable characters attempts to flee the long and winding Silk Road from China to Rome, drama and adventure unfolding enroute, the Parthians caught off-guard in the middle.
"Suddenly, the captive audience hears the soft, chirping sounds of the wild steppe eagle in the breeze, fully aware that nomads usually stay out of sight and under cover."
"Nineteen hundred years later, they could have rolled down route 66, for more fun in the long run, and stopped for refreshments at the Sonic Drive-in."

[R Pata · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Difficult Review

Right off the top, I can admit that finding an appropriate number of stars is very difficult because,
1. Not much fighting and battle, 2. Lots and lots of discussing old trips with an eclectic (improbable) group of travelers, and 3. Somehow they know all the movers and shakers of early 2nd century Roman Empire.

A limit of realism with questionable reality. Still, it's based on history, be it still very very is fictional.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters from The Eagle and the Dragon reunite for many more adventures as Parthia wages war with Rome. This epic tome contains espionage, kidnappings, escapes, intrigue, journeys, and is filled with so many characters, both good and bad, whom you can empathize with, as well as a few villains you just love to hate. If you enjoy long reads, this is a book for you. Like its predecessor, I can see this adapted as a television series.

[Constance Jeske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying conclusion

Well plotted story & engaging characters. Author was able to create believable context for the Roman legions & how they functioned.

[Julius W. Cohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reader simply can't do better. McIntyre's two novels are engrossing. Highly recommended.