Possibly my favourite book for children - Rated 
This is not just for children, however, since Sutcliff never patronises her readership. It is an epic story, covering its hero's life from an idealistic young Roman officer, to a mature veteran, contemplating his adult son's future in post-Roman Britain.
As usual with Sutcliff's 'outsider' heroes, Aquila does not have an easy time! Sutcliff's heroes do not win glorious victories; instead they show a deeper heroism in what they endure, and they mature under adversity.
After the first few chapters, Aquila has lost everything - having deserted his legion in order to protect his family and home, within days his family is destroyed, leaving him without honour, and living first to rescue his sister (who has been carried off), and then for revenge. When even this is taken from him, he must decide what to do with his life...
Sutcliff is really able to capture the values and attitudes of her characters; there is never the jarring moment, as happens often in historical novels, where anachronistic attitudes intrude. Instead she takes us into the dark, and often savage world they inhabit. Don't expect easy answers then: this is a stirring, and exciting tale, but problems do not disappear, and real decisions have to be made. Aquila's relationships are dealt with in a mature manner - by this I do *not* intend code for explicit sexual references (there are none), but that there is no 'happy-ever-after' romance either.
Less bleak than some of Sutcliff's stories - Aquila does, in the end, find a measure of peace - the dark tone may mean that it is unsuitable for younger children.
However it's inspired portrayal of a society in transition, as the Roman troops depart from Britain, leaving the Romano-British inhabitants struggling to retain Roman values in the face of Saxon invasion, is not to be missed.
(Look out for a 'cameo' appearance of Arthur - Rosemary Sutcliff was one of the first authors to portray him, not as the courtly king of French romances, but as a plausible historical figure.
As is said to Aquila by one of his sword comrades: "You and I they will forget utterly, though they live and die in our debt. Ambrosius they may remember a little; but HE - he is the king they make songs about!")
n.b. This is the third (*not* the first) book of the series. However, it is not necessary to read them in order, as they stand alone. Each book is about a different character at a different time, linked by the dolphin insignia they share.
A Great Read - Rated
I have to say I did not realise this was meant to be a children's book! The trilogy (of which this is the first book) is a cracking read, incredibly well-written and wonderfully researched. I have been inspired to read more of her work as it is thoroughly enjoyable and a fabulous example of the true story-teller's craft.
Definatley a modern classic in children books. - Rated
I'm a bit old to be really be reading this book, but I still really enjoyed it. Apart from the amazingly life-like characters there is some historic truth in Sutcliffs tales and it does show what people may have felt when taken over by an entirely foriegn group of people. It shows a society still steeped in the idea of honour and duty that surpasses any personnal problems, and in particular one mans struggle not only against an invading people but also against the person he has become. It sounds very deep and meaningful, but is infact very easy to read and definately worth reading by everyone who likes stories of unusual heros and hand to hand combat. A book children will always love.
A historical story without rose-tinted spectacles. - Rated 
This story, which hints at the beginning of the Arthur myth, combines historical detail with a surprisingly complex and at times bleak portrait of a "hero" damaged by all that he has had to live through. The pace is fast, with the tale covering about 30 years in total. The author does not skirt around the implications to one person of living in a period of history marked by huge upheaval and conjures up life, love, death, war and betrayal on the brink of the Dark Ages so vividly that you can almost smell the woodsmoke. A fascinating, moving and challenging book.
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