Under the Eagle (Eagles of the Empire 1)

Cato & Macro: Book 1

By: Simon Scarrow

Narrated by: David Thorpe

UNDER THE EAGLE is the gripping first novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling EAGLES OF THE EMPIRE series. A must read for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

It is AD 42, and Quintus Licinius Cato has just arrived in Germany as a new recruit to the Second Legion, the toughest in the Roman army. If adjusting to the rigours of military life isn't difficult enough for the bookish young man, he also has to contend with the disgust of his colleagues when, because of his imperial connections, he is appointed a rank above them. As second-in-command to Macro, the fearless, battle-scarred centurion who leads them, Cato has more to prove than most in the adventures that lie ahead.

Then the men discover that the army's next campaign will take them to a land of unparalleled barbarity - Britain. After the long march west, Cato and Macro undertake a special mission that will thrust them headlong into a conspiracy that threatens to topple the Emperor himself...©2000 Simon Scarrow

Critic reviews

Praise for Simon Scarrow: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' (Bernard Cornwell)

A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff

Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best

Gripping... ferocious and compelling, it is a story of blood, romance and sacrifice

Rollicking good fun

[Simon Scarrow] blends together historical facts and characters to create a book that simply cannot be put down... Highly recommended

I've got a new series

If you enjoy Bernard Cornwell or Patrick O'Brian you'll enjoy Simon Scarrow. Good story that pulls you along with the main characters. Some of the narrators choice of voices aren't what i'd have chosen, but fit the British background of the narrator (and auther).

Marching up and down the square???

Really love the book but the narrator is pretty bad. Bestia is apparently Michael Palin...

Fun story, talented reader

Obviously the first in a series more so than a stand alone. The reader has a great talent for voices.

Not worth it

If you could sum up Under the Eagle in three words, what would they be?

well done

What did you like best about this story?

Love Historcial Fiction

Any additional comments?

At first I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable series. But then I tried to get book two. You have to join Audible UK in order to get a number of the books. In a couple of words. Bravo Sierra. Guess I will never finish the series .

Enjoyable historical fiction.

I always enjoy having historical charters recast into plausible yet obviously fictitious stories. Add on to that a couple of likable main characters as the centre piece for this book, and you have the start of an enjoyable franchise.

There was nothing earth-shattering in this story, but it does give good solid entertainment value for your money. The performance seemed well suited for the story and characters, and certainly added to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

To sum up, if you like historical fiction, and in particular the Roman period, then give this story a try. You shouldn't be disappointed!