That's how new recruit Cato is finding life in the Roman Second Legion. Praise for Simon Scarrow's compelling novels: 'Gripping and moving' The Times AD 42, Germany. A must read for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. IF YOU DON'T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON'T KNOW ROME! UNDER THE EAGLE is the gripping first novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling EAGLES OF THE EMPIRE series. David Thorpe does a good job narrating the book.Paperback. The book is a fun adventure with some mystery and political intrigue tossed in. Scarrow does a decent job with the battle scenes. The characters are interesting and the plot twist and turns with lots of suspense. Scarrow has a good understanding of the genre and of ancient Rome. Scarrow provides the reader with a view of the everyday life of an average Roman soldier. This first novel in the series is first set in Germany then the Second Legion is part of the campaign of the conquest of Britain. While the story unfolds Scarrow provides a great deal of information about the Roman Army and its campaigns. It is a familiar theme of an experienced centurion (sergeant) Macro taking a teenaged recruit named Quintus Licinius Cato, an educated freedman, who was appointed by Emperor Claudius to a rank he has no knowledge or experience to hold. This historical fiction explores life as a soldier in the Second Legion of the Roman Army stationed in German in 42 A.C.E. But as they undertake a special mission to thwart a conspiracy against the Emperor they rapidly find themselves in a desperate fight to survive. On a campaign to Britannia - a land of utter barbarity - an enduring friendship begins. They are poles apart, but soon realise they have a lot to learn from one another. But he quickly earns the respect of his Centurion, Macro, a battle-hardened veteran as rough and ready as Cato is quick-witted and well-educated. Cato has been promoted above his comrades at the order of the Emperor and is deeply resented by the other men. He may have contacts in high places, but he could really use a friend amongst his fellow soldiers right now. A must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.ĪD 42, Germany. Under the Eagle is the gripping first novel in Simon Scarrow's best-selling Eagles of the Empire series. If you don't know Simon Scarrow, you don't know Rome!

Under the Eagle by Simon Scarrow