Centurion: A Novel

Eagles of the Empire #8

by Simon Scarrow

In Centurion, Scarrow continues the adventures of centurions Macro and Cato, as they wage war to defend the imperium. Scarrow combines stunning historical detail with riveting battles and rich characters to bring the Roman Empire to life. Already an international bestseller, Centurion follows Macro and Cato to the Eastern edges of the Empire. In the first century AD, Rome faces a potent new threat from its long-standing enemy--Parthia. The two rivals are vying for control of Palmyra, an officially neutral kingdom along the Euphrates River. Palmyra's royal household is on the brink of open revolt, so Rome dispatches a task force under the command of veteran warriors Macro and Cato to defend its king and guard its borders. 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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Roman, War, Adventure, Audiobook

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Simon Scarrow is a UK-based author, born in Nigeria, and now living in Norfolk. He completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia, and, after working at the Inland Revenue, went into teaching as a lecturer at City College, Norwich.

He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.

Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2007, and its the 8th volume of the incredible "Eagle" series.

Our main protagonists, Cato and Macro, are still in the East, and now facing the threat of Rome's old enemy, Parthia.

The disputed territory will be Palmyra, officially a neutral Kingdom but much under Roman influence, and Parthia is intent on capturing Palmyra for themselves.

This situation is made even more difficult with Palmyra's Royal household in nearly open revolt, and Cato and Macro with a task force is sent there to defend the King and defend Palmyra's borders.

When Parthia hears of the Roman presence in Palmyra, they will amass their army for war, and in this dangerous warlike stage Macro's cohort must march into treacherous enemy territory, and there to fight off superior Parthian numbers.

What is to follow is a marvellous Roman encounter against the Parthians, in which Cato and Macro will excel themselves in brave and foolhardy desperate missions, and only by determination, grit and a desire to win this war against Parthia, they will be able in the end to save the Roman Empire from the Parthians, and secure a fragile peace for the near future.

Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Glorious Centurion"!

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable.

Also, good for you, Cato.

[Le_Suti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ich habe diese Reihe bis zu diesem achten Buch verschlungen. Die Abenteuer von Macro und Cato in Britannien-durchgehend Spannend und gut konstruiert. Man konnte die Welt um sich herum vergessen und voll und ganz in die Geschichte abtauchen.

Doch was Simon Scarrow in seinem achten Buch geliefert hat ist erschreckend. Ich bin schockiert! Hat der Autor sein Buch auch nur einmal selber durchgelesen? Ich bezweifle es stark.

- Der Spannungsbogen wurde nicht mal annähernd ausgereizt. So etwa als man die Zivilisten aus der Zitadelle schickte und im nächsten Satz erfährt, dass die Situation durch das Eintreffen des Longinus entschärft ist und die Belagerten gerettet.

- Die Dialoge, die meine elfjährige Cousine besser hätte konstruieren können. Platt und gefühllos diskutieren oberflächliche Charaktere ohne erkennbare Charakterzüge die Lage. Furcht? Zweifel? Misstrauen? Alles für die Tonne.

- Und nun zu der schlechtesten Liebesgeschichte die ich jemals gelesen habe. Cato verliebt sich in der Zitadelle in Julia. Der Grund für die aufkommende Liebe wurde einfach weggelassen. Schwups, liebe Leser sie lieben sich nun, findet euch damit ab. Kein knistern, nur dumme Kommentare von Macro. Dann haben sie anscheinend schon miteinander geschlafen. Wann das passierte? Fragt mich nicht. Es ist mir ein Rätsel. Und ehe man sich versieht sind sie verlobt. Wow ich habe keine Ahnung wie sich das Simon Scarrow zusammengereimt hat.

- Logikfehler überall. Hat ein Lektor dieses Buch überhaupt gegengelesen? Da wird einer von einem Pfeil in die Schulter getroffen und die Rede ist von einer gebrochenen Rippe!

- Dann die deutschen Editore, ich habe selten so viele Fehler in einem Buch gefunden! Erschreckend

Ich hoffe das Buch war nur ein Ausrutscher und die folgenden Bände nehmen wieder an Qualität zu.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our boys defeat the mighty Parthian Empire (with a little help), and bring the important city of Palmyra into the Roman fold, but most importantly of all, Cato takes a wife—even though I thought that serving Roman soldiers were forbidden to marry. A good read. I will admit though, having powered through all of the previous novels to date, that I am growing a little weary of the constant battles, the blood and death, but then again, we are talking about two Roman centurions and the Roman Empire! What else can you expect?

I have read a few negative reviews of Scarrow and this series. Let me rebut. These are not deep literature, I view them as a fun read, entertaining, enjoyable, well-written with twists and turns. All great fun (did I say that already?). The language is modern, true, but then again, many things do not change, and I believe that in many ways we in the modern world are closer culturally to the ancient Romans than to the Medieval types who came after. For anyone who believes these stories are too light, I say lighten up. Life is not always about Conrad and "Lord Jim" (which I just finished re-reading).

[Olethros · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Más de lo mismo, cambiando el decorado de fondo.-

Género. Novela Histórica (cada vez menos, en realidad, y más novela de ficción en tiempos de la Antigua Roma).

Lo que nos cuenta. Palmira es un pequeño reino que tiene la desgracia de encontrarse entre la periferia de la esfera de influencia de la superpotencia Roma y las fronteras de Partia, una potencia a tener en cuenta que, aunque de talla menor, tiene recursos militares y unas líneas de suministro mucho más cortas a la zona y está preocupada por el hambre expansiva de la Antigua Roma, que ha construido un puesto fortificado a un paso de su frontera, un puesto que sufre un ataque. Los partos quieren parlamentar sobre el futuro de la zona, pero lo hacen después del ataque y de presentar la cabeza del centurión al mando del puesto. El centurión Cato y el prefecto Macro, al mando de una cohorte auxiliar, se ven inmersos en una revuelta en Palmira, donde agentes partos quieren romper todo acuerdo con Roma. Octavo libro de la saga de Quinto LicinoCato.

¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

a brilliant book i only happened to buy by chance, but im soo glad i did, this story had me gripped from start to end and i literally wasted my whole night reading it because i just couldnt stop!

Its essentially about two centurions macro and cato and their realtionship during the hardship of their toughest mission yet. They are sent to quell a rebellion in palmyra, a city inbetween two (almost) warring factions of parthia and rome, which has been taken over by rebels.

Although some might say this is actually the 8th book in the eagle series [hence the name centurion:roman legion 8], you dont need its predeccesors to know whats going on and to really enjoy this book (i personally havent read the first 7 but will do after this)

a brilliant book!!

[Alex George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the rating of three is not representative of my enjoyment of this book. It's more like a 3.5, though it could have been closer to a 4.0 if I could get to like the characters a bit more. Macro doesn't inspire me as much as I wanted him to, however, Cato is a good guy, and in this book there is a bit of romance, though we don't get to read any of it but rather find out that it happens off the pages, umffffff!

Anyhow, Scarrow does a great job with his history research and has delivered a fitting piece. It's just that I have to compare it to Gemmell's work, and that's where he loses points.

[Rui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A saga continua. Como nos habituou, uma história, empolgante, bem contada. Venha mais um.

[Tracy Enright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the Eagle series and sees Cato and Macro in the desert. Palmyra specifically. They have been sent to the aid of a client king whose son has started a revolution to overthrow him. Palmyra's main importance lies in the fact that it sits on the border with Parthia, a land that is definitely not a friend to Rome.

The two battle their way against bandits, enemy forces and the desert itself only to end up in a seemingly hopeless position – trapped in the Palmyrian capital praying that the main relief column arrives in time.

This book has the trademark detailed and absorbing battles we have come to see from Simon. We also see a chink in the armour of the cynical Macro, when he feels guilt over turning a young girl and her baby brother out of the city and into the hands of the enemy. Cato has his turn too, when he meets the daughter of the Roman ambassador.

This book didn't grab me in the way his previous books did and, whilst it was a strong story, I didn't find it impossible to put down, they way I did the earlier novels.

Maybe I just prefer my action in colder climes.

[Miquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

bon llibre la vd, però s'assembla massa a l'anterior

[Beorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of the same. Yet another siege with another set-up, at least in part, incredibly like the previous book in the series, but with a ill-thought out battle right at the end to save the day.
Nothing in particular that sets this book apart from the rest of the series or to imply that it would work well as a standalone novel.
It's not a BAD installment in the series, if anything it's about as average and mundane as the rest of the series. It's episodic junk food really; no long term nutritional value but it fills a hole for the time you're eating it.

[Jack Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

My bias for this series probably comes in to play with my rating, and I understand the negative comments of similar plot lines, but for me the simple interplay between Macro and Cato is endearing and the humour and suspense has this instalment back to the level at the beginning of the series. Back to "un-put-downable".

[Phillip Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Prussian philosopher of war once wrote that war is an extension of politics and I see power plays behind the military actions in this book. Macro and Cato are sent by the Roman Syrian governor to put down a Palmyra rebellion but he secretly hopes they die in action because they are the Roman Emperor's agents. The kingdom of Palmyra is divided into two factions: one allied with Rome's rival Parthian empire to avoid annexation and another which is less inclined to cross Rome. The king's three sons want to succeed him and use any means to gain control including murder. Syria's governor Longinus hopes to win a victory against the Parthians as a stepping stone to become Roman Emperor. Cato and Macro with their soldiers are pawns in this game with their own loyalties being with their comrades. I like the bravery of these men and their skill in combat but fear they will eventually die on the orders of self serving meglomaniacs.

[Emil · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting fictional novell about two roman soldiers that starts a bit weak, but the more you read; the better it gets.

[Harry Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, another brilliant instalment following Centurions Macro and Cato. I feel this is the first book in which Cato is starting to get some recognition for using his brain!

[Penny Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable adventure. A bit predictable but fun nevertheless. Our heroes have to survive and win...

[Tony Gothard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting in the desert. A cracking tale

[Lukie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it, from beginning to end. This was the first (and only) book I've read of Simon Scarrow.

Roman history had been my favorite history subject growing up, as the aspect of an empire stretching a large part of Europe always fascinated me. Not only were the romans (by all accounts) highly civilized, they also embodied the definition of a modern fighting force, using advanced tactics, rigid discipline and practical equipment to fight their adversaries. All in all, riveting and highly engrossing stuff to read about.

Two things I noticed about this book that let the imagination run loose, was the sense of scale and location; The deserts of Palmyra sound brutal, bleak, unforgiving and truly god(s)forsaken, you even get the sense that some of the characters from the fortress of Palmyra even want out of the barren wasteland, something which I wholly believed because the image the writer described feels so vivid.

Furthermore, you truly get the idea that the Roman legion is completely outnumbered by an enemy that is unique and dangerous, already adding to the feeling of isolation and death the desert projects. With characters sometimes adding in lines that the location they are feels more like a deathtrap than a strategic and tactical position for the empire, it hightens the stakes and enforces the helplesness and bleakness of it all.

The main characters were unmemorable for me, surely in part because they feel and sound like walking clichés: Cato, the struggling hero trying to prove himself among his comrades and Macro, the no-nonsense, gruff and straight talking officer with a something of a chip on his shoulder concerning the command of his men.

The secondary cast however, like the prince of Palmyra, are a little bit more fleshed out. For instance, although the outcast prince has an obvious hidden agenda, I always felt like he had something more to prove towards others and himself, never quite letting on to what he actually wanted.

Characterization can go a long way to make a story better, as the characters within the novels make the more slow passages worth reading and give the world more color. The only thing that holds it back for me, is that the main characters would be fleshed out more.

History and fiction go hand in hand most of the time, and this is one of those examples that make great use of a particular time and setting that is, one of my favorite history subjects of all time.

[Brentman99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest book I'm reading in the Macro and Cato series, Centurion, continued along the same story line as the last one. IN this installment, our heroes are still in the Middle East, posted to Palmyra. While there, the difficulties with the formidable foe of Parthia raises its head when the Parthians wipe out a Roman fort still in the process of being built.

This story was a bit different, in that there is a mini murder mystery wrapped in the midst of everything else going on. Someone killed the gullible Prince Amethus, but no one is admitting anything.

The Roman governor of the Eastern province, Cassius Longinus, who was suspected of trying to make a play for the emperor's throne, puts Macro and Cato in a bad spot, but as usual, our heroes pull through with a masterful plan from Cato.

Overall, this is another solid book in the series that adds a bit more depth to the overall storyline. As an added love interest twist, Cato finds love and supposedly will be married to a senator's daughter when they return to Rome. I look forward to it. This was worth the time spent reading it.

[Mark Muckerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarrow returns to strong form with book #8 in the continuing adventures of Macro and Cato. From an opening action sequence to the final page, Scarrow provides the depth of story, historical context, character development, realistic action and ongoing subterfuge that have characterized this series.

Posted to the very edge of the empire to secure and reclaim a buffer province, Macro and Cato find themselves in the ranks of their newest and recurring adversary, Longinus. Scarrow places good storytelling in historical context, without the Forrest Gump plot gimmicking of Eagle in the Sand. Pursued by Parthian raiders, trapped in a besieged citadel, and in open battle in the desert sands, the action is non stop, and a satisfying literary meal. Scarrow also moves us back to richer and continued character development of our heroes, reminding us that the story is about two men's personal journey through a historical setting, and not the setting itself.

All in all a solid read, and a continued recommendation.

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Billed as a crosss between Spartacus and Master and Commander I was recommended to read this book by our local library, along with a number of others. Just finished it this morning, and the best part of the book is definiately the last fifth. The rest of it is clunky - there is no sense of place, and the characters are a little cardboardish. There were also a few holes in terms of resources and battle plans. So... really this is a 2 1/2 book, but I'm being kind to give it 3 just for the fact that it came to an end and didn't depress me.

[Tom Blacklock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the "Eagle" books in the series so far but this one has been the best so far. I couldn't put it down. Constant action, political intrigue and a tiny bit of romance made it a page turner.

[Xdw · Rating 3 out of 5]

above average roman adventure

[Richard Azia]

So far this has been one of the best in the series. I like the humanity that the characters come out with. You feel a connection with the characters.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read the first book and the second last book; but even if you haven’t been following the adventures of Marco and Cato in chronological order; this works very well as a standalone tale; apart from the conspiracy that they have been assigned to. It certainly wants to make you follow the rest of the saga. The rituals of the Roman army; their tactics; lifestyle and equipment are all explained in perfect detail; and Scarrow spares no detail when it comes to the fight scenes. The only downside is that the principal character seems to incur major wounds which would normally finish a soldier off. There’s also a three-tier stage to the battles which engaged me to keep reading. Along the way, we encounter the everyday marching orders of the Centurions on the frontline; whether it’s avoiding a mutiny or finding a fling on their travels. There are some plot holes that are yet to be filled; but whether these are forgotten in later books; we shall have to wait and see.

[Bruno Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neste volume Macro e Cato são enviados em mais uma missão quase impossível por quem têm de desmascarar, a ordem de Narciso ( o secretário imperial), ou seja, o responsável pela campanha do Oriente , Longino, que parece ambicionar o manto púrpura. São enviados para ajudar Palmira, que foi capturada por rebeldes liderados
pelo filho mais velho do Rei, que não concorda com o acordo com Roma. Os nossos heróis têm de fazer um acordo com o outro dos filhos do Rei, para conseguirem entrar na cidadela dentro de Palmira, onde se refugiam os resistentes e o Rei fiel a Roma . Entre muitas batalhas destaca-se a batalha final contra os aliados Partos, com uma estratégia de Cato, para salvar o dia.
Além disto o nosso jovem Cato também se perde amores por uma romana na cidade de Palmira.
Mais um excelente livro desta saga visceral e com as batalhas mais realistas que já alguma vez li.

[Joe Langdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet again, another unique, fast paced, gripping entry in the Eagles of the Empire series, delivering a fresh and engaging plot that avoids the repetition often found in long-running historical sagas. I am very happy to find nine books in each plot has been unique so far which is great, although the formula of the stories could be argued are very similar.

The story plunges Cato and Macro into the turmoil of the Eastern provinces, with a well-paced narrative that mixes, brutal combat, tense alliances and a dash of political intrigue.

This entry had the introduction of some new characters, including a formidable new antagonist, General Longinus, who mostly seems to be just like the bad legate from the first few books and the pirate novel.

Then Julia seems great and was a very exciting addition along with her father.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que feliz estoy de seguir las aventuras de este par de centuriones.
En este tomo vemos cómo van creciendo y madurando. Cómo se inspiran el uno al otro, algunos casos en inteligencia, estrategia y cultura y en otras en pasión por la batalla.

Además a partir de ahora me huele que habrá un personaje que seguiremos viendo más a menudo. Como mujer, veia este personage necesario para que mostrara esa parte de la sociedad romana. No es una persona débil, tiene claro lo que quiere (y a quien ojojoj).

Si no sigo toda la saga del tirón, es porque quiero que me acompañe toda la vida. ❤

Estas novelas me han dado una nueva fuerza y motivación por seguir con mi trabajo arqueológico. Invitados e invitadas estáis a venir a conocer a Baetulo los restos romanos de la casa de Quinto Licinio 😉😉😉.

[Taveri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarrow novels are educational in history and geography.  Ttis novels features the ancient city of  Palmyra (now in Syria) that was an independant but allied Kingdom of Rome, coveted by the neighbouring Parthians.  The book was published in 2007 and in the author's notes he recommends visiting the site to take in the splendour.  Unfortunately in 2015 the Islamic State did damage to the ancient site.


More found here >

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmyra


Another note on this volume there is female character with a very minor role.  As with previous women (e.g. Book Two) their roles are undeveloped virging on being glib.  Perhaps in the upcoming novel the Julia character will make a more substantial contribution than being arm candy.

[Michael Alan Grapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know that this was the eighth in a series when I picked it up and began to read. Others have commented that it was just more of the same that came before, formulaic I suppose, but having read no others it was fresh and new to me. I love the characters of Macro and Cato, two Roman agents assigned to investigate the governor of Syria when a revolt breaks out in Palmyra and the governor sends them out with an expeditionary force to lift a siege and get them out of his hair. I've no idea how accurate the story is with regard to historic events, and I don't care. I found it to be quite a page turner and thoroughly entertaining.