Under the Eagle

Eagles of the Empire, Book 1

By: Simon Scarrow

Narrated by: David Thorpe

Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

If you don't know Simon Scarrow, you don't know Rome!

Under the Eagle is the gripping first novel in Simon Scarrow's best-selling Eagles of the Empire series. A must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.

AD 42, Germany. Tough, brutal and unforgiving. That's how new recruit Cato is finding life in the Roman Second Legion. He may have contacts in high places, but he could really use a friend amongst his fellow soldiers right now. Cato has been promoted above his comrades at the order of the Emperor and is deeply resented by the other men. But he quickly earns the respect of his Centurion, Macro, a battle-hardened veteran as rough and ready as Cato is quick-witted and well-educated. They are poles apart, but soon realise they have a lot to learn from one another.

On a campaign to Britannia - a land of utter barbarity - an enduring friendship begins. But as they undertake a special mission to thwart a conspiracy against the Emperor they rapidly find themselves in a desperate fight to survive....

©2001 Simon Scarrow (P)2013 Headline Publishing Group Ltd.

Critic reviews

"I don't need this sort of competition." (Bernard Cornwell)

GOOD READ

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes i Would recommend this book to a friend it was a good read and well worth it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Under the Eagle?

The most memorable moment from the book was the battle at the German village at the beginning of the book. It sets the stage for the type of people the characters are.

Which character – as performed by David Thorpe – was your favorite?

Both Cato and Macro were were my favorite characters.

Any additional comments?

This is a good book that was well worth listening to. The only problem I had with it was that there are scenes and twists in the story that don't have anything else to do with anything. Like the part where Cato gets caught in the tent with the thief, why did he need to be there when he couldn't identify the thief in the dark? It was pointless and 15 minutes worth of listening that didn't add any significance to the book. I did like the story line though and would like to see the second book "Conquest" get put on Audible in English rather than Latin (I think its in Latin at least).

Great story, superbly narrated.

This is by far the best narration I have yet come across, and I have listened to many. I could have easily been convinced into believing I was listening to a dozen distinct actors.

The story is immersive from the off, with dashes of humour & large doses of both adventure & intrigue. Highly recommended

History

Historically Correct, in so far as i is practiabke.
It'is a good read. The existence of Narcisxuus anc many characters can't be checked.

Pretty Stellar

There wasn’t much about this story that wasn’t pretty great. Other than the odd usage of English slang by the Roman soldiers, it was believable and greatly entertaining.

David Thorpe’s performance was excellent. I’m definitely looking forward to the next in this series.

Not worth it

If you could sum up Under the Eagle in three words, what would they be?

well done

What did you like best about this story?

Love Historcial Fiction

Any additional comments?

At first I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable series. But then I tried to get book two. You have to join Audible UK in order to get a number of the books. In a couple of words. Bravo Sierra. Guess I will never finish the series .

Enjoyable historical fiction.

I always enjoy having historical charters recast into plausible yet obviously fictitious stories. Add on to that a couple of likable main characters as the centre piece for this book, and you have the start of an enjoyable franchise.

There was nothing earth-shattering in this story, but it does give good solid entertainment value for your money. The performance seemed well suited for the story and characters, and certainly added to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

To sum up, if you like historical fiction, and in particular the Roman period, then give this story a try. You shouldn't be disappointed!

Great mix of history and fiction

reminds me of other historical fiction series:
Sharpes Rifles
Hornblower
Master and Commander
The Last Kingdom

Outstanding series

What did you like best about this story?

Story line is great. It has made me wanting more. I would have love to see this as a movie or series.

unbelievable

for some reason I am not allowed to buy the second book in this series " Eagles Conquest ". why I have no idea. what is this country coming to when it bans books. what is this nazi Germany? audible better get its shit together or I will stop getting books from them.

It's a bit like the life of Brian Monty Python movie

Injecting British colloquialisms into a Roman story is a good way to relate it to modern times I suppose. I'm sure the Romans talked as rough as any military folks could.