The Eagle’s Prey

Simon Scarrow, Headline, 2004, £17.99

hb, 306pp, 0-7553-0115-3

Perhaps just another Cato and Macro romp in 1^st century Britannia? Convinced they’re close to finishing off the British opposition, the Roman Army is confident of beating Caractacus. But the battle does not go to plan, and recriminations follow, leading to ferocious punishment that puts the lives of Cato, Macro, and their colleagues, in peril.

This book has many very tense, dark or brutal scenes, where I was drawn in, and reading as quickly as possible to find out what happens next. In particular, I started to care about the fate of the lead characters, which makes this is the best writing I’ve seen from the author so far. More, much more, of this please, Mr Scarrow!

S Garside-Neville