The Honour of Rome (Eagles of the Empire 19)

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For readers of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Ben Kane - unputdownable fiction from an author who knows the Roman world like no other. Meanwhile, Cato was charged with accompanying Emperor Nero's mistress Claudia Acte into exile on Sardinia, with the bulk of the novel then following Cato, the burgeoning romance between him and Claudia and events on that island. Things have changes since then, however - Macro is now retired from the legions, whereas Cato (originally Macro's optio) now outranks him and now has a family of his own to look after. Simon Scarrow’s twentieth book in the series featuring Centurion Macro and his friend Cato sees the focus turn to Britannia, as Macro, now retired, joins his mother in Londinium.

For readers of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden – unputdownable fiction from an author who knows the Roman world like no other. Macro has been discharged from the army and is set on retiring to a place he knows well - Britannia. With his half share of an inn in Londinium and the prospect of a plot of land to build a home, things look good for the former centurion. But things are not what they seem in this part of the empire. The local tribes are unsettled and a group of gangs are causing problems for anyone who owns a business. This includes Macro and his inn. It’s simple, they what a cut of your profits and if you don’t pay there will be consequences.Sometimes fate is destiny though as, not long after suffering a beating for not paying up, the former soldier gets his wish and Cato comes looking for refuge to this part of the empire. A riveting story about dealing with London’s gangs, although does seem to jump around a bit with a slightly unnecessary jaunt for Macro with the veterans. What was also great about this book is finally the scene has been setup for Boudica’s revolt, which has been one of the key things to look forward to for me ever since her introduction in book three (along with reuniting with Vespasian, future clashes with Vitellius, the hope of seeing Figulus again, and the obvious year of the four emperors). The audiobook was narrated by Jonathan Keeble. His performance was superb, flowing with the action be it military or more personal, investing emotion where needed and generally carrying the reader through the trials and tribulations of 'peaceful' retirement. And, of course, every protagonist is given a personal, unique voice (with, delightfully, the spy, Appolonius, sounding very much like Julian Clarey). At the beginning of the book you'll find two well-drawn maps of South-East Britannia and of Londinium in AD 59, as well as a Chain of Command, and not to forget a Cast List, with figures featuring in this great tale.

Like all in this series, there is a fair amount of action and derring-do and although Macro (and Cato) find themselves in unfamiliar circumstances, in most respects this is familiar territory - a dangerous situation, overwhelming odds, lots of action and a high body count. Entry #20 in Simon Scarrow's Macro and Cato series, which means there's been approximately one entry per year. Another excellent book in the Cato and Macro series. In this adventure, Macro is newly retired from the Roman army and has moved to Britain to set up a new life with his wife. Macro, along with his mother, is the co-owner of a bar in London and he also plans for a rural retreat in Colchester. This tale starts off in full action in January AD 59, with Macro and his wife, Petronella, arriving in Londinium, to join Macro's mother, Portia, at the Dog and Deer inn.A stunning novel of courage, camaraderie and deadly enemies from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Centurion and The Emperor's Exile. While just newly settled there, Macro and his family will be threatened and molested by rival gangleaders, Malvinus and Cinna, and to save Portia and the inn for the moment Macro and Petronella will flee to Camulodunum (Colchester) and settle there.