Rebellion (Eagles of Empire 22)

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AD 60. The Roman province of Britannia is in chaos. Boudica's warrior horde, emboldened by a surprise victory at Camulodunum, is gaining numbers from other tribes looking to overthrow their Roman overlords... and Londinium is their next target.

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. I get why people would like this (though I still can't believe how silly the secret mission was) I just expect more from my historical fiction. It wasn't wretched and in fact did some things very well so I may continue with the next one. Especially since the book made the odd choice of cutting off at the very beginning of the invasion of Britain. But this is not likely to become one of my favorite series. I prefer books that aim to capture what life was really like instead of ones that place modern soldiers in a vaguely Roman context. Every year, Simon manages to publish at least one book based on the adult Roman and historical fiction novels. The house in which he lives in Norfolk is a 400 year old mansion which was built by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. In fact, the major portion of Norfolk was colonized by the Romans. The action scenes are pretty thrilling and seem like you're part of a grand adventure. There was nothing particularly new or original in this book's depiction of a village under siege, but it is drawn out well enough that you actually care about the outcome. I suspect this is enough for most people.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

All in all, I found it entertaining and educational. I thought there were one or two wobbly components to the plot, and certainly one occasion where I thought a legion commander would have been rather more ruthless in finding the truth than he was when questioning a slave! I also guessed who the ‘spy’ in the camp was well ahead of the reveal and I’m one of the world’s slowest to see such things. Maybe it was intended, in that case. Challenger (2012) – Rome under the rule of the ruthless new Emperor Claudius is a dangerous place. Condemned to gladiator school Marcus Valerius Pavo, the son of a treasonous general, is a celebrated hero following a dramatic victory in the arena. Now he finds himself pitted against one of the greatest gladiators who ever lived: Decimus Cominius Denter. A brilliantly written story with an intense atmosphere throughout, great fight scenes and an unbreakable bond of brotherhood that is intoxicating.

It would be fair to say that it is a blood thirsty book, but then you have to remember the times and the people the Romans were fighting, the battles scenes are described in glorious detail, you can feel each sword and axe stroke being taken, again the writing gives you a sense of what was endured This misfortune to Queen Boudica will set in motion a series of events that will result in the eventual begin of the revolt against the Roman oppressor, with as the main culprit of this oppression the Procurator in Londinium who's called, Decianus, with Macro as a late witness to these cruel atrocities towards Queen Boudica and her daughters, and thus Macro's world of peace at the Colony at Camulodunum will eventually turn into a hellish place of war and death, while Cato is one of the officers in Governor's Suetonius's army to conquer and annihilate the Druid stronghold of Mona. The tale is set in the year AD 42, and we find Macro in Germania with the 2nd Legion, when a new recruit will be introduced as second in command to Macro, his name being Cato.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. Hearts of Stone (2015) – 1938. A perfect summer on the Greek island of Lefkas for three young people untroubled by the simmering politics of Europe. Peter, visiting from Germany while his father leads an archaeological dig, has become close friends with locals Andreas and Eleni. As the world slides towards conflict and Peter is forced to leave, they swear to meet again. A really enjoyable read, which although it could work as a standalone novel I feel is far better read as part of the series, with so many recurring and developing characters and many historical references.