The book “Eagles of the Empire 23. Revenge of Rome” is further proof that Simon Scarrow can maintain a high standard even after so many installments in the series. This time, we follow the adventures of Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro, who, as experienced soldiers, lead the Roman forces tasked with finally crushing the fading rebellion in Britain led by the legendary warrior Boudica. The book was published by PUBLICAT.
While this volume may seem somewhat less spectacular than the previous one, it still delivers a thrilling experience. Instead of grand battles in the open field, we get a captivatingly depicted siege of a rebel stronghold and the arduous hunt for the remnants of the uprising. The action is dynamic, full of tension and twists and turns, and the battle scenes are described with extraordinary vividness. The author brilliantly captures the hardships and life of soldiers, the legionary tactics, military strategies, and the complex administrative structure of the Empire. He doesn’t idealize Rome—he shows its ruthlessness, the ambitions of those elevated beyond their authority, and the tragic consequences of foolish decisions, which most often fell on the shoulders of ordinary soldiers.
The book’s presentation also deserves a major plus. It’s a truly well-prepared volume—solid binding, an aesthetic cover, and the sketches and maps included inside, which help readers better understand the realities of the campaign, provide a wonderful supplement to the reading experience, and demonstrate the attention to detail.
In short, “Revenge of Rome” is a dynamic historical tale that manages to entertain, keep you on your toes, and make you root for the characters. Anyone who enjoys Cato and Macro will want to follow them.