The book “Eagles of the Empire. Rebellion” by Simon Scarrow is the 22nd installment in a series chronicling the adventures of Macro and Cato, two Roman soldiers who take part in the events of Boudica’s anti-Roman revolt of 60-61 CE. Published by Wydawnictwo Książnica, the book transports the reader back to the brutal struggle for control of Britain.
The book takes place in 60 CE, when the city of Camulodunum—a symbol of the Roman occupation of the island—is captured by rebels and its population slaughtered. Prefect Cato hopes that his comrade-in-arms Macro has escaped the massacre. He joins Governor Suetonius’s army, which is marching towards threatened Londinium, in an attempt to contain the growing rebellion.
This latest volume proves that Scarrow remains one of the best contemporary historical fiction writers—the author draws heavily on factual information while simultaneously offering a bloody, dynamic, and thrilling chapter in the characters’ adventures. Readers receive exactly what they expect from the series: well-paced action, fast-paced dialogue, and a vivid and evocative portrayal of the Roman world.
Like the previous installments, the book is over 300 pages long and features an elegant cover. A black-and-white map of Britain makes it easy to follow the events. An afterword by the author adds historical context and emphasizes his commitment to the series’ development.
In summary, the 22nd volume in the series is a must-read for fans of Macro and Cato, as well as all lovers of Roman history and military history. I highly recommend it and encourage you to read it, especially those new to Scarrow’s work.