The Eagle and the Dragon: A Novel of Rome and China

by Lewis F. McIntyre

In a world where diplomacy is key, can a Roman centurion and a senator's cousin navigate the treacherous waters of ancient politics to forge unlikely alliances?

In the 1st century, Marcus Lucius, a resourceful centurion, narrowly escapes execution by Parthian soldiers, while Gaius Lucullus, a reluctant diplomat, embarks on a perilous mission to the Hanaeans with his cousin, Senator Aulus Aemilius Galba. Alongside allies like the wise librarian Demaratos, they navigate the complexities of foreign lands, political intrigue, and personal relationships across Rome and China.

Will Gaius and his companions succeed in their mission, or will they fall victim to betrayal and the harsh realities of espionage? Can they survive the wrath of Emperor He and the threat of execution?

This is a gripping historical adventure where survival hinges on diplomacy and wit, as characters face the ultimate test of loyalty amidst political turmoil. Failure means death, but success could change the course of history.

554 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2024

About the author

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

Reviews

[Louise purfield-coak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Historical Fiction

What a wonderful and downright gripping and engrossing story! It totally immersed my mind in another time and place with a family of characters I am still reluctant to leave behind.
I highly recommend this author and title to anyone interested in the ancient empires of the world, or just plain adventure and romance! I gave it a five star rating, because I can think of little the author could improve on with this title. I look forward to reading the next title in the series, which I have already purchased. Thank you Lewis McIntyre for such wonderful entertainment!

[Paul Wedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeply researched historical tale that offers a large cast of colorful characters from a variety of cultures. It depicts a first century voyage from Rome to China and back, giving detailed pictures of the places and cultures along the way. At more than 800 pages and with a dozen main characters, this novel demands attention from readers, but if interested in this period it provides lots of great information. While the voyage itself may not actually have taken place, the sights and sounds, languages and cultures met along the way feel historically accurate.

[John Sapienza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rome and China

This is a satisfying alternative history, in which the Emperor of China sends a mission to Rome, followed by Rome sending an ambassador to China. Persia tries to prevent a treaty between Rome and China, with limited success. Well written and full of inventive, I enjoyed this.

[Patricia A Spring · Rating 5 out of 5]

historical fiction

Very interesting, fast paced, historical fiction. Descriptions make the reader feel like they are there in the local being described

[J.D. Schechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost perfect

A sweeping saga of adventure, romance,, discovery, piracy, intrigue and more. If you only read one book this year, make it this

[neillcowans · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as good

Started out well AND QUITE EXCITING,BUT LOST ITS WAY AND GOT QUITE BORING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORY WITH LOTS OF TIRED DIALOGUE
SORRY,NEEDED MORE ACTION