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Eagles of the Empire #12
The Blood Crows
For nearly ten years, the Roman Empire has fought ceaselessly to strengthen its hold over Britannia. But opposition from native tribes led by the ruthless warrior Caratacus threatens to destroy everything. Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro are summoned by Governor Ostorius to Londinium. Tasked with leading a newly formed cavalry cohort into the heartland of Wales, they must destroy the growing resistance. But with Caratacus hatching increasingly ambitious plans and disorder threatening from within Macro and Cato's own ranks, this final test will push the soldiers to their limits. And if they do not emerge as victors, the Emperor Claudius's rule may be at stake, and the very foundations of the Roman Empire could be shattered irrevocably.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2013
196 people are currently reading
1627 people want to read
About the author
Simon Scarrow
167 books2,182 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 173 reviews
April 22, 2014
A year or two ago I read the first twelve books of the Eagle series in a rush one right after another. I loved them. They were loads of fun with a well meaning young man in bad circumstances, a wise cracking older, wise side kick, and lots of twists and turns - oh, and plenty of good old fashioned Roman on Barbarian (Briton, German, Dacian, Palestinian, Syrian, etc) battles. When this book came out I was glad to get back to Macro and Cato!
Alas, I was disappointed. Maybe it's like visiting the small town where you grew up. You just can't go back again. Or rather, you can, but it's just not the same. It seems smaller and diminished somehow. That was my experience with The Blood Crows.
Macro and Cato are finally free of the viper's nest of Imperial politics in Rome. They head back to Briton to rejoin the legions and engage in what Macro calls "honest soldiering." Unfortunately, they are not quite as free of politics as they had thought. Their service to Narcissus has made them some very powerful enemies, and with Nero ascendant in Rome those who wish to punish them are free to do so.
Macro and Cato find themselves sent to the very fringes of the Empire - in Britannia where, despite Emperor Claudius' decree a few years back, the Britons remain very much unpacified. Worse yet, they find themselves serving with a savage Centurion of Auxilaries who has been his doing his part to 'pacify' the natives by engaging in what would today be called ethnic cleansing. Moreover, this Centurion has a very dangerous streak and disposed of Cato's meddling predecessor.
This all comes to head with a big battle against the provoked Silurians backed by Caratacus and the Catuvellauni. During the climactic battle between the Britons and Romans, the conflict between Macro/Cato and the Centurion also comes to a head.
The action is all great. It was a very fun read, but ... the story, in retrospect, just seemed very predictable. I saw it all coming. That's okay. It doesn't mean it was a bad book.
Total side note: one of the things that I do like about these books is the frank discussion of life in the Empire. No one is questioning the validity of slavery as an institution, for example. Please note that I am not endorsing slavery! I just like the fact that the author is not over loading 1st Century characters with contemporary ethics and beliefs.
III stars out of V. I think this book might be hard top pick up on its own outside of the others in the series. I enjoyed it thoroughly but it was also not the best in the series.
Alas, I was disappointed. Maybe it's like visiting the small town where you grew up. You just can't go back again. Or rather, you can, but it's just not the same. It seems smaller and diminished somehow. That was my experience with The Blood Crows.
Macro and Cato are finally free of the viper's nest of Imperial politics in Rome. They head back to Briton to rejoin the legions and engage in what Macro calls "honest soldiering." Unfortunately, they are not quite as free of politics as they had thought. Their service to Narcissus has made them some very powerful enemies, and with Nero ascendant in Rome those who wish to punish them are free to do so.
Macro and Cato find themselves sent to the very fringes of the Empire - in Britannia where, despite Emperor Claudius' decree a few years back, the Britons remain very much unpacified. Worse yet, they find themselves serving with a savage Centurion of Auxilaries who has been his doing his part to 'pacify' the natives by engaging in what would today be called ethnic cleansing. Moreover, this Centurion has a very dangerous streak and disposed of Cato's meddling predecessor.
This all comes to head with a big battle against the provoked Silurians backed by Caratacus and the Catuvellauni. During the climactic battle between the Britons and Romans, the conflict between Macro/Cato and the Centurion also comes to a head.
The action is all great. It was a very fun read, but ... the story, in retrospect, just seemed very predictable. I saw it all coming. That's okay. It doesn't mean it was a bad book.
Total side note: one of the things that I do like about these books is the frank discussion of life in the Empire. No one is questioning the validity of slavery as an institution, for example. Please note that I am not endorsing slavery! I just like the fact that the author is not over loading 1st Century characters with contemporary ethics and beliefs.
III stars out of V. I think this book might be hard top pick up on its own outside of the others in the series. I enjoyed it thoroughly but it was also not the best in the series.
May 4, 2025
The Roman conquest of Britain was instigated by Emperor Claudius as a means of establishing himself as a great military leader by doing what the illustrious Julius Caesar could not do. The Roman military overwhelmed the tribes of Britain and declared mission accomplished despite the persistent resistance that came later. Many back in Rome wanted to just get out of there but due to the sunk loss fallacy of the military it was not an option. What they did to keep their unpopular rule going was to engage in a campaign of genocide that wiped out villages. Roman rule meant high taxes, lost lands, and other injustices that galvanized many. Those opposed to the Romans used guerilla war tactics of hit, run, and retreat before they could muster their forces. After years of fruitless efforts there came a Thracian that decided that the only way to deal with the tribes was extermination. Simon Scarrow notes that this strategy that was used in the Vietnam War would not be feasible today because the news reports would turn the public against the war. The news media during the Vietnam conflict were full of atrocities committed by US soldiers were instrumental along with the Pentagon papers in turning public opinion against the war.
January 7, 2022
Read this book in 2013, and its the 12th volume of the wonderful "Eagle" series.
In this tale Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro are back in Britannia to do their latest bidding for Rome and Emperor Claudius.
Trying to keep their hold on Britannia, Governor Ostorius in Londinium needs men who can take the on Caratacus, who's leading native tribes to destroy everything the Roman Empire has been trying to build.
Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro are summoned and tasked with leading a newly formed cavalry cohort, and take into the heartland of Wales, in a bid to destroy the resistance there.
But with Caratacus scheming and being dangerous in those hills, and disorder threatening within their own ranks Cato and Macro have huge problems of their own.
Cato and Macro will need to push their men to the very limit with fighting skills if they want to overcome, succeed and destroy the threat of Caratacus, and by being victorious they have saved the Emperor Claudius in Rome and the Roman Empire for the time being in Britannia.
Highly recommended, for this is another marvellous addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Blood Crows"!
In this tale Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro are back in Britannia to do their latest bidding for Rome and Emperor Claudius.
Trying to keep their hold on Britannia, Governor Ostorius in Londinium needs men who can take the on Caratacus, who's leading native tribes to destroy everything the Roman Empire has been trying to build.
Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro are summoned and tasked with leading a newly formed cavalry cohort, and take into the heartland of Wales, in a bid to destroy the resistance there.
But with Caratacus scheming and being dangerous in those hills, and disorder threatening within their own ranks Cato and Macro have huge problems of their own.
Cato and Macro will need to push their men to the very limit with fighting skills if they want to overcome, succeed and destroy the threat of Caratacus, and by being victorious they have saved the Emperor Claudius in Rome and the Roman Empire for the time being in Britannia.
Highly recommended, for this is another marvellous addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Blood Crows"!
November 8, 2016
Macro & Cato back to what they do best...... soldiering in the Legion & as an added bonus they are back in Britannia. It was the opening Eagle books based on the invasion of Britannia which drew me to this series. They’ve travelled a bit since then & in the last few books have found themselves working as Imperial spies, its summit which it seems a lot of Roman historical fiction has of late..... Everyone’s a spy! I need my fix of Roman legionnaires!
Glad to say it delivered with the duo assigned posts in the land of the Silures, thats South Wales in modern times, on the frontier of Rome’s expansion into Britannia. You get what you see with this series & for the most part is enjoyable & would give it 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars.
Glad to say it delivered with the duo assigned posts in the land of the Silures, thats South Wales in modern times, on the frontier of Rome’s expansion into Britannia. You get what you see with this series & for the most part is enjoyable & would give it 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars.
April 4, 2021
En esta ocasión Cato Y Macro acuden a Britania a combatir contra las tribus dirigidas por Carataco, pero ese no será su mayor peligro, el gran peligro viene por Querto un centurión que tendrá que acatar órdenes de Cato, el horrible Querto desafiará a Cato y pondrá en peligro la valerosa amistad y lealtad que se tienen entre los dos grandes soldados.
Uno de los mejores libros de la serie sin lugar a dudas. Ritmo trepidante y trama muy bien creada.
Uno de los mejores libros de la serie sin lugar a dudas. Ritmo trepidante y trama muy bien creada.
April 23, 2022
My favourite of the XII I’ve read in the series so far. 5+⭐️
August 14, 2015
More than a dozen books into this series and I never get bored of reading about Cato and Macro. Action packed and suspenseful but it is the relationship between the two main characters which sets this series above others. The Brits again take a bashing but there is a good twist in the ending. I just wish the author could write quicker!
September 22, 2014
I'm a little torn with this book.
On the one hand it's YET ANOTHER book by Scarrow where our plucky heroes are sent to some godforsaken remote outpost in the middle of nowhere and besieged by a rag tag bunch of native rabble determined to expel the Romans once and for all. It's the exact same concept as at four or five of the other books in the series only with a few minor specifics changed, otherwise this could just as easily be any other storyline lifted and repressed.
On the other hand, for all it's aforementioned sins, it's still a relatively enjoyable read, though the main protagonist, Centurion Quertus is remarkably underused and even less explored. Built up to be this big, nasty, depraved man and all you get from him is bluster and swagger.
Overall, a decent enough installment in the series. As the series goes, it's quite good; as far as the wider historical fiction realm goes, it's distinctly average more of the same.
Good but far from essential.
Baffling how this kind of formulaeic bumpf sells so well while other, far more engaging, enigmatic work struggles along.
On the one hand it's YET ANOTHER book by Scarrow where our plucky heroes are sent to some godforsaken remote outpost in the middle of nowhere and besieged by a rag tag bunch of native rabble determined to expel the Romans once and for all. It's the exact same concept as at four or five of the other books in the series only with a few minor specifics changed, otherwise this could just as easily be any other storyline lifted and repressed.
On the other hand, for all it's aforementioned sins, it's still a relatively enjoyable read, though the main protagonist, Centurion Quertus is remarkably underused and even less explored. Built up to be this big, nasty, depraved man and all you get from him is bluster and swagger.
Overall, a decent enough installment in the series. As the series goes, it's quite good; as far as the wider historical fiction realm goes, it's distinctly average more of the same.
Good but far from essential.
Baffling how this kind of formulaeic bumpf sells so well while other, far more engaging, enigmatic work struggles along.
May 4, 2017
The duo of Cato and Macro once again are in the middle of a mess; this time in Britannia fighting against the formidable leader, Caratacus. Of course, that isn't enough for the author as there is also the challenge presented by a rogue centurion and his fellow Thracian auxiliary cohort. A robust, heart pounding tale of bravery and steadfast loyalty awaits the reader in this 12th episode in the series. Life was hard at these frontier outposts and the author excels at bringing those hardships to life. It is also a continued strengthening of the bond between Cato and Macro despite that Cato now outranks his friend and mentor. 4.3 stars
January 9, 2018
This is the first of the Eagle series that I've read but from now on I will follow it religiously. I loved The Blood Crows! Great characters - including the great British chief Caratacus - and a richly realised setting. First class Roman historical fiction.
May 18, 2025
Perhaps some anti-celt historical bias coming through with this human sacrifice stuff. I like you Scarrow but I got my eye on you.
April 12, 2018
Que dizer? Já não há adjetivos para qualificar a grandiosidade da saga. Acelerado, bem localizado no tempo e no espaço. Fulminante. Obrigado, Simon.
June 29, 2023
La fuerza de las personalidades es algo que siempre ha creado conflicto desde siempre, el libro en su mayor parte es sobre esto. Los dominantes esperan siempre serlo pero cuando alguien se opone como reaccionas?
Aunque el libro es más que todo en un área reducida su acción sigue siendo entretenido pero por partes pareciera repetitivo, pero es bueno ver otro ámbito entre legiones y auxiliares.
Aunque el libro es más que todo en un área reducida su acción sigue siendo entretenido pero por partes pareciera repetitivo, pero es bueno ver otro ámbito entre legiones y auxiliares.
January 7, 2023
This book really had me worried at multiple points. It’s amazingly how much I care for Macro and Cato. Another amazing sequel in the eagle series.
February 16, 2025
A real page-turner. I picked this up at random and read it in two sittings as the story was so engrossing. A predictable end as our heroes have to survive, but a few twists and turns as well.
September 11, 2024
Arguably it is hard to be original in book 12 of your series.
But this one comes with a original plot idea. Borrowing Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness trope and transplanting it into the Britannia of Roman times is quite promising and by far the most original idea in this series up to this point. It is a shame Scarrow does so little with it.
The potential is sheer endless and there is real opportunity here to have the characters grapple with the morality of it all. Sure, Macro might result to his regular pragmatism and soldier through this whole thing in his usual stoic manner, but Cato shouldn't as easily discard the moral nuances here as he does.
Quertus, the rogue "Kurtz-equivalent" centurion, stays pale and is dispatched with disappointingly simple. While Cato never quite reveres him with the same mystic romanticism that Marlow expresses towards Conrad's original, the veil here is lifted far too quickly. Quertus never gets to have the same weight and gravitas that Kurtz exudes. Too fast do reverence and ambiguity make way for sanity and moral clarity. The true heart of darkness in this story - while literally ascribed to Quertus by Macro (that in itself warrants half a star off this rating) - is teased but never truly laid bare.
Yes, these books aren't literary masterpieces. But Scarrow shows that he has the potential to write these stories - and how good of a story could it have been! Instead, he lures us in with a carrot to deliver what is in the end a pretty boilerplate episode of his universe. Returning to Britannia after so many years felt nice, but the wasted potential here overwhelmes.
But this one comes with a original plot idea. Borrowing Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness trope and transplanting it into the Britannia of Roman times is quite promising and by far the most original idea in this series up to this point. It is a shame Scarrow does so little with it.
The potential is sheer endless and there is real opportunity here to have the characters grapple with the morality of it all. Sure, Macro might result to his regular pragmatism and soldier through this whole thing in his usual stoic manner, but Cato shouldn't as easily discard the moral nuances here as he does.
Quertus, the rogue "Kurtz-equivalent" centurion, stays pale and is dispatched with disappointingly simple. While Cato never quite reveres him with the same mystic romanticism that Marlow expresses towards Conrad's original, the veil here is lifted far too quickly. Quertus never gets to have the same weight and gravitas that Kurtz exudes. Too fast do reverence and ambiguity make way for sanity and moral clarity. The true heart of darkness in this story - while literally ascribed to Quertus by Macro (that in itself warrants half a star off this rating) - is teased but never truly laid bare.
Yes, these books aren't literary masterpieces. But Scarrow shows that he has the potential to write these stories - and how good of a story could it have been! Instead, he lures us in with a carrot to deliver what is in the end a pretty boilerplate episode of his universe. Returning to Britannia after so many years felt nice, but the wasted potential here overwhelmes.
November 26, 2014
I love this series. While there's ups and downs (true for all series) I can honestly say I've enjoyed all the books in this series. Blood Crows is the return of two of my favorite heroes and seeing how they handle situations. As always, things are never simple with Macro and Cato, even as they move upward in rank. After taking a break in Rome, Blood Crows brings us back to England that's a little more civilized or is that Romanized. Now Cato and Macro have been thrown to the outer reaches of Britain maintaining an outpost where the previous outpost commander is still there and he has his own personal following and is dangerous to those who don't follow him. Mr. Scarrow does an outstanding job weaving this story, setting Cato and Macro up and using each of their strengths to help them along (personally I'm more of a Macro fan though I love that Cato thinks). A great addition to the series, while maybe not a true "5 star" book (really 4 point something) I'm calling it 5 because I love the way Mr. Scarrow wove things together and bounced things up to previous highs (my low point was either The Gladiator or The Legion). Keep them coming!
September 6, 2015
I've always had scarrow as the most enjoyable Roman series, and a return to Britain for macro and Cato takes them back to more familiar ground. As ever, there's a fast paced tale, with plenty of good battles, sieges and tension, but it also feels more by the numbers. Several books in the series have used the general plot, and indeed many other writers, so the forsaken outpost and unhappy natives is well trodden. Scarecrow does it well, but it's not the strongest in the series.
The stronger point is the evolution in characters with th promotion of Cato which could be a real change in the series, although of less impact here. Also I do like that they reflect attitudes of the time - not amoral, there's a lot of moralizing from Cato on occupation (and scarrows afterword repeats his points about the gulf war) but torture of captives for information doesn't cause them to blink. It may be uncomfortable for the modern reader but was standard practice until relatively recently. All good fun, but one in a series, not a standalone
The stronger point is the evolution in characters with th promotion of Cato which could be a real change in the series, although of less impact here. Also I do like that they reflect attitudes of the time - not amoral, there's a lot of moralizing from Cato on occupation (and scarrows afterword repeats his points about the gulf war) but torture of captives for information doesn't cause them to blink. It may be uncomfortable for the modern reader but was standard practice until relatively recently. All good fun, but one in a series, not a standalone
March 5, 2015
Cato and Macro return to their old haunts of Britannia, where they meet some old friends and "friends". So this is more of a fighting part of series, as opposed to being knee deep in political intrigue.
Having said that, the book simply didn't struck a chord witm me. It's not a bad book by itself, but I think that by now the series is a bit played out. The constant encounters with Baudica obviously sets the ground for her later revolt, which will not go down well with Macro.
But if nothing else Scarrow now freely admits that whole Britannia campaign is a analogy for Iraq war, together with Claudius' triumph/Mission Accomplished. Now, if he would admit that Druids are stand-ins for radical Muslim clergy......
I'll likely read next book in the series when it comes out but I think the series passed it's peak and now more or less continues on inertia.
Having said that, the book simply didn't struck a chord witm me. It's not a bad book by itself, but I think that by now the series is a bit played out. The constant encounters with Baudica obviously sets the ground for her later revolt, which will not go down well with Macro.
But if nothing else Scarrow now freely admits that whole Britannia campaign is a analogy for Iraq war, together with Claudius' triumph/Mission Accomplished. Now, if he would admit that Druids are stand-ins for radical Muslim clergy......
I'll likely read next book in the series when it comes out but I think the series passed it's peak and now more or less continues on inertia.
November 7, 2013
One of the solid books from the Eagle series. What I realized after reading quite a bit of HF books recently is how well the dynamic between the two main characters works. It really makes the series stand out.
April 17, 2017
Ecco lo Scarrow che preferisco: legionari che marciano nel fango della Britannia, combattono con gladio e scutum contro i barbari. Un bel romanzo, tra i milgiori della serie Eagle.
August 28, 2024
Great book - Macro and Cato back in Britannia and up to their necks in trouble - again. Really enjoyed this instalment and personally I prefer the Britannia location.
July 8, 2023
To think that I imagined pulling the plug on this amazing series, madness!
Cato and Macro after getting a much needed posting away from the vicious politicking in Rome, return to Brittania where the flames of rebellion are still being fanned by Caratacus and tribes to the west. But it appears distance is no hindrance to their newly won enemy, Palas, both men are pushed to the tip of the spear against the Britons. They must take charge of the fort at Bruccium, under the temporary command of Quertus, a man deadly enough to strike fear into the heart of the meanest of barbarians.
Experiencing this series in audiobook is like adding fine wine to an already sumptuous meal, and I admit it has elevated my rating of it. Jonathan Keeble was just as good as Gareth Armstrong in the previous book, but there was a bit more steel in his narrative, I especially liked his voice for Macro which I thought lacked some bass in Praetorian. Quertus was another one well done, pure evil he was and Keeble managed to convey that perfectly.
The story was maybe not unique in the series itself, twelve books in and there have been lots of sieges and seeming last stands, but Scarrow continues to sustain a high quality in writing that makes boredom impossible.
I appreciated the return to the field, barracks and soldiers, matches in wild terrain, barbarians and bloody grit, just...all that makes roman military historical fiction wonderful.
When I have had problems with this series, it was usually as a result of the absence of good action or good character work. Both elements were fully present here however, for the second book in a row, Scarrow has built up great antagonists and opposition to the two heroes, a situation that always brings out the best in them. In this book especially, they were both so touched by evil of their opponents that they have moved into the realm of the grey character, and I so look forward to seeing how they develop in this light.
The action was as always vividly described, intense, heart pounding, and perfectly choreographed, you almost feel like you are right in the thick of things. Quertus and his Blood Crows are without a doubt the darkest elements in the series so far. I almost ripped my earphones out while listening to the graphic descriptions of their work, bloody hell!
Fine writing and character work, and a very noticeable improvement in the quality of the series.
Cato and Macro after getting a much needed posting away from the vicious politicking in Rome, return to Brittania where the flames of rebellion are still being fanned by Caratacus and tribes to the west. But it appears distance is no hindrance to their newly won enemy, Palas, both men are pushed to the tip of the spear against the Britons. They must take charge of the fort at Bruccium, under the temporary command of Quertus, a man deadly enough to strike fear into the heart of the meanest of barbarians.
Experiencing this series in audiobook is like adding fine wine to an already sumptuous meal, and I admit it has elevated my rating of it. Jonathan Keeble was just as good as Gareth Armstrong in the previous book, but there was a bit more steel in his narrative, I especially liked his voice for Macro which I thought lacked some bass in Praetorian. Quertus was another one well done, pure evil he was and Keeble managed to convey that perfectly.
The story was maybe not unique in the series itself, twelve books in and there have been lots of sieges and seeming last stands, but Scarrow continues to sustain a high quality in writing that makes boredom impossible.
I appreciated the return to the field, barracks and soldiers, matches in wild terrain, barbarians and bloody grit, just...all that makes roman military historical fiction wonderful.
When I have had problems with this series, it was usually as a result of the absence of good action or good character work. Both elements were fully present here however, for the second book in a row, Scarrow has built up great antagonists and opposition to the two heroes, a situation that always brings out the best in them. In this book especially, they were both so touched by evil of their opponents that they have moved into the realm of the grey character, and I so look forward to seeing how they develop in this light.
The action was as always vividly described, intense, heart pounding, and perfectly choreographed, you almost feel like you are right in the thick of things. Quertus and his Blood Crows are without a doubt the darkest elements in the series so far. I almost ripped my earphones out while listening to the graphic descriptions of their work, bloody hell!
Fine writing and character work, and a very noticeable improvement in the quality of the series.
January 26, 2021
The 12th book in the series, Blood Crow, was an entertaining read. Finally free of Emperor Claudius's freeman advisor, Narcissus, Macro and Cato are sent to the fringe of the empire in a far off post in Britannia. While Rome is far away, its power politics are always present. Thus, our heroes face not only an enemy outside the walls looking for their heads, but the man Cato is replacing as temporary commander, Centurion Quertus, is a formidable and brutal opponent as well.
I think the most interesting thing about this particular book is how late the plot is resolved. They always seem to be rescued at almost the absolutely last moment.
But I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the series so far and this book didn't disappoint. There is some pretty graphic violence, but what do you expect in a novel about the legions?
Overall, it was well worth the time spent reading it. I really liked the book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Roman history.
Finally, I'll say that these books are best read in order because it shows Cato's development and progression through the ranks.
I think the most interesting thing about this particular book is how late the plot is resolved. They always seem to be rescued at almost the absolutely last moment.
But I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the series so far and this book didn't disappoint. There is some pretty graphic violence, but what do you expect in a novel about the legions?
Overall, it was well worth the time spent reading it. I really liked the book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Roman history.
Finally, I'll say that these books are best read in order because it shows Cato's development and progression through the ranks.
January 25, 2019
Once again, our heroes find ourselves in Britain in the year 52AD. Once again, they find themselves on the far frontier against enemies from within and without.
And once again, Scarrow has a siege in the center of the plot. There is plenty of truth in military operational science and tactics of fighting from a prepared position designed to tie down enemy forces and wait for him to expend his momentum. But from a literary perspective, does this have to happen all the time????
There are elements from previous books like having to deal with a troublesome commander. But in this case, it's a very insubordinate subordinate. Cato has the rank and experience, but has to defend against a challenge. He did the right thing. It was not so different from the post Vietnam era US army where officers were afraid to go into the enlisted barracks without an armed guard. But Cato and the US Army persevered to fight again.
On the whole, this book was good, but it was sometimes formulaic, especially when it's the 12th book of the series.
And once again, Scarrow has a siege in the center of the plot. There is plenty of truth in military operational science and tactics of fighting from a prepared position designed to tie down enemy forces and wait for him to expend his momentum. But from a literary perspective, does this have to happen all the time????
There are elements from previous books like having to deal with a troublesome commander. But in this case, it's a very insubordinate subordinate. Cato has the rank and experience, but has to defend against a challenge. He did the right thing. It was not so different from the post Vietnam era US army where officers were afraid to go into the enlisted barracks without an armed guard. But Cato and the US Army persevered to fight again.
On the whole, this book was good, but it was sometimes formulaic, especially when it's the 12th book of the series.
November 3, 2013
The Review: http://thefoundingfields.com/2013/11/....
“An excellent and welcoming return to the adventures of Macro and Cato, Simon Scarrow once more proves why he’s one of the best historical fiction writers out there. Fans of the series will love this latest addition - The Blood Crows is not to be missed!” ~Bane of Kings, The Founding Fields
For nearly ten years, the Roman Empire has fought ceaselessly to strengthen its hold over Britannia. But opposition from native tribes led by the ruthless warrior Caratacus threatens to destroy everything. Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro are summoned by Governor Ostorius to Londinium. Tasked with leading a newly formed cavalry cohort into the heartland of Wales, they must destroy the growing resistance. But with Caratacus hatching increasingly ambitious plans and disorder threatening from within Macro and Cato’s own ranks, this final test will push the soldiers to their limits. And if they do not emerge as victors, the Emperor Claudius’s rule may be at stake, and the very foundations of the Roman Empire could be shattered irrevocably.
As long term Founding Fields reviewers will know, I’m a massive fan of Simon Scarrow. In my view, he’s the best historical fiction writer out there today aside from maybe Bernard Cornwell and he’s certainly the best at writing fiction in the Roman Empire. For evidence, you need to look no further than the twelve-strong Eagle series that he continues to write – which although has had a two-year gap between books and eleven and twelve – during the period where Scarrow was able to put out a Macro-centric prequel novel as well as a standalone novel entitled Sword and Scimitar, and even a series of young adult novels focused on a separate character but still set in the era of the Roman Empire. Now though, for the first new novel in the series since Praetorian, Simon Scarrow makes a triumphant return with The Blood Crows.
The Blood CrowsAnd I’m actually going to say something here – I’m still kind of playing catchup with the Eagle series, having only read (and loved) Under the Eagle and The Eagle’s Conquest, the first two novels in the series. But regardless, I couldn’t wait to delve into this latest novel and was pleased to see that Scarrow allowed time for readers to either meet for the first time or be reunited with the series two principal characters – Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro, who have come a long way since the first two novels and not just in rank – something that is even noticeable for someone who has only read Books One and Two like myself.
The first thing that long term readers will note is how well The Blood Crows has improved in terms of narrative from the earlier novels. It’s more polished, more engaging and perhaps even more of a page turner, being a very engrossing and captivating read. You can jump on here just as easily as you could have done at the beginning – the only bit you may find yourself unfamiliar with is the fact that Cato and Macro have already visited Britannia before – but this was something I was aware of heading in as their early adventures are set in what is now the United Kingdom. This was during different times – when they were in the middle of the Claudian Invasion with Macro being the hardened, tough veteran training the new recruit Macro. This book picks up six years later – following adventures across the entire Roman Empire – with the only difference being the reversal in roles, Now, Cato is the higher in rank – a Prefect, whilst Macro still remains a Centurion. It’s an interesting change in story dynamic and it’s nice to see how this has affected their character building over the course of the series.
The Blood Crows is action packed, bloody and gory right the way through. If you’re a fan of violence and bloodthirsty action then this novel will be right up your street – fans of the series will no doubt be familiar with Scarrow’s approach to action scenes as he pulls the reader in and makes The Blood Crows feel like a fresh and engaging novel rather than just a re-hash of what made the earlier novels interesting with some new and interesting plot threads. Scarrow also pays vivid attention to historical detail – we get an interesting look into Roman culture and we really get to see the differences between say the original inhabitants of Britannia and the Romans, for example. When you also take into account that the dialogue is spot on – you really get a feel for how strong this book is – and of course, it’s something that I don’t need to tell to long term readers who will most likely have got their hands on a copy already.
The pacing is pretty enthralling and entertaining. The Blood Crows is literally edge of your seat stuff and Scarrow has mastered the art of balancing between fleshing out the characters beyond two dimensional figures and hooking the reader. Macro and Cato are really well created characters and I really enjoyed reading about them. An added bonus was the fact that there were multiple times where I found myself saying “Just one more chapter,” despite the fact that I’d already said that five chapters ago – and as a result, I sped through this quicker than normal.
So, if you’re interested in reading about the rich history Roman Empire, or are already familiar with Simon Scarrow’s Eagle series and are looking for a place to either get into for the first time, return to after falling behind or return to having waited the past two years for a fresh novel - then The Blood Crows will be right up your street. Superb stuff, and I’m pleased to say that Simon Scarrow has done it again.
VERDICT: 4/5
THE EAGLE SERIES READING ORDER: Under the Eagle, The Eagle’s Conquest, Where the Eagle Hunts, The Eagle and the Wolves, The Eagle’s Prey, The Eagle’s Prophecy, The Eagle in the Sand, Centurion, The Gladiator, The Legion, Praetorian, The Blood Crows
“An excellent and welcoming return to the adventures of Macro and Cato, Simon Scarrow once more proves why he’s one of the best historical fiction writers out there. Fans of the series will love this latest addition - The Blood Crows is not to be missed!” ~Bane of Kings, The Founding Fields
For nearly ten years, the Roman Empire has fought ceaselessly to strengthen its hold over Britannia. But opposition from native tribes led by the ruthless warrior Caratacus threatens to destroy everything. Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro are summoned by Governor Ostorius to Londinium. Tasked with leading a newly formed cavalry cohort into the heartland of Wales, they must destroy the growing resistance. But with Caratacus hatching increasingly ambitious plans and disorder threatening from within Macro and Cato’s own ranks, this final test will push the soldiers to their limits. And if they do not emerge as victors, the Emperor Claudius’s rule may be at stake, and the very foundations of the Roman Empire could be shattered irrevocably.
As long term Founding Fields reviewers will know, I’m a massive fan of Simon Scarrow. In my view, he’s the best historical fiction writer out there today aside from maybe Bernard Cornwell and he’s certainly the best at writing fiction in the Roman Empire. For evidence, you need to look no further than the twelve-strong Eagle series that he continues to write – which although has had a two-year gap between books and eleven and twelve – during the period where Scarrow was able to put out a Macro-centric prequel novel as well as a standalone novel entitled Sword and Scimitar, and even a series of young adult novels focused on a separate character but still set in the era of the Roman Empire. Now though, for the first new novel in the series since Praetorian, Simon Scarrow makes a triumphant return with The Blood Crows.
The Blood CrowsAnd I’m actually going to say something here – I’m still kind of playing catchup with the Eagle series, having only read (and loved) Under the Eagle and The Eagle’s Conquest, the first two novels in the series. But regardless, I couldn’t wait to delve into this latest novel and was pleased to see that Scarrow allowed time for readers to either meet for the first time or be reunited with the series two principal characters – Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro, who have come a long way since the first two novels and not just in rank – something that is even noticeable for someone who has only read Books One and Two like myself.
The first thing that long term readers will note is how well The Blood Crows has improved in terms of narrative from the earlier novels. It’s more polished, more engaging and perhaps even more of a page turner, being a very engrossing and captivating read. You can jump on here just as easily as you could have done at the beginning – the only bit you may find yourself unfamiliar with is the fact that Cato and Macro have already visited Britannia before – but this was something I was aware of heading in as their early adventures are set in what is now the United Kingdom. This was during different times – when they were in the middle of the Claudian Invasion with Macro being the hardened, tough veteran training the new recruit Macro. This book picks up six years later – following adventures across the entire Roman Empire – with the only difference being the reversal in roles, Now, Cato is the higher in rank – a Prefect, whilst Macro still remains a Centurion. It’s an interesting change in story dynamic and it’s nice to see how this has affected their character building over the course of the series.
The Blood Crows is action packed, bloody and gory right the way through. If you’re a fan of violence and bloodthirsty action then this novel will be right up your street – fans of the series will no doubt be familiar with Scarrow’s approach to action scenes as he pulls the reader in and makes The Blood Crows feel like a fresh and engaging novel rather than just a re-hash of what made the earlier novels interesting with some new and interesting plot threads. Scarrow also pays vivid attention to historical detail – we get an interesting look into Roman culture and we really get to see the differences between say the original inhabitants of Britannia and the Romans, for example. When you also take into account that the dialogue is spot on – you really get a feel for how strong this book is – and of course, it’s something that I don’t need to tell to long term readers who will most likely have got their hands on a copy already.
The pacing is pretty enthralling and entertaining. The Blood Crows is literally edge of your seat stuff and Scarrow has mastered the art of balancing between fleshing out the characters beyond two dimensional figures and hooking the reader. Macro and Cato are really well created characters and I really enjoyed reading about them. An added bonus was the fact that there were multiple times where I found myself saying “Just one more chapter,” despite the fact that I’d already said that five chapters ago – and as a result, I sped through this quicker than normal.
So, if you’re interested in reading about the rich history Roman Empire, or are already familiar with Simon Scarrow’s Eagle series and are looking for a place to either get into for the first time, return to after falling behind or return to having waited the past two years for a fresh novel - then The Blood Crows will be right up your street. Superb stuff, and I’m pleased to say that Simon Scarrow has done it again.
VERDICT: 4/5
THE EAGLE SERIES READING ORDER: Under the Eagle, The Eagle’s Conquest, Where the Eagle Hunts, The Eagle and the Wolves, The Eagle’s Prey, The Eagle’s Prophecy, The Eagle in the Sand, Centurion, The Gladiator, The Legion, Praetorian, The Blood Crows
May 1, 2018
Here Cato and Macro return to an already known scenarion (Britannian) and Scarrow returns to the same narrative as before. Cato and Macro are sent to a situation where, quickly, all odds are set agains them but in the end with all their courage and wit the overcome it.
There's also some small references to the "sticky" situation they're in due to the events in Rome (detailed on the previous book) but those are readily handled.
The main relevant novelty here is the appearance of a character that considers all means as fair to achieve that which is the main goal of any war, even though those means go agains the "civilized ways" of the Roman Army. A topic always relevant in any real wars we've known in our world.
Basically this still stands as a nice and light read to release our mind of more complex and "heavy" books/topics which we might have (at least that is the reason why I still keep reading these books).
There's also some small references to the "sticky" situation they're in due to the events in Rome (detailed on the previous book) but those are readily handled.
The main relevant novelty here is the appearance of a character that considers all means as fair to achieve that which is the main goal of any war, even though those means go agains the "civilized ways" of the Roman Army. A topic always relevant in any real wars we've known in our world.
Basically this still stands as a nice and light read to release our mind of more complex and "heavy" books/topics which we might have (at least that is the reason why I still keep reading these books).
December 15, 2020
Over the last month of shut down, my wife and I have read the full set of Simon Scarrow's Roman novels. These stories are now his full time work, previously he taught Roman history. If you like Falco by Lindsey Davis or Sharpe by Bernard Cornwall, then you must read some of these books.
This story-no spoilers-is set in the wild frontier country around Caerleon in the Forest of Dean. The two heroes, Cato and Marco, are trying to defeat the Silurian tribes and Caracticus. It isn't easy. It is believable, interesting and a quick read. For both violence and language reasons, this isn't suitable for night time story reading; Why we hear so much in the early part of the book about interesting female characters when he doesn't use them as much as he might later is a puzzle.
This is a great series and I hope you enjoy it, but if you haven't read any Roman fiction, I would start with Lindsey Davis.
This story-no spoilers-is set in the wild frontier country around Caerleon in the Forest of Dean. The two heroes, Cato and Marco, are trying to defeat the Silurian tribes and Caracticus. It isn't easy. It is believable, interesting and a quick read. For both violence and language reasons, this isn't suitable for night time story reading; Why we hear so much in the early part of the book about interesting female characters when he doesn't use them as much as he might later is a puzzle.
This is a great series and I hope you enjoy it, but if you haven't read any Roman fiction, I would start with Lindsey Davis.
February 15, 2023
It's well written, the characters feel real and the story overall believable. But that was kinda the problem for me. It was just too brutal for me. War and invasions and everything is just incredibly cruel and no one is really morally on high ground. Everyone is kinda a victim of his surroundings. Which makes the story realistic, but you have to have a stomach for that and not too much empathy like me. Maybe it would be better to digest if it was a fantasy book, but there was a past where something like this happened to actual people and similar things happen in some parts of the world even nowadays.
Sooo it's well written and feels real but if you don't like to read about people beeingt tortured, burned alive or some children used as a aim for javelin throwing practice it probably is not an enjoyable read for you.
Sooo it's well written and feels real but if you don't like to read about people beeingt tortured, burned alive or some children used as a aim for javelin throwing practice it probably is not an enjoyable read for you.
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