Title: The Eagle and the Wolves
Author: Simon Scarrow
First published January 1, 2003
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780755301140 (ISBN10: 0755301145)
Rating: 4.25
Overview
As tensions rise amongst the Atrebatans in the summer of AD 44, Centurions Macro and Cato are tasked with providing an army for the aging ruler Verica. With only a small group of inexperienced recruits, they must face a cunning opponent and destroy them.
However, danger lurks not only on the battlefield but also amongst their own ranks, as plotters threaten to destroy everything Macro and Cato hold dear, including their fellow comrades serving with the Eagles. Can they survive the deadly cross-currents and emerge victorious in this high-stakes battle?
Find out in Simon Scarrow’s gripping novel, The Eagle and the Wolves.
About the Author
Simon Scarrow is an accomplished author with his roots in Nigeria and currently residing in Norfolk, UK. He earned a master’s degree from the University of East Anglia and embarked on a teaching career as a lecturer at City College, Norwich, after working for the Inland Revenue.
Scarrow’s most popular literary works revolve around the “Eagle” series, which is set in the Roman Empire during the second invasion of Britain. The series follows the exploits of two centurions, Macro and Cato, as they venture across the empire.
The series spans eighteen books to date.
Moreover, Scarrow has authored a collection of four books set in the Napoleonic wars, which focus on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
Editoral Review
In The Eagle and the Wolves, Simon Scarrow, a prolific author of historical fiction, transports readers back to ancient Rome, immersing them in the world of soldiers and gladiators, war and politics, and love and betrayal. This gripping novel is the fourth installment in Scarrow’s Eagle series, which follows the exploits of two Roman soldiers, Cato and Macro, as they navigate the treacherous terrain of the Roman Empire.
Scarrow’s writing style is fast-paced, muscular, and evocative, capturing the sights, sounds, and smells of ancient Rome with vivid detail. His characters are layered and complex, exhibiting a range of emotions and motivations that make them feel like real people rather than mere archetypes.
The plot of The Eagle and the Wolves is a gripping mix of action, intrigue, and romance – a page-turner in the finest sense of the word. The novel takes place in AD 44, during the reign of Emperor Claudius, and finds Cato and Macro stationed in Britannia, engaged in a perilous campaign against a fierce tribe of warriors known as the Catuvellauni.
As they battle to protect the Roman Empire from attack, they also grapple with personal challenges, such as Cato’s struggle to gain recognition from his superiors and Macro’s complicated feelings for a local woman. One of the strengths of The Eagle and the Wolves is its historical accuracy; Scarrow demonstrates an impressive understanding of Roman military tactics, clothing, weapons, and culture.
The novel is a fascinating glimpse into a distant and complex world, shedding light on the political and social realities of ancient Rome. However, the book is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the plot formulaic or predictable, and Scarrow’s prose can be somewhat heavy-handed at times. Additionally, the character development is stronger for some characters than others, with Cato and Macro receiving the lion’s share of attention.
Nevertheless, for fans of historical fiction and military thrillers, The Eagle and the Wolves is a must-read. Scarrow’s blend of authentic detail, high-stakes action, and emotional depth make this an enthralling read from start to finish.
The book is a testament to the enduring appeal of Rome and the power of great storytelling. Overall, The Eagle and the Wolves is a solid four-star novel, with a compelling plot, memorable characters, and immersive setting.
Whether you’re a long-time Scarrow fan or a newcomer to the series, this book is sure to satisfy your hunger for adventure and excitement.
