Gladiator Fight for Freedom 2011
UNDER THE EAGLE
Hardback published 6th July 2000
Paperback published Spring 2001
It is 42 AD, and Centurion Lucius Cornelius Macro is based in the heart of Germany with the Second Legion, the toughest in the entire Roman army. Battle-scarred and fearless, Macro is prepared to lead his men against any foe, but even he is shocked to discover that the armys next campaign will take them to a land of unparalleled barbarity; Britain.
Quintus Licinius Cato is a new recruit, and the regulars are disgusted when he is appointed second-in-command to Macro because of his connections to the imperial court in Rome; Cato will have more to prove than most in the adventures that lie ahead. Even the fair-minded Macro can’t see how the fresh-faced boy could ever become a hardened legionary.
In a bloody skirmish with the local German tribes, Cato gets his first chance to prove that hes more than a callow youth. And then comes the long march west, and a special mission which will thrust Cato and Macro headlong into a conspiracy that threatens to topple the emperor himself;
Tense, pacy and intricately plotted, UNDER THE EAGLE vividly evokes the danger and camaraderie of army life, and the atmosphere of political intrigue that pervaded even the farthest reaches of the Roman empire
UNDER THE EAGLE REVIEW
This is the first in series of really amazing books, starring the loveable and often highly amusing Centurion Macro and his awkward Optio Cato .In this series, largely based around the invasion of Britain in 42 AD, Scarrow creates astonishingly vivid characters that really do bring history to life. It includes all the ingredients of an epic, violence, heroism, loyalty,deceit, freindship and love, set in the enthralling backdrop of the Roman empire. This book sparked off a real interest in the Roman era for me, particularly the legions, depicted here in such a heoric and fascinatng light, and doesn't contain any of those historical slip-ups which I find so annoying.
I am still looking for a novel of it's calibre, that can equal it for it's ability to captivate and engross the reader.
I strongly recommend these books to not only those with an interest in Roman history but also anyone who wants a spellbinding,
and thoroughly enjoyable historical novel
THE EAGLE'S CONQUEST
Hardback published July 2001
Paperback published June 2002
In the summer of 43 AD the Roman invasion of Britain is being bitterly contested by the brave natives. The battle-weary men of the Second Legion are faced with a new challenge; the heavily fortified crossing on the Medway. A treacherous tidal river and massive earthworks seem to present an impenetrable obstacle to Roman Army.
Having shown his worth to his comrades in a recent fight, Cato – optio of the sixth century of the third cohort, must now prove that he can be trusted to lead the hard, experienced legionaries in his unit.
The Britons are not the only enemy Cato and Macro must face in the coming months. The same sinister forces they had confronted in UNDER THE EAGLE are still working to depose Emperor Claudius. A chance encounter on the misty banks of the Thames and a mysterious coded message plunge the two legionaries into the dark world of traitors and assassins.
Discredited in the eyes of their comrades and manipulated by corrupt and powerful schemers Cato and Macro become involved in a desperate race to save Claudius from the hands of a killer when the Emperor arrives to lead his army into the decisive battle against the Britons.
EAGLES CONQUEST REVIEW
This was even better than Scarrow's first book - and that's some achievement! This time round Cato and Macro are ranged against the Britons, desperately defending their homeland in a series of pitched battles. The battle scenes are something else and carry the reader right into the heart of the bloody conflict so that, somehow, Scarrow manages to make you see, hear, smell and feel the terrified combatants.
The characters are wonderful creations and smack of real living and breathing people complete with all their faults. Heroes try hard to be heroic, and sometimes fail. Villains seem to know no limit to their evil plotting. If ever there was a novel crying out to be filmed or made into a TV series then this is it.
WHEN THE EAGLE HUNTS
Hardback published August 2002
Paperback published May 2003
Camulodunum has fallen, the Emperor had returned to Rome and the Second Legion is resting and refitting. Although the main body of the British army has been smashed Caratacus has withdrawn to the upper Thames valley to prepare for a guerilla war. However, a number of British tribes has come to make terms with the Roman invaders and support is gradually slipping away from Caratacus.
As General Plautius is planning the next phase of the campaign word arrives that the ship carrying his family to join him was wrecked in a storm off the south coast. His wife and children have fallen into the hands of a dark sect of druids, who now demand the return of those of their brotherhood taken prisoner while fighting with Caratacus. Unless their demands are met within one month, the wife of Plautius and his two children will be burned alive.
Join Cato and Macro in their terrifying quest deep in hostile lands. Will they discover where the Druids are hiding their hostages? Can they find some way to rescue them before times runs out?
WHEN THE EAGLE HUNTS REVIEW
This series gets better with each new episode. Centurion Marco is one of the great's of historical-adventure-fiction- easily the equal of Sharpe, but with a great vein of humour thrown in. I'm extremely suprised that the author (Simon Scarrow) has never served in the British army as the "language" is highly authentic & most un-Roman. Macro is every corporal I've ever met! As an ex-squaddy I found huge parts of Roman military life uncannily similar to the modern british army.
"When the Eagle hunts" focuses on the second legions invasion of South West england. Vespasian's boys have to tackle the massive British hill forts & contend with a extreme Druid sect (a 72Ad version of Al Que'da) who have taken the Roman General's wife & children hostage & are threatening to burn them alive. The battle scenes especially are worthy of Bernard Cornwell. If you haven't tried this series do it now.
THE EAGLE AND THE WOLVES
Hardback published August 2003
Paperback published June 2004
When the Roman armies invaded Britain, they had little reason to expect a prolonged resistance from the squabbling tribes infesting the barbarous island. In the summer of 44 AD, though, constant raids by resistant natives are undermining the forward push. Even the nominally friendly Atrebatans, a southern tribe ruled by the aged Verica, are ready to explode into open revolt.
It falls to centurions macro and Cato to provide Verica with an army, training his tribal levies into a force that can protect their king, enforce his rule and defeat the foe. But before they can tackle the enemy without, Macro and Cato must first win the loyalty of the disgruntled levies. With this scratch force of raw recruits, unversed in the techniques of war, they must find and destroy a resourceful and cunning opponent before Verica is toppled and the Roman army further imperiled. But can they do this whilst surviving the deadly cross-currents of plotters threatening to destroy not only Macro and Cato, but all their comrades serving with the eagles?
In this highly volatile and treacherous situation, Macro and Cato cannot afford to fail, as only they stand between the destiny of Rome and bloody defeat.
THE EAGLE AND THE WOLVES REVIEW (from Drosdelnoch2)
Scarrow is someone that has only recently been recommended to me by a reader of the site (cheers Robin) and as such is an author that I feel having read is one that deserves to have his work mentioned. Many people know of authors such as Bernard Cornwell and Steven Pressfield and know the sort of historical fiction that they write. But what does Simon's work have to offer readers?
Whilst many authors base thier characters in a more modern time, Simon's work is based during the Roman invasion of Britain during the first century and makes great use of not only the political strife of Rome at the time but also the beliefs of the peoples involved during this period of great conflict. An altogther rich environment full of intrigue which shows clearly in Scarrow's lovingly crafted work.
The tales centre around two characters in the roman legion and we follow thier careers as the series progresses, however unlike other authors, he isn't afraid to put them not only in mortal peril but will allow a soldiers language to accompany the situations, which is something that many authors leave out feeling that it would ruin the content of thier novel. Far from ruining it, this sort of careful consideration actually throws the reader a chance to see the emotional side of the characters in addition to making them more believeable.
Perhaps the greatest testimony to an author is recommendations by readers and as such Scarrow is starting to build a huge fanbase through not only those who have followed his work since the beginning but also by those who are new converts to the cause to which I am probably one of the newest members. As such I really don't think it will be too long before the fans will number more than enough for a number of legions marching under the banner of Scarrow's Eagle for the glory of Rome.
THE EAGLE'S PREY
Hardback published June 2004
Paperback published May 2005
It is over a year since the mighty Roman army landed on the shores of Britain, anticipating little resistance. Yet the savage hordes led by the barbarian Caratacus continue to torment the legions. Now, though, the Emperor Claudius needs victory in Britain to make his position safe, and the time has come to silence the enemy permanently.
As the Roman troops gather on the eve of battle, centurions Macro and Cato are confident that their long stay in this distant outpost is close to an end. Tomorrow a final, decisive blow will surely eliminate Caratacus.
But the battle does not follow the expected course. Inevitably the blame passes down the line. And the most ruthless army in the known world prepares to inflict dreadful punishment on the very men who could bring the long campaign in Britain to a triumphant conclusion.
THE EAGLE PREY REVIEW (by Drosdelnoch2)
This novel picks up where the previous one finished and as such doesn't contain a massive time delay between the events that unfolded and as such give the reader the opportunity to understand, perhaps a little clearer, the turbulent times in which our ancestors lived. However if your a new reader you dont have to have read the characters past excursions as each novel is self contained. As such it adds few complications that will leave you wondering as to what the hell happened and what have I missed as this doesnt make any sense.
As I discovered in the previous novel the tale is crisp, exciting and action packed and never leaves a dull moment in the whole of the book. If you love Cornwell then this is definitely an author to add to your shelves and will be one that you read time after time, more for enjoyment than anything else, but also to build your excitement for the next installment.
THE EAGLE'S PROPHECY
Hardback published August 2005
It is AD 45, and centurions Macro and Cato, formerly of the mighty Roman Army, find themselves trapped in Rome. As they wait for their involvement in a fellow officer's death to be investigated, their fate seems uncertain. But it is not just their future that hangs in the balance...
Ruthless pirates, operating from the Illyrian coast, have captured three scrolls vital to the Emperor's safety and the future of Rome. The scrolls must be found without delay, and hte pirates destroyed. Knowing that Macro and Cato have the courage and ingenuity to undertake such a commission, the devious Imperial Secretary, Narcissus, makes them an offer they can't refuse. They won't be working alone, however, as much to their disgust an old enemy, Vitellius, is to Prefect in Command. The three officers quickly set sail from Ravenna with the Imperial fleet, but the pirates have been forewarned and the Romans pay a heavy price.
Outnumbered by the enemy and endangered by Vitellius' desire for glory, Macro and Cato begin to fear that retrieving the scrolls is an impossible task. But amidst all the chaos one thing is certain: if their mission ends in failure, the Empire will fall.
THE EAGLE PROPHECY REVIEW
This was by far the best work by Simon, the characters seem to mature with each book, whilst still retaining their rough and ready charm. The return of the scheming vitellius is great, you never know what he is going to stoop to next. Simon is the current master of this genre, Mr Cornwell can stop looking over his shoulder and start thinking what he can do to catch up with the Cato & Macro saga.
Young Bloods - Revolution: to be published 2006
Synopsis
Europe in the late eighteenth century was a tumultuous place, with war and rebellions breaking out on many fronts. Young Arthur Wesley (later Wellington), and Napoleon Bonaparte grow up worlds apart, yet immersed from youth in a culture where a military career is a natural choice for men of ambition. While Wellington is blooded in Ireland and Flanders, Napoleon is caught up in the dramas of the French Revolution and war with Prussia, Britain and Holland. None of this is enough to distract Wellington from his pursuit of Kitty Pakenham or Napoleon from his future bride, Josephine, for these men throw themselves into all aspects of life as enthusiastically as they rush to battle. A wonderful, multi-layered introduction to an epic series.
Click to go to Simon & Alex Scarrow Web site and Forum
If you would like to submit your own review please email me (see contact page)
Young Bloods Review
With this latest book Simon embarks on a new series, Book 1 is based around the young lives of 2 of the great generals from European history, Napoleon and Wellington.
The story Switches easily between life in aristocratic Ireland and rural Corsica, showing the differences in character and environment that shaped these two great men.
I myself have not read much about these two men and this period in history, except Bernard Cornwells Sharpe. I have found in the past that this can put some readers off, but I promise you it will not hinder your reading of this book. This is a great read with easy flowing writing, well paced and full of action.
The characterisation is brilliant, by the end of the book you have real feelings for these 2 men, and amazingly you find yourself switching between supporting the French and wanting them to win, to rooting for the English with their destructive musket volleys.
I have read all of Simons books to date and have enjoyed all of them immensely, but this is in my opinion his best work to date, I think its because the book starts with the main characters from birth and allows you to grow with them on their road to fame and glory! I especially like the little true stories that crop up throughout the book (I will leave it to you to discover these for your-self).
If you are a fan of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell, David Gemmell or William Napier then this is a must buy for you. (And don’t forget to try his eagle series as well)
Eagle in the Sand
Click to Buy a signed Limited edition copy
Synopsis
Trouble is brewing in Syria, on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. With the troops in a deplorable state, centurious Macro and Cato are despatched to restore the competence of the cohort. But another challenge faces them as, Bannus, a local tribesman, is brewing up trouble and preaching violent opposition to Rome. As the local revolt grows in scale, Macro and Cato must stamp out corruption in the cohort and restore it to fighting fitness to quash Bannus - before the eastern provinces are lost to the Empire forever...
Review
I seem to say this every time a new Scarrow book comes out, “Wow best one yet”, and in the case of the Eagle books that’s still the case.
Personally Simons best book to date is Young Bloods, it really is a brilliant piece of writing.
But im getting off point, back to Eagle in the Sand.
Set in Judea (big shock for you all…. well except anyone who visits Http://scarrow.forumco.com/default.asp )
Our Hero’s find themselves sent off on a mission to look into some problems in the east; on arrival they find a country riddled with religious sects all vying for dominance. They come up against a Roman Governor who may well have his own agenda, and a Prefect who with the aid of his 1st Centurion is trying to start the Roman equivalent of mafiosa racketeering.
This 1st Centurion I personally I think would make a great right hand man for their old enemy Vitellius.
As usual the 2 heroes get them-selves into the expected amount of scrapes, in new and interesting places, some of the imagry for the sites that Simon uses to tell this tale are amazing, I could really imagine I was there with them in the hot sandy desert.
For those who have seen pictures of Petra it will be a double pleasure to see the imagery captured so well. (oops slight give away there)
I have read this book during the hot days at the end of June and start of July so did not need to much assitance to feel in touch with how Macro and Cato felt, but for those that may read it on a cooler day, you still might want to have a fan handy and a drink handy, Simon has you reaching for a glass of water to quench their thirst and to wash the sand from your eyes.
For fans of simons work I have no doubt you will buy this book, your in for your usual treat of daring feats and twisting plots. For those who are new to Simons Work check out the reviews for his other books
http://www.parmenion-books.co.uk/view_doc.php?view_doc=8&PHPSESSID=292f45b3be3577b221d7323b9d794551
(for those reading this on my web site just scroll up) {grin}
The books are fantastic, some of the best I have ever read, and as far as the eagle series goes Eagle in the Sand is the cream of the crop.
Centurion
Synopsis
A gripping new novel featuring Roman army officers Macro and Cato on their most dangerous mission yet.
In the first century AD the Roman Empire faces a new threat from its long-standing enemy Parthia. Parthia is vying with Rome for control of Palmyra an officially neutral kingdom. Palmyras royal household is on the brink of open revolt, and so a task force under the command of experienced soldiers Macro and Cato is dispatched to defend its king and guard its borders. When Parthia hears of the Roman armys presence, it starts amassing its troops for war. Macro's cohort must march against the enemy, deep into treacherous territory. If Palmyra is not to fall into the clutches of Parthia, they will have to defeat superior numbers in a desperate siege. The quest for a lasting peace has never been more challenging, nor more critical for the future of the empire
review
Macro and Cato are shipped to yet another part of the Empire by the Roman senate and become embroiled in a fight to stabilise what is to all intents and purposes a neutral kingdom, Palmyra. As usual wherever the pair go trouble follows close behind and it is not long before the pair of them are engaged in trying to stop the forces of one of Rome's long standing enemies, Parthia, who having heard of Rome's presence in Palmyra decide it will be in their own best interest if they also send a force into the kingdom.
Macro and Cato are old friends to the readers of Simon Scarrow's books and their adventures are interesting and exciting, particularly for those interested in all things Roman and in particular the workings and make-up of the Roman Legions. These books are a good form of escapism from the every day drudgery.
Generals- Revolution Volume 2
ISBN: 0755324358
Publisher: Headline 31/5/2007
Synopsis
The second in this epic quartet of novels focusing on two giants of European history, Wellington and Napoleon
It`s 1796 as THE GENERALS opens, and both Arthur Wellesly `later Wellington` and Napoleon Bonaparte are making their mark as men of military genius. Wellesley, as commander of the 33rd Regiment of Foot, is sent to India, where his skill and bravery make a remarkable impression on his superiors. Napoleon`s role as commander of the Army of Italy leads to success in battle and rapid political progress. By 1804, Napoleon has established himself as Emperor, and has his sights set on conquering all of Europe. The time has come for Wellesly to stand against Napoleon in the confrontation that lies ahead.
Review
In this second book of four Simon continues a spell binding tale of two of Europe’s best generals, two very different men who we know are destined to meet on the bloody battlefield of Waterloo.
But before they get there Simon weaves a mesmerising tale of hardship, luck and ingenuity that led these two men from military mediocrity to the leading Generals of their nations armies.
Its barely half way through the year and it will take some serious effort on the part of other authors to knock this book off my number 1 book for 2007.
Fire and Sword
Synopsis
The third in this epic quartet of novels focusing on two giants of European history, Wellington and Napoleon. In the early years of the nineteenth century, Arthur Wellesley (elevated to Viscount Wellington in the course of the novel) and Napoleon Bonaparte are well-established as men of military genius. Wellesley has returned from India, where his skill and bravery made a remarkable impression on his superiors. He faces trials and tribulations on the political scene before becoming embroiled militarily in Copenhagen, then Portugal and finally Spain. Napoleon, established as Emperor, is cementing his control on Europe, intending finally to crush his hated foe across the Channel: Britain. The time is fast approaching when Wellington and Napoleon will come face to face in confrontation and only one man can emerge victorious...
Gladiator
Synopsis
While centurions Macro and Cato are returning to Rome from a harrowing campaign against the Parthians, their transport ship is almost capsized by a tidal wave. They barely make it to the port of Matala in Crete where they are stunned to find a devastated town. An earthquake has struck the island, destroying its cities and killing thousands. In the chaotic aftermath, large bands of the island's slaves begin to revolt and the local bandits, taking advantage of the slave rebellion, urge the Cretans to overthrow the Roman administration. When the local governor of the province hears that Macro and Cato have arrived on the island, he summons them at once. With many of the island's troops either killed or wounded during the earthquake, the governor calls on these experienced Roman officers for help. Can Macro and Cato move swiftly enough to counter the rebellion before it sweeps the Romans from the island?
Fields of Death
Synopsis
It's 1810, and both Viscount Wellington and Emperor Napoleon have made great names for themselves as outstanding military commanders. Wellington expands his achievements and enjoys further fame during his years in Spain but knows his most challenging test will be to face Napoleon’s mighty army. But when Wellington invades France in 1814 he gains a swift and certain victory. He indulges in a spell of self-congratulation at Vienna – until news comes of Napoleon’s triumphant return. Napoleon, ambitious as ever, embarks on a Russian campaign which ends in disaster and is then defeated at Leipzig in the biggest battle ever fought in Europe. With Napoleon’s power waning at long last, Wellington must seize the opportunity to crush the tyrant once and for all – and so the two giants face each other for the final time, at Waterloo...
Review
I really struggled with what to write for this review, the story its self was never going to be a huge surprise, we all know the basic plot.
But it's so easy for this sort of this to be told in a dry bland fashion.
Anyone who has read the first 3 books in the series (Young Bloods, Generals, Fire and Sword) will know that Simons writing is anything but dry and bland, he brings
forth the pace and characterisation of his hugely popular fictional eagles series and applies the writing skill to a more confined writing area, having to stick to the bounds of real people and what they actually did, rather than the freedom of fictional characters who can play around in a time period, yet he still brings these people to life in just the same way something you just don't often see with many writers these days.
This book is no small offering at 500+ pages its easy to class it as a hefty tome, and yet it was the first book in my hand luggage for holiday this year (my fault for starting it a few days before we left, but there was no way I was waiting a week to finish it). Its very easy to say you cannot put a book down, but it really is the case with all 4 of the books in this series, not only are they fun , absorbing, escapism and exciting but they are also hugely entertaining and educational as well.
This book is sure to top the charts and deservedly so, I think every author has a crowning achievement in their writing repertoire (and who knows Simon may prove me wrong and go on to write even better...I can only hope) but for me this could be his master piece. David Gemmell wrote his Troy Series to culminate his career, Feist wrote The Empire Series early in his career, you never know when that perfect storm of writing skill, character, plot etc will happen, maybe this is Simons?
Either way this is a must buy for this year, if you have not read the rest of the series then buy the lot, it's a real treat.
The Legion
Synopsis
Trouble is brewing in Egypt. Rebel gladiator Ajax and his men have been posing as Roman soldiers and attacking naval bases, merchant vessels and villages. Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro have been charged with the task of tracking down the renegade warrior before the problem gets out of control. Joining forces with Legion III, they hope to destroy their enemy on the battlefield. But the cunning gladiator has other ideas...
Gladiator : Fight for Freedom
