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Eagles of the Empire #14
Britannia
IF YOU DON'T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON'T KNOW ROME!
A Sunday Times bestseller. Shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize.
Simon Scarrow's veteran Roman soldier heroes face a cunning and relentless enemy in BRITANNIA, the unforgettable fourteenth novel in the bestselling Eagles of the Empire series.
Roman Britain, AD 52. The western tribes prepare to make a stand. But can they match the discipline and courage of the legionaries?
Wounded Centurion Macro remains behind in charge of the fort as Prefect Cato leads an invasion deep into the hills. Cato's mission: to cement Rome's triumph over the natives by crushing the Druid stronghold. But with winter drawing in, the terrain is barely passable through icy rain and snowstorms.
When Macro's patrols report that the natives in the vicinity of the garrison are thinning out, a terrible suspicion takes shape in the battle-scarred soldier's mind. Has the acting Governor, Legate Quintatus, underestimated the enemy? If there is a sophisticated and deadly plan afoot, it's Cato and his men who will pay the price...
Includes maps, chart and author Q&A.
A Sunday Times bestseller. Shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize.
Simon Scarrow's veteran Roman soldier heroes face a cunning and relentless enemy in BRITANNIA, the unforgettable fourteenth novel in the bestselling Eagles of the Empire series.
Roman Britain, AD 52. The western tribes prepare to make a stand. But can they match the discipline and courage of the legionaries?
Wounded Centurion Macro remains behind in charge of the fort as Prefect Cato leads an invasion deep into the hills. Cato's mission: to cement Rome's triumph over the natives by crushing the Druid stronghold. But with winter drawing in, the terrain is barely passable through icy rain and snowstorms.
When Macro's patrols report that the natives in the vicinity of the garrison are thinning out, a terrible suspicion takes shape in the battle-scarred soldier's mind. Has the acting Governor, Legate Quintatus, underestimated the enemy? If there is a sophisticated and deadly plan afoot, it's Cato and his men who will pay the price...
Includes maps, chart and author Q&A.
480 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2015
262 people are currently reading
1354 people want to read
About the author
Simon Scarrow
171 books2,159 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 160 reviews
February 19, 2016
In my reading life I’ve come across a number of moronic protagonists; it’s only natural. But, sometimes one is just SO stupid that the entire novel is sacrificed in the process. You know the type I mean, a character that is written so badly that his actions just don’t correspond with his rank or personality. He’s one that just doesn’t quite work.
Cato is a Prefect in the Roman army, so that means he is second in command of an entire legion. Therefore, he is supposed to be experienced and possess some degree of tactical intelligence. He is characterised as being so, but here are three instances in which his behaviour suggests otherwise:
1. He charges blindly into a gorge situated between two overshadowing cliff faces. The enemy are waiting inside; they taunt him to enter. His orders are clear; he is to attack. He doesn’t suspect anything odd about the situation; he does his duty. So, when the enemy appear on the cliff face sand start slaughtering his men with a bombardment of rocks he is utterly shaken. It was clearly a trap. Why couldn’t an experienced Prefect see this when I could? Why didn’t he refute his superior more and protect his men? Why didn’t he prepare more? Why is he so stupid?
2. He tries to save some men stranded in the middle of a sea storm. He forgets all protocol and charges into the fray. There are heroics and then there is plain stupidity. It takes more than bravery to be a Prefect; it takes intelligence and forbearance. This situation was one nobody could have realistically survived. Why not just send a grunt?
3.He does another death charge across the battlefield to get back his standard. So, this is important, but it felt ridiculous. He, and two other guys, ran through enemy ranks, skirmishes and the entire chaos of the battlefield. They somehow survive and are opposed by very few men. This just defied reality and any common sense. Why didn’t he take more men with him? Why was he barely opposed? How did he survive?
This just ruined it for me. The protagonist felt superhuman and not at all tactfully aware. The plot had potential, but I like characters to be consistent, and in a book like this I need to at least be under the illusion that the characters could die. In this they felt invincible and overpowered. There was very little behaviour that corresponded with his rank to boot. This was a bad book, but I am willing to give the author another shot in the future. I will be trying one of the earlier books and hoping for more than this because this whole thing felt cheap.
Cato is a Prefect in the Roman army, so that means he is second in command of an entire legion. Therefore, he is supposed to be experienced and possess some degree of tactical intelligence. He is characterised as being so, but here are three instances in which his behaviour suggests otherwise:
1. He charges blindly into a gorge situated between two overshadowing cliff faces. The enemy are waiting inside; they taunt him to enter. His orders are clear; he is to attack. He doesn’t suspect anything odd about the situation; he does his duty. So, when the enemy appear on the cliff face sand start slaughtering his men with a bombardment of rocks he is utterly shaken. It was clearly a trap. Why couldn’t an experienced Prefect see this when I could? Why didn’t he refute his superior more and protect his men? Why didn’t he prepare more? Why is he so stupid?
2. He tries to save some men stranded in the middle of a sea storm. He forgets all protocol and charges into the fray. There are heroics and then there is plain stupidity. It takes more than bravery to be a Prefect; it takes intelligence and forbearance. This situation was one nobody could have realistically survived. Why not just send a grunt?
3.He does another death charge across the battlefield to get back his standard. So, this is important, but it felt ridiculous. He, and two other guys, ran through enemy ranks, skirmishes and the entire chaos of the battlefield. They somehow survive and are opposed by very few men. This just defied reality and any common sense. Why didn’t he take more men with him? Why was he barely opposed? How did he survive?
This just ruined it for me. The protagonist felt superhuman and not at all tactfully aware. The plot had potential, but I like characters to be consistent, and in a book like this I need to at least be under the illusion that the characters could die. In this they felt invincible and overpowered. There was very little behaviour that corresponded with his rank to boot. This was a bad book, but I am willing to give the author another shot in the future. I will be trying one of the earlier books and hoping for more than this because this whole thing felt cheap.
June 26, 2024
This book is about a tragic military expedition that was doomed by Legate Quintatus whose pursuit of glory doomed many. Quintatus wanted to end the British tribes resistance to Roman rule by eliminating the Druids whose influence united them. What he didn't take in account was the harsh Winter weather and the overwhelming size of the opposing forces united in the common cause of destroying the Roman army. The men all die of cold and hunger as Macro and Cato lament the loss of their brothers in arms and curse Quintatus for his blind ambition. Simon Scarrow's Britannia is a meditation on how glory seeking commanders are a worse enemy than any army you will ever meet on the battlefield.
June 22, 2020
An onwards we go, this time back to Wales as they’re kicking off again!!!
As opposed to the Silures in the earlier stories this time it’s the Deceangli tribe who reside in the North along with the druids who are preparing the island of Mona (Anglesey) for a last stand against the Roman invaders….
For once Macro & Cato are split apart, Macro being wounded which occurs very early in our adventure so it was good to read about how they fared without each other to back them up, certainly adding a diffo dynamic to the tale….. Macro remaining at the outpost fortress who gets saddled with a reserve cohort who aren’t even worthy of the name….. will he lick them into shape? Cato meanwhile is challenged by not having his erstwhile subordinate & friend to rely on & must instead make judgements of the leadership skills of his officers that surround him…. Will they serve him well? Will he make the right command decisions?
That slight change in dynamics aside we as always have a good smattering of historical Roman legionnaires, combat, heroes & villains, humour, adventure, along with political intrigue as events in Rome still carry to the frontier.
4.25 Stars for this one as enjoyed the change in events & outcomes.
As opposed to the Silures in the earlier stories this time it’s the Deceangli tribe who reside in the North along with the druids who are preparing the island of Mona (Anglesey) for a last stand against the Roman invaders….
For once Macro & Cato are split apart, Macro being wounded which occurs very early in our adventure so it was good to read about how they fared without each other to back them up, certainly adding a diffo dynamic to the tale….. Macro remaining at the outpost fortress who gets saddled with a reserve cohort who aren’t even worthy of the name….. will he lick them into shape? Cato meanwhile is challenged by not having his erstwhile subordinate & friend to rely on & must instead make judgements of the leadership skills of his officers that surround him…. Will they serve him well? Will he make the right command decisions?
That slight change in dynamics aside we as always have a good smattering of historical Roman legionnaires, combat, heroes & villains, humour, adventure, along with political intrigue as events in Rome still carry to the frontier.
4.25 Stars for this one as enjoyed the change in events & outcomes.
January 3, 2018
Loved this! A very strong addition to the series, crammed to the gills with action and tension. One of the best of the series and quite possibly my favourite.
November 8, 2025
I don't know why I decided to read this novel. My internal warrior is a quivering wimp who would run faster than Usain Bolt to escape from any battle-axe wielding Celt hurling Welsh expletives at me. I am not a person for warfare and Britannia is full of it from beginning to end. I should have realized as soon as I knew the hero pals, Cato and Macro, commanded a troop of Roman auxiliaries known as the Blood Crows - probably not the sort of people one would invite to tea and cucumber sandwiches on the lawn.
The story fits in to a part of the history of Roman Britain of which little is known. The Romans believed the south of Britain had been subdued, or bribed, into peace and had been turning their attention to the north and west. Then the governor, Publius Ostorius Scapula, died and there was going to be a delay before his replacement could arrive. The senior legionary commander, Quintatus, takes over and, being a politically ambitious man, decides to seek a military triumph by invading North Wales and destroying the power of the druids.
Quintatus and his campaign are fictional. The Welsh Celts did have a victory before the new governor, Aulus Didius Gallus, arrived but that was in South Wales when the Silures won against Gaius Manlius Valens. So, to return to Quintatus and his winter march into and out of the Welsh mountains. The author uses the opportunity to explain Roman military tactics, weaponry and command structure. He brings in Pausinus to display army medical procedures and Livonius and his slave Hieropates to show that the legions used cartographers to draw maps and battle plans. All very educational. However, it is the blood and thunder fight scenes which take over and allow Cato and Macro to shine through, even in adversity.
One may doubt the Arctic weather conditions the author transfers to Roman Britain. The timing of Quintatus' expedition would appear to be late November, as the harvest has already been gathered and there is no mention of Samhain festivities (the 1st November) or the winter solstice (mid-December), so thick snow and blizzards would be exceptional. One may wonder if the Celtic warlords looked on druids as their inspirational jihadist leaders. And one may feel that the time allowed Cato and Macro to travel from the Menai Strait to Mediolanum (the modern town of Whitchurch in Shropshire) is too short, considering they were on foot for part of the journey, the weather was freezing, they were wounded, facing starvation and in retreat after fighting several rearguard actions.
Despite that it is a well written historical adventure in the tradition of Hornblower and Richard Sharpe. If you like the clash of steel on steel and the thrill of incredible bravery you will love it. If, like me, you prefer cowering in a bunker until the nasty people have gone away, then it could be a bit of a struggle.
The story fits in to a part of the history of Roman Britain of which little is known. The Romans believed the south of Britain had been subdued, or bribed, into peace and had been turning their attention to the north and west. Then the governor, Publius Ostorius Scapula, died and there was going to be a delay before his replacement could arrive. The senior legionary commander, Quintatus, takes over and, being a politically ambitious man, decides to seek a military triumph by invading North Wales and destroying the power of the druids.
Quintatus and his campaign are fictional. The Welsh Celts did have a victory before the new governor, Aulus Didius Gallus, arrived but that was in South Wales when the Silures won against Gaius Manlius Valens. So, to return to Quintatus and his winter march into and out of the Welsh mountains. The author uses the opportunity to explain Roman military tactics, weaponry and command structure. He brings in Pausinus to display army medical procedures and Livonius and his slave Hieropates to show that the legions used cartographers to draw maps and battle plans. All very educational. However, it is the blood and thunder fight scenes which take over and allow Cato and Macro to shine through, even in adversity.
One may doubt the Arctic weather conditions the author transfers to Roman Britain. The timing of Quintatus' expedition would appear to be late November, as the harvest has already been gathered and there is no mention of Samhain festivities (the 1st November) or the winter solstice (mid-December), so thick snow and blizzards would be exceptional. One may wonder if the Celtic warlords looked on druids as their inspirational jihadist leaders. And one may feel that the time allowed Cato and Macro to travel from the Menai Strait to Mediolanum (the modern town of Whitchurch in Shropshire) is too short, considering they were on foot for part of the journey, the weather was freezing, they were wounded, facing starvation and in retreat after fighting several rearguard actions.
Despite that it is a well written historical adventure in the tradition of Hornblower and Richard Sharpe. If you like the clash of steel on steel and the thrill of incredible bravery you will love it. If, like me, you prefer cowering in a bunker until the nasty people have gone away, then it could be a bit of a struggle.
November 8, 2016
Another fantastic read from my favorite author! I wish he could write faster because I just love reading about Cato and Macro. If you haven't read this series then I am very jealous because you have so many books to read. Few authors paint such a realistic picture of a fascinating period in history. Packed full of action and adventure it's not the book for you if you are a fan of Romance.
April 7, 2019
It's not often that you read a book where the odds are so overwhelmingly not in the heroes favour. Carrying on with my Roman reading theme, this was probably the first one I've read where the Roman's aren't out on top, where their military might is no match for the weather and the sheer number of the Britons.
With a high bodycount, this book is not for the squeamish, but if you enjoy military history, then this book is the one to read.
With enough personal conflict to keep the story moving, I loved reading it. And it makes me particularly glad that I'm not a Roman soldier on the northern frontier in winter.
With a high bodycount, this book is not for the squeamish, but if you enjoy military history, then this book is the one to read.
With enough personal conflict to keep the story moving, I loved reading it. And it makes me particularly glad that I'm not a Roman soldier on the northern frontier in winter.
September 11, 2020
Review soon
December 29, 2018
This excellent and thrilling book is already the 14th volume of the wonderfully exciting "Eagles of the Empire"series.
First of all the book once again contains a splendidly constructed Roman Army Chain of Command, along with that a very informative author's note, and a superbly explained brief introduction to the Roman Army.
It's another book which includes besides wonderful storytelling, with characters who come all vividly to life within this tale, it also produces great historical details, including battle maps of North Wales as well as the siege of the Island of Mona (now Anglesey).
The story is set in the year AD 52 and our two main characters of the series, the cunning and intelligent Prefect Cato and his ferocious fighting friend Centurion Macro, find themselves in North Wales for the invasion of Mona.
The tale begins when a wounded Macro is left behind in charge of the fort, and Cato is heading for an invasion mission that will take him and his "Blood Crows" deep into the hills towards Mona.
With winter drawing in the Druids are determined, with the help of the native tribes, to do anything within their power and strength to stop the Romans from invading Mona, and when patrols report to Macro that the natives are thinning out in the vicinity of the garrison a terrible suspicion takes shape in Macro's mind.
When the acting Governer, Legate Quintatus, acts immediately and with a ttal destruction on his mind, he does that with the knowledge that his superior, Secretary Pallas, has ordered him to do so and he in return threathens Cato with danger and death to support him, for the danger is there and its Cato who's the vanguard and who will probably pay the price, and so it will finally depend on Macro and his men to fight a desperate struggle to free Cato and his "Blood Crows" from the clutches of the Druids and the native tribes.
Fully recommended, for this book is in my opinion "Brilliant Britannia"!
First of all the book once again contains a splendidly constructed Roman Army Chain of Command, along with that a very informative author's note, and a superbly explained brief introduction to the Roman Army.
It's another book which includes besides wonderful storytelling, with characters who come all vividly to life within this tale, it also produces great historical details, including battle maps of North Wales as well as the siege of the Island of Mona (now Anglesey).
The story is set in the year AD 52 and our two main characters of the series, the cunning and intelligent Prefect Cato and his ferocious fighting friend Centurion Macro, find themselves in North Wales for the invasion of Mona.
The tale begins when a wounded Macro is left behind in charge of the fort, and Cato is heading for an invasion mission that will take him and his "Blood Crows" deep into the hills towards Mona.
With winter drawing in the Druids are determined, with the help of the native tribes, to do anything within their power and strength to stop the Romans from invading Mona, and when patrols report to Macro that the natives are thinning out in the vicinity of the garrison a terrible suspicion takes shape in Macro's mind.
When the acting Governer, Legate Quintatus, acts immediately and with a ttal destruction on his mind, he does that with the knowledge that his superior, Secretary Pallas, has ordered him to do so and he in return threathens Cato with danger and death to support him, for the danger is there and its Cato who's the vanguard and who will probably pay the price, and so it will finally depend on Macro and his men to fight a desperate struggle to free Cato and his "Blood Crows" from the clutches of the Druids and the native tribes.
Fully recommended, for this book is in my opinion "Brilliant Britannia"!
February 27, 2021
The 14th installment of the Cato and Macro series was pretty intense.
In this instance, the acting governor, Legate Quintatus, is seeking glory to finish off the barbarians of Britain once and for all. He has a new strategy - with the capture of Caratacus, he wants to focus on taking the island of Mona in order to wipe out the druids. To make a long story short, they don't take that very well and refuse to die for the governor.
I have to say that it reminded me quite a bit of the Germans who were counterattacked at Stalingrad after pushing the Russians back and taking most of the city. Clearly, this book is a solid part of the invasion of Britain and is a great lead for the next one on the series.
I won't spoil it, but Cato and Macro and the rest of the Roman Army in Britain are pushed to the limit of their endurance.
Overall, I thought the book was a great leisure read and look forward to the next one in the series.
In this instance, the acting governor, Legate Quintatus, is seeking glory to finish off the barbarians of Britain once and for all. He has a new strategy - with the capture of Caratacus, he wants to focus on taking the island of Mona in order to wipe out the druids. To make a long story short, they don't take that very well and refuse to die for the governor.
I have to say that it reminded me quite a bit of the Germans who were counterattacked at Stalingrad after pushing the Russians back and taking most of the city. Clearly, this book is a solid part of the invasion of Britain and is a great lead for the next one on the series.
I won't spoil it, but Cato and Macro and the rest of the Roman Army in Britain are pushed to the limit of their endurance.
Overall, I thought the book was a great leisure read and look forward to the next one in the series.
May 3, 2022
I want more. Need more. VI to go…5⭐️
May 5, 2018
Delicioso. Aperta coração. Mais uma histórica aventura dos dois bravos. Obrigado, Simon, por mais um pedaço de sonho.
August 22, 2022
Un viaggio nell' antica Roma da vivere pagina dopo pagina
February 11, 2023
Another phenomenal Cato and macro story. Some real tear jerking moments. This really did leave we wondering how it might end.
August 30, 2017
A estas alturas, después de catorce libros, todo lector sabe perfectamente lo que se va a encontrar. Scarrow, a su vez, sabe perfectamente lo que escribe y lo que espera el susodicho lector. Abandona definitivamente la línea argumental de los espías del siglo I y se sumerge en las batallas de las legiones romanas, en este caso en la rebelde Britania. Y el regreso a la línea original, que ya se establecía en el anterior libro, le sienta muy bien a la narración de las aventuras de Cato y Macro. No es que toda la temática de las intrigas palaciegas fuese mala, pero no alcanza la brillantez de la descripción de la vida y las batallas de las míticas unidades militares romanas. Además, Scarrow sigue demostrando sus conocimientos históricos sin abrumar ni resultar pedante. Y con un estilo sencillo y directo que atrapa al lector. Si has llegado a este libro es que ya conoces su sello y te gusta. En cuyo caso te aseguro que Britania también te gustará, es de los mejores de la serie
November 2, 2016
Este é o primeiro livro que leio de Simon Scarrow e depois de o ler fiquei encantada. Vou querer ler todos os livros anteriores, uma vez que este é o décimo quarto de uma belíssima saga. Sei que devia ter começado pelo primeiro, mas li este com imenso gosto e muito agrado.
A história, as personagens, o contexto, as descrições, a ação...tudo é esplêndido. É romance histórico ao mais alto nível, como a Saída de Emergência já nos tem vindo a habituar.
Gostei muito das personagens. Macro e Cato são excelentes personagens. Fortes, complexas, têm todos os adjetivos que deveriam ter para criar um contexto romano perfeito. Sempre imersas em ações e decisões importantes, tudo depende deles. Também as outras personagens são ricas e interessantes, mas Macro e Cato são únicos.
O contexto histórico está excelente. As descrições estão muito bem elaboradas, precisas e sempre decisivas, criando o ambiente ideal e fiel. Todo o contexto histórico e político está muito bem trabalhado. As questões romanas e bretãs estão presentes, as lealdades, os acontecimentos, as questões políticas e sociais da época estão muito bem trabalhadas e apresentadas ao leitor, criando um contexto fiel e único. Sente-se a paixão do autor por esta época em cada página!
Toda a intriga está muito bem elaborada. O enredo é complexo, rico e denso. Há muito para nos fazer pensar e muito para nos intrigar. Gostei muito da forma como o autor mexeu na história e nas personagens, criando momentos únicos e muito bem conseguidos.
Quanto à linguagem, está é cuidada, pertinente e fluída, dando ao leitor momentos de grande emoção e de muito prazer. A ação também está excelente, uma vez que a intriga está muito bem elaborada...todos os detalhes foram pensados ao pormenor. A intriga é complexa, inteligente e criativa. O autor é ambicioso e isso é excelente.
Senti a falta da leitura dos volumes anteriores, uma vez que o contexto é riquíssimo, as personagens são complexas e brilhantes. No entanto foi com grande prazer que desbravei este volume. É daqueles livros que não só nos transporta para um ambiente único, interessante e real, como nos ensina algo. O romance histórico, quando é bem escrito, bem elaborada, com pesquisa cuidada e bem contextualizado, torna-se num excelente meio de aprendizagem e conhecimento. Cada vez que leio um bom romance histórico aprendo alguma coisa (ou muita coisa!). Aconteceu isso e fiquei muito satisfeita.
Ler por entretimento e prazer é excelente. Quando se pode acrescentar a aprendizagem, principalmente de temas que me agradam e me fascinam, então é uma experiência única e maravilhosa. Por isso recomendo vivamente a leitura desta saga. Todos os leitores irão gostar!
A história, as personagens, o contexto, as descrições, a ação...tudo é esplêndido. É romance histórico ao mais alto nível, como a Saída de Emergência já nos tem vindo a habituar.
Gostei muito das personagens. Macro e Cato são excelentes personagens. Fortes, complexas, têm todos os adjetivos que deveriam ter para criar um contexto romano perfeito. Sempre imersas em ações e decisões importantes, tudo depende deles. Também as outras personagens são ricas e interessantes, mas Macro e Cato são únicos.
O contexto histórico está excelente. As descrições estão muito bem elaboradas, precisas e sempre decisivas, criando o ambiente ideal e fiel. Todo o contexto histórico e político está muito bem trabalhado. As questões romanas e bretãs estão presentes, as lealdades, os acontecimentos, as questões políticas e sociais da época estão muito bem trabalhadas e apresentadas ao leitor, criando um contexto fiel e único. Sente-se a paixão do autor por esta época em cada página!
Toda a intriga está muito bem elaborada. O enredo é complexo, rico e denso. Há muito para nos fazer pensar e muito para nos intrigar. Gostei muito da forma como o autor mexeu na história e nas personagens, criando momentos únicos e muito bem conseguidos.
Quanto à linguagem, está é cuidada, pertinente e fluída, dando ao leitor momentos de grande emoção e de muito prazer. A ação também está excelente, uma vez que a intriga está muito bem elaborada...todos os detalhes foram pensados ao pormenor. A intriga é complexa, inteligente e criativa. O autor é ambicioso e isso é excelente.
Senti a falta da leitura dos volumes anteriores, uma vez que o contexto é riquíssimo, as personagens são complexas e brilhantes. No entanto foi com grande prazer que desbravei este volume. É daqueles livros que não só nos transporta para um ambiente único, interessante e real, como nos ensina algo. O romance histórico, quando é bem escrito, bem elaborada, com pesquisa cuidada e bem contextualizado, torna-se num excelente meio de aprendizagem e conhecimento. Cada vez que leio um bom romance histórico aprendo alguma coisa (ou muita coisa!). Aconteceu isso e fiquei muito satisfeita.
Ler por entretimento e prazer é excelente. Quando se pode acrescentar a aprendizagem, principalmente de temas que me agradam e me fascinam, então é uma experiência única e maravilhosa. Por isso recomendo vivamente a leitura desta saga. Todos os leitores irão gostar!
January 9, 2017
By book 14 of the Eagle series, Marco and Cato have been to Britain and back again, but at this point they have been hanging around this wet isle for quite a few books with nary a sniff of Boudicca’s return. Instead this book almost fills like a slice of filler between the arrival of a new Governor for the Roman army. In the time between the old Governor’s death and the new Governor’s arrival, Legate Quintatus hopes to put pay to the Druids and win an incisive battle that will see his stock rise back in Rome. However, like this book, the quest seems a little haphazard and not really necessary.
For large parts of this book the two characters of Marco and Cato are separated as Cato is sent out to try and flush the Druids from Anglesey. What you get is a slow and bleak rolling battle through the hills and mountains of Wales and then back again. As usual the battle scenes that Scarrow writes are visceral, but perhaps it is my age or the bleakness of the setting, but the constant gore was a little too much this time. In the past the books have had a mystery, romance or intrigue element that distracted from the gore. Here it is nearly all misery.
It may seem wise to Scarrow to hold his characters close to his chest and have them eke out their careers slowly over as many books as possible. The issue is that some books, like this one, will fill like filler. It is a passable read and fans of the series will absorb it and move on, but it pails when compared to the best that Scarrow has offered in the past. A similar story of a trapped Roman Army can be read in Ben Kane’s ‘Eagles at War’ that gives the process a more epic feel than shown here.
For large parts of this book the two characters of Marco and Cato are separated as Cato is sent out to try and flush the Druids from Anglesey. What you get is a slow and bleak rolling battle through the hills and mountains of Wales and then back again. As usual the battle scenes that Scarrow writes are visceral, but perhaps it is my age or the bleakness of the setting, but the constant gore was a little too much this time. In the past the books have had a mystery, romance or intrigue element that distracted from the gore. Here it is nearly all misery.
It may seem wise to Scarrow to hold his characters close to his chest and have them eke out their careers slowly over as many books as possible. The issue is that some books, like this one, will fill like filler. It is a passable read and fans of the series will absorb it and move on, but it pails when compared to the best that Scarrow has offered in the past. A similar story of a trapped Roman Army can be read in Ben Kane’s ‘Eagles at War’ that gives the process a more epic feel than shown here.
October 4, 2016
Prefect Cato would make a good and inspiring junior non-commissioned officer, instead of a senior officer. He launches an attack against an enemy force blocking a geographical feature, then after losing a load of guys he refers, for the first time, to a map. He runs to the aid of a legionnaire who falls over and gets caught up in sword-to-sword fighting, when he is in charge of a cohort that consists of two or three sub-units. Hasn't he heard of command and control?
Anyway, apart from Cato being a total knob (and thereby losing a star in my rating), the story flows along quite nicely and leaves a few strings at the end to ensure that yet another book in this series will be written.
Anyway, apart from Cato being a total knob (and thereby losing a star in my rating), the story flows along quite nicely and leaves a few strings at the end to ensure that yet another book in this series will be written.
September 12, 2016
I've been a fan of this series for years, but lost track of Macro and Cato. Great to see them again, fighting fit and as loyal is can be!
Great detail, great action, great characters. What more could you want?
Great detail, great action, great characters. What more could you want?
May 27, 2017
Ich liebe dieser "Rom"-Reihe. Es ist zwar erst mein zweites Buch und ich lese ein bisschen querbeet ein aber Macro und Cato habe ich schon tief ins Herz geschlossen! Wieder einmal wunderbar blutig, emotional und echt. <3
January 28, 2019
Another great Scarrow read. Love Cato and Macro. Sad to read the Blood Crows getting a good pasting and loss of Julia (sorry spoilers alert). Good news now in Madeira and have picked up 3 Conn Iggulden novels...and a bottle of red
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2015
Awesome..........
May 9, 2023
Winter is coming, both for Britain and for the Druids. Rome, drawn to Britain because of its tribes’ support of their Gallic brothers during Caesar’s rise to power, has been campaigning there for decades — but no matter how many times organized rebellion is crushed, it always appears again, in part because the British priestly caste, the Druids, instigate it. On the eve of political disruption in Rome, the Blood Crows are sent through the mountains to confront and destroy the Druids directly. With British command of the treacherous landscape, this would be task demanding enough — but Prefect Cato has to do it alone, his strong right arm Macro confined to base duties after a Briton tries to shish-ka-bob his leg. Things will get worse, though, because once Macro learns that Cato and the others are heading into a trap — goaded by the woad, shall we say? — he sets forth into the hostile wilderness to offer warning. Further complicating matters is the political scene in Rome, as the Emperor is expected to die or be knocked off any moment, and Rome’s would-be-potenantes are already circling each other growling, and making sure they have supporters — willing or bullied. Cato and Marco were accidentally exposed to Roman politics in a prior adventure, and Cato is especially vulnerable to intimidation because of his young wife and newborn. The more I read Scarrow, the more I find it’s difficult to write new reviews for him, rather like Cornwell: he’s so consistent with characterization, detail, etc that I feel like I’m merely repeating myself. Suffice it to say, if you’ve read and liked Cato & Macro stories, this will repeat that enjoyment, and make it all the more interesting with the dramatic final showdown between a Roman army marching through winter gales to confront the Druids at Mona, who then find themselves pinned between two British armies. Funny, dramatic, richly detailed: Scarrow is as good as ever!
August 9, 2018
I picked this book up,in the library so started at book 14 in the series. Never a good way to start. Would I read more by this author in this series? Yes.
What is good about it? The author has clearly studied the history of the period, he knows the make up of a Roman army, their formations, their command structure including the type of man in each position and he uses a little known period , and little known of period, in the Roman occupation of Britain, as the basis for his story and makes a good tale out of it. Even without reading previous stories in this series I came to relate to the two main characters and followed their tale as they try to defeat the Druids in the Isle of Mona (modern Anglesey) .
What could be better? The author focuses frequently on very detailed descriptions of battles in particular hand to hand experiences of main characters. Very descriptive including blood, swords cutting flesh and even bone etc. I'm sure this alone attracts some people but not me. There is less frequent, but equally detailed, descriptions of the camp structure and environment in which the soldiers fight and live, but, and a big but, this story is really about the characters and there are many things happening in military and other aspects of their lives but this is often treated as a by product of the main story whereas the characterisation should be the strongest part. It may be because I have come to the series late that I have missed the previous development of the characters and there is enough detail to relate to them but the intricacies of their relationships and histories outside this story are lightweight.
Summary. An adventure tale of ancient campaigns and battles with believable characters in adverse conditions and unpleasant environment.
What is good about it? The author has clearly studied the history of the period, he knows the make up of a Roman army, their formations, their command structure including the type of man in each position and he uses a little known period , and little known of period, in the Roman occupation of Britain, as the basis for his story and makes a good tale out of it. Even without reading previous stories in this series I came to relate to the two main characters and followed their tale as they try to defeat the Druids in the Isle of Mona (modern Anglesey) .
What could be better? The author focuses frequently on very detailed descriptions of battles in particular hand to hand experiences of main characters. Very descriptive including blood, swords cutting flesh and even bone etc. I'm sure this alone attracts some people but not me. There is less frequent, but equally detailed, descriptions of the camp structure and environment in which the soldiers fight and live, but, and a big but, this story is really about the characters and there are many things happening in military and other aspects of their lives but this is often treated as a by product of the main story whereas the characterisation should be the strongest part. It may be because I have come to the series late that I have missed the previous development of the characters and there is enough detail to relate to them but the intricacies of their relationships and histories outside this story are lightweight.
Summary. An adventure tale of ancient campaigns and battles with believable characters in adverse conditions and unpleasant environment.
November 8, 2017
There's no doubt about it in my mind. Simon Scarrow should be awarded a Triumph and be paraded through the streets of Rome to the cheers of thronging crowds made up of his adoring listeners. To keep a series going this long to this standard is a rare thing and to raise the bar as he has with this Britannic trilogy within the series the way he has is something I find admirable. For anyone that doesn't agree there is a role for them in a traditional Triumph :-)
This is a book full of inventive action with imaginative skirmishes and major battles of massively different types. The wonderful British tribes continue to torture the Roman invaders in all manner of fiendish ways but possibly the toughest enemy is the British weather. It's a huge slog for our favourite pair of Roman legionaries and they are tested in ways that stretch even their now legendary reserves of courage, strength and fortitude.
The narration, well of course it's Mr Keeble, one of Audible's true A-listers and so you can be sure it's of absolutely the highest standards.
It seems that finally Macro and Cato are set to shake off the rains, snow and ice of Britain in the next book. They are heading off for warmer but you'd guess not safer climes. However this trilogy of books set in my homeland will live in the memory a long, long time.
This is a book full of inventive action with imaginative skirmishes and major battles of massively different types. The wonderful British tribes continue to torture the Roman invaders in all manner of fiendish ways but possibly the toughest enemy is the British weather. It's a huge slog for our favourite pair of Roman legionaries and they are tested in ways that stretch even their now legendary reserves of courage, strength and fortitude.
The narration, well of course it's Mr Keeble, one of Audible's true A-listers and so you can be sure it's of absolutely the highest standards.
It seems that finally Macro and Cato are set to shake off the rains, snow and ice of Britain in the next book. They are heading off for warmer but you'd guess not safer climes. However this trilogy of books set in my homeland will live in the memory a long, long time.
June 20, 2024
( Format : Audiobook )
The wonderful Simon Scarrow is never better than when Cato and Macro are battling for Rome (and themselves) against the insurgents in Britain and this story is one of his best. Not much to it, really - they go, they fight, they struggle to return. But it is the journey along the way that fills our heads with the taste of what it must have been like to be a soldier for Rome with all of it's harshness and pain and the terrors of death. And of bravery and companionship, too. Set two thousand years ago but the eternals of friendship and courage are as modern as anything today.
We have grown to know our two main protagonists through many adventures in past books but there is always something new to learn. For me,there is a reality to their stories and the picture of life in the legions when death was delivered so up close and personal which is viscerally captured without undue melodrama. And interwoven are little daily life details like dice games and the paperwork needed for the smooth running of a fort.
The whole is narrated perfectly by Jonathan Keeble. He helps bring all of the characters to life and matches his reading to the pace of the story. An excellent book, highly recommended and, although knowledge of the earlier Eagle stories enhances the pleasure, this could certainly be enjoyed as a stand alone
The wonderful Simon Scarrow is never better than when Cato and Macro are battling for Rome (and themselves) against the insurgents in Britain and this story is one of his best. Not much to it, really - they go, they fight, they struggle to return. But it is the journey along the way that fills our heads with the taste of what it must have been like to be a soldier for Rome with all of it's harshness and pain and the terrors of death. And of bravery and companionship, too. Set two thousand years ago but the eternals of friendship and courage are as modern as anything today.
We have grown to know our two main protagonists through many adventures in past books but there is always something new to learn. For me,there is a reality to their stories and the picture of life in the legions when death was delivered so up close and personal which is viscerally captured without undue melodrama. And interwoven are little daily life details like dice games and the paperwork needed for the smooth running of a fort.
The whole is narrated perfectly by Jonathan Keeble. He helps bring all of the characters to life and matches his reading to the pace of the story. An excellent book, highly recommended and, although knowledge of the earlier Eagle stories enhances the pleasure, this could certainly be enjoyed as a stand alone
July 22, 2017
Cato y Macro, una aventura más.
El lugar nuevamente es Britania, Cato con sus Cuervos Sangrientos y Macro con los legionarios, comienzan la historia de forma tranquila hasta que aparece el legado Quintato, quien desea terminar la campaña militar llevando a las legiones a Inis Mona y destruir el culto druidico.
Scarrow como en cada novela narra las actividades cotidianas de la vida del militar romano, añadiendo algún detalle particular en cada entrega.
La idea principal del libro es aprovechar el vacío de poder tras la muerte del gobernador Ostorio para contarnos una historia bien ligada con el trasfondo histórico del imperio Romano, el declive de Claudio y la lucha de poder entre los sucesores de éste.
La novela es ágil y entretiene, pero no tiene la calidad de otras entregas, pero ver cada año la dupla de Cato y Macro, sus reacciones y sus vivencias es la argamasa que le da cohesión a la historia como siempre introduciendonos en el mundo romano con más naturalidad.
A estas alturas del partido, quien ya lee la 14va entrega ya puede considerarse un avanzado estudioso en la Roma Imperial.
El lugar nuevamente es Britania, Cato con sus Cuervos Sangrientos y Macro con los legionarios, comienzan la historia de forma tranquila hasta que aparece el legado Quintato, quien desea terminar la campaña militar llevando a las legiones a Inis Mona y destruir el culto druidico.
Scarrow como en cada novela narra las actividades cotidianas de la vida del militar romano, añadiendo algún detalle particular en cada entrega.
La idea principal del libro es aprovechar el vacío de poder tras la muerte del gobernador Ostorio para contarnos una historia bien ligada con el trasfondo histórico del imperio Romano, el declive de Claudio y la lucha de poder entre los sucesores de éste.
La novela es ágil y entretiene, pero no tiene la calidad de otras entregas, pero ver cada año la dupla de Cato y Macro, sus reacciones y sus vivencias es la argamasa que le da cohesión a la historia como siempre introduciendonos en el mundo romano con más naturalidad.
A estas alturas del partido, quien ya lee la 14va entrega ya puede considerarse un avanzado estudioso en la Roma Imperial.
June 23, 2017
In this latest instalment of Simon Scarrow's 'Eagles of the Empire' series the action continues to take place in Britain, more specifically in the mountains of Wales. The native population are increasing their resistance to the Roman invasion and encouraged by their leaders, the Druids, are preparing to make a stand in the spiritual stronghold of Mona, the present day Anglesey.
The story follows Cato and Macro as they obey the ambitions of the current acting governor of Britain, a man hoping to gain political favour before the arrival of the new official governor to the province. His ambition leads the men into increasing danger and an underestimation of both the enemies' strength and their defiance to the invading forces has a devastating effect on the men in their command.
The story is also one of friendship, loyalty and trust and the mix of fiction and fact lends to a great read.
This is another great addition for fans of Roman historical fiction and the fourteenth volume to date.
Rob D
The story follows Cato and Macro as they obey the ambitions of the current acting governor of Britain, a man hoping to gain political favour before the arrival of the new official governor to the province. His ambition leads the men into increasing danger and an underestimation of both the enemies' strength and their defiance to the invading forces has a devastating effect on the men in their command.
The story is also one of friendship, loyalty and trust and the mix of fiction and fact lends to a great read.
This is another great addition for fans of Roman historical fiction and the fourteenth volume to date.
Rob D
October 25, 2022
Esta serie siempre me ha gustado mucho por dos razones: me encanta el periodo histórico en el que están ambientadas y me encanta que los protagonistas sean legionarios, y no personajes patricios que no tengan que sufrir los mismos avatares del vulgo. Me gusta que los protagonistas, Cato y Macro, sean personas corrientes y generalmente estas novelas son muy trepidantes y te meten de lleno en la batalla, como si el lector fuera un legionario más.
Sin embargo, tenía la serie un poco abandonada porque Cato y Macro empezaron a convertirse en estereotipos, sin apenas evolución, y para mí la serie perdió magia.
Varios años después he retomado la serie y tengo que decir que me he reencontrado con dos amigos a los que tengo mucho cariño, y quizá el haber dejado la serie con cierta decepción me ha hecho ahora apreciar los aspectos que me encantan: Cato y Macro siguen representando los valores que les hacen especiales, dejando de lado las intrigas políticas, y la novela ha sido tremendamente entretenida y absorbente. No tardaré mucho en ponerme con la siguiente. Nota: 8/10.
Sin embargo, tenía la serie un poco abandonada porque Cato y Macro empezaron a convertirse en estereotipos, sin apenas evolución, y para mí la serie perdió magia.
Varios años después he retomado la serie y tengo que decir que me he reencontrado con dos amigos a los que tengo mucho cariño, y quizá el haber dejado la serie con cierta decepción me ha hecho ahora apreciar los aspectos que me encantan: Cato y Macro siguen representando los valores que les hacen especiales, dejando de lado las intrigas políticas, y la novela ha sido tremendamente entretenida y absorbente. No tardaré mucho en ponerme con la siguiente. Nota: 8/10.
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