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 adjust...
read full description
reviews
Aug 09, 2011
procrastin8or
rated it: 
A little easier on the eye than a lot of military fiction, perhaps being the equivalent of Lindsey Davies (minus the humour) rather than Patrick O’Brian. This is the first in a series of books detailing the life of Cato, a young recruit to the Legio II Augusta who is – to the annoyance of his fellow recruits – immediately appointed as Optio because of an imperial link despite having zero military training.
This books follows his exploits in Germania in preparation for the invasion of Br More...
This books follows his exploits in Germania in preparation for the invasion of Br More...
Jul 05, 2011
Procrastinador
rated it:
Se como eu, são fãs dos chamados filmes de capa e espada, com heróis em batalhas épicas ou grandes aventuras, como o Gladiador, Braveheart, Tróia, Reino dos Céus e séries como Roma ou Spartacus: Blood and Sand, estes livros são perfeitos.
Com a Águia do Império, ficamos a conhecer os nossos heróis: Macro, veterano do exército romano, soldado duro e leal à ideologia romana de conquista e Cato, um novato com ideias muito próprias e de um mundo muito diferente do que vai enfrentar durant More...
Com a Águia do Império, ficamos a conhecer os nossos heróis: Macro, veterano do exército romano, soldado duro e leal à ideologia romana de conquista e Cato, um novato com ideias muito próprias e de um mundo muito diferente do que vai enfrentar durant More...
Jan 23, 2011
Hank
rated it:
I've read historical fiction set in the American Civil War and the Napoleonic Wars, and now can add first century AD Rome to the list. A friend lent me this first novel in Simon Scarrow's "Eagle" series, and I am looking forward to the second, which he insisted I borrow at the same time since "you'll want to jump straight into the second one when you finish the first".
Scarrow, an Englishman, finds a way to weave in many details about life in the legions in the time More...
Scarrow, an Englishman, finds a way to weave in many details about life in the legions in the time More...
Jun 22, 2011
Alex
rated it: 
When I first started reading this book I really enjoyed it. The main character, Macro, was instantly likable and amusing. The introduction of Cato was a little cliched - the naive but well-read and intelligent young man being thrust into an environment completely at odds to his personality - but still, it was done in a lighthearted fashion and despite his obvious naivety, he too is a likable character.
The story progresses at a pleasing pace and the descriptions of the battles are e More...
The story progresses at a pleasing pace and the descriptions of the battles are e More...
Jan 29, 2012
What was it like to be a soldier in the Imperial Roman Legions? Simon Scarrow unveils life as a soldier of Rome with his Eagle series featuring the adventures of two soldiers in the Roman army- Quintus Licinius Cato and Lucius Cornelius Macro. From the wiki entry for Simon Scarrow:
Macro, a veteran with nearly 16 years service with the Eagles has recently been appointed to the Centurionate. Cato is a young lad who grew up in the Imperial Palace, and at the start of the series joins the Eagle More...
Macro, a veteran with nearly 16 years service with the Eagles has recently been appointed to the Centurionate. Cato is a young lad who grew up in the Imperial Palace, and at the start of the series joins the Eagle More...
Jun 15, 2010
Graham
rated it:
This is a compelling first novel in what has turned into a long-running series. Scarrow's aim is to deliver Sharpe-style military thrills and spills in the Roman era, and his books focused around a central pairing of interesting characters: the weedy and scholarly Cato, young and inexperienced, and the battle-scarred and squat Macro, an experienced soldier. I immediately liked Macro and he soon became my favourite character, a simple soldier just trying to do his job.
The novel is set More...
The novel is set More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Dec 06, 2009
Nate
rated it:
Ok, I’ve been a long time fan of Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe series. Anyway, while talking with a friend about historical fiction a friend of mine (Nick Brett) suggest that since I enjoyed Sharpe’s Rifles so much I should give Mr. Scarrow’s Under the Eagle series a try.
Under the Eagle is historical fiction dealing with an Imperial Legion (the 2nd) around 42CE near the Rhine (as the story opens) with the 2nd Legion being assigned and preparing for the invasion of Briton. Focus is on C More...
Under the Eagle is historical fiction dealing with an Imperial Legion (the 2nd) around 42CE near the Rhine (as the story opens) with the 2nd Legion being assigned and preparing for the invasion of Briton. Focus is on C More...
Sep 08, 2010
Steve
rated it:
I started this book about 5 nights ago, and finished it last night. Wow, what a relief to get back to a really gripping book once again. Especially so after the disappointment that was 'The Taggerung' *smiling*. Jeez.
It's the 1st of the Eagle series, and although I've read others in this series, it's actually just as interesting (if not more-so) to go back and read how Macro first met Cato. There's still that gripping writing, storyline, and character depth to create intrigue, and s More...
It's the 1st of the Eagle series, and although I've read others in this series, it's actually just as interesting (if not more-so) to go back and read how Macro first met Cato. There's still that gripping writing, storyline, and character depth to create intrigue, and s More...
Feb 05, 2010
Jason
rated it:
Simon Scarrow's "Under the Eagle" is the first in a terrific series of novels on the Roman Military. The series follows two soldiers - Macro and Cato - fighting under Vespasian in the mid-first Century AD.
"Under the Eagle's" action is terrific and Scarrow has done a very good job of making each battle sequence unique. It's perhaps the best in Scarrow's series, but I've found the second, "The Eagle's Conquest", equally as enjoyable.
The core co More...
"Under the Eagle's" action is terrific and Scarrow has done a very good job of making each battle sequence unique. It's perhaps the best in Scarrow's series, but I've found the second, "The Eagle's Conquest", equally as enjoyable.
The core co More...
May 01, 2008
Sara
rated it:
The first in the Eagles series, in "Under the Eagle" you meet Cato the 18 year old boy who has just joined the Roman Legions as a brand new Optio and Macro, his Centurion. Scarrow's characterisations are brilliant and you are dragged into the story from page one. Plenty of thrusting of swords, wielding of axes and stabbing of guts! Very hard to put down.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 27, 2011
Mike
rated it:
This book was a nice surprise that I completely enjoyed from start to finish. The comparisons of the writing style to that of Cornwell is pretty much right on, and I felt that there was just enough mix of history and action to make this a fun read for those who enjoy adventure stories and Roman History.
This book follows a few main characters, with the central character being the recently freed palace slave Cato. Cato is forced to join the army, and the story follows him from his trai More...
This book follows a few main characters, with the central character being the recently freed palace slave Cato. Cato is forced to join the army, and the story follows him from his trai More...
Jan 21, 2008
James
rated it: 
Great, great book series he has here! It is a must recommend to all historical fiction readers, especially if you enjoy the Roman conquest of the British Isle.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 28, 2011
Mike
rated it:
A very nicely put-together novel that neatly combines historical fiction, military adventure, and Roman intrigue. The first book in the series introduces us to Macro, an illiterate soldier recently promoted to Centurion of the Second Legion, Cato, a scrawny young palace slave who is promoted above his experience thanks to his dead father's ties, and the Legate Vespasian as he prepares to take part in the second invasion of Britain.
There's honest soldiering, damn logistics, Roman politi More...
There's honest soldiering, damn logistics, Roman politi More...
Oct 16, 2011
Kyme
rated it:
I was on holiday in Greece and had given up reading some tedious murder mystery novel, I cannot recall the name, and in the cottage we were staying in there was a large selection of novels, I chose this one.
I loved the book from the first page, it was so well written and really explains the story in such a new and exciting way. Really is one of the best openers to a series I have seen in many years.
I definatly recommend this to anyone with any interest in history or simply a great re More...
I loved the book from the first page, it was so well written and really explains the story in such a new and exciting way. Really is one of the best openers to a series I have seen in many years.
I definatly recommend this to anyone with any interest in history or simply a great re More...
May 19, 2011
Gordon
rated it:
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.
More...
More...
Nov 04, 2010
Zare
rated it:
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 ending is somewhat un
More...
Sep 02, 2011
Gem
rated it:
After reading historic Roman fiction by Harry Sidebottom and being completely entranced by it, I figured that the next step would be one of our bestselling authors - Scarrow's books have always had brilliant reviews by our customers and I wanted to try for myself.
I loved it!
Macro and Cato are awesome characters - I especially love the brutality of Macro's wit and the way that we can watch Cato grow within the army before our very eyes. I found myself submerged right into More...
I loved it!
Macro and Cato are awesome characters - I especially love the brutality of Macro's wit and the way that we can watch Cato grow within the army before our very eyes. I found myself submerged right into More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 29, 2012
Coligne
rated it:
Primo volume della saga dedicata alle Legioni romane, prende l'avvio dalla conquista romana della Britannia, avvenuta sotto l'imperatore Claudio.
Anche se la parte ambientata in Britannia di questo libro è a dir poco esigua, in quanto la maggior parte della trama riguarda la preparazione dell'invasione dell'isola da parte dell'esercito romano.
La prima metà del libro serve anche per introdurre i protagonisti, il Centurione Macrone, e il giovane optio, suo secondo, Catone; e alla formazione di ques More...
Anche se la parte ambientata in Britannia di questo libro è a dir poco esigua, in quanto la maggior parte della trama riguarda la preparazione dell'invasione dell'isola da parte dell'esercito romano.
La prima metà del libro serve anche per introdurre i protagonisti, il Centurione Macrone, e il giovane optio, suo secondo, Catone; e alla formazione di ques More...
Jul 30, 2010
Ed
rated it:
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 More...
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 More...
May 20, 2008
Nathan
rated it:
This was a rollicking good ride. Really.
Admittedly, I'm biased in favor of anything Principate Roman.
As historical fiction, it's pretty good, with no real glaring anachronisms on the part of the writer... even my original irritation at the mention of horseshoes was unwarranted, because they did actually know about them... just didn't use them much. It provides some interesting light into how (in all liklihood anyway) the legions functioned in the middle of the first c More...
Admittedly, I'm biased in favor of anything Principate Roman.
As historical fiction, it's pretty good, with no real glaring anachronisms on the part of the writer... even my original irritation at the mention of horseshoes was unwarranted, because they did actually know about them... just didn't use them much. It provides some interesting light into how (in all liklihood anyway) the legions functioned in the middle of the first c More...
Dec 04, 2011
Geoffrey
rated it:
This was recommended to me by one of Simon Scarrow's legion of fans, but the book didn't quite engage me at an emotional level. I must applaud the meticulous research, and the fast-paced plot that is only occasionally interrupted for background colour. The battle scenes are on an epic scale. I'd have preferred less omniscient narration as we gallop from scene to scene, and more close-third-person point of view so I could feel the jeopardy in which he places his protagonists.
Jan 04, 2011
Becky
rated it:
If you like your history with a bit of blood and guts then this is a good book for you! ? The first in a series of books about Macro and Cato and their experiences in the Roman army under Emperor Claudius. Plenty of historical information without interfering with the story. I found myself reading several hundred pages at a time as I wanted to carry on reading! Be warned an addictive series that will keep you coming back for more...
Aug 31, 2011
Richard
rated it:
Centurions Macro and Cato are by far my Favourite charators of any book i've read. One is brutal and experienced and the other is young and intelligant. They are fierce friends and help each other out of various scrapes. Great attention to detail of the life as a Roman soldier as well as the casual back stabbing of the social elite. This is a good start to the series and get better the more of them you read.
Nov 12, 2011
Dawn
rated it:
While this is by no means a deep thinking novel, I found it fun and entertaining.
There is lots of action, some small amount of political intrigue and a healthy dose of what it must have been like as a Roman soldier.
The story is set in the time of Emperor Claudius and follows the adventures of a centurion and his new, unexperienced optio, both of whom manage to survive several fights, skirmishes and battles with style, courage, good training and a bit of luck.
There is lots of action, some small amount of political intrigue and a healthy dose of what it must have been like as a Roman soldier.
The story is set in the time of Emperor Claudius and follows the adventures of a centurion and his new, unexperienced optio, both of whom manage to survive several fights, skirmishes and battles with style, courage, good training and a bit of luck.
Aug 06, 2011
Cato, a young freedman, who grew up in the palaces of Rome in the early part of the 1st century, is sent to join the Roman legion in Germany and then to invade Britain. A Manly Man's book. Not much depth of character, but does give a good description of the organization of the Roman legions. I'll skip the sequels.
Feb 26, 2011
Barry
rated it:
The story was quite entertaining and and I found it an enjoyable and easy read. I thought that more time could have been given to character development and descriptions. At times the story seemed hurried and I would not have minded if the book had been longer. However, I look forward to other books by this author.
Aug 12, 2011
Anna
rated it: 
At first I couldn’t decide to give two or three stars.
Maybe because of the praises others reviewers had given to this book I was disappointed to discover that it was average story. The characters are not remarkable, the plot is simple, little or almost no suspense, (I guessed who is spy and who traitor easy and early), Cato and Lavinia scenes reminded me of a big lipped alligator moment, it was quite pointless as if author thought he must involve some sort of romance.
It was h More...
Maybe because of the praises others reviewers had given to this book I was disappointed to discover that it was average story. The characters are not remarkable, the plot is simple, little or almost no suspense, (I guessed who is spy and who traitor easy and early), Cato and Lavinia scenes reminded me of a big lipped alligator moment, it was quite pointless as if author thought he must involve some sort of romance.
It was h More...
Oct 17, 2007
Nacho
rated it: 
[Novela histórica] En España se llama El águila del imperio. No me gusta por varios motivos: la instrucción de los legionarios parece salida de Oficial y caballero; la premisa del arcón perdido por César me parece endeble y, como mínimo, poco creíble -y además, su uso como mcguffin me recuerda a Sharpe y el oro de los españoles de Cornwell-; y, por último, tanto la narración de la escaramuza en la aldea como la batalla final me parecen demasiado confusas. Aún así, algunas cosillas me gustan y ve
More...
Sep 27, 2009
Diane
rated it:
Really enjoyed the way this book was set up. It is strong on the detail of the Roman army and how it was ordered and commanded. That said there's just the right leavening of humour and nods at modern army attitudes (although maybe al armies are the same no matter what the time frame)
Aug 27, 2011
David
rated it:
A relatively easy read, but with well drawn characters, a decent plot, interweaving the blood and guts of a legionary's life with the conspiracies of imperial politics. Infinitely better than Iggulden's infuriating Emperor series. Will be back for more...
