Scan barcode
semperlunaris's review against another edition
4.0
My March read.
I initially picked this up in The Works as a 'something new' as I've never been much interested in what I'd call 'war books' or Roman history and I wanted a change. In the first few chapters I thought "Ew...yeah, no I'm not gonna like or finish this." Yet 10 minutes later I found myself on chapter 5 absolutely pulled into the plot and rooting for Cato and Macro (who I'd kept calling 'Marco' for a while, soz mate) wondering what the heck happened?!
Some plot bits are a bit predictable (Who, oh WHO could possibly be the spy in the camp eh?) and I will say I was a bit out of my depth with the Roman history and military jargon but it didn't deter me from finishing and actually enjoying the writing. I'm seeing there's 15+ books in this series and I don't know if I'd ever commit to a series like that - but from other reviews I've seen it does have the 'dip in dip out' versatility of some larger series so maybe I'll return to 'dip in' to another of Cato and Macro's adventures.
I initially picked this up in The Works as a 'something new' as I've never been much interested in what I'd call 'war books' or Roman history and I wanted a change. In the first few chapters I thought "Ew...yeah, no I'm not gonna like or finish this." Yet 10 minutes later I found myself on chapter 5 absolutely pulled into the plot and rooting for Cato and Macro (who I'd kept calling 'Marco' for a while, soz mate) wondering what the heck happened?!
Some plot bits are a bit predictable (Who, oh WHO could possibly be the spy in the camp eh?) and I will say I was a bit out of my depth with the Roman history and military jargon but it didn't deter me from finishing and actually enjoying the writing. I'm seeing there's 15+ books in this series and I don't know if I'd ever commit to a series like that - but from other reviews I've seen it does have the 'dip in dip out' versatility of some larger series so maybe I'll return to 'dip in' to another of Cato and Macro's adventures.
zdheller's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
ageckocalledachilles's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A fun read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Slavery, Blood, Excrement, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, Sexism, and Torture
morajair's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
goldenassam's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
zare_i's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting crime story set into the period when Romans (under emperor Claudius) are preparing for second invasion of British Isles.[return][return]We follow Cato, intellectual of sorts, from the time he enters the Second Legion, becomes sergeant under centurion Macro and finally ends up involved into court machinations and plots.[return][return]Interesting read, very fast-paced action but nevertheless it is obvious this one is intended to be the first in series of books ending is somewhat undefined.[return][return]Recommended.
caedarn's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book after seeing so many positive comments about it on a Bernard Cornwell FB page. I was highly disappointed. The plot and characters are not engaging in the least. I'm going to keep looking for a writer of historical fiction that comes even close to Cornwell.
lakesbecky's review against another edition
5.0
If you like your history with a bit of blood and guts then this is a good book for you! ? The first in a series of books about Macro and Cato and their experiences in the Roman army under Emperor Claudius. Plenty of historical information without interfering with the story. I found myself reading several hundred pages at a time as I wanted to carry on reading! Be warned an addictive series that will keep you coming back for more...