The Blood of Rome
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Average rating4.3
Don't miss the next epic novel in the Eagles of the Empire series - TRAITORS OF ROME is out on 14th November 2019, and available for pre-order now! THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER The gripping and action-packed new adventure in Simon Scarrow's bestselling Eagles of the Empire series, not to be missed by readers of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. It is AD 55. As trouble brews on the eastern fringes of the Roman Empire, Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro prepare for war... The wily Parthian Empire has invaded Roman-ruled Armenia, ousting King Rhadamistus. The King is ambitious and ruthless, but he is loyal to Rome. General Corbulo must restore him to power, while also readying the troops for war with Parthia. Corbulo welcomes new arrivals Cato and Macro, experienced soldiers who know how to knock into shape an undermanned unit of men ill-equipped for conflict. But Rhadamistus's brutality towards those who ousted him will spark an uprising which will test the bravery of the Roman army to the limit. While the enemy watches from over the border... Praise for Scarrow's bestselling novels: 'Blood, gore, political intrigue... A historical fiction thriller that'll have you reaching for your gladius' Daily Sport What readers are saying about THE BLOOD OF ROME: 'Yet another masterful story of the legions by Simon Scarrow' 'Well-crafted book incorporating fact and fiction. As usual, a great read. Simon Scarrow at his best again' 'Simon Scarrow is a master of storytelling and rip-roaring adventures. Totally enthralling'
Series
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17 primary booksEagle
Eagle is a 17-book series with 20 primary works first released in 2000 with contributions by Simon Scarrow.
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This book marks the 13th year of Cato & Macro's campaigning together (and the 17th book in the Eagles of the Empire series).
Scarrow's approach to storytelling is as solid as ever: brief, visceral action; light intrigue; a healthy pendulum-swing between lightheartedness and striking grimness, all supported by a reliably fast-paced plot. This makes for thoroughly engaging fiction, and the Blood of Rome is no exception.
With that said, the way in which Cato's mental anguish was handled wasn't satisfying or explicable - a fact mentioned by Macro many times - and it just seemed occur for no real reason at all other than to introduce tension between the two factions of Rome and Rhadamistus. The main body of the plot progressed without many of the events meaning anything; the real interest was in how the characters conversed and struggled against each other, wherein lies my main complaint. These conversations were short and largely uneventful. The story could have been much improved by having Bernisha play more of a role earlier on, or by having Rhadamistus present more of a threat than simply an angry manchild. (The entire death sequence of Glabius seemed utterly pointless as it affected literally no one's morale). Cato's mental instability could have been given greater weight if it had actually lead him to do something rash, rather than sit around dazed for a few days.
Four stars because Roman commando's are awesome, but Scarrow failed to portray compelling drama to a sufficient extent.
