Scarrow's writing style is not unlike Bernard Cornwell's. Perhaps that fact is not accidental. Nevertheless, "Under the Eagle" is a very well done story with interesting characters and a compelling plot.

It takes place around 42AD on the German frontier and in Pre-Roman Britain. Cato, a freedman with connections joins the army and is eventually assigned to a relatively new Centurion in the famed Second Legion, Macro. He is promoted because of his connections but earns the respect of Macro and others because of his bravery and intelligence.

The historical references are as accurate as I can figure and I am the veteran of four years of high school Latin. The action scenes are well drawn and the descriptions of barracks life seem realistic. The only disconnect is the language that Scarrow has his characters speak. It's just a little too contemporary. While I'm sure that Roman soldiers...more This is my first Simon Scarrow novel. It will not be my last.

Scarrow's writing style is not unlike Bernard Cornwell's. Perhaps that fact is not accidental. Nevertheless, Under the Eagle is a very well done story with interesting characters and a compelling plot.

It takes place around 42AD on the German frontier and in Pre-Roman Britain. Cato, a freedman with connections joins the army and is eventually assigned to a relatively new Centurion in the famed Second Legion, Macro. He is promoted because of his connections but earns the respect of Macro and others because of his bravery and intelligence.

The historical references are as accurate as I can figure and I am the veteran of four years of high school Latin. The action scenes are well drawn and the descriptions of barracks life seem realistic. The only disconnect is the language that Scarrow has his characters speak. It's just a little too contemporary. While I'm sure that Roman soldiers were as profane as pictured, the exact phrases they used were most likely not as Scarrow reports them.

The major sub-plot, is a search for a hidden chest full of treasure left by Julius Caesar after his unsuccessful invasion of Britain 100 years prior to the one described in this story.

There are other sub-plots involving Roman politics, first loves, spies and Imperial agents. All good fun and interesting reading.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, "The Eagle's Conquest".