Centurion

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The new Bernard Cornwell? - Rated
I am a huge historical fiction fan, with Iggulden, Manfredi and the legendary Bernard Cornwell as my favourites. Now to be honest Simon Scarrow is part of that list! This series of books are excellent, pretty much a combination of Corwell's Sharpe and the Rome TV series. Great characters, great story and extremely well written. This is quite late in the series, so start at the beginning (under the eagle) if you fancy this series. This particular book takes our heroes into new terratory, a different world to Britain and Rome.... the adventures continues!

Average historical Novel - Rated
The sign of a good book is the inability to put it down. Unfortunately I spent more time putting it down than picking it up. The hardback took me an age to read - in fact I have just finished it and was sorely disappointed. The problem is it is distinctly average, nothing really surprising happens. Yes theres some exciting set pieces, but they are just that ... set pieces, set in motion by some cosmic deus ex machina. Scarrow is certainly the weakest of the popular historical writers, Iggulden and, especially, Cornwell both write far superior novels. If you have nothing else to read ... go for it. If you have some other books in a pile, then i'd leave it.

Great - Rated
i really enjoyed reading this book just as much as the other ones that Scarrow has written. its exciting and i couldn't put it down until i had finished it- can't wait for the next one in the series!!

Very disappointing - Rated
I bought this on a whim, knowing nothing about the previous books. I very rarely give up on a book, but for this one I made an exception. I honestly can't see how reviewers could liken it to Bernard Cornwell - it just doesn't bear comparison.

Scarrow getting emotional !! - Rated
This is the 8th novel in Simon Scarrow's excellent series of books about Centurions Macro and Cato, and follows on from the `Eagles In The Sand'.

Book Summary : After a surprise attack by the Partians, Macro and Cato are ordered by Longinus to set out as a forward relief column to help King Vabathus of Palmyra, who has taken refuge in his cities own citadel from the rebel Army of his son, Artaxes. Meanwhile the rest of the Legions slowly march to their aid. Can our two brave heroes once again save the day by marching through the arid desert at arrive on time to defend the King from his infighting siblings ?

To those people that have never read one of Scarrow's Roman novels, I would like to say that these books are more about the everyday man in the Roman army than the famous historical figures that are known so well. They detail the hard life, the harshness and brutality of battle and the feeling of inaptitude of the Generals and upper class of Roman society.

Whilst I once again thoroughly enjoyed this book, I did at times feel that I was reading a re-write - albeit in another location, with new characters - of the previous book `Eagles In The Sand'. An eventful march to a fort/citadel, a stout defence and then attacking the opposition whilst they were sleeping - sound familiar ?

I would also like to say that I felt that Scarrow's writing of Marco and Cato in this novel seemed in places a lot more emotional than in previous books. Indeed Macro dealing with the young orphaned Roman girl in the citadel really pulls at the heart strings, showing a side to the character that has rarely been seen in the prior novels. Though I wonder where the author is going with Cato's new love interest and how that will relate to any new stories.

I will as always look forward to the next novel in this series, and hope that Scarrow takes the opportunity to come up with a new idea for a story ! Once again 5 out of 5, but may be a 4 next time if its another seemingly re-write !!!!