The Emperor's Exile

Eagles of the Empire #19

by Simon Scarrow

The gripping and action-packed new Roman army adventure in the Eagles of the Empire series by Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Scarrow. The perfect read for readers of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell.

Tribune Cato and Centurion Macro, hardened veterans of the Roman army, have faced the Empire's enemies from Britannia to Parthia, from Hispania to Judea. Now once again they are on a mission that will imperil their lives and those of all who serve with them. Loyal to the last to their comrades in battle, fearless in the face of the most brutal or barbaric opponents, they are the finest men the Emperor can call on in the service of Rome.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON'T KNOW ROME!

Praise for Simon's

'Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best' Independent
'Blood, gore, political intrigue' Daily Sport
'Always a joy' The Times

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, War, Roman, Military Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2020

About the author

Simon 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.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This eventful Roman adventure is already the 19th instalment of the wonderful "Eagles of the Empire" series, from the formidable author, Simon Scarrow.

At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Sardinia in the 1st Century AD, as well as a Cast List with real great historical and wonderful fictional characters who are featuring in this historical novel of Roman power and control.

Its another action-packed Roman adventure, but I miss the usual banter between Cato and Macro after Macro and Petronella's departure, and although the new one, an individual called Apollonius is doing his best to fill in the void, still in my view its different and not so sparkling and enjoyable as it is (was) between Cato and Macro.

Storytelling is for certain of a superb quality, all the characters are lifelike and believable, while the deadly atmosphere in Sardinia, with also the killing pestilence in their midst, comes splendidly off the pages.

This book is set in the year, AD 57, during the reign of Emperor Nero, and Prefect Cato and Senior Centurion Macro have returned to Rome from the Eastern campaign with General Corbulo, only to find an Imperial Court uneasy and hostile towards their achievements as well as towards Nero and his mistress, Claudia Acte.

Prefect Cato is stripped from his title of Prefect of the Praetorians, due to his actions in the East with General Corbulo, and as a consequence he's sent by Senator Seneca to Sardinia to escort Claudia Acte to her place of exile, but before that happens he and Macro will say their goodbyes, and part ways with Macro and Petronella heading for Britannia, to live and work there, leaving Cato with his important mission to Sardinia, with a select group of Centurions and the spy/assassin, Apollonius, to bring Roman law and order to this place, a place that's also ravaged by a deadly disease.

What is to follow is a Roman adventure with plenty of action, no doubt about that, but its also a book with a similar theme as in "Invictus", in what the local tribal revolt is concerned, but now adding to it is a deadly pestilence and with only Cato in the headlines an a supporting role for Apollonius, so that overall this engaging book is somewhat inferior to its predecessors in intensity, interaction, warfare and (real) historical battles against fearsome opponents like the Parthians, or the tribes from Germania, or the Celts from Britannia, and I can only hope that the author will return to that kind of formula again.

Really recommended, for this is another very good addition to this fantastic series, but not the very best in my opinion, and to come back to this episode I want to call it: "Heroic Cato In Exciting Sardinian Outing"!

[Phillip Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The worst killer is disease and it has eradicated more people than any devised by any military force on earth. Cato is sent to Sardinia to escort the mistress of the Emperor Nero to her new home in exile and deal with the insurgent indigenous population that is becoming a problem. The fight scenes are intense with Cato losing men and an eye in the service of Rome. There is not much need for bloodshed because disease has decimated the native population not unlike what happened to the Aztecs when the Spaniards invaded. The epidemic spread by the Emperor's mistress Claudia to the native population during her captivity was the coup de gras that ended this story.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much and this one is a corker, although times are definitely a-changing for Cato and Macro. The action this time is spent on Sardinia, an island plagued by disease and bandits, to where Nero has been forced to exile his mistress. Really excellent story. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.

[Darek Zawisko · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Unseen Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Emperor's Exile from Hachette Australia to review.

Rating of 4.5.

One of the top authors of Roman historical fiction, Simon Scarrow, returns with the latest exciting novel in his Eagles of the Empire series, The Emperor’s Exile.

Rome, 57 A.D. Following their adventures in Parthia, Legionary veterans Tribune Cato and Centurion Marco return to Rome with the remnants of their Praetorian Cohort. Thanks to the ever-shifting politics of Rome and the fickleness of Emperor Nero’s court, Cato faces a hostile reception from some of Nero’s advisors, who hold him responsible for the military disasters experienced in the Parthian campaign. Soon Cato has his command taken away from him, while Marco decides to resign from the Legions in protest, determined to live out his retirement in Britain.

Isolated in Rome, Cato is forced by one of Nero’s advisors to take on a new and dangerous mission. Nero’s mistress, the beautiful Claudia Acte, has risen too high too quickly, and Nero’s political enemies have manipulated him into sending her into exile. Travelling with a select group of Praetorian officers and his new advisor, the spy Apollonius, Cato must escort Claudia to the location of her exile, the island province of Sardinia, where he has another mission to accomplish.

Sardinia has long been plagued by tribes of bandits living wild in the centre of the island. These proud decedents of the original inhabitants of Sardinia have been causing problems in recent months, raiding the local villages and ambushes caravans. Taking command of Sardinia’s entire garrison, Cato begins to work out a strategy to defeat the locals and regain his position in Rome. However, this proves harder than originally anticipated as Cato needs to contend with a disorganised military force, a dangerous plague that is beginning to overwhelm the island and a surprisingly competent group of bandits with unparalleled knowledge of the local landscape. Worse, Cato begins to have dangerous feelings for Claudia, feelings which his enemies will exploit and which could set the entirety of Rome against him. Can Cato pacify Sardinia before his entire force is decimated, or have his adventures finally come to an end?

To see the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2020/12/04/...

An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 17 December 2020:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2021/01/03/...

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Simon Scarrow in the consistently good Cato and Macro series. Fans of the series will know that Roman soldiers Cato and Macro have been together since the start, only now Macro has retired. So, not only is Cato ‘flying solo’ (well, with the aid of a small army), but he’s also sent to accompany Nero’s out of favour mistress to exile in Sardinia. Added to this Sardinia is suffering a deadly plague... I wasn’t entirely sure that I was ready for a plague novel, nor for Cato to say ‘next slide please...’ (sorry for that one), but the story line is handled well and with interesting outcomes - I’m saying no more!

[Mr Roy Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cato is just not the same without Macro. Yes, time stands still for no man and Macro was getting old. But still sad to see him go (temporarily?). Decent enough book about Sardinia that took Cato away from Britain, France, Rome etc, but he could have been anywhere. Was this book "inspired" by Covid? Probably not completely, but strange to read a book with the plague when we are all in lockdown.

[Mr Jeffery · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first venture into Simon Scarrow, but I feel it will be worth reading some more.

It is always difficult getting into characters who have clearly been developing over a long series of books.

Well worth a read.

[Mick O'Shea · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was poor. Tried too hard to be "current" which is always a clunker for historical novels. Took so long to get to the fighting which ended up a walk in the park skirmish.

[Tom Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to his best

Having read all the books in this collection and not having enjoyed.the last two.to.the extent of his previous work i was happy to see that this book has returned to its best. Can't wait for the next book. It's going to be a long 12 months.

[Jack Neighbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent instalment. Slightly concerned I’ve only got 2 left before I’m up to date!

[Michael Fuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong return to form, albeit a bit rushed towards the end. Can't believe everyone got COVID and died.

[Steve Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cato and Macro are my guilty pleasure. So why does this one miss the mark? Is it the out of character, characters? Is it the outrageous hijacking of an historical figure? Is it the sudden disappearance of a minor character, together with his plotline? Or is it the near complete absence of a central figure?

[Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is not just a piece of historical fiction but a gripping tale of resilience and rebellion.

Set against the backdrop of British-ruled Australia, Verbannung shifts focus to the penal colonies where convicts, transported from Britain, struggle to survive in an unforgiving environment. The protagonist, Jonas Merritt, once a passionate advocate for reform and now exiled due to his involvement in the ill-fated Pentrich Rebellion, must navigate a brutal new world where danger lurks at every corner. Scarrow’s depiction of Jonas is compelling—he is a flawed yet deeply human character whose growth and adaptability make him relatable and admirable.

What truly stands out in Verbannung is Scarrow’s ability to immerse readers in the harsh realities of life in the Australian colonies. The vivid descriptions of the penal system, the natural landscape, and the interactions between colonists and Indigenous Australians provide a richly textured backdrop to the story. The moral dilemmas faced by Jonas and other characters as they wrestle with issues of justice, loyalty, and survival add depth to the narrative.

The plot is expertly paced, with Scarrow blending intense action scenes with moments of introspection and character development. The tension is palpable as Jonas faces physical and psychological challenges, from the oppressive overseers to the conflicts between prisoners themselves. However, beneath the struggles, there is also a thread of hope and redemption as Jonas seeks to rebuild his life and fight for justice in a new land.

Scarrow’s prose is vivid and accessible, making Verbannung a highly readable book even for those who might not be familiar with the historical context. He has a knack for creating dialogue that feels authentic, drawing readers into the lives and struggles of the characters.

For fans of historical fiction, Verbannung is a must-read. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known part of history while delivering a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling. Simon Scarrow proves once again why he is one of the most respected authors in the genre, crafting a tale that stays with readers long after the final page.

[Rui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eletrizante. Quem tenha o poder empático de se por na pele dos personagens, não consegue não ter ansiedade e palpitações. É essa a emoção que o Simon transmite quando está empenhado em contar bem uma boa história. Obrigado, Simon, por mais este.

[Doros Lesesofa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wieder mal ein Sieben-Sterne-Buch aus dieser Reihe!

Sehr abenteuerlich, aber auch wie nachhause kommen! :):):)

[Giovanni Casula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le avventure di Catone e Macrone sono sempre una garanzia, non stancano mai e ogni anno si attende il nuovo libro con piacere, soprattutto quest anno con un avventura ambientata in Sardegna!una lettura che riesce sempre a intrattenere, semplice ma mai banale. Non do 5 stelle solo perché ho trovato le scene di battaglia un pò confusionarie certe volte.

[Björn · Rating 5 out of 5]

19 boken med Cato och Macro. Denna gång fick inte Cato med sig sin vapendragare Macro. Likväl lika spännande tycker jag. Samma tema som tidigare böcker vilket jag gillar.

[Scott Chalinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Another good book in the series, has it ended or left open hmmm we’ll see.definitely recommend it and enjoyed the full series.

[GBL · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emperor’s Exile is the nineteenth book in the series of Roman novels featuring Cato and Marco. The novel mirrors real life for just as the real world was battling the plague of Covid-19, Cato is faced with a plague epidemic in Sardinia, where he has been sent to restore Roman rule.

Sardinia, the island province, is struggling to deal with the local native population who have begun attacking Roman interests. Cato, unpopular in Rome after his return from the East, is sent to deal with the situation but he is also tasked with taking Claudia Acte, Nero’s mistress, to the island into exile. As the relationship between Claudia and Cato develops he has to plan the defeat of the local natives while managing an outbreak of plague. As ever, Cato succeeds but we see him working alone for, sadly, Marco is not with him, having set off for retirement in Britannia.

The novel suffers from the loss of Marco as a character, for the team has been at the heart of the story from the beginning. Scarrow does use the spy Appolonius as a means of revealing Cato’s character but their relationship is new and prickly so doesn’t have the depth and breadth of the relationship between Cato and Marco. The ending of this novel suggests the two will meet in the next novel and, although we feel Marco deserves his retirement, we need him to be in the ongoing story of the two friends.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a bit not far into this novel - and not long before Macro exits, stage left (or is it stage right?), where he and Cato are discussing their shared past, not long after returning to Rome following their failure of their recent campaign on the eastern frontier (in both The Blood of Rome and Traitors of Rome.)

Cato: "What words could convey the adventures we have lived through?"
"True," Macro reflected "If some c**t wrote it all down, who would ever believe it!"

And that, pretty much, sums up the last 18 (19, including this!) in Simon Scarrow's 'Eagles of the Empire' series, that first started way back when with Under the Eagle.

Ostracized at Nero's court because of that failure, Cato is blackmailed into accompanying the Emperor's (former, low-born) mistress Claudia Acte into exile on the province of Sardinia: a province that is suffering from both insurgency and an outbreak of plague.

It's up to Cato to supress that insurgency, in a race against time, as the plague starts affecting his ramshackle troops ...

This is another enjoyable read in the series, although I did miss the presence of macro for large swathes of the novel (good news, though: it looks like he's returning in the next instalment). I have to wonder, though, was Apollonius being written as his replacement ...?

Time will tell.

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, this is No. 19 in Simon Scarrow's Eagles of the Empire series. And if you think the series should be ending, guess again......just when you think there's nothing left in the way of surprises, Scarrow gives us a couple in this 434 page goodie.

To tell what any of those surprises are would spoil the fun when you read the book, so I'll let someone else pull off a spoiler and tell what they are. I will say this much, the title doesn't refer to the emperor, who happens to be Nero, going into exile. If you read the flyleaf on the book, it will tell you and that will spoil one of the surprises, but it's up to you if you want to be surprised or not as you read the book.

This time around, Cato finds himself on the island of Sardinia, his long-time friend and partner, Macro having retired and taken his bride to Brittania. So, obviously Cato has a new partner - or does he save the Roman Empire's holdings in Sardinia all by himself? Read the book and you'll find out.

If you're a follower of Scarrow's series, this is a must-read, and if you're not, go back to the first book in the series and read them in order. Everything will make more sense that way. As usual, with Scarrow's novels there's a goodly amount of blood, guts and mayhem designed to keep the action junkie happy. However, towards the end it almost seems kind of rushed like Scarrow didn't want to add more for fear the book would hit 500 pages. So what? You never notice how many pages are in a good book until you're finished reading it!

[Opa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid book, well written, quite good plot, classic Scarrow quality, but still it made me feel frustrated, and here is why.

This is the 19th installment for the adventures of Cato, and we've seen him grow into quite the officer. Great battles in Britannia, Parthia, scheming in the Imperial palace, pirates, all that epic stuff. Now that Cato has earned all this fame in these large-scale campaigns, where does he go? Some backwater village in Sardinia, fighting a war band of maybe 200 barbarians. What is this? If Scarrow really wants to tie up these series in the year of the four emperors (which is still over ten years away), he should be focusing on more important things, making Cato a Legate, doing time skips, etc. And in the next book synapsis Cato will be fighting some disgruntled ex-legionnaire in Britannia? Maybe some epic brawling on bars, covered in shit and puke?

Don't get me wrong, it is a good book. But for us who have been here for all these books, this plot is just so disappointing in scale. We demand more epic stuff, like the revolt by Boudicca, more Parthia stuff, Jewish conflicts. Not some small 50-man sieges on mudhuts...please make Cato great again. He shouldn't be thinking about retiring on some gloomy british farm with his dog and new girlfriend, tending on potatoes and fighting off beggars with sticks. He should be on his way to become a damn general under Vespasian.

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarrow's "Eagles" series often includes allusions to current affairs in the world and his private life, but in this book he has given up on subtlety. Ultimately set on an island beset by deadly disease, with "fake bulletins" being posted for people to read, and an indolent, corpulent (my autocorrect keeps trying to change that to copulating), stammering governor with a shock of white hair, and a balding advisor "with an intense gaze that made him look slightly deranged." The lack of subtlety and much complexity in narrative arc means that this isn't one of his best, and there is definitely a sense that this is a bit of a transitional novel in the series, but it's still a "rattling good read" and a welcome diversion from the continued activities of our own version of Governor Borus Pomponius Scurra.

[John Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top stories

All round great story .Missed Macro he’s just too important to these tales surely?
Here’s to them reunited ASAP pls

[Rosa Chacón García · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuando sale el siguiente?

[Zlatan Celebic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Emperor's Exile stands out as another strong installment in the Eagles of the Empire series, with a refreshing shift in scenery and context. This time, Cato finds himself exiled to Sardinia, far from Rome and its political intrigue, and separated from Macro. The new environment brings a host of challenges, from local rebellions to dealing with corrupt officials, all of which Cato must face on his own. However, Cato isn't entirely alone—Apollonius, the Greek spy and philosopher introduced in earlier books, accompanies him on this mission. Apollonius plays a key role in helping Cato handle the task and its challenges, and his presence adds not only strategic support but also philosophical depth, particularly regarding the flaws in Roman governance and political systems.

The remote island of Sardinia offers a change in tone and atmosphere, with Cato navigating an unfamiliar political and geographical landscape. Scarrow’s depiction of the rugged island life, combined with the personal trials Cato faces during his exile, gives the story fresh energy. The isolation and personal struggles bring out new aspects of Cato’s character as he works to maintain his loyalty to Rome despite the setbacks.

While Macro is absent, Cato’s ability to adapt and survive in this harsh environment makes for a compelling narrative. The challenges feel different from their typical campaigns, which adds variety to the series and keeps the reader engaged.

Overall, The Emperor's Exile is a solid addition to the series, with its unique setting and Cato’s solo mission bringing a new dynamic to the story. The shift in scenery and context adds depth to the characters and the series as a whole.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"Disguises come in many forms."
After a considerable absence, I have again reunited with the intrepid Roman army friends, Cato and Macro. And what a pleasure it is. Having always previously read the print editions, it was with some trepidation that, this time, I listened to the Audiobook narrated by Jonathan Keeble. There was no need for concern: his performance was superb, flowing with the action be it military or more personal, investing emotion where needed and generally carrying the reader through the trials and tribulations of sickness and war in Sardinia. And, of course, every protagonist is given a personal, unique voice (and an added amusement was one, Claudia, sounded very much like Julian Clarey).

As a fan of books set in the ancient Roman era, I have delighted in Simon Scarrow's eagle series since book one, when Cato and Macro first met.. Now in Book 19 of the series, it is every bit as good: great characters, good story lines, atmospheric, told with a deceptively simple feel of the present which provides a vivid sense of being there.
A definite recommendation.

[Michael Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cato and Macro have returned from the East with around one third Of the Praetorian guard they had left with. Cato has the unenviable task of reporting to the Emperor Nero on the campaign. As is frequently the case he finds himself being manipulated by Roman aristocrats and to preserve the welfare of his family and himself he is sent to Sardinia with orders to suppress a group of friends who are causing problems for Rome on the island. Before leaving on this mission Cato must part company with Macro who is retiring from the army and moving to Britain with his wife.

On arrival in Sardinia, Cato is faced with undertrained and badly equipped troops as well as a deadly plague that is sweeping the island. Despite these Cato is able to comp!eye his mission although this was very close run and came at personal cost to him.

On return home to Rome, Cato is still far from safe from the politics of the capital and resolves to leave for a time for the same of his son. The story closes with Cato setting out for Britain with his son and some of his household. No doubt be and Macro will be reunited before long.

[Chejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corto y entretenido. Como siempre digo de esta saga, es bueno cuando el autor nos saca de los lugares comunes en este tipo de obras, dando un nuevo aire a los personajes y a nosotros.

Hace falta ver a nuestro querido Macro en la acción, pero tenía que pasar, pero ahora Cato dependera más de él y de Apolonio, no digamos de los personajes nuevos que entran a la saga, vamos a ver cómo se desarrollan en las que vienen. Claro que ahora rompe la acción bélica por una acción socia con las vivencias de una pandemia y no digamos de los que aprovechan la situación (aún teniendo una causa justa) pero para los romanos eran bárbaros.e gusto la presentación de esta tribu de la cual admito que lo había escuchado previamente o no recuerdo haberla oído o leído. Por lo que ese aire nuevo al final no fue tan bueno eh? (Mal chiste, yo se).

Una obra que vale la pena de principio a fin, ya que te entretiene y te mete de lleno, no tener que preocuparse por traidores, por corruptos talves, pero a esos ya estamos acostumbrados (algo triste en la vida real) pero al menos no estamos envueltos en intrigas palaciegas.