When his brother mysteriously disappears, sixteen-year-old Adam Hunter discovers that the myths and legends he was told as a boy have more truth to them than he ever thought possible.
To free his brother, Adam must uncover the truth about the lost Roman Ninth Legion and find its fabled Eagle Standard, an artefact of mysterious mythical power. Adam calls on the help of the British Museum, a team of quirky Relic Hunters, skilled in recovering and protecting relics around the world.
They need to act fast for they are not the only ones searching for the relic. To save the life of his brother, Adam and his allies will face an immortal tyrant who seeks to claim the Eagle of the Empire for himself, and with it, bring the world to its knees.
Martin can be found and followed on Twitter: @MFergusonAuthor and Instagram: @mferguson100
Martin's debut series, Relic Hunters, is a Young Adult adventure series, drawing on the myths and legends of different time periods and blending them with thrill-seeking action in the modern age. His second series is the fantasy thrill-seeking adventure series The Forsaken, following the Wraith and her band of cursed, forgotten and abandoned followers as they hunt monsters, hide magic and create mayhem. Martin's third and latest series is the Young Adult fantasy series Thief, chronicling the journey of orphan half-elf Jaryd; his days of torment within an orphanage, surviving the dangerous streets and joining a Thieves Guild where his talents for taking what is not his can be put to use.
Eagle of The Empire by Martin Ferguson was such a fun read! I was totally captivated the entire time I was reading and I really struggled to put it down. This is one of those books that made me sad toward the end simply because I didn't want it to end!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
My thoughts: I loved everything about this book and seriously cannot recommend it highly enough! To prevent spoilers, I will keep this brief.
I thought that the writing was so wonderful. It was easy to read and everything flowed very well! There were a handful of chapters that were from another characters perspective, which I'm usually not a big fan of. However, in this case, I loved it! Each chapter from other perspectives than the main character really helped add to the overall story and plot!
I really enjoyed all of the characters. All of their dialogue was so realistic. Many characters were well developed, while some stayed a bit mysterious... in a great way, of course! I can't wait to see who comes back in book two!
I also really enjoyed the historical fiction elements. This is another area that is iffy for me, as I find a lot of historical fiction to be very dry. In this case, it was added to the main story in such a way that kept it super interesting and dramatic! I really enjoyed it!
The pacing was just perfect. The book started with a bang, then slowed just a bit in order to set us up for the rest of the story. Like I said above, I couldn't put this book down!
My favorite passages: I sigh with relief when I hear the sniffing of an animal, but then I’m gripped by new fear, remembering Gillian’s warning of the monster of the loch. A story that sounds childish in the cold light of day, but not now, not in the dark where you’re all alone.
Above me, bats hang from the ceiling. Some are flying across the cave, swooping down before rising and returning to their perches. The hidden cave, the bats, I can’t help myself. ‘I. Am. Batman.’ I say loudly in a deep, menacing voice that echoes throughout the cavern. My dramatics disturb a few more of the bats.
My final thoughts: I loved every second of this book. I cannot wait to get my hands on book two! I would highly recommend this to anyone, especially readers that are fans of Indiana Jones!
Myth is becoming reality after being kept secret for so long.
So begins the story of Adam Hunter. Adam's brother, Matthew, is missing. Adam has always felt inferior to his brother, thanks to his Mother's taunts and hatred. When a mysterious man comes to Adam's home with Matthew's journal, Adam realizes that he has to find his brother.
If you enjoy stories like Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Librarians, Warehouse 13 and Lara Croft, you will love this book! Adam deciphers his brother's journal and follows his footsteps in search of the Eagle of the Empire (the Roman Empire). Along the way, he encounters hidden tombs, supernatural creatures, booby trapped caverns and ghosts.
Great action, great adventure and a great story! As a bonus, every other chapter is the story of a young Centurion, Marcus Aurelius, who might have been the last keeper of the Eagle. The story of his rise through the ranks of his Legion, then his fall into slavery, is very well-written. The scenes of his fights as a Gladiator were often heartbreaking and his determination in reuniting with his young wife was inspiring.
I enjoyed "meeting" Adam Hunter and his love for his brother. A couple of quotes really stand out: "Why postpone what can be done today?" is one that I plan to remember.
The writer has the ability to make you feel the emotions of the characters, the action of the scenes and the intensity of the hunt. Although this book was tagged as YA, it is a wonderful book and should entertain readers of all ages. I look forward to being able to follow more adventures of the Relic Hunters!
The story is about Adam Hunter, 16 years old, who finally sees the world as more than just myths and legends.
The story starts with a mysterious chapter that is from the further part of the story which is filled with action and danger. Later in the next chapter is where the story truly begins, where Adam finds out that his brother is missing and what he needs to do things beyond his limits.
From action to adventure, from friendship to love, from truth to myths, from humans to immortals. This book tells a magical and mysterious story. Will Adam be able to find his brother? How did he disappear? What exactly do the British Museum do? Will Adam find the Relic first or will the immortal one will rule the world? Where & what is the Eagle of the Empire?
My Take:
Eagle of the Empire is the 1st book in the Relic Hunters series written by Martin Ferguson and its a series that will keep your excitement at the top.
This book is filled with adventure and full of action and once you start reading it, from the first chapter itself it will be clear that you are reading the most adventurous and exciting book.
I liked the way author Martin Ferguson has written this book in a very fun and compelling manner. The storyline has a smooth and easy flow and is written in an artistic way.
The characters are described in a very detailed manner and along with gripping narration. The author Martin Ferguson has described the story in a very imaginative way, which made it easy to imagine all the aspects and adventures.
The book is filled with action that is defined in a perfect way. The writing skills of the author made it seem like I was actually visualizing the action scenes.
This book has a great story that you will read with action, adventure, excitement, friendship, and characters that are crafted creatively and impressively.
The author Martin Ferguson is a talented writer with expert skills, it very applaudable that the way he has explained all the myths and legends, that while reading, it creates curiosity within, and then I just felt lost until I finally had few answers.
The highlight of the book no doubt the writing manner that is imaginative and full of myths that will keep you entertained till the end.
This book is a very captivating to read and its a must-read series, If you are a seeker and now seeking for an adventure that will blow your mind. Also, I think this book can become a great action and adventurous movie. Can't wait to read what happens next in the 2nd book.
Overall a phenomenal read that will impress you with its addictiveness. So read now.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and it blew my mind. I can see this book as a movie or a mini series. This book is the first book in the new Relic Hunters series. This was a great start to an awesome series. These characters drew me into the story right away and I could not put the book down until I finished it. This book is a young adult but I really enjoyed the adventure that this author brought me on. I can’t wait to see what is next for these amazing characters.
Adam Hunter is your everyday high school boy. He has all his buddies and he also has a crush on a girl. Adam comes home from school and he is told that his older brother went missing. He was told that his brother was on a secret mission and they lost contact with him. Adam starts doing his own digging and leaves him with some clues on where his brother might be. He finds himself in a place he never knew existed. Adam and some friends are good on an adventure of their lives. Will Adam find his brother or will this mission be too dangerous?
In this action-packed book, young Adam Hunter must find his missing brother and discover there’s more to the universe than he originally thought. Adam must uncover the Roman Ninth Legion and the Eagle Standard, an artifact of mysterious mythical power. With the help of his friends at the British Museum, the Relic Hunters who help protect and recover the relics but they soon find out there are others after it as well. An eternal dictator seeks to destroy the world with the relic. This book is filled with taking drastic measures to accomplish the best! The characters are brave, honorable and amazing. This was an easy read, great world building, and entertaining.
Let me start by saying that this book would make a great movie/TV series. It has everything you need to make it an enthralling read, and in turn, would transfer wonderfully well to the big screen. I can also see it being a great adventure game for PC, Xbox etc. Eagle of the Empire is the first book in the Relic Hunters series by Martin Ferguson. It is a YA adventure- with mystery, danger, historical details, Relic Hunters, a quest for “treasure”, wonderful quirky characters, intrigue, and so much more. This has a bit of a young Indiana Jones feel to it, but with its own unique flair. We meet Adam Hunter whose brother has mysteriously disappeared. His disappearance is tied to the fabled Eagle Standard of the Roman Ninth Legion, and is said to hold mythical powers. So, to free his brother, Adam and some quirky friends set off on a quest to find the relic. But they will need to move quickly, as they aren’t the only ones on the hunt for the mysterious relic. With an immortal and unhinged megalomaniac with sinister intentions to face off against, things will take an intense and dangerous turn. What happens makes for an exciting read- not only for young adults, but readers of all ages who enjoy a great adventure story! On to book #2!
Loved this and very unique. Two stories in one with the modern heroes of the British Museum and the historic Centurion of the Roman era. Both stories had me eager to read on. Very much made me think of Indiana Jones.
The Relic Hunters series is what you’d get if you combined the Young James Bond series, Indiana Jones, and National Treasure. It’s a YA adventure that you won’t want to miss!
RELIC HUNTERS: EAGLE OF THE EMPIRE When his brother mysteriously disappears, sixteen-year-old Adam Hunter discovers that the myths and legends he was told as a boy have more truth to them than he ever thought possible. To free his brother, Adam must uncover the truth about the lost Roman Ninth Legion and find its fabled Eagle Standard, an artefact of mysterious mythical power. Adam calls on the help of the British Museum, a team of quirky Relic Hunters, skilled in recovering and protecting relics around the world. They need to act fast for they are not the only ones searching for the relic.
To save the life of his brother, Adam and his allies will face an immortal tyrant who seeks to claim the Eagle of the Empire for himself, and with it, bring the world to its knees.
Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love archeological adventures. Indiana Jones was my absolute favorite as a child, and this series feels like the next step. Eagle of the Empire is just the first stepping stone in this action packed series. The adventure starts with one small sentence, “Do not let this fall into the wrong hands.” From that point on I was hooked. This book is an adrenaline shot from the very beginning, and it keeps its fast paced tone without becoming confusing or muddled. I love when a story kicks it into high gear and is able to maintain that speed, that’s exactly how an adventure story should be. It kept my heart racing and I loved that. The protagonists are excellent, even though you aren’t sure whether you can trust some of them. I love how the author is able to build such a diverse cast of heroes with their own desires and flaws. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s incredibly important to create three dimensional characters. There’s nothing I hate more than cardboard cutout characters who only exist in the background for the main character to interact with. This book absolutely nails dynamic characters. I also enjoyed how it flashes from present to past between Adam and The Centurion of Ancient Rome. Usually these kinds of books build history through discovery of artifacts, but this one gives you a first hand account of the past. I loved viewing the gladiatorial arenas through a gladiators eyes. Honestly it reminded me of the Gladiator movie, which I also love. The switch from past to present is smooth and it adds even more depth to the story. I mentioned earlier how this book reminded me of National Treasure, this is why: “You want to infiltrate the Vatican?’ Charles asks after a moment of silence. ‘You want to infiltrate one of the most heavily guarded structures in the world? In the very heart of Rome it is its own country, possessing its own army and is home to the Pope himself.” I love the high-stakes of this book, and the bar only keeps getting higher and higher as we progress. There’s so much to lose and it really creates the tone you need for this kind of story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5.
Maybe I’m a sucker for adventure novels, but this is easily a five star read in my eyes. A huge thank you to Martin Ferguson for reaching out to me. As soon as I’m caught up on my reviews I’ll be reading what happens next!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This amazing author reached out to me around a month ago, asking if I'd like to review his book. At the time I had no idea I'd come to love this one so much.. So Thankyou Martin Ferguson for giving me the opportunity to review this masterpiece and for understanding why I couldn't post earlier 😊 So withour further ado let's get crackin'
I have to start off with how much I loved the characters, whether they were from the past or the present. The characters were flawless ,they were 3 dimensional... which is one thing THAT'S really important to me because I don't like flat, dull characters. Adam (our main guy) is a fun, witty , adventurous and laid back type of guy who is also very vulnerable and insecure, a guy I'd definitely fall hard for in real life lol.. He is adamant on finding his brother Matt, who went missing after he took it upon himself to go search for a Roman Artefact. So its no wonder that I was hooked from the very beginning. From the very first page Y'all!! 😁 Honestly the writing style and the premise were remarkable,usually first time authors have a way of writing amateurish content, but this didn't feel like an amateur writing, it hardly felt like it is the first novel the author has ever written so kudos on that. As for the story, WOW!! I was blown away because it had everything I love in a novel, fantasy, mystery and historical fiction. Everyone has heard of The Famous Roman Empire about its might and strength. I was always fascinated by it but I never researched, so I had no clue whatsoever about it.. I just knew that it was very powerful. This stirred in me the desire to actually get up and research and read about their history. Also the whole idea of a story revolving around a Roman Artefact , myths and legends was pretty cool, how the author went back and forth from 76AD to the 2000s , intertwining the past and the present, giving us clues as to the location of Matt, was pure genius It almost had a magical feeling to it. . I felt like I was treasure hunting lol, decode the clues to get to Matt. So I highly recommend reading this book because its honestly a surprise burst of bliss ❤
Wow this is such a great story!!! I stumbled upon meeting the author of this book at a book signing that I recently attended in London after I had already come across the book while browsing on Amazon and was drawn to it by it's great cover. I read the blurb which really got my attention and made me want to read it as it sounded like my kinda book. The story is primarily aimed at YA readers but as a mature reader myself I felt that this book could be read by readers of all ages as it covers a wide range of subject matters that we all face when growing up and even into adulthood. This is an action adventure story that tells the story of Centurion, Optio Marcus Aurelius from the past with his legion of men invading Britannia under the command of Legatus Antonius Thadian and of Adam Hunter who is a sixteen year old boy dealing with teenage life until his brother Matt is reported as missing. The book plays out a chapter at a time telling each boys story in turn following a similar timeline giving you and the characters clues into finding Matt and to stop the Eagle of the Empire from falling into the wrong hands. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it let my imagination run wild and embrace the journey back to the past to a time in our history of when the Roman Empire ruled and dominated most of Europe. I have always had an interest in this time period, and even though it had it's glory days for the Romans it also had a dark and sinister side to its history that is shown in this book. If you like stories that have action, adventure, mystery, suspense and a little danger this book has all that and more in abundance. It's fast paced and written so well that I couldn't give this anything else but 5 stars as for me it was a total joy and pleasure to read. On a final note I could actually see this being made into a film as it's got that kind of quality and vibe to it.
This YA adventure seeking tale came to me just when I needed it. I began reading this book when I was in a desperate need of a break after meeting all of my academic deadlines for this semester. After reading the first chapter it was clear to me that I made the right choice.
From the get-go, you are pulled in to the action. From the first page itself, the plot propels into the narrative and thus begins the tale of the Relic Hunters series. Amongst plans that went awry and conspiracies, the Eagle of the Empire is centered around Adam Hunter, his brother Matt Hunter and the British Museum group of treasure seekers.
I am fond of Adam. The way he is introduced to the readers garners curiosity about this seemingly cocky but sweet teenager. Adam’s love for his brother and loyalty to his family help him overcome his personal issues and push him towards doing right by his brother and not give up.
One thing I particularly like about this book is the fact that all characters are given an appropriate amount of space in the plot. The individuality of different characters and their unique perspective is explored in depth and the readers are given a chance to observe all sides of the story.
The key elements that echo throughout the book are family, loyalty, faith, and perseverance. At the same time, the book also captures the greed as it manifests in humans across the barriers of time. The balance of the historical fiction elements while maintaining the adventure seeking theme is on point. The author is able to pull together all the variables while delivering a fast-paced narrative. This is a book I was unable to put down without finishing.
I would like to thank the author, Martin Ferguson, for providing me with a copy of Eagle of the Empire for reviewing. Reading it was an absolute joy.
This is a story of a long lost relic, brotherly love, adventure, danger and discoveries. It starts with Adam Hunter at school and up to his usual tricks, he is retrieving something from the teachers office and trying to do it without being caught, when he is back with his friends, one of his least popular teachers is calling his name and as he goes with his usual brand of cheek, they announce that it’s not about something he has done, it is about his older brother. We next see him arriving home to find his mother shouting at some visitors and being as unwelcoming as usual. It turns out that his brother has gone missing from his home, his job and his family and nobody knows where he is.
As the visitors leave, they ask Adam a question about his brother and when he doesn’t give the answer that they are after, they leave, but not without something going missing that belongs to his brother and because of this, Adam figures out where his brother has gone missing and the possible reason why.
Adam’s brother has found the possible whereabouts of the legendary lost Roman 9th Legion and their standard, but because of a warning from his brother, he doesn’t share the information with the visitors who his brother apparently worked with because he doesn’t feel like he can trust them.
As Adam embarks on the rescue of his brother, he defies everyone and goes it alone. He discovers that the way is not as easy as he originally believed and there are some dangers that cannot be fathomed.
This is a thrilling ride where reality, legend and mystery combine to create a journey and opportunity that do not come round very often. A thrilling race and what the outcome will be is anyone's guess.
Will Adam find what he is looking for or will the others find it first?
This is a nice little mystery number that made me think of the Uncharted games while I was reading it. Hunter is a cheeky character that gets himself into and out of lots of sticky situations, all with wit, charisma and style. Personally, I found the writing style, not to my tastes, I’m always a little put off by things written in the present tense, I don’t know why just a weird quirk of mine. Even so, I still found myself enjoying this and wanting to find out what happens next. Adam Hunter goes on an epic quest to find his brother Matt and the missing relic (the eagle of the ninth legion) gaining help from Matt’s colleagues’ who call themselves relic hunters, and what a quirky bunch, I mean it said it in the blurb but I was not prepared, they really are a colourful bunch that gives this adventure story just that extra bit of sparkle. Too many of the stories in this genre can get really samey, all following the same story beats and going through the same motions, but with the added amaze-balls of these characters all of the potential staleness is given a new lease of life and if feels as though you are reading something fresh. I honestly would have been chuffed to read a full story about any one of these characters, particularly Gabriel. This story really is a white-knuckle ride of fun and adventure, weaving in old myths and legends expertly, with interesting twists that put these well-known tales and stories in a new light. I really enjoyed this tale and am looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Eagle of the Empire (Relic Hunters) By Martin Ferguson 5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Eagle of the Empire (Relic Hunters) by Martin Ferguson. It is an action/adventure story that pulled me in from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. It has mystery, action, and danger. I loved reading about the character of Adam Hunter. He is a young man who learns that his brother is missing. He is determined to find him. Along the way Adam finds himself uncovering the truth about the past and the lost Roman Ninth Legion as well as an artifact the Eagle Standard. Adam finds himself with allies from the British Museum. They find that they are not the only ones looking for the fabled artifact. Will Adam and those helping him find the artifact before others do? Will Adam find his brother? Read this book to find out. This is an exciting and entertaining tale. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Adam is an amazing character. He refuses to give up on finding his brother. He is someone I would want to look for me if I was missing. I also enjoyed reading about those who help Adam. There are also those whose agenda is all about power and they will do anything to make sure that their plans succeed. The author does a wonderful job of making me feel like I was right there with the characters on their journey. Don’t miss out on a story that mixes the past with the present. I would highly recommend reading it.
Admittedly I was drawn to the Relic Hunters series originally because of its whimsical and interesting cover art. I truly had never seen anything like it before, and as soon as I read the back cover of the first book, Eagle Of the Empire, I knew I had to read it. I was immediately transported into Adam and Matt’s world with no way out. Before I knew it I had finished the first five books of this legendary adventure. I have never read a series as captivating as this one, where each amazing book is so much better than the last. The inclusion of history and myths makes Adam and the gang's story feel almost nostalgic. I adore Adam and really enjoyed getting to deeply know his character. Ferguson is very skilled at developing his characters and their relationships so naturally. The flow between past and present was smooth, I also loved the structure of these books and the use of different perspectives other than Adam. It also helped the flow of the story and helped me see it as a whole. I really enjoyed Ferguson’s tone with The Relic Hunters series and his inclusion of humor with the action. Each book is my favorite book until I read the next one in this entrancing and intriguing series. Every book had me more on the edge of my seat than the last, audibly gasping at the pages. This Young Adult Series will have anyone at any age coming back for more! I for one can not wait to sink my teeth into the Sixth installment of this series Kingdom Of The Oceans!
Adam Hunter is a sixteen year old boy who lives a boring life, always getting into trouble to make his life more exciting. That is until he gets news that his older brother, Matt, is missing. Turns out Matt was living a double life. Adam thought his brother worked a boring desk job. That was far from the truth. He actually was a relic hunter working for a British Museum. Adam may be the only one who can find his brother through encrypted clues left behind in Matt’s journal he kept.
Matt was looking for the lost Eagle of the ninth legion. Something that was thought of as just a myth. Adam leaves behind everything he knows and makes his way to Rome to try to find the Eagle and his brother. He isn’t the only one on the hunt for the Eagle though and the people also relic hunting are very dangerous. With the help from Matt’s team at the museum, Adam realizes he must not fail. Lives are at stake.
The author wrote this book in two different timelines, the present and back sometime around 70 AD. I personally am not a huge fan of roman history but I liked how the author wrote from the perspective of someone from that time, plus the present day was full of mystery and action that kept me engaged. I also enjoyed Adam’s character growth. He lived in the shadow of his older brother and felt unworthy but since Matt’s saving was up to Adam, he had time to live up to his potential and grow up in a way. I am excited to see what the Hunter brothers are up to next.
I'd like to thank Martin Ferguson for inviting me to read and review Relic Hunters: Eagle Of The Empire. This is the first book in the Relic Hunters series. It follows Adam Hunter, who is a sixteen year old boy and he's thrown into a world where the myths and legends in stories come to life.
Now I've got to be honest here and say that when I first saw the cover, I automatically thought that this book was not my cup of tea. But, after reading the synopsis something grabbed me and made me want to read the book. I'm so glad that I followed my gut to go ahead and read it.
What I enjoyed about Eagle Of The Empire was the intertwining of historical references and real life myths into the story. I was straight onto Google to check out the story behind the Roman Ninth Legion. Yes, Ferguson has used his artistic license to fabricate a few things but what we get is a fantastic story of adventure and thrills.
I really liked the characters involved in this story. Firstly, Adam's enthusiasm to discover and to solve the mysteries brings passion into the tale. Then the team in the British Museum all have their own expertise to bring to the table, and this gives the reader a better understanding and knowledge of the history.
Eagle of The Empire is a fantasy adventure series, where you will get a thrill seeking ride and learn a few bits along the way.
At the onset, let me begin by saying this book reminded me of Indiana Jones movie series. It has so many elements in common with the movies, the suspense, the thrilling action, the adrenaline rush and the historic mystic element attached to it. Adam Hunter is in search of his brother, who has gone missing searching for a historic relic, which dates back to the times of Marcus Aurelius, one of the five good emperors and the last emperor to rule over a Roman era which bestowed peace and stability to the empire. In order to find his brother, Adam has to search for the relic. Adam journeys with few of his quirky friends in British Museum from London to Scotland and from there the story takes us to the quest of the Eagle relic of ancient Rome. But it so happens that they are not the only one in search of the relic, they have an opponent with evil intentions whose eyes are set on the relic. It is the race of time for Adam and his friends against this evil adversary to get their hands on the relic. The book keeps the reader on the edge of your seat till the very end. It is Young Adult fantasy but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn’t let go of the book and finished it in one shot! Highly recommended!
Highly entertaining series that meshed Historical Fiction with Urban Fantasy. Eagle of the Empire is a very fun start to the series that really sells on character motivation; Adam wants to find his missing brother (and will do just about anything to find him, including facing some of his greatest fears) but he's always curious about the historic past he's working adjacent to. As a history lover I was eager to read the chapters that took place in the past, they all feel like a somewhat mythical time setting, where the ancient past was at it's glorious height, but are full of characters who are very grounded. By the end of the book you want to know more about other mysterious relics that could show up, and who could be after them ... Adam is a great protagonist, capable and intelligent, but has enough flaws and inexperience to make the occasional bad call that lands him in trouble. Trouble that ramps the story up! Overall I'd describe it as an urban fantasy series that I would have adored as a teenager, and still adored as an adult, great read! Highly recommend.
I bought this book in paperback as it fuses my love of history with a flare of fictional adventure. Eagle of the Empire had me hooked from the very beginning and I could not put it down until I found out what happened next - I have not been this excited to finish a book so much since Harry Potter. The author has a great way of gripping the reader from the first page, and our hero (16 year old Adam) is a brilliant lead character. So often a leading man is perfect in every way, so it is refreshing to see Adam has his flaws, his insecurities and his own personal battles to overcome. Having known a little of this history already it was brilliant to see how the author took a Roman myth and laid out a perfect tale. I loved how not only were we following the modern day 'Relic Hunters' but also the chapters set in Roman time following Marcus. Martin Ferguson certainly has a new fan in me, and I will be making sure to purchase the next book in the series as soon as possible.
It’s really a good book and I’m so glad to have had the chance to read it. I’m not a fan of the historical novels and this is why I haven’t given 5 stars, but this is a matter of taste. Anyway the story follows Adam, a seventeen year old, who must find his missing brother that was on the trace of the Eagle standard of the Roman Ninth Legion and the mystery behind it. I like Adam. He’s smart, funny, bold, brave and he didn’t think twice when he found out his brother went missing. The problem is that he’s not the only one looking for the mysterious item! So with the help of the British Museum he must uncover the secret behind the Eagle and the disappearance of Ninth legion to bring his brother back home. I really like Mr. Ferguson’s writing, it’s compelling and easy at the same time. Read it, you won’t regret it.
I received a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was my first chance reading anything by Martin Ferguson, but I am glad I went in blind. This is one that you will want to leave plenty of time to fully absorb this book as you read because it picks up from that very first chapter and speeds through until the ending that you never saw coming. This was an interesting take on the coming of age story. We get to meet Adam Hunter as he is searching for clues in his missing brother’s journal. He is determined to find him and search for the Eagle Standard and other mythical artifacts. He must face many demons and obstacles and question whether everything is real or made believe. Will he find his brother? There is a nice side story or another layer to this one that alternates with Adam’s side of things and I really enjoyed how the author incorporated that. I loved all the characters we met and I look forward to seeing if and when we will get another with these fabulous characters again.
Eagle of the Empire (Relic Hunters #1) by Martin Ferguson is a YA adventure story that reminds me of the Librarian movies and tv series and Indiana Jones. I really enjoyed this book as I love the thrills and mystery of history, putting a puzzle together and going to extremes to find what you are after. I enjoyed the characters and felt like I was journeying along with them due to Martins world building. It is fast paced and gets the heart pumping and before I knew it, it was finished, and I didn’t notice because I was so engrossed in it. Even though this is a YA story I am sure that anyone of any age from YA and up will enjoy it.
Adam is thrown into a world he didn’t know existed and wondered how in the world his brother had gotten them into the mess he finds himself in. Unbeknownst to him he has been training for this his whole young life and will stop at nothing to find the treasure that will lead him to his brother.
I loved this story. It contained two of my favourite things mystery and history. It was amazing written and it really brought the past and the present to life.
Adam Hunter is a normal teenage kid, he goes to college, lives at home with his mum, has a normal older brother. Everything in his life was normal or so he thought.
One day he arrives home to find his brother Matt has gone missing. But things don't add up as Matt worked and office job so how could he go missing. As Adam uncovers the truth about Matts real job it sets him on an adventure to find who kidnapped his brother and for what reason.
With the help of Matts team mates from the British Museum they search of the Eagle of the lost Ninth Legion. Can they find it before the people who kidnapped Matt and will they be able to bring Matt and the Relic home safely?Also is Matts team just after finding the Eagle or do they really want to rescue Matt? Can Adam trust them?
Eagle of the Empire (Relic Hunters) by Martin Ferguson is a great young adult series.
Sixteen-year-old Adam Hunter learns that the stories and tales he was told as a child have more truth to them than he ever imagined when his brother vanishes abruptly. Adam has to discover the truth about the Roman Ninth Legion's disappearance and locate its renowned Eagle Standard—an artifact of enigmatic, mythological power—in order to set his brother free. Adam enlists the assistance of the British Museum, whose eccentric Relic Hunters are adept at locating and preserving treasures all across the world. They must go quickly, though, as they are not the only ones looking for the artifact. Adam and his comrades must battle an immortal tyrant who wants to take possession of the Eagle of the Empire in order to save their brother's life.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings us into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.
I enjoyed this book. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to seeing more from him. I had no problem connecting with the characters. They made the story interesting and engaging. I also enjoyed how they were supportive of each other which makes the story easy to read. This book took me on a journey of finding out if myths and legends are true or just stories as Adam has been told. He is in search of his missing brother. Problem is there is more than one person looking for the relic. He calls on a group of relic hunters to help him. Will he find the relic in time to save his brother? This is an interesting story that took a little bit for me to get into but once I did it turned out to be a great story. This is a young adult story that anyone would enjoy right along with the journey it takes you on. I highly recommend this book.
Wow, wow, wow! I absolutely loved every second of this book and literally cannot wait to read the rest of the series! This felt like a mix of Indiana Jones/Da Vinci Code/National Treasure, and it’s absolutely brilliant.
Adam is just a 16 year old boy, going to school and getting into trouble all the time. He lives with his Mum who is hard to be around, and his brother works away in a boring job. Or so he thought….. When he finds out his brother has gone missing, he discovers that everything he believed was a lie….. As he sets out on his mission to rescue his brother, he crosses paths with the secret Treasure Hunting team of the British Museum – who will become more to him that he first realises. To save his brother, Adam has to face more than just his worst fears on the hunt for the Eagle Standard of the famous missing Roman Ninth Legion. But it’s not just his brother who is in danger…..
Honestly, I couldn’t love this any more. This book is all me! History, action, artefacts, brilliant characters, suspense and a thrilling storyline. I loved Adam from the word go – a little troublemaking loveable rogue, who ends up being so much more than he realised. I loved every one of the characters, despite some of them having attitudes! There are some supernatural characters in this too which adds a brilliant level of fantasy and intrigue to the storyline.
The plot is just brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed every single second and would absolutely love to see this as a movie! I especially loved that the story is told in two different times – so you learn about the characters in the past (in this book, the Roman’s and the Ninth Legion) and the artefacts that they’re hunting; and then you have the present story of all the action and suspense of the hunt. The story of the past unravels at a brilliant pace, and I just wanted to keep turning the pages!
The setting is also fantastic. Set in the present day at the British Museum and across the globe as the treasure hunt commences, and then back in Britannia and Rome during the Roman period. Every single descriptor made this come to life for me – absolutely brilliant.
So, believe me if you’re a fan of history or archeology and love a good action packed, suspenseful treasure hunt with a brilliant plot, historical information and a fabulous cast of characters then you will adore this as much as me! I’m SO lucky that I have book 2 to read and cracked on with it straight away, and am enjoying every single second. So, trust me….if this sounds like your sort of thing, head over and get it now! I promise you won’t be disappointed, and I’ll be back with my review of book 2 and book 3 in the coming days!
What an incredible start to a series! I liked the cover of this book, and once I read the summary, I knew I had to dive in. The characters are well-developed, and I felt invested in them immediately. I found myself using every excuse to get away from the real world and pick this book back up. If you find yourself interested in myths, legends, and treasure hunters, this book is one you will not want to pass up. Adam and his buddies are all in high school, but he comes home one day and finds that his older brother is missing. The world that he enters is one he never thought could be real. The author did a phenomenal job creating a story with history and fantasy which is a feat in itself. I highly recommend picking this up even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea because I bet you’ll still be completely captivated before you know it!
This was an incredible book, I really enjoyed and love the fact that it is series, which I can not wait to get into the rest. This book went and back and forth between past and present which gave it a nice back story on the events and what was happening before. the history that weaved into the story really brings a different perspective to this story. Matt and Adam are far from your ordinary boys, they are relic hunters, and this story takes us to Rome, but they aren’t the only ones on the hunt. The adventure these boys go thou shows to them a lot of growth and that they can accomplish anything. This book was filled with action, supernatural, history, suspense and so much more. Highly recommend this book.