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.