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Britannia Romanus #1
The Sign of the Eagle
This breathtaking historical novel of action and suspense is set in the year 71 A.D. amid the exotic and vibrant streets of Ancient Rome. Macha, the strong-willed daughter of a legendary Celtic British king and wife of the Roman tribune, Titus, is the only one who can prove her husband innocent of treason, solve the murders of two slaves who possessed information that could have exonerated Titus, and ultimately save the life of the Roman Emperor Vespasian.
Vivacious and iron-willed, Macha undertakes a dangerous journey and fight for her life to evade assassins through the city's treacherous back alleys, notorious bath houses, and the awe-inspiring palaces of the Roman elite. With time running out to save her husband and the emperor from certain death, Macha can count on only two allies, the esteemed Senator Bassus-a family friend-and her faithful slave, a resolute and clever Moorish woman, Shafer.
Arrayed against Macha and Titus are the wealthy and wicked Pollia, once scorned as a bride by Titus, and Falco, a military tribune and womanizer, who offers to be Macha's protector once Titus is condemned and executed.
Join Macha in her quest to exonerate her husband...and discover the real threat against the Emperor...
Vivacious and iron-willed, Macha undertakes a dangerous journey and fight for her life to evade assassins through the city's treacherous back alleys, notorious bath houses, and the awe-inspiring palaces of the Roman elite. With time running out to save her husband and the emperor from certain death, Macha can count on only two allies, the esteemed Senator Bassus-a family friend-and her faithful slave, a resolute and clever Moorish woman, Shafer.
Arrayed against Macha and Titus are the wealthy and wicked Pollia, once scorned as a bride by Titus, and Falco, a military tribune and womanizer, who offers to be Macha's protector once Titus is condemned and executed.
Join Macha in her quest to exonerate her husband...and discover the real threat against the Emperor...
- GenresHistorical Fiction
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2012
7 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Jess Steven Hughes
5 books29 followersJess Steven Hughes is a retired police detective sergeant with twenty-five years experience in criminal investigation and a former U.S. Marine. He holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a minor in Ancient Mediterranean Studies from the University of Southern California. He has traveled and studied extensively in the areas forming the background of this novel, which brings vivid authenticity to the unique settings in his five historical novels, THE BRITANNIA ROMANUS SERIES: THE PEACEKEEPER, THE BROKEN LANCE, THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA, PART I & II, and THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE. He is currently working on the sixth historical novel in the series, THE EMPEROR'S HAND. All novels are published by Sunbury Press, a traditional small press located in Pennsylvania (not a self-published indie press).
He possesses a private library of nearly 1,000 books on Celtic, Classical, Medieval, and Mid-Eastern History used for research purposes. He currently lives with his wife, Liz, and four horses in Eastern Washington.
He possesses a private library of nearly 1,000 books on Celtic, Classical, Medieval, and Mid-Eastern History used for research purposes. He currently lives with his wife, Liz, and four horses in Eastern Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 2, 2018
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I recently enjoyed The Valiant, which is also set in ancient Rome, and I've had bad luck with my YA fantasy picks lately, so I figured I could give The Sign of the Eagle a try.
Important Note: The author, Jess Steven Hughes, lives in the same city as me and we are acquaintances. While that is the reason why I was aware of and decided to read The Sign of the Eagle, it has not influenced my rating of the book. Neither the author nor publisher contacted me to read or review this book.
The Sign of the Eagle is about Macha, the daughter of a Celtic king and the wife of a Roman soldier. When her husband Titus is accused of treason and arrested, Macha takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. She has several allies, including the Roman Senator Bassus and Shafer, a Moorish slave.
Macha is just the kind of heroine I like. She is strong-willed and opinionated in a society where women are not supposed to speak out or know how to defend themselves. I think Hughes did an excellent job writing a female main character, and it's often difficult for authors to write from the perspective of a different gender than their own. She was an appealing protagonist.
The story is action-packed, with multiple assassination attempts, arrests, kidnappings, interrogations and battles to keep it going at a quick pace. There is also the central mystery about who framed Titus and is actually conspiring to depose the emperor, Vespasian (a real life historical figure). I found it pretty easy to guess the culprits and the other facets of the mystery, but it was still a decent driving force for the plot.
I appreciated the detail that went into the historical accuracy. I'm no history buff, but it seems to me that Hughes did his research. There is a lot of information on Roman military in this book. Rome itself is also described in detail, especially its seedy and unsanitary underbelly.
For whatever reason, I'm not particularly enthusiastic about the book, although I don't have any real suggestions on how to improve the story or characters. While I liked Macha and wanted her to succeed in her endeavors, I never felt a huge desire to read on other than a simple wish to finish what I'd started.
It's possible -- probable, even -- that this is a case where the book is not my kind of thing more than any fault in the story itself. I plan to give the book to my dad, since he IS a history buff, to see what he thinks of it.
Important Note: The author, Jess Steven Hughes, lives in the same city as me and we are acquaintances. While that is the reason why I was aware of and decided to read The Sign of the Eagle, it has not influenced my rating of the book. Neither the author nor publisher contacted me to read or review this book.
The Sign of the Eagle is about Macha, the daughter of a Celtic king and the wife of a Roman soldier. When her husband Titus is accused of treason and arrested, Macha takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. She has several allies, including the Roman Senator Bassus and Shafer, a Moorish slave.
Macha is just the kind of heroine I like. She is strong-willed and opinionated in a society where women are not supposed to speak out or know how to defend themselves. I think Hughes did an excellent job writing a female main character, and it's often difficult for authors to write from the perspective of a different gender than their own. She was an appealing protagonist.
The story is action-packed, with multiple assassination attempts, arrests, kidnappings, interrogations and battles to keep it going at a quick pace. There is also the central mystery about who framed Titus and is actually conspiring to depose the emperor, Vespasian (a real life historical figure). I found it pretty easy to guess the culprits and the other facets of the mystery, but it was still a decent driving force for the plot.
I appreciated the detail that went into the historical accuracy. I'm no history buff, but it seems to me that Hughes did his research. There is a lot of information on Roman military in this book. Rome itself is also described in detail, especially its seedy and unsanitary underbelly.
For whatever reason, I'm not particularly enthusiastic about the book, although I don't have any real suggestions on how to improve the story or characters. While I liked Macha and wanted her to succeed in her endeavors, I never felt a huge desire to read on other than a simple wish to finish what I'd started.
It's possible -- probable, even -- that this is a case where the book is not my kind of thing more than any fault in the story itself. I plan to give the book to my dad, since he IS a history buff, to see what he thinks of it.
September 14, 2013
It is a long time since I last read a book set in Ancient Rome, having overindulged in the period when I was younger. So it was with some hesitation I approached The Sign of the Eagle, worried that it might leave me disappointed. Not so. The Sign of the Eagle is a fast-paced adventure story that quickly had me hooked. Complete with a gritty female heroine, a cast of several fascinating characters and a complicated story of conspiracy, treason and kidnapping, it was quite difficult to put the book down.
Set in the first century A.D, in the reign of Emperor Vespasian, the book centres round the fact that a young officer, Titus, is accused of treason. His wife, Macha, sets out to prove his innocence, and as she wades deeper into the coils of deceit and conspiracy she meets dangers at every turn. Macha is an engaging character with whom it is easy to relate. She is intelligent, brave – foolhardy at times – and very determined. Of Celtic descent, she rides like a man – in breeches – knows how to use a knife when she has to, and is also to some extent still an outsider within the Roman society, which allows her to reflect on some of the less pleasant aspects of it.
The author has done a fantastic job in recreating the historical setting. Nightly walks through the underbelly of Rome, headlong gallops along the Via Aurelia Scauri, barge rides into Rome, it is all vividly depicted – without ever becoming a history lesson. Foods are mentioned in passing, sandals slap against the marble floors, big neckerchiefs are worn under the helmets, silver pendants adorning the horses’ harnesses jingle … and it is all done in a way that allows the reader to be submerged into this ancient world. No lectures, no long asides explaining what for example an impluvium is – it sort of becomes clear anyway. One of my favourite scenes is the raid to the Baths of Memnon, where Mr Hughes has combined quite some action with a very detailed description of the baths as such.
What I also like is that the author has made Macha a woman of her times. For example, as a wealthy Roman citizen, she owns slaves and thinks nothing of it. She is surprised when they betray her, metes out punishment when she finds it necessary, and considers freeing one or two because of their devotion. But all in all, her life depends on these silent servants, her entire household is run by people she owns – and she would never dream of considering doing without them.
At times the prose is a bit clunky, the dialogue is somewhat uneven, in that Macha has a very distinctive voice, but many of the others don’t. Also, while the dialogue mostly is very modern – a good thing, in my opinion, as it ensures good pace – now and then it becomes a bit stilted, especially in the woman to woman conversations. In general, the text could have done with some further editing, as it is somewhat irritating to read “let her eyes wonder”, “I’ve longed treasured it” or “you are a woman of principal”. It detracts from a very good reading experience!
Mr Hughes skilfully ties up his convoluted plot in the last few chapters – always a relief – and I close the book knowing I have discovered an author I will gladly read more of. I also hope to see more of Macha and her gruff husband, Titus. Who knows, next time in Britannia?
Set in the first century A.D, in the reign of Emperor Vespasian, the book centres round the fact that a young officer, Titus, is accused of treason. His wife, Macha, sets out to prove his innocence, and as she wades deeper into the coils of deceit and conspiracy she meets dangers at every turn. Macha is an engaging character with whom it is easy to relate. She is intelligent, brave – foolhardy at times – and very determined. Of Celtic descent, she rides like a man – in breeches – knows how to use a knife when she has to, and is also to some extent still an outsider within the Roman society, which allows her to reflect on some of the less pleasant aspects of it.
The author has done a fantastic job in recreating the historical setting. Nightly walks through the underbelly of Rome, headlong gallops along the Via Aurelia Scauri, barge rides into Rome, it is all vividly depicted – without ever becoming a history lesson. Foods are mentioned in passing, sandals slap against the marble floors, big neckerchiefs are worn under the helmets, silver pendants adorning the horses’ harnesses jingle … and it is all done in a way that allows the reader to be submerged into this ancient world. No lectures, no long asides explaining what for example an impluvium is – it sort of becomes clear anyway. One of my favourite scenes is the raid to the Baths of Memnon, where Mr Hughes has combined quite some action with a very detailed description of the baths as such.
What I also like is that the author has made Macha a woman of her times. For example, as a wealthy Roman citizen, she owns slaves and thinks nothing of it. She is surprised when they betray her, metes out punishment when she finds it necessary, and considers freeing one or two because of their devotion. But all in all, her life depends on these silent servants, her entire household is run by people she owns – and she would never dream of considering doing without them.
At times the prose is a bit clunky, the dialogue is somewhat uneven, in that Macha has a very distinctive voice, but many of the others don’t. Also, while the dialogue mostly is very modern – a good thing, in my opinion, as it ensures good pace – now and then it becomes a bit stilted, especially in the woman to woman conversations. In general, the text could have done with some further editing, as it is somewhat irritating to read “let her eyes wonder”, “I’ve longed treasured it” or “you are a woman of principal”. It detracts from a very good reading experience!
Mr Hughes skilfully ties up his convoluted plot in the last few chapters – always a relief – and I close the book knowing I have discovered an author I will gladly read more of. I also hope to see more of Macha and her gruff husband, Titus. Who knows, next time in Britannia?
April 2, 2019
Jess Steven Hughes has penned an engrossing historical fiction. The meticulous research shines through in his notable portrayal of the sights, smells, and tastes of Ancient Rome, which becomes its own character in this drama.
August 2, 2015
In Sign of the eagle, author Jess Steven Hughes uses his prior experience as a police detective sergeant. He grants his protagonist, Macha, keen observation and witness interview skills, which she would need to navigate the twists and turns of the story, set in ancient Rome amidst intrigue and political strife. For example, when she discovers Nicanor’s crumpled body in the stable, she studies it carefully: “She noticed scrapes on his gaunt cheeks. Near the bottom of the adjacent stucco wall were a couple of bloodstains.” She assesses the answers of the slaves whom she interviews, and of the kid, Demetrius, who witnessed his father’s murder. Her intense dedication is instrumental in releasing her husband, Titus; in finding out the truth about the plot; and in recovering her kidnapped son, little Titus.
As a horseman, Mr. Hughes brings riding scenes to life. “White foam dripped from the bay gelding’s lathered mouth. Grabbing the two front pommels of the leather saddle, the tall tribune swung off his horse and dropped to the ground.” Having traveled to Rome and having earned a degree in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from the University of Southern California, the detail he gives is authentic, in many aspects of scenery, costume and hairstyle. Describing the atrium he says, “Its tiled roof open to the sunlit sky. Small paintings of theatrical scenes decorated large blue panels on surrounding walls,” to which he adds: “Runoff from the previous nights rain filled the shallow blue-veined marble pool.” And on a different occasion, “A small ripple fanned across its peaceful waters.”
The characters appear before you in exact detail: ““Coiffed into a multi-set of ringlets above the forehead, the center of Pollia’s hair was pulled back and rolled into a bun at the nape of her neck and tied together by a gilded leather thong. She wore a sleeveless stola of indigo silk and a pair of bracelets loosely encircled her wrists.” The uniform is clearly marked, ““Titus wore the scarlet and white uniform of the Emperor’s household troops.”
But above all else, the character of Macha is lovingly shaped: her soft side as a mother: “She pulled him close and held him silently as he nestled against her chest.” Her bravery, defending of her family: “Macha touched the outline of her dagger hidden within the folds of her dress as she placed her sweat-stained handkerchief back within one. Despite her training with the weapon, she didn’t feel confident enough to challenge any murderer on her own.” Her assertiveness: “Haven’t I proved that I am capable of defending myself and others with a weapon? Didn’t I question witnesses, travel long distances in harsh weather, and develop a logical plan under a time constraint?”
Four stars.
This book was sent to me gratis for an unbiased review.
As a horseman, Mr. Hughes brings riding scenes to life. “White foam dripped from the bay gelding’s lathered mouth. Grabbing the two front pommels of the leather saddle, the tall tribune swung off his horse and dropped to the ground.” Having traveled to Rome and having earned a degree in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from the University of Southern California, the detail he gives is authentic, in many aspects of scenery, costume and hairstyle. Describing the atrium he says, “Its tiled roof open to the sunlit sky. Small paintings of theatrical scenes decorated large blue panels on surrounding walls,” to which he adds: “Runoff from the previous nights rain filled the shallow blue-veined marble pool.” And on a different occasion, “A small ripple fanned across its peaceful waters.”
The characters appear before you in exact detail: ““Coiffed into a multi-set of ringlets above the forehead, the center of Pollia’s hair was pulled back and rolled into a bun at the nape of her neck and tied together by a gilded leather thong. She wore a sleeveless stola of indigo silk and a pair of bracelets loosely encircled her wrists.” The uniform is clearly marked, ““Titus wore the scarlet and white uniform of the Emperor’s household troops.”
But above all else, the character of Macha is lovingly shaped: her soft side as a mother: “She pulled him close and held him silently as he nestled against her chest.” Her bravery, defending of her family: “Macha touched the outline of her dagger hidden within the folds of her dress as she placed her sweat-stained handkerchief back within one. Despite her training with the weapon, she didn’t feel confident enough to challenge any murderer on her own.” Her assertiveness: “Haven’t I proved that I am capable of defending myself and others with a weapon? Didn’t I question witnesses, travel long distances in harsh weather, and develop a logical plan under a time constraint?”
Four stars.
This book was sent to me gratis for an unbiased review.
July 19, 2013
This author does a great job with this historical depiction of a woman in Ancient Rome fighting to free her husband from certain death. Always an advocate of strong women throughout history, I thoroughly enjoyed following Macha's heart wrenching journey to prove his innocence. In 71 A.D women had few rights or advantages, but the main character rallied over the odds. I particularly loved the author's ability with description. It brought the novel to life as you picture exactly where they are and their surroundings. I like a story to draw me in and this one certainly did.
August 28, 2020
I first got this book about 4 years ago at a book signing for this author. Now having never really read Historical Fiction I didn't quite know what I might be in for. However, if this Genre is anything like this book I am all for it.
This book kept me interested from start to finish. The action starts out right away with the main character trying to prove that her husband is innocent of treason. She goes to great lengths to try to prove her husbands innocence, even putting her own life in danger to do it. While she is going through all this, I as a reader am rooting for her at every step of the way. She understands that women have their place in society but she is a "i'm not gonna take NO for an answer" kinda woman. Having just finished reading this book I fully intend to buy the rest of this series so I can keep going with it.
This book kept me interested from start to finish. The action starts out right away with the main character trying to prove that her husband is innocent of treason. She goes to great lengths to try to prove her husbands innocence, even putting her own life in danger to do it. While she is going through all this, I as a reader am rooting for her at every step of the way. She understands that women have their place in society but she is a "i'm not gonna take NO for an answer" kinda woman. Having just finished reading this book I fully intend to buy the rest of this series so I can keep going with it.
June 6, 2022
A mystery adventure with a female protagonist set in the ancient Roman Empire, The Sign of The Eagle was an intriguing read. With her husband accused of treason Macha goes on the hunt to prove his innocence, but in the process she encounters a mystery of who is behind the accusations. As murder and misfortune follow her the book develops a “who did it” question for the reader that must be answered. The author definitely has done his research and the book is well written in regards to accuracy. On the other hand I wish there were more character development and more flow to the writing. I felt like I didn’t know the characters or connect with them. I enjoyed the historical aspects and liked that the plot kept moving forward.
August 25, 2020
This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I think Marcha, the main character is a strong woman and her story is amazing. If you like historical novels this book is defenitely a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
A pretty good mystery story set in the Roman Empire under Vespasian
This really was a pretty enjoyable mystery story set in the Roman Empire under Vespasian. I feel like the author did his historical homework fairly well; still, I think I would have enjoyed it more if the author were a bit more proficient in Latin. Still, I enjoyed it.
This really was a pretty enjoyable mystery story set in the Roman Empire under Vespasian. I feel like the author did his historical homework fairly well; still, I think I would have enjoyed it more if the author were a bit more proficient in Latin. Still, I enjoyed it.
May 12, 2021
So detailed and suspenseful. It appears there was a great research in writing this novel. I commend the authors beginning notation pages of the descriptions of names and geographical locations, which was a great asset in following the story.
November 10, 2012
Macha, daughter of the legendary Carataca, King of Britannica, defeated and brought to Rome in chains with his family, including Macha, imprisoned and then eventually pardoned, is married to a Roman tribune. Nonetheless, she is regarded and disliked by many as a barbaric Celt.
Macha is paid a visit by a tribune who informs her, Titus, her husband, has been arrested for treason. Titus is allegedly part of a conspiracy against Vespasian, the Emperor.
Two of Macha's trusted slaves are murdered. One brutally in a barn, which his son witnesses, and the other by food poisoning. The slave murdered in the barn has a scrap of paper with initials and a drawing tucked in his tunic.
Titus is due to be sent to Rome to stand trial. Macha is convinced she must also travel to Rome to prove her husband's innocence.
She puts their son, little Titus, and the slave boy who witnessed his father's murder in the care of her brother-in-law and sister-in-law for safety during her absence.
Macha's journey to Rome is fraught with setbacks, including an attempt on her life. Once in Rome, she is yet again a target for murder.
To add to her burden, her son is kidnapped and the slave boy murdered during the kidnapping.
There are few Macha can trust and, even then, she is unable to obtain more than half-truths or avoidance of her questions. She trusts only her slave, Shafer, and a senator, although she does at times question whether her belief in the senator is misplaced.
With little support and many to suspect, Macha must find discover who is behind the conspiracy with little more than a scrap of paper to provide clues. And she doesn't have much time before her husband is executed for treason and her son murdered.
Hughes has written a historical mystery novel with a fast-paced plot and plenty of action. This, in itself, keeps the reader's interest.
In my opinion, further editing and tightening of prose would benefit this novel greatly in terms of caliber. Additionally, a revamped cover would draw more readers to The Sign of the Eagle.
All in all, a good read aside from remarks in the above paragraph.
Macha is paid a visit by a tribune who informs her, Titus, her husband, has been arrested for treason. Titus is allegedly part of a conspiracy against Vespasian, the Emperor.
Two of Macha's trusted slaves are murdered. One brutally in a barn, which his son witnesses, and the other by food poisoning. The slave murdered in the barn has a scrap of paper with initials and a drawing tucked in his tunic.
Titus is due to be sent to Rome to stand trial. Macha is convinced she must also travel to Rome to prove her husband's innocence.
She puts their son, little Titus, and the slave boy who witnessed his father's murder in the care of her brother-in-law and sister-in-law for safety during her absence.
Macha's journey to Rome is fraught with setbacks, including an attempt on her life. Once in Rome, she is yet again a target for murder.
To add to her burden, her son is kidnapped and the slave boy murdered during the kidnapping.
There are few Macha can trust and, even then, she is unable to obtain more than half-truths or avoidance of her questions. She trusts only her slave, Shafer, and a senator, although she does at times question whether her belief in the senator is misplaced.
With little support and many to suspect, Macha must find discover who is behind the conspiracy with little more than a scrap of paper to provide clues. And she doesn't have much time before her husband is executed for treason and her son murdered.
Hughes has written a historical mystery novel with a fast-paced plot and plenty of action. This, in itself, keeps the reader's interest.
In my opinion, further editing and tightening of prose would benefit this novel greatly in terms of caliber. Additionally, a revamped cover would draw more readers to The Sign of the Eagle.
All in all, a good read aside from remarks in the above paragraph.
August 1, 2016
When I first noticed this book I realised I had read very few works of fiction set in ancient times. The book description told me the story took place in the classical Roman era and, as a fan of historical fiction and former university student of Latin, I decided to broaden my experience. After reading The Sign of the Eagle, I am very glad I made that choice.
The story is based on a treasonous plot against the Emperor Vespasian, which leads to murders and kidnapping. The whole narrative is infused with mystery and suspense.
The novel centres on Macha Carataca, a red-haired British Celt, who was forcibly moved from her homeland to Italy as a child and raised as a Roman. It is not only her exotic appearance that makes her stand out among the locals, many of whom look down on her. She is an intelligent and cultivated woman, with moral courage that circumstances soon drive her to balance with physical bravery. The author draws Macha in a mixture of bold and subtle strokes, engaging the reader’s empathy.
I admire the way the author depicts the time and place by putting a carefully worded phrase or sentence here and there without detracting from the focus on the story. Small details of clothing, food, furniture, architectural features and other things all keep the reader immersed in the ancient Roman world. Authorial knowledge of the times and customs is surely felt, without any sense of authorial intrusion into the narration.
For anyone prone to confusion over the Latin names, the author has provided a handy list of the places mentioned with today’s equivalent word, and a list of Dramatis Personae to remind us who each character is.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I am eager to read more of Jess Steven Hughes’ work. He deserves a large readership.
The story is based on a treasonous plot against the Emperor Vespasian, which leads to murders and kidnapping. The whole narrative is infused with mystery and suspense.
The novel centres on Macha Carataca, a red-haired British Celt, who was forcibly moved from her homeland to Italy as a child and raised as a Roman. It is not only her exotic appearance that makes her stand out among the locals, many of whom look down on her. She is an intelligent and cultivated woman, with moral courage that circumstances soon drive her to balance with physical bravery. The author draws Macha in a mixture of bold and subtle strokes, engaging the reader’s empathy.
I admire the way the author depicts the time and place by putting a carefully worded phrase or sentence here and there without detracting from the focus on the story. Small details of clothing, food, furniture, architectural features and other things all keep the reader immersed in the ancient Roman world. Authorial knowledge of the times and customs is surely felt, without any sense of authorial intrusion into the narration.
For anyone prone to confusion over the Latin names, the author has provided a handy list of the places mentioned with today’s equivalent word, and a list of Dramatis Personae to remind us who each character is.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I am eager to read more of Jess Steven Hughes’ work. He deserves a large readership.
January 13, 2013
My Review: Mystery, intrigue and lots of political drama. Could almost describe this time but it takes place in ancient Rome. When Macha’s husband Titus is falsely accused of plots against the Emperor she is determined to prove his innocence before he is executed. The true plotted will stop at nothing to foil her plan, to the repeated attempts on her life and the kidnapping of her young son. I enjoyed the glimpse into roman life at the time. The description were very good and I could see the houses and the clothes and the people very well. In a historical novel I usually look for a little more of a history lesson than I felt I got from this book. There were some minor editing problems that I felt were maybe a little harder to over look since it did come from an actual publishing house. I find errors easier to overlook when I know they are from indie authors that don’t have the resources. That being said I did enjoy the book. For plot and story line I give the book 4 stars. For lack of history lesson I give it a 3 and for editing I give it a 3. If you like historical fiction I feel it is worth you time to read.
May 16, 2014
A fast-paced novel with lots of politcal intrigue, not easy to put down. I don't normally read this type of book but the author was local and he was having a signing at the bookstore where I work and so I was kinda suckered into buying it. But, anyway, it turned out to be pretty good.
There were lots of things I liked about this novel. I learned that Macha, the story's heroine was a real person who lived in acient Rome. It was really fun getting a little history lesson because I don't know anything, really, about acient Rome, so that was interesting. The plot was strong and the heroine was very dynamic and interesting.
The one thing that was a little strange for me was the ending. This might be a weird complaint but there just seemed to be too many happy endings, everything worked out in the end for everyone, I didn't find it to be believable. Maybe thats just me I like a little ambiguity.
There were lots of things I liked about this novel. I learned that Macha, the story's heroine was a real person who lived in acient Rome. It was really fun getting a little history lesson because I don't know anything, really, about acient Rome, so that was interesting. The plot was strong and the heroine was very dynamic and interesting.
The one thing that was a little strange for me was the ending. This might be a weird complaint but there just seemed to be too many happy endings, everything worked out in the end for everyone, I didn't find it to be believable. Maybe thats just me I like a little ambiguity.
May 16, 2012
Set in the 1st Century A.D., The Sign of the Eagle pits Celtic princess, Macha, against treacherous men of the Roman elite who are out to kill Emperor Vespasian. To this end, Macha must first prove her husband, Titus, a Roman tribune, innocent of treason against the emperor. With only the aid of her slave and friend, the Moorish woman Shafer, and Senator Bassus, who knows Titus is innocent, Macha has a job on her hands. The enemy will do anything to stop her from foiling their evil plot. Macha must evade assassins, travel from one end of the kingdom to the other, and face the elements in order to free her husband and save the emperor.
Filled with rich details and pulse-pounding action scenes, Macha and The Sign of the Eagle will keep you up at night reading. This is a riveting historical novel of action and suspense!
Filled with rich details and pulse-pounding action scenes, Macha and The Sign of the Eagle will keep you up at night reading. This is a riveting historical novel of action and suspense!
September 8, 2013
What a grand historical mystery novel set in Roma Italy AD71. I haven't studied much about this era, but the smooth way he slid in historical details. I could follow along easy. The characters were so well written and real. I could visualize them in today's world.
Macha, a wife of a High Ranking Roman Citizen, found her world changed and turned upside down when news reached her that her husband had been arrested.
Through her eyes, the reader follows her as she struggles to free her husband and untangle a few mysteries.
Jess Steven Hughes is an amazing storyteller and writer. His historical knowledge is flawless. I have learned so much about AD71.
I highly recommend this book and Author.
Enjoy.
Macha, a wife of a High Ranking Roman Citizen, found her world changed and turned upside down when news reached her that her husband had been arrested.
Through her eyes, the reader follows her as she struggles to free her husband and untangle a few mysteries.
Jess Steven Hughes is an amazing storyteller and writer. His historical knowledge is flawless. I have learned so much about AD71.
I highly recommend this book and Author.
Enjoy.
August 3, 2013
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews