Under the Eagle (2000)

Very interesting take on actual historical events when the Emperor came over to expand Roman rule of Britain.

Good plot too. ( )

Interesting crime story set into the period when Romans (under emperor Claudius) are preparing for second invasion of British Isles.[return][return]We follow Cato, intellectual of sorts, from the time he enters the Second Legion, becomes sergeant under centurion Macro and finally ends up involved into court machinations and plots.[return][return]Interesting read, very fast-paced action but nevertheless it is obvious this one is intended to be the first in series of books ( )

The cover of my book has an endorsement by Bernard Cornwell saying "I really don't need this kind of competition". Sadly, to me there is no competition at all. I have been looking for a Roman version of the Sharpe series but this is very lacking for me.

First is all the modern British slang used in the novel. Scarrow does not pretend to date the language at all. I don't expect Latin but I don't expect the conversations laced with cliches like "Throw the book at" books were not invented then!!!, the use of the F word and "I don't give a toss" was disconcerting, I doubt those swear words date to 43AD. Most pages of the book are littered with similar use of modern language and that spoils the feeling for me.

The battle scenes are muddy, not crisp like in the Cornwell books (Sharpe or Archer series). With Cornwell by the end of reading his books I felt I understood the tactics and methodology of the British military I don't get that sense at all in this Scarrow book. The detail is missing, the scenery is not painted well and the characters lack development.

In fairness this is only the first of a series of Scarrow books and his writing may improve...But so far...as a historical novel, Scarrow does not hold a candle to Cornwell in my opinion ( )

The first book in the Eagle series was really addictive reading for me. Two totally different characters thrown together in the brutal world of the Roman Legion, where together they form an unlikely partnership that quickly becomes warm, witty and intriguing. The author does a good job of making the Roman world, that can often be portrayed as a stuffy and aloof, seem real and identifiable to modern readers who might not otherwise enjoy this genre. The dialogue especially helps in this sense.

I picked this up one Christmas holiday a few years back and had it finished the next day...and was then on the net looking for the rest of the series.

Well worth a read. ( )

Very entertaining read. ( )