This is a sweeping novel, a novel for me which is all about the characters and the story. Simon Scarrow is a supreme storyteller To me whilst this is a work of Historical fiction don’t be fooled into thinking I don’t read that genre so the book won’t be for me, it transcends that, revel in the quality of the writing and storytelling, engage with the characters and be prepared to take a glorious journey with two of the Romans finest and bravest Cato and Marco

Praetorian – The city of Rome in AD 50 is a dangerous place. Treachery lurks on every corner, and a shadowy Republican movement, ‘the Liberators’, has spread its tentacles wide. It is feared that the heart of the latest plot lies in the ranks of the Praetorian Guard. Uncertain of whom he can trust, the Imperial Secretary Narcissus summons to Rome Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro. Tasked with infiltrating the Guard, Cato and Macro face a daunting test to win the trust of their fellow soldiers.Boudica’s rebellion is described in a lot of books but I think this one that describe is it could have been. It was gory, violent, sometime very cruel insurrection, a sort of guerrilla that nearly defeated Rome. Scarrow has also stated that whilst initially he only planned to write around ten novels in the series this has since changed to 25. Scarrow also hinted at two potential endings for Eagles of the Empire. One being Cato and Macro facing each other on alternate sides of a battle during the Year of four Emperors, AD 69 resulting in the death of one of them. The other being their retirement in AD 69 in Pompeii. [69] This has significance due to the supporting and reoccurring characters through the series, Vespasian becoming Emperor at the end of that year.

The Fields of Death (2010) – 1809. Viscount Wellington and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte have made their mark as military commanders. Lifelong enemies, they both believe their armies are strong enough to destroy any rival. But in war victory can never be certain.Macro has been close friends with Cato since Cato saved his life in the first book. This bond deepens when Macro confesses that he is illiterate and asks Cato's help in learning to read, and so maintain his position as an officer.

The novels since Under the Eagle first being published have contained the word 'Eagle' in the title however since the 8th book Centurion the author has refrained from using 'Eagle' - the reason for this is unknown, however some speculate that this has been done in effort to make the books accessible to a wider audience, and also explains the change in cover illustrations. A stunning novel of courage, camaraderie and deadly enemies from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Centurion and The Emperor's Exile.Son of Spartacus (2013) – Meanwhile, his master Julius Caesar wants Marcus to help destroy the bands of rebel slaves and their leader Brixus, who plans to unite a slave army and resurrect the cause of Spartacus. But Marcus and Brixus are old allies who share a life-threatening secret. Marcus is torn between his friend and master. Can he convince Brixus now is not the time for a deadly revolt – and ask Caesar to negotiate a slave surrender before more carnage and bloodshed? Following on closely from the events of the previous Eagles of Empire book, Death to the Emperor, this novel drops Cato and Macro into a Britannia not only in open rebellion, but in a time when it seems the days of Roman rule may be coming to an end... and it starts very much as it means to go on, with a fierce battle to get the blood pumping! Red Christmas (2014) – This short story follows the experiences of a faceless worker at a vast factory run by a cruel tyrant who rules with a bloodied fist. It is late in the year, Christmas is approaching and the workers and their boss are heading towards a bitter confrontation that will change everyone’s life forever.

In Londinium there is devastating news. Centurion Macro is amongst those unaccounted for after the massacre at Camulodunum. Has Cato's comrade and friend made his last stand? Revenge (2013) – The opening day of the Games in Rome is a time for celebration in honor of the new Emperor. But for Marcus Valerius Pavo, a young military tribune fallen from grace, only despair awaits. Along with former mentor, Optio Macro, Pavo must fight for his life in a ferocious beast hunt. Battling against lions and bears, he’ll have to use all his wits to survive, as well as the help of a hated former rival. Flavia Domitilla: Vespasian's wife, who, he is chagrined to learn, is a member of the "Liberators," a group of conspirators plotting Claudius's assassination; however in Day of the Caesars, the conspirators have changed their target to Nero, hoping to allow Brittanicus to succeed his father. She also reveals that Julia was faithful to Cato. She kills herself when the coup fails.

Barbarian (2012) – It is AD 41. The savage Gaul Britomaris has defeated the best of the Roman gladiators in the arena. Now a young volunteer, Marcus Valerius Pavo, the son of a murdered general, has been given a month to prepare to face Britomaris in a fight in which only one man can survive. He is to be trained by veteran soldier Macro, who fears for his young trainee’s chances. Scarrow, Simon (2020). Traitors of Rome. London. ISBN 978-1-4722-5841-0. OCLC 1140119312. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link)