Under the Eagle: A Tale of Military Adventure and Reckless Heroism with the Roman Legions [Paperback]

Simon Scarrow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2002

It is the year 42 AD, and Centurion Macro, battle-scarred and fearless, is in the heart of Germany with the Second Legion, the toughest in the Roman army. Cato, a new recruit and the newly appointed second-in-command to Macro, will have more to prove than most. In a bloody skirmish with local tribes, Cato gets his first chance to prove that he's more than a callow, privileged youth. As their next campaign takes them to a land of unparalleled barbarity - Britain - a special mission unfolds, thrusting Cato and Macro headlong into a conspiracy that threatens to topple the Emperor himself.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Readers whose appetite for ancient history has been whetted by the film Gladiator will devour this spectacular tale of intrigue, adventure, and glory in the Roman legions. When Quintus Licinius Cato, a formerly pampered imperial slave, is forced to join the army, the other members of the Second Legion doubt he will be able to adapt to their harsh lifestyle. Proving himself to Centurion Lucius Cornelius Macro in the heart of battle against the Germans, Cato earns both his freedom and the respect of his commander. Landing in Britain as part of an expeditionary force, Cato and Macro attempt to foil a traitorous plot involving unbridled political ambitions and a concealed cache of gold. This enthralling historical drama is distinguished by its meticulously detailed portrayal of life in the mighty Roman army. Margaret Flanagan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

'Everyone has been raving about the film GLADIATOR, but Cato's story is its equal in bloody cut and thrust and has the bonus of conspiracy and intrigue to give it extra flavour' -- Northern Echo --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (December 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312304242
• ISBN-13: 978-0312304249
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (81 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #163,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay for a first novel, May 19, 2002

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Baddyo - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Under the Eagle: A Tale of Military Adventure and Reckless Heroism with the Roman Legions (Hardcover)

This book is a cross between comic book action and a mystery. Simon Scarrow demonstrated his knowledge of the Roman legion from start to finish, and I felt educated in that regard when I finished. Nonetheless, the action and dialogue to a degree had a "comic book" feel about them. That's okay and it made for fast, light reading, but the prose was far short and less satisfying than one might find in other books in the genre. Scarrow builds a mystery filled with political intrigue around his historical focus. This book is not about the Roman conquest of Britain; don't be misled. The actual crossing occurs late in the book and the real action prior to that event (and a good piece of action)occurs early in the novel in Germany. Throughout the book, I reminisced to younger days when I read "Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos" and "Sgt. Rock and Easy Company" comics. I can still enjoy them, but I was looking for more with this book.

If you are looking for a fast read with good action when it happens combined with an overlay of mystery and political intrigue, you can enjoy this book. If you are looking for the depth of a "Tides of War," you won't find it here.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Promising Start, June 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Under the Eagle: A Tale of Military Adventure and Reckless Heroism with the Roman Legions (Hardcover)

This book is a ripping yarn, firmly in the tradition of Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe" novels, set around the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD. I found the story gripped me, held my interest to the end and left me wanting more. The action was well-paced and the central characters were well-drawn. On the down side, some of the minor characters were a bit 2 dimensional (and, on the historical-accuracy front, I'm not sure the Belgae of southeast Britain rode "shod" horses). Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the further adventures of Cato, Macro and the rest!

37 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historic fiction by a writer to watch for., November 16, 2001

By 

Edward Alexander Gerster "miamibooks" (South Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Under the Eagle: A Tale of Military Adventure and Reckless Heroism with the Roman Legions (Hardcover)

In 42 AD Claudius is Emperor, the Germans have been mostly subdued and Rome has the isle of Britain set as the next territory to be aquired. It has been nearly a century since Julius Caesar made his unsuccessful foray to subdue the Britons, and Claudius needs this success to assure his rule. Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasian, as Augusta and legate of the Second Legion, is to play a major role in the conquering of this new province.

Simon Scarrow does a wonderful job bringing history to life through the exploits of new recruit and optio Quintus Licinius Cato--and his centurion, Lucius Cornelius Macro. These two fictional characters weave a credible story by their interaction with fictionalized versions of Vitellius, Vespasian and his wife Flavia, and Narcissus--freedman, secretary and confidant of the Emperor Claudius.

I look forward to reading further novels by this author as they make their way into American publication, and highly recommend this work of fiction for anyone with interest in this part of history. You might also enjoy the "Roma Sub Rosa" series by Steven Saylor and the "SPQR" series by John Maddox Roberts.