Under the Eagle (Eagles of the Empire 1) cover art

Under the Eagle (Eagles of the Empire 1)

Cato & Macro: Book 1

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Under the Eagle (Eagles of the Empire 1)

By: Simon Scarrow
Narrated by: David Thorpe
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About this listen

 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 Ancient Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Military Thriller & Suspense War & Military Scary

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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
All stars
Most relevant

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

Rattling good story

What three words best describe David Thorpe’s performance?

Casual, chatty, undramatic

Any additional comments?

This the first in the 'Eagles' series, and as you'd expect the story and language isn't as polished as after Mr Scarrow gets a few under his belt and finds his stride. However, it is an entertaining story that rattles along nicely. Not quite 'Sharpe in sandals', but nearly.Unfortunately, the narrator has a chatty, casual style that doesn't vary in even the most dramatic moments, which takes the edge off somewhat. It is very easy on the ear, but just doesn't suit the words he is saying. However, I did get used to this after a few hours and move past it, except his pronounciation of 'Cato' as 'Car-to', and even, I'm certain, 'Carter' a few times. This goes against how I (and others I know) have always pronounced it, and how it is pronounced in the later books by other narrators, and never ceased to grate a bit.

Let down a bit by the narrator

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To me this is an excellent series of books. Simon Scarrow produces two well-developed "chalk and cheese" main characters that somehow develop an excellent chemistry as brothers in arms. Plenty of action mixed with plenty of character development is what I like in my books and here we get both aplenty. The narration is lively and positive so moves the story forwards well.

Update: The only thing that irritated me (at the time of writing) was that quite a few of the books are currently not available on audible UK at least and had been the case for a while but now the full series (to date) is available! Hurrah!

I'm stuck waiting for book four. This is such a good series I am determined to do them justice by listening in order.

A Brilliant Series - now complete

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An excellent story and impressive writing had me fully immersed in the story and gripped in the tense action and intrigue moments within the book. furthermore I have now purchased more books in the series as this book and the 5 star standard continues through the series, A MUST READ/LISTEN!

Further notes the narration is of an equally impressive standard

Fantastic read had me hooked from the start

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Rivet to book easy listening great characters highly recommended more more more more more please

Totally brilliant

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Absolutely fantastic! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Narration and the writing, story and plot all superb. Will definitely be continuing the series!

In it for the long haul!!

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