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Eagles of the Empire #21
Muerte al emperador
Corre el año 60 d.C. Britania ha sido finalmente conquistada, pero, pese a todos los esfuerzos, sigue siendo una espina clavada en el costado del Imperio romano. Lejos de ser un pacífico enclave en el norte, Britania se ha convertido en un lugar demasiado complicado, lleno de rebledes furiosos y alianzas inverosímiles. Implacables, sus tribus acosan una y otra vez a las legiones, su enemigo común. Pero, además, la corrupción entre los codiciosos funcionarios provoca que los recursos que tanto necesitan los lugareños se vean desviados a otras partidas... Así las cosas, para el ejército romano, Britania significa una lucha interminable que sólo proporciona, a cambio, una paz muy frágil. Ha llegado el momento de sofocar a las tribus más peligrosas. Para ello, dos de los mejores soldados de Roma, el prefecto Cato y el centurión Macro, estarán al cargo de una misión casi más mortal que cualquier otra a la que se han enfrentado en el pasado. Saben que deben ganar la batalla, pero también que puede haber llegado el último día de sus vidas... Es ésta una impresionante e inolvidable historia de guerra, coraje y sacrificio, en la que Cato y Macro afrontarán una lucha a muerte contra un enemigo que muestra un coraje sin igual en la batalla. Porque, en definitiva, no tienen nada que perder.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2022
203 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Simon Scarrow
173 books2,170 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 113 reviews
August 18, 2023
Another cracker of a read by Simon Scarrow of my favourite Roman soldier friends - Cato and Macro. When I started reading I thought I may have read the book already. But surprisingly I was reading the follow up to the last Scarrow and this was only published in paperback this year.
Two great battles captured here. One in Wales and the other Boudicca’s sacking of Colchester. The battle scenes are very dramatic.
Cato is leading a Legion in Wales reluctantly whilst Macro now no longer a Legionary is in the reserves but defending Colchester.
As always the dialogue is immaculate.
Macro at his best:
‘What the f**k is the point of a gatehouse if there are no longer walls on either side of it?’
Jupiter, Best and Greatest’ Macro muttered. ‘On my sacred honour, I will sacrifice an unblemished lamb to you if you would see your way clear to causing that bastard to slip from his saddle and break his f’ing neck …Two Lambs,’ he added wistfully.
I will be sad when this series comes to an end and in this book we lose some great characters. But the good news for me is I have many unread books to get through in this series😉
I note also that Clemens has as usual read this before me. I suspect the only way to get ahead of him is to pay an Author to give me the first draft of any Roman novel.
Two great battles captured here. One in Wales and the other Boudicca’s sacking of Colchester. The battle scenes are very dramatic.
Cato is leading a Legion in Wales reluctantly whilst Macro now no longer a Legionary is in the reserves but defending Colchester.
As always the dialogue is immaculate.
Macro at his best:
‘What the f**k is the point of a gatehouse if there are no longer walls on either side of it?’
Jupiter, Best and Greatest’ Macro muttered. ‘On my sacred honour, I will sacrifice an unblemished lamb to you if you would see your way clear to causing that bastard to slip from his saddle and break his f’ing neck …Two Lambs,’ he added wistfully.
I will be sad when this series comes to an end and in this book we lose some great characters. But the good news for me is I have many unread books to get through in this series😉
I note also that Clemens has as usual read this before me. I suspect the only way to get ahead of him is to pay an Author to give me the first draft of any Roman novel.
February 16, 2023
I wasn't a fan of Simon Scarrow's writings before, though several years ago, I did read the third book of his Eagles of the Empire series, 'Where The Eagle Hunts', where his protagonists Cato and Macro are assisted in their mission by a young Boudica. I often wondered reading that whether their paths would cross again with her during the events that made Boudica a synonymous figure in British history...Well now that moment has arrived, I knew I had to read this novel, set in one of the events of British history I know so well...
"AD 61. Barely 20 years after its annexation into the Roman Empire, the fate of Britannia is ambiguous. Many in Rome feel the cost of maintaining a military presence in such a troublesome new province isn't worth the cost of the meagre imports the island produces. Centurion Macro is now enjoying a comfortable retirement in the colonia of Camulodunum, while his old friend Cato is assigned a new command as the Governor of Britain, Suetonius Paulinus, plans a military campaign to destroy the Druid stronghold on the island of Mona (present-day Anglesey in Wales). Their old ally, Boudica, Queen of the Iceni, has been recently widowed, but Roman avarice and greed for her tribe's lands and to get their money's worth from Britain before Emperor Nero potentially orders the legions to retreat, combined with racist and misogynistic cruelty, will unleash a firestorm of British hatred and vengeful desire that Cato is unaware of and Macro powerless to stop..."
I learned about Boudica's rebellion in primary school at age 9, I walk past the statue of her on Westminster Bridge most mornings to work (and marvel at the irony of the Victorians building a statue of a woman who was an anti-imperialist rebel as an icon of the British Empire, in a city that she razed to the ground and slaughtered its population), and I've visited the ruins of Camulodonum (the sacking of which by Boudica's rebels forms the final battle of the book, which was a nail biting read even if you know what happens from history, you're willing the colonia's population to hold out a little longer); Simon Scarrow clearly knows his stuff and is an expert at weaving action and character plots within the context of the historical events; I think I'm going to have to read more of his Roman Empire set novels with Cato and Macro. The only downside is the novel ends with the sacking of Camulodonum, so I'm going to have to wait for the next book to read what happens with Cato and Macro during the second half of Boudica's rebellion; needless to say, I'll be eagerly waiting for that book (and binging on the rest of this series until it's released!)
"AD 61. Barely 20 years after its annexation into the Roman Empire, the fate of Britannia is ambiguous. Many in Rome feel the cost of maintaining a military presence in such a troublesome new province isn't worth the cost of the meagre imports the island produces. Centurion Macro is now enjoying a comfortable retirement in the colonia of Camulodunum, while his old friend Cato is assigned a new command as the Governor of Britain, Suetonius Paulinus, plans a military campaign to destroy the Druid stronghold on the island of Mona (present-day Anglesey in Wales). Their old ally, Boudica, Queen of the Iceni, has been recently widowed, but Roman avarice and greed for her tribe's lands and to get their money's worth from Britain before Emperor Nero potentially orders the legions to retreat, combined with racist and misogynistic cruelty, will unleash a firestorm of British hatred and vengeful desire that Cato is unaware of and Macro powerless to stop..."
I learned about Boudica's rebellion in primary school at age 9, I walk past the statue of her on Westminster Bridge most mornings to work (and marvel at the irony of the Victorians building a statue of a woman who was an anti-imperialist rebel as an icon of the British Empire, in a city that she razed to the ground and slaughtered its population), and I've visited the ruins of Camulodonum (the sacking of which by Boudica's rebels forms the final battle of the book, which was a nail biting read even if you know what happens from history, you're willing the colonia's population to hold out a little longer); Simon Scarrow clearly knows his stuff and is an expert at weaving action and character plots within the context of the historical events; I think I'm going to have to read more of his Roman Empire set novels with Cato and Macro. The only downside is the novel ends with the sacking of Camulodonum, so I'm going to have to wait for the next book to read what happens with Cato and Macro during the second half of Boudica's rebellion; needless to say, I'll be eagerly waiting for that book (and binging on the rest of this series until it's released!)
April 1, 2023
A great read as usual 😊
January 11, 2023
Estas novelas son todas más o menos iguales: Una sucesión de batallas, con una trama (a poder ser, con algo de intriga) relacionándolas entre ellas y p'alante. Pero bueno, me entretienen y es lo que cuenta.
November 10, 2022
Despite Death to the Emperor being the first book I’ve read in the series, I never felt at a loss. The author provides sufficient detail about previous events to help make sense of things but not too much that you feel you’ve learned everything there is to know. Although this is my first introduction to Centurion Macro and Prefect Cato, I loved their partnership borne of mutual respect and a soldierly comradeship forged in the heat of battle. For much of the book, though, they find themselves apart, each wishing they had the other beside them for support and advice, and because of their complementary skills.
Although now officially an army veteran living in the Roman colony of Camulodunum (Colchester), as Macro remarks to his wife, Petronella, ‘You can take the man out of the army, but never the army out of the man’. That will soon be put the test especially since Camulodunum is ‘a powder keg’, surrounded by tribes chafing under the yoke of Roman rule and people left hungry as a result of poor harvests and high taxes. Poorly defended and with a large civilian population, Camulodunum is vulnerable to attack but only a few, like Macro, can see the potential danger.
Both Cato and Macro find themselves under the command of men whose actions they doubt or whose motives they distrust. For Cato, that man is Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, Governor of Britannia. Suetonius is ambitious for military success. ‘Rulers need victories and heroes keep the mob happy.’ He does not much care how many of his soldiers die in the process so long as he achieves his objective which in this case is to attack and destroy a stronghold of the Druid cult on the island of Mona (Anglesey).
Macro has drawn an even shorter straw in the person of Procurator Decianus, the man tasked with collecting the tribute owed to Rome by the Iceni, ruled by Queen Boudica. Macro has his measure from the start, ‘You seek power and riches and you don’t care who you have to ruin to achieve that… You don’t serve Rome’s interests, only your own, even if that means putting the Empire in danger’. Decianus considers the Iceni savages and demonstrates this in the most ruthless way. Realising Macro’s worst fears, his actions set in motion a series of events that will threaten Rome’s hold on the province of Britannia and the lives of the Romans who have settled there. This includes Cato, Macro and their families.
As you might expect, the book is full of authentic detail about weaponry, military strategy, social and religious customs and much, much more. There are some terrific set pieces such as the assault on the island of Mona which involves not just a battle against a ferocious enemy but against the elements too. Battle scenes are brought thrillingly to life, putting the reader right in the heart of the action. ‘The two sides became a heaving mass of helmets, crests, blades, spears, swords and axes, amid sprays of crimson and a cacophany of weapns clashing and thudding home on shields and limbs’.
Although history tells us how the uprising led by Boudica ended, the book’s stunning but savage conclusion leaves many questions unanswered about the fate of some characters, meaning book twenty-two cannot come too soon.
Although now officially an army veteran living in the Roman colony of Camulodunum (Colchester), as Macro remarks to his wife, Petronella, ‘You can take the man out of the army, but never the army out of the man’. That will soon be put the test especially since Camulodunum is ‘a powder keg’, surrounded by tribes chafing under the yoke of Roman rule and people left hungry as a result of poor harvests and high taxes. Poorly defended and with a large civilian population, Camulodunum is vulnerable to attack but only a few, like Macro, can see the potential danger.
Both Cato and Macro find themselves under the command of men whose actions they doubt or whose motives they distrust. For Cato, that man is Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, Governor of Britannia. Suetonius is ambitious for military success. ‘Rulers need victories and heroes keep the mob happy.’ He does not much care how many of his soldiers die in the process so long as he achieves his objective which in this case is to attack and destroy a stronghold of the Druid cult on the island of Mona (Anglesey).
Macro has drawn an even shorter straw in the person of Procurator Decianus, the man tasked with collecting the tribute owed to Rome by the Iceni, ruled by Queen Boudica. Macro has his measure from the start, ‘You seek power and riches and you don’t care who you have to ruin to achieve that… You don’t serve Rome’s interests, only your own, even if that means putting the Empire in danger’. Decianus considers the Iceni savages and demonstrates this in the most ruthless way. Realising Macro’s worst fears, his actions set in motion a series of events that will threaten Rome’s hold on the province of Britannia and the lives of the Romans who have settled there. This includes Cato, Macro and their families.
As you might expect, the book is full of authentic detail about weaponry, military strategy, social and religious customs and much, much more. There are some terrific set pieces such as the assault on the island of Mona which involves not just a battle against a ferocious enemy but against the elements too. Battle scenes are brought thrillingly to life, putting the reader right in the heart of the action. ‘The two sides became a heaving mass of helmets, crests, blades, spears, swords and axes, amid sprays of crimson and a cacophany of weapns clashing and thudding home on shields and limbs’.
Although history tells us how the uprising led by Boudica ended, the book’s stunning but savage conclusion leaves many questions unanswered about the fate of some characters, meaning book twenty-two cannot come too soon.
November 7, 2023
La storia documenta gli avvenimenti descritti nel romanzo, sia la distruzione di Camulodunum che di Londinium. Le atrocità commesse da ambo le parti sono ormai storia.
Scarrow descrive tutto con grande realismo.
Spero che la sorte destinata ai protagonisti non sia altrettanto drammatica come quella degli altri abitanti di queste due città britanniche e che la storia di Catone, Marcone e rispettive famiglie continui in un prossimo racconto della saga.
Complimenti a Scarrow per il suo bel modo di scrive questo genere di romanzi.
Da non perdere!!
Scarrow descrive tutto con grande realismo.
Spero che la sorte destinata ai protagonisti non sia altrettanto drammatica come quella degli altri abitanti di queste due città britanniche e che la storia di Catone, Marcone e rispettive famiglie continui in un prossimo racconto della saga.
Complimenti a Scarrow per il suo bel modo di scrive questo genere di romanzi.
Da non perdere!!
January 3, 2023
FANTASTIC
absolutely brilliant but now I'm sad I have to wait for the next one as this series has been phenomenal, Macro and Cato have been two of the best characters I've ever had the pleasure to read .
absolutely brilliant but now I'm sad I have to wait for the next one as this series has been phenomenal, Macro and Cato have been two of the best characters I've ever had the pleasure to read .
June 14, 2023
This is the next instalment, the twenty first book, in the brilliant ‘Eagles of the Empire’ series. The author evokes what life must have been like in the Roman Empire and in the Roman Army in particular.
The tales follow the life and careers of Centurion Lucius Cornelius Macro and Prefect Quintus Licinius Cato. It’s the year AD60 and both protagonists are once again in Britannia, tasked in maintaining Rome’s tenuous hold of the province.
When the self-serving procurator, Catus Decianus, is over zealous in gathering taxes from the local population and allows atrocities to be carried out on Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni, and her daughters, he provokes a rebellion on a scale never seen before and putting all Roman settlers and citizens at risk.
The majority of the Roman army in the province is engaged in a final push to subdue the Druid stronghold on Ynys Mon, leaving both Camulodunum (Colchester) and Londinium poorly defended and vulnerable to attack.
Whilst Cato is with the legions at Ynys Mon, Macro is with other retired veterans in Camulodunum and their families are in Londinium. The developing events have a devastating affect on all of them. A really great work of fiction set against historical fact. A fab read.
Rob D
The tales follow the life and careers of Centurion Lucius Cornelius Macro and Prefect Quintus Licinius Cato. It’s the year AD60 and both protagonists are once again in Britannia, tasked in maintaining Rome’s tenuous hold of the province.
When the self-serving procurator, Catus Decianus, is over zealous in gathering taxes from the local population and allows atrocities to be carried out on Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni, and her daughters, he provokes a rebellion on a scale never seen before and putting all Roman settlers and citizens at risk.
The majority of the Roman army in the province is engaged in a final push to subdue the Druid stronghold on Ynys Mon, leaving both Camulodunum (Colchester) and Londinium poorly defended and vulnerable to attack.
Whilst Cato is with the legions at Ynys Mon, Macro is with other retired veterans in Camulodunum and their families are in Londinium. The developing events have a devastating affect on all of them. A really great work of fiction set against historical fact. A fab read.
Rob D
February 12, 2023
Having read all the books in the series and now back in Britannia, my favourite location, this is another instalment in the Cato and Macro saga. Historically accurate with a riveting story line this series has not run out is steam and we are now set up for the next one. If you like Roman historical fiction this is a must.
December 5, 2022
The boys are back in Britain, its AD60 and they are in Camulodunum (Colchester) with Macro in semi-retirement and Cato keeping his head down in the quiet backwater of Britain.
But the Roman taxpayers are demanding more and more from the local Iceni tribes and new Queen Boudica is unable to pay. While Macro deals with rising local tensions, Cato is pulled into the campaign to wipe the remaining resistance out on Mona (Anglesea). So the friends spend much of this apart but obviously as we would expect, trouble quickly finds them. Plenty of action in this, but a rare glimpse at the fact that the Roman’s were not the good guys and you feel sympathy for the Iceni.
It's good stuff and everything you could want, but be warned, this ends on a cliff-hanger so everything is not resolved in this book.
But the Roman taxpayers are demanding more and more from the local Iceni tribes and new Queen Boudica is unable to pay. While Macro deals with rising local tensions, Cato is pulled into the campaign to wipe the remaining resistance out on Mona (Anglesea). So the friends spend much of this apart but obviously as we would expect, trouble quickly finds them. Plenty of action in this, but a rare glimpse at the fact that the Roman’s were not the good guys and you feel sympathy for the Iceni.
It's good stuff and everything you could want, but be warned, this ends on a cliff-hanger so everything is not resolved in this book.
January 24, 2023
Great book
Scarrow has done it again! This book was awesome! I have never been disappointed!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Scarrow has done it again! This book was awesome! I have never been disappointed!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
August 1, 2023
Spännande värre. Måste komma en fortsättning. Blandat med förmodad verklighet som författaren fått fram.
October 17, 2023
Just incredible. I cannot wait for the next book. Which I’ve never hAd to do before! Roll on November!
February 1, 2023
Definitely felt like a book to set up the next one. I still churned through it in good time.
August 11, 2024
Another great ride of a story. The overall tone of the conflicts out protagonists face shift and things get more difficult than ever. It will be interesting to see where it all ends..
December 14, 2024
Pues quizas uno de los mejores de la saga. Mucha acción. Tal vez algo menos de profundidad en los personajes pero muy entretenido. Habrá que seguir leyendo la saga...
December 4, 2023
La storia sta entrando nel suo momento più alto. Non vedo l ora del prossimo volume, qui viene solo lanciato l enorme sasso del destino per i protagonisti! Adoro lo stile di Simon Scarrow e la sua ricerca storica, se amate il genere è da leggere!
January 1, 2026
Din nou la seria Vulturii Imperiului dupa o pauza semnificativa. Deci : asteptari mari ;realitate asa si asa.
April 10, 2023
The Year 2001.
I wondered into a local branch of Eason's, and saw Under the Eagle on offer, sold for an introductory price (which I can't even remember), and with a blurb that sounded interesting. That, and a quote from the king of historical action-adventure fiction Bernard Cornwell that 'I really don't need this kind of competition ... a great read'.
Jump forward just over 20 years, and we're now onto book #21 in the series, and back in the Roman province of Brittania after the intervening books have had us all over the Roman Empire.
The series has also lost the 'Eagle' that was always included somewhere in the earlier titles (Under the Eagle, The Eagle's Conquest, The Eagle and the Wolves etc), with that word last used in the title in entry # 7 (The Eagle in the Sand).
That's not all that has changed: Cato is no longer the scared young man he had been in the first entries; Macro no longer the seasoned Centurion. Now, Macro is retired from active service whilst Cato - who now has a family of his own - has risen in rank above that that Macro ever reached but is still firm friends with the latter.
We've now also reached a pivotal moment in Roman Britain history, with the Boudicean revolt just about to kick off (as it does here) and as the Romans finally capture and raze the Druid stronghold of Mona.
Those two events form the backbone of this novel, with Cato involved in the attack on Mona whilst Macro is charged with the defence of Camulodunum (Colchester) and in charge of the Roman Reserves there whilst the main army is away on campaign, just after the Governor of Britain has further alienated their Icenian allies.
As with all of the Simon Scarrow books I've read, the history is worn lightly enough to make an enjoyable read: this is not a dry, stuffy retelling of events but rather uses the real historical events as the backbone for the story being built around it.
This, I have to say, is also the first in the series that I can remember ending in a definite cliffhanger ...
(I might have to go back and re-read the previous now)
I wondered into a local branch of Eason's, and saw Under the Eagle on offer, sold for an introductory price (which I can't even remember), and with a blurb that sounded interesting. That, and a quote from the king of historical action-adventure fiction Bernard Cornwell that 'I really don't need this kind of competition ... a great read'.
Jump forward just over 20 years, and we're now onto book #21 in the series, and back in the Roman province of Brittania after the intervening books have had us all over the Roman Empire.
The series has also lost the 'Eagle' that was always included somewhere in the earlier titles (Under the Eagle, The Eagle's Conquest, The Eagle and the Wolves etc), with that word last used in the title in entry # 7 (The Eagle in the Sand).
That's not all that has changed: Cato is no longer the scared young man he had been in the first entries; Macro no longer the seasoned Centurion. Now, Macro is retired from active service whilst Cato - who now has a family of his own - has risen in rank above that that Macro ever reached but is still firm friends with the latter.
We've now also reached a pivotal moment in Roman Britain history, with the Boudicean revolt just about to kick off (as it does here) and as the Romans finally capture and raze the Druid stronghold of Mona.
Those two events form the backbone of this novel, with Cato involved in the attack on Mona whilst Macro is charged with the defence of Camulodunum (Colchester) and in charge of the Roman Reserves there whilst the main army is away on campaign, just after the Governor of Britain has further alienated their Icenian allies.
As with all of the Simon Scarrow books I've read, the history is worn lightly enough to make an enjoyable read: this is not a dry, stuffy retelling of events but rather uses the real historical events as the backbone for the story being built around it.
This, I have to say, is also the first in the series that I can remember ending in a definite cliffhanger ...
(I might have to go back and re-read the previous now)
November 27, 2024
I hadn't read any reviews of this book going in and I wasn't totally clear on the extent of Boudica's uprising until reading the author's afterword, and I glad that is the case.
I wondered early on in the series when we met Boudica if one day we'd see the Iceni uprising, but assumed like most series this would have petered out long before. So when our heroes had moved back to Britannia I wondered and hoped we might see a multi book arc going into these events, and Scarrow wisely built up the stakes in several books before launching into it.
Certain catalyst events to the launching of the rebellion were present here but I wasn't sure if it was going to kick off in this book or as a precursor to it in the next book. Scarrow really does make building it out as a scenario look easy.
Finally after a thick plot armored existence, it seems our characters are really capable of real danger. How Macro was going to escape from the sack of the veteran colony was something I was anticipating with apprehension. Man I was ready to roll my eyes when the cavalry rode in at the last minute from some unseen hilltop. That that did not happen was extremely refreshing.
It seems to me that Macro and Cato's liberal, firmly left leaning attitudes must start to swing them away from the imperial system in future books. Surely the devastation that Cato and his army has inflicted on the northern british tribes must be awaking something, especially with the events metered out to his own friends, comrades and possibly family (the fate of his son and gf currently unknown). They are part of the problem and for the first time they might start understanding that.
As much as I like the formula and applaud Scarrow's ability to keep it going in an ever evolving, never stale way, there will be a point where irreparable damage must be done and our heroes luck must run out. Apollonius and the mute boy were a small sacrifice to the literary gods. But eventually bigger, meatier characters must also be sacrificed. Not easy when you only have a small tight knit gang. One day this series needs a satisfying conclusion. He can still move onto other pieces of history like he did with his brilliant Napoleon and Wellington series.
I will be very curious to see what Scarrow does with the next episode.
I wondered early on in the series when we met Boudica if one day we'd see the Iceni uprising, but assumed like most series this would have petered out long before. So when our heroes had moved back to Britannia I wondered and hoped we might see a multi book arc going into these events, and Scarrow wisely built up the stakes in several books before launching into it.
Certain catalyst events to the launching of the rebellion were present here but I wasn't sure if it was going to kick off in this book or as a precursor to it in the next book. Scarrow really does make building it out as a scenario look easy.
Finally after a thick plot armored existence, it seems our characters are really capable of real danger. How Macro was going to escape from the sack of the veteran colony was something I was anticipating with apprehension. Man I was ready to roll my eyes when the cavalry rode in at the last minute from some unseen hilltop. That that did not happen was extremely refreshing.
It seems to me that Macro and Cato's liberal, firmly left leaning attitudes must start to swing them away from the imperial system in future books. Surely the devastation that Cato and his army has inflicted on the northern british tribes must be awaking something, especially with the events metered out to his own friends, comrades and possibly family (the fate of his son and gf currently unknown). They are part of the problem and for the first time they might start understanding that.
As much as I like the formula and applaud Scarrow's ability to keep it going in an ever evolving, never stale way, there will be a point where irreparable damage must be done and our heroes luck must run out. Apollonius and the mute boy were a small sacrifice to the literary gods. But eventually bigger, meatier characters must also be sacrificed. Not easy when you only have a small tight knit gang. One day this series needs a satisfying conclusion. He can still move onto other pieces of history like he did with his brilliant Napoleon and Wellington series.
I will be very curious to see what Scarrow does with the next episode.
April 18, 2023
Well what can I say.. I have been a fan of Simon Scarrows Eagle of the Empire series since 2017 when I discovered the books in my local library.
The story starts in AD 60 with the death of King Prasagatus, King of the Iceni..and how his wife Queen Boudicca turned took the reigns of power all is well until the procurator demands payment of taxes.
The first half of the book follows this and the eventual start of the rebellion by Boudicca and Macro as senior centurion at Colchester has to deal with the fallout.
The other half of the book is Cato heading a cohort and helping Governor Suetonius Paulinus destroy the druids on Mona.
I found the book was like wading through treacle, the background to the eventual rebellion could have been covered in one chapter but instead rolled on for quite a few.
Meanwhile the campaign to destroy the druids in Mona was very dull and boring.
I have read Douglas Jackson who in his first book Hero of Rome did this piece of Roman History much shorter but with as much clarity as Simon Scarrow.
I have found the previous two books The Emperor’s Exile a waste and ponitless it was just written to get Cato to Britain to join up with Macro again.
The Honour of Rome again ponitless perhaps a book could have been written on the rebellion in Brigantia in 58 AD.
I read a lot of roman story writers Anthony Riches, SJA Turney and they all say you can only work with actual real life people who were in the provinces at the time.
Claudia Acta the real life whore/mistress of Nero was never in Brittania and was still hanging around Nero’s palace in Rome in 64 and 65AD.
Please get rid of her as Cato deserves a nice lady to settle down with and this relationship just does not work.
I hope Macro, Petronella and Lucius survive but Claudia Acta get rid of her .
I expect the next book will resolve everything and will probably have Cato marrying the whore….
The story starts in AD 60 with the death of King Prasagatus, King of the Iceni..and how his wife Queen Boudicca turned took the reigns of power all is well until the procurator demands payment of taxes.
The first half of the book follows this and the eventual start of the rebellion by Boudicca and Macro as senior centurion at Colchester has to deal with the fallout.
The other half of the book is Cato heading a cohort and helping Governor Suetonius Paulinus destroy the druids on Mona.
I found the book was like wading through treacle, the background to the eventual rebellion could have been covered in one chapter but instead rolled on for quite a few.
Meanwhile the campaign to destroy the druids in Mona was very dull and boring.
I have read Douglas Jackson who in his first book Hero of Rome did this piece of Roman History much shorter but with as much clarity as Simon Scarrow.
I have found the previous two books The Emperor’s Exile a waste and ponitless it was just written to get Cato to Britain to join up with Macro again.
The Honour of Rome again ponitless perhaps a book could have been written on the rebellion in Brigantia in 58 AD.
I read a lot of roman story writers Anthony Riches, SJA Turney and they all say you can only work with actual real life people who were in the provinces at the time.
Claudia Acta the real life whore/mistress of Nero was never in Brittania and was still hanging around Nero’s palace in Rome in 64 and 65AD.
Please get rid of her as Cato deserves a nice lady to settle down with and this relationship just does not work.
I hope Macro, Petronella and Lucius survive but Claudia Acta get rid of her .
I expect the next book will resolve everything and will probably have Cato marrying the whore….
March 9, 2025
Aunque me costó un poco coger el ritmo de la lectura, una vez metido dentro de la historia el libro se disfruta mucho. Es, junto con Cuervos Sangrientos, el libro que más me ha gustado de la saga. Realmente serían 4.5 de 5 estrellas por la penosa traducción, algo que viene siendo constante en los últimos libros de la saga y que en este se ha hecho demasiado.
En esta entrega, veremos cómo avanzan los caminos de Macro y Cato por separado y las dificultades a las que tendrán que hacer frente. La historia de Cato avanza muy rápidamente, mientras que la de Macro se cocina a fuego lento hasta llegar a un final apoteósico.
SPOILERS: El final del libro demuestra la intención del autor de continuar con la saga, aunque, a mi parecer, ya tendría que plantearse un final definitivo. Tendremos que hacer frente a la muerte de personajes queridos en unas últimas escenas frenéticas y deberemos estar atentos a las próximas entregas, pues es posible que estemos ante un punto de inflexión en la historia de los protagonistas.
"Fortuna, por favor, concédeme la gracia de la buena fortuna para que pueda librarme de mis enemigos y volver a casa con mi familia y amigos. Que también concedas tu favor a los hombres bajo mi mando para que ellos también puedan regresar de la guerra con sus seres queridos. Júpiter, el mejor y más grande de los dioses, te suplico humildemente que pueda servir con valor y devoción al deber y que haga honor a mi cohorte y al Senado y al pueblo de Roma. Te pido que guíes mi espada y mi escudo para vencer a mis enemigos y me protejas de cualquier daño. Te lo pido no sólo por mí, sino por la paz que sigue a la victoria. Te lo pido por todos aquellos que han derramado sangre y han dado su vida para traer estas tierras al abrazo del Imperio. Rezo para que aquellos en Roma a los que has tenido a bien nombrar para gobernarnos no traicionen la memoria de aquellos que han muerto, y que su noble sacrificio no haya sido en vano"
En esta entrega, veremos cómo avanzan los caminos de Macro y Cato por separado y las dificultades a las que tendrán que hacer frente. La historia de Cato avanza muy rápidamente, mientras que la de Macro se cocina a fuego lento hasta llegar a un final apoteósico.
SPOILERS: El final del libro demuestra la intención del autor de continuar con la saga, aunque, a mi parecer, ya tendría que plantearse un final definitivo. Tendremos que hacer frente a la muerte de personajes queridos en unas últimas escenas frenéticas y deberemos estar atentos a las próximas entregas, pues es posible que estemos ante un punto de inflexión en la historia de los protagonistas.
"Fortuna, por favor, concédeme la gracia de la buena fortuna para que pueda librarme de mis enemigos y volver a casa con mi familia y amigos. Que también concedas tu favor a los hombres bajo mi mando para que ellos también puedan regresar de la guerra con sus seres queridos. Júpiter, el mejor y más grande de los dioses, te suplico humildemente que pueda servir con valor y devoción al deber y que haga honor a mi cohorte y al Senado y al pueblo de Roma. Te pido que guíes mi espada y mi escudo para vencer a mis enemigos y me protejas de cualquier daño. Te lo pido no sólo por mí, sino por la paz que sigue a la victoria. Te lo pido por todos aquellos que han derramado sangre y han dado su vida para traer estas tierras al abrazo del Imperio. Rezo para que aquellos en Roma a los que has tenido a bien nombrar para gobernarnos no traicionen la memoria de aquellos que han muerto, y que su noble sacrificio no haya sido en vano"
December 7, 2022
I've followed the adventures of Roman soldiers Cato and Macro across the Roman Empire for 20 or so novels and the standard never dips below breathless. Simon Scarrow is excellent on adventure, dialogue and character and the plots are always well crafted. This latest adventure is set in Britannia in AD60 with Centurion Macro now retired from the legions and living in comfortable retirement in Camuldonunum - or Colchester to you and me. Meanwhile, the more senior Cato, is also in Colchester 'resting' between appointments and happy to be with his new love, Claudia the Emperor's ex-mistress.
The Governor of Britannia has decided now is the time to try and defeat once and for all the troublesome hill tribes of Wales and also the druids who are based on Mona, or Anglesey. He takes most of the available soldiers on the expedition including Cato, leaving most of the country to be protected by a few ill-trained forces, including Camuldonunum which is left to Macro and the few hundred other veterans who have also retired to the town.
Simon Scarrow places Cato and Macro in the midst of real events and in this book the Iceni Queen Boudica, newly Crowned following the death of her husband, is central. The Iceni - apparently happily living until the Roman yoke are far from content and high taxes imposed by the Emperor make the situation even more delicate.
The story is well know and I won't repeat it here for feel of spoiling it for the reader. Needless to say, both Cato and Macro are involved in some of their deadliest challenges yet.
A very enjoyable read, with a second part to follow. I can't wait!
The Governor of Britannia has decided now is the time to try and defeat once and for all the troublesome hill tribes of Wales and also the druids who are based on Mona, or Anglesey. He takes most of the available soldiers on the expedition including Cato, leaving most of the country to be protected by a few ill-trained forces, including Camuldonunum which is left to Macro and the few hundred other veterans who have also retired to the town.
Simon Scarrow places Cato and Macro in the midst of real events and in this book the Iceni Queen Boudica, newly Crowned following the death of her husband, is central. The Iceni - apparently happily living until the Roman yoke are far from content and high taxes imposed by the Emperor make the situation even more delicate.
The story is well know and I won't repeat it here for feel of spoiling it for the reader. Needless to say, both Cato and Macro are involved in some of their deadliest challenges yet.
A very enjoyable read, with a second part to follow. I can't wait!
December 14, 2022
This is the 21st installment in the author's "Eagles of the Empire" series which seems like it may be coming to an end in a book or two - but then again, maybe not. Out of all the books in the series, this is most definitely the best. And when you get to the end, you know there will be at least one more because there are too many loose ends.
As with all the books in the series this revolves around the adventures of our old friends Macro and Cato plus assorted other characters. And there is more than enough action to keep an action junkie happy for a long time. But be forewarned, a lot of people die - and a lot of those people are ones who have been around for a few volumes. The action sequences are graphic and realistic and keep you turning the pages waiting to see what happens next.
Without getting into spoiler territory, this revolves around the British legend Queen Boudica of the Iceni and her revolt against the Romans.......and with good reason. Heads roll (literally) and the bodies pile up as the revolt continues. And, of course Macro is at the centre of the action, protecting Roman interests. Where is Cato, you ask? Well, he's off on an assignment on the other side of Britain helping to eliminate the Druids so he plays no part in the actual revolt.
So, when the book ends, there are those loose ends, Boudica is still leading her people and the war continues. What happens later, you ask? Presumably that will be addressed in the next volume - next year.
Sadly, this book doesn't really stand alone, so reading some of the earlier volumes in the series would be helpful.
As with all the books in the series this revolves around the adventures of our old friends Macro and Cato plus assorted other characters. And there is more than enough action to keep an action junkie happy for a long time. But be forewarned, a lot of people die - and a lot of those people are ones who have been around for a few volumes. The action sequences are graphic and realistic and keep you turning the pages waiting to see what happens next.
Without getting into spoiler territory, this revolves around the British legend Queen Boudica of the Iceni and her revolt against the Romans.......and with good reason. Heads roll (literally) and the bodies pile up as the revolt continues. And, of course Macro is at the centre of the action, protecting Roman interests. Where is Cato, you ask? Well, he's off on an assignment on the other side of Britain helping to eliminate the Druids so he plays no part in the actual revolt.
So, when the book ends, there are those loose ends, Boudica is still leading her people and the war continues. What happens later, you ask? Presumably that will be addressed in the next volume - next year.
Sadly, this book doesn't really stand alone, so reading some of the earlier volumes in the series would be helpful.
November 16, 2022
It’s AD60 and Prasutagus has died leaving Boudica as Queen of the Iceni in Britannia. Rome has long wanted to quell rebellious Britannia and put an end to the different tribes - including the Iceni.
Macro and Cato are battle hardened, but have not had an active army life for some time. Whilst they are Romans, they have great respect for Boudica and also realise the power that she holds. When they are asked to stand against her and defend Rome against the rebellious Iceni, they realise the dangerous predicament that they have found themselves in.
I love reading about the Roman Empire and was keen to read this book. Although, part of a series, this is the first that I have read and it worked well as a standalone novel. That said, I will definitely be going back to read the previous books.
I was fascinated to read about Boudica and Britannia and to follow Roman Commanders Centurion Cato and Prefect Macro. This is action packed and unputdownable. From the moment that you start the first page, you are transported back in time and feel like you are there over two thousand years ago.
Death to the Emperor is a captivating book full of heroism and sacrifice that brings Boudica and the Iceni vividly to life. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
A fantastic read that I highly recommend.
Macro and Cato are battle hardened, but have not had an active army life for some time. Whilst they are Romans, they have great respect for Boudica and also realise the power that she holds. When they are asked to stand against her and defend Rome against the rebellious Iceni, they realise the dangerous predicament that they have found themselves in.
I love reading about the Roman Empire and was keen to read this book. Although, part of a series, this is the first that I have read and it worked well as a standalone novel. That said, I will definitely be going back to read the previous books.
I was fascinated to read about Boudica and Britannia and to follow Roman Commanders Centurion Cato and Prefect Macro. This is action packed and unputdownable. From the moment that you start the first page, you are transported back in time and feel like you are there over two thousand years ago.
Death to the Emperor is a captivating book full of heroism and sacrifice that brings Boudica and the Iceni vividly to life. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
A fantastic read that I highly recommend.
November 8, 2022
I have to admit that this is the first book I read in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it as Cato, Macro, Petronilla and the characters are fleshed out and relatable even if they’re act and think like you expect someone did 2 thousand years ago.
It was a fascinating read as Boudica’s rebellion is a fascinating topic as it’s also one that changes according to the personal point of view of the reader: feminist ante litteram, nationalist or simply someone who rebelled against the power of the Romans.
I found the descriptions of life in Britain in the I century very interesting and they made me wish I know more about the lifestyle.
The story is tightly plotted, full of actions, and gripping. It’s fast paced and the excellent storytelling kept me hooked and turning pages.
There’s plenty of twists that surprised me and kept me on the edge till the last page.
I appreciated the historical notes and I am glad I was able to read this story, discover this intriguing series, and learn something new.
I want to read the rest of the series because this book can be read as a stand alone but I want to learn more about these characters.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Headline for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
It was a fascinating read as Boudica’s rebellion is a fascinating topic as it’s also one that changes according to the personal point of view of the reader: feminist ante litteram, nationalist or simply someone who rebelled against the power of the Romans.
I found the descriptions of life in Britain in the I century very interesting and they made me wish I know more about the lifestyle.
The story is tightly plotted, full of actions, and gripping. It’s fast paced and the excellent storytelling kept me hooked and turning pages.
There’s plenty of twists that surprised me and kept me on the edge till the last page.
I appreciated the historical notes and I am glad I was able to read this story, discover this intriguing series, and learn something new.
I want to read the rest of the series because this book can be read as a stand alone but I want to learn more about these characters.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Headline for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
November 16, 2022
AD 60 and Macro and Cato are enjoying a bit of peace in Camulodunum with their families. Macro has now retired and is serving as the Senior Magistrate while Prefect Cato is still in the army but not on active duty. But their peace doesn’t last long. Governor Suetonius is making an attempt to finally conquer Britannia by defeating the Ordovices and the druids on the Isle of Mona and he wants Cato to assist him.
Meanwhile, King Prasutagus of the Iceni is dead and Queen Boudica is now in charge. When the Iceni can’t pay the taxes owed to the Empire it creates a chain of events which culminates in Macro and the inhabitants of Camulodunum having to make one last stand.
This is the twenty-first book in the series and honestly, it’s the one I’ve been waiting for. The story of the rebellion of Boudica is well known to those of us growing up in the UK and I was so excited that this series was finally going to cover these events. The way Simon Scarrow has fleshed out the characters and brought them to life is incredible. I’ve always appreciated how the morality of the Roman invasion has been discussed over this series and how Macro and Cato genuinely see Rome as a guiding light of civilisation. Their insistence that the conquered isles will benefit and should be grateful eerily echoes the arguments of the much later British Empire.
As ever, the level of historical research is astounding and the pace is frenetic. The ending had me gasping and the twenty-second book cannot come soon enough!
Thank you to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Meanwhile, King Prasutagus of the Iceni is dead and Queen Boudica is now in charge. When the Iceni can’t pay the taxes owed to the Empire it creates a chain of events which culminates in Macro and the inhabitants of Camulodunum having to make one last stand.
This is the twenty-first book in the series and honestly, it’s the one I’ve been waiting for. The story of the rebellion of Boudica is well known to those of us growing up in the UK and I was so excited that this series was finally going to cover these events. The way Simon Scarrow has fleshed out the characters and brought them to life is incredible. I’ve always appreciated how the morality of the Roman invasion has been discussed over this series and how Macro and Cato genuinely see Rome as a guiding light of civilisation. Their insistence that the conquered isles will benefit and should be grateful eerily echoes the arguments of the much later British Empire.
As ever, the level of historical research is astounding and the pace is frenetic. The ending had me gasping and the twenty-second book cannot come soon enough!
Thank you to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
November 21, 2022
This book is action from the off. We drop straight into the story as Queen Boudica’s husband dies and feel her immediate struggles, as a wife, a mother, but primarily as a leader with men waiting in the wings to remove power if she’s willing to allow it.
The story doesn’t let up all the way through as something is always happening leaving you feeling the urgency of the situation.
There is a desperation as the Roman Army have to crush all in their wake. Some underestimated and some not so much. If you enjoy history and the thriller genre this should definitely be on your list to read.
I haven’t read the rest of the series and didn’t feel I had missed part of the story, although I do love history. If you’re unaware of the history of the Romans you might feel it necessary to read the others, although I felt it was easy to parachute into the world in the pages and become part of it. It took me a few sittings as it’s a huge book, but it’s well worth the time to read it. I really would recommend you invest the time and read this one.
With thanks to Sophie Ransom, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
The story doesn’t let up all the way through as something is always happening leaving you feeling the urgency of the situation.
There is a desperation as the Roman Army have to crush all in their wake. Some underestimated and some not so much. If you enjoy history and the thriller genre this should definitely be on your list to read.
I haven’t read the rest of the series and didn’t feel I had missed part of the story, although I do love history. If you’re unaware of the history of the Romans you might feel it necessary to read the others, although I felt it was easy to parachute into the world in the pages and become part of it. It took me a few sittings as it’s a huge book, but it’s well worth the time to read it. I really would recommend you invest the time and read this one.
With thanks to Sophie Ransom, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
December 15, 2022
I really loved this book and the author's writing style. He clearly has researched in depth, the military tactics utilised during that period. The story is centred around two semi-retired Roman army friends who have settled in Camulodunum (Colchester) with their families. The town is surrounded by lands owned by Boudica, the queen of the Iceni tribal. The relationship between the Roman occupiers and the Iceni is initially based on mutual respect, but soon deteriorates into a bloody insurrection.
There is also an interesting parallel .story of a Roman column invading Mona (Anglesea) with the intention of destroying the last of the remaining Druids.
The battle scenes are explicit, without gratuitous horror. The main characters Cato and Macro, are well-rounded and believable. However, having lived in Camulodunum, with a wealth of local knowledge I have a lot of sympathy for the Iceni and Boudica! They were horribly exploited and betrayed by the Romans.
I can thoroughly recommend this book to those that love Roman military history.
There is also an interesting parallel .story of a Roman column invading Mona (Anglesea) with the intention of destroying the last of the remaining Druids.
The battle scenes are explicit, without gratuitous horror. The main characters Cato and Macro, are well-rounded and believable. However, having lived in Camulodunum, with a wealth of local knowledge I have a lot of sympathy for the Iceni and Boudica! They were horribly exploited and betrayed by the Romans.
I can thoroughly recommend this book to those that love Roman military history.
January 2, 2023
No spoilers in this review.
I was on edge as I read this book. One of the downsides of writing historical fiction is that you know what happened in real life. We all know that Camulodunum (modern day Colchester) was sacked by Iceni and that no one survived. We all know that the spark was the death of Boudica's husband, the mistreatment of her and her daughters by the Roman procurator Decianus, and the crippling high taxes. So therefore, I really wanted to know throughout this book: does Macro survive this since he became the senior magistrate?
Meanwhile, Cato has been sent northwest to harry and conquer once and for all the Druids and their followers. By moving the major Roman army units away from southern England, the Romans inadvertently created the opening and window of opportunity for Boudica's rebellion. Again, we know that from history. Cato and the Romans must now counter-march and return to the southeast in an attempt to save Londinium (London).
Petronella, Claudia, and Lucius, and most of the civilians were evacuated from Camulodunum but their fates are unknown at the end of this book. We know that the escorts did not survive. This is a cliffhanger and thus sets up for book 22. Looking forward to that in November, 2023.
I was on edge as I read this book. One of the downsides of writing historical fiction is that you know what happened in real life. We all know that Camulodunum (modern day Colchester) was sacked by Iceni and that no one survived. We all know that the spark was the death of Boudica's husband, the mistreatment of her and her daughters by the Roman procurator Decianus, and the crippling high taxes. So therefore, I really wanted to know throughout this book: does Macro survive this since he became the senior magistrate?
Meanwhile, Cato has been sent northwest to harry and conquer once and for all the Druids and their followers. By moving the major Roman army units away from southern England, the Romans inadvertently created the opening and window of opportunity for Boudica's rebellion. Again, we know that from history. Cato and the Romans must now counter-march and return to the southeast in an attempt to save Londinium (London).
Petronella, Claudia, and Lucius, and most of the civilians were evacuated from Camulodunum but their fates are unknown at the end of this book. We know that the escorts did not survive. This is a cliffhanger and thus sets up for book 22. Looking forward to that in November, 2023.
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