Much, much better than the one-stars suggest....

books:


	• The Eagle in the Sand (Roman Legion 7) Simon Scarrow Headline Book Publishing, 2007 - 512 pages average customer review:based on 14 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Much, much better than the one-stars suggest....

As a recent reader of the Eagle series, I flew through the first books, enjoying the protaganists mature if not really develop. The plot lines remained much too predictable and pat but they were a good read. All of the books had great action and some nice twists. Therefore I was surprised to see the number of early negative comments about this Scarrow's latest, and hesitated. Figuring it's better to read a clunker then watch Dancing With Stars, I picked up Eagle In The Sand and was pleasantly surprised.

The change of venue to Judea is a cultural bonanza and much needed. As interesting as the early setting in Britain was, it wore thin after four novels. The Eagle's Prophecy (a Roman Galley setting) was a bit of a twist, but it can't match the diversity and the background of the Middle East, circa the first century. In addition to standard cultural and religious clashes the author (finally!) begins to develop the character of Cato as one who questions the perceived wisdom and benefit of being part of the Roman juggernaut. A theme only hinted at in early books is give full sway here. Cato's struggle with his part in sustaining the Empire is long overdue for a pair who by my unscientific estimate have killed thousands of subjugated peoples, all in the name of Rome. What worthy hero doesn't have doubt?

The introduction of Miriam, mother of Jehosua (yup, you can figure out who they are) is contrived, and actually made me wince, but it's no worse than Macro and Cato bar-hopping and double dating Boudicea and her cousin back in Britain. I really don't understand what the beef was with this book. In many ways it's a great transition, letting in some much needed frest air. Give it a try.

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Eagle in the Sand

I liked Eagle in the Sand. In fact, I like the whole series. The characters are likable enough that you can stand up and cheer for them. The books are great reads, and they are hard to put down. Simon Scarrow is not quite Bernard Cornwell, but few are. Lovers of historical fiction like to hear of new authors so I want to put you on to someone who has a chance to be one of the best. Sam Barone has written a two book series: Dawn of Empire and Empire Rising. These books are long, detailed, and fascinating. Furthermore, if you like to read about battles, Barone's final battles last a hundred pages and more. None of it is dull! I never did get to bed before 2:00 AM while reading these books so you are warned! The author is a nice fellow who returned my email when I sent him my thanks for writing such a fine series. Barone reminds me a lot of a cross between Bernard Cornwell, Wilbur Smith, and oddly enough, Zane Grey.

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Another good one from Scarrow

This one is longer and more satisfying than #6. I really like Scarrow's series and hope he continues with it. He brings Macro and Cato to life and keeps it (mostly) believable.

One complaint is that it seems in every book they complain about how this is the toughest mission yet. This one clearly wasn't the toughest yet, but included other elements that kept it engrossing. I liked the change of setting and the play on the story of Jesus (interesting but not disrespectful).

But the main complaint I have is that he is not writing these quickly enough!

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Eagle in the Sand Re-Examined

After reading some the negative reviews I decided to risk reading Eagles in the Sand because I had enjoyed the past books in the series so much. Well what did I find? For one, I came away with the impression that the negative reviewers never really read the book with care and attention. One refers to "bildings" made of wood, well they weren't made of wood but the roofs would be as in most Roman forts and in this case it was the living quarters which had wooden roof components. It was not as if wood appeared from nowhere after all Lebanon, which would not be too far away for the Romans, was famous for its trees. As for Christian references Scarrow never uses the traditional names as they exist in the Bible and indeed those who believe that Jesus is being discussed might look more closely at the details and realize that the character which they thought was Jesus may not be him after all. Admittedly the names are similar but the option is open that this "Christian group" which are never called Christians was just one of many factions making up the Palestine region. Scarrow does a wonderful job characterizing the fragmentation and feuds which existed at that time and still do. For those who are interested our heroes visit the mysterious city of Petra which was an unexpected pleasure. As for the same old scenes with just a little desert added, I a least found the conflict at the Temple in Jerusalem and with Bannus quite different with the story filled with plentiful twists and turns. You will NOT be disappointed with this book and in fact the greatest displeasure I felt upon reading it was the realization that I had come to the last page. One final note, I am a college level history instructor who teaches military history and I have found Scarrow's work refreshing and reasonably accurate and a true pleasure to read. Enjoy!

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Another Excellent Eagle Novel

I have read every book in Simon Scarrow's Eagle series. I am surprised at some of the negative reviews on this particular title. This book is every bit as good as the 6 previous in the series. Macro and Cato continue to find themselves in impossible situations while serving Rome and Narcissus but manage to get through with luck, bravery, and skill. This book is a bit more complicated on the political front because it is set in the Middle East. I believe some people are upset about the references to Christianity in this title, but they need to remember that the author is writing from the viewpoint of Romans who were not Christian. You are seeing the typical Roman reaction to what appears to be just another religion of many in the area at the time. The author has done a fine job with this book and I can't wait for the next one to come out.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

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