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blackestclovers's review against another edition
4.0
The overly English slang and speech of the characters was a little much at times, but still a very good book. Most certainly will continue with this series.
jampalma's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
inesbeato's review against another edition
4.0
Cato, um jovem estudioso habituado à vida no palácio em Roma vê-se, de repente, alistado na Segunda Legião, a melhor do exército Romano.
Com os conhecimentos que possui em Roma, Cato é imediatamente elevado a optio do Centurião Macro, um cargo normalmente entregue a soldados mais velhos, com larga experiência no exército. Isso vai causar-lhe problemas no relacionamento com os restantes legionários, fazendo com que Cato tenha de fazer tudo por provar o seu verdadeiro valor.
As personagens não são muito fortes, mas a leitura é compulsiva, com alguns diálogos interessantes e com muita acção. Creio que nos próximos livros seja possível conhecer um pouco melhor Cato e Macro, os dois protagonistas que podem oferecer muito mas que ainda estão pouco desenvolvidos.
O livro, para além de muita acção e cenas de guerra, envolve intrigas, missões secretas, alguma ironia e sarcasmo.
Com os conhecimentos que possui em Roma, Cato é imediatamente elevado a optio do Centurião Macro, um cargo normalmente entregue a soldados mais velhos, com larga experiência no exército. Isso vai causar-lhe problemas no relacionamento com os restantes legionários, fazendo com que Cato tenha de fazer tudo por provar o seu verdadeiro valor.
As personagens não são muito fortes, mas a leitura é compulsiva, com alguns diálogos interessantes e com muita acção. Creio que nos próximos livros seja possível conhecer um pouco melhor Cato e Macro, os dois protagonistas que podem oferecer muito mas que ainda estão pouco desenvolvidos.
O livro, para além de muita acção e cenas de guerra, envolve intrigas, missões secretas, alguma ironia e sarcasmo.
discipleoflife's review against another edition
4.0
Scarrow presents a very realistic portrayal of a recruit's life in the Roman army through the character of Cato. The level of detail with which Cato's path to becoming a fully fledged soldier is described is impressive. So impressive that at times I believed Scarrow was a soldier himself.
I did feel, tough, that Cato's development into an optio was rushed. I expected more interaction between Cato and the other recruits, proving himself their leader through both actions and words.
I did feel, tough, that Cato's development into an optio was rushed. I expected more interaction between Cato and the other recruits, proving himself their leader through both actions and words.
katya_s's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
bydandii's review against another edition
3.0
Filled with anachronism and awkward at times, but the characters have heart and there is a story - however stretched. Popcorn of historic fiction.
mountainblue's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mhall89446's review against another edition
3.0
A fun sword and sandal book; I should've started this series sooner. The novel starts off in AD 42 on the Roman forntier in Germany. Centurion Macro of the Second Legion is breaking in new recruits, and encounters Cato, a freeded slave who is msteriously promoted to the rank of optio (despite having no previous military service).
The story opens with macro and Cato forging the bond of friendship and becoming comrades-in-arms via a battle with the Germanic tribes. From there the action moves to the invasion of Britain, and some touches of skullduggery and mystery. Historical characters that come to the stage are Vespasian, and Narcissus, a freedman who answered to the Emperor Cladius.
Scarrow writes in an engaging style. The story is primarily told via dialouge and scenes are set with sufficient detail and don't bog you down with minutae.
PS--three stars means its good in my rating system, just won't blow your socks off.
PPS--Goodreads lists the book 10 pages longer than it is. Just setting the record straight.
The story opens with macro and Cato forging the bond of friendship and becoming comrades-in-arms via a battle with the Germanic tribes. From there the action moves to the invasion of Britain, and some touches of skullduggery and mystery. Historical characters that come to the stage are Vespasian, and Narcissus, a freedman who answered to the Emperor Cladius.
Scarrow writes in an engaging style. The story is primarily told via dialouge and scenes are set with sufficient detail and don't bog you down with minutae.
PS--three stars means its good in my rating system, just won't blow your socks off.
PPS--Goodreads lists the book 10 pages longer than it is. Just setting the record straight.
mountainblue's review against another edition
4.0
Second re-read April 2012
third re-read March - April 2016
third re-read March - April 2016
dylanclifford's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0