Eagles of the Empire: Invictus by Simon Scarrow

Invictus BY: Simon Scarrow

3.5 Stars

I haven’t done a review in quite a long time, so please bear with me as I try to get back into the groove.

Cato returns home to Rome and does not get the reception he was counting on. His wife has died and now he must get to know a son he has never met. As his world crumbles around him, he gets the call to go back into the line of duty. Trying to prevent Hispania from leaving the Roman Empire. They are up against a cunning rebel leader who will stop at nothing to stir up rebellion in the colony.

This was off to a slower start than I am used to with Simon Scarrow novels. I did enjoy seeing the personal side of both Cato and Macro as it really assisted in their character developments. It did take quite a while to get into the book and I would not recommend starting with this particular novel in the Eagles of the Empire series. Once they do reach Hispania things pick up pretty quickly, but by this time you are a third of the way through the book. When the fight begins it is up to Scarrow’s usual standards, he has a great way of keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the battle. Scarrow’s research on these lands and the time/event he is telling of is always impeccable and shines through. The conclusion of course leaves room for another instalment. Overall a good read, just wish he had found a way to make the first third more attention grabbing.  

Book Review- Allan Folsom- Day of Confession

Allan Folsom- Day of Confession 3.75 Stars

The Cardinal Vicar of Rome has just been assassinated and Harry Addison’s brother has been listed as the number one suspect. Harry Addison in Los Angeles, got a concerning message on his answering machine from his brother whom he hasn’t spoken to in many years, right before finding out that his brother was killed in a bus explosion. Rushing to Italy to bring his brother’s body home, he finds himself being treated as a suspect in the whole plot. Throwing him into a desperate race to save his own life, and get to the bottom of things.

I hadn’t read anything by Folsom for a while and quite enjoyed the return to his books. The characters were very well crafted fitting exactly as needed, I felt like you could actually get to know them. I also love how the plot is full of twists and turns, although he tells you who the villains are pretty quick. I wish that he had left out most of the villain stuff, as it would have been a lot more intense not knowing who to look out for. I also found the constant shift from character to character to drag a bit, prefer it when only a couple of characters are focused on, as it I find it to be more nail-biting. The setting was great, who doesn’t want to spend some time in Italy and Rome? I also would like to let the author know that I highly doubt makeup would cover up nail scratches to the face that drew blood. It was a very fast-paced read though, and I would recommend it to thriller fans.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com.

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Simon Scarrow- The Eagle’s Prophecy

Simon Scarrow- The Eagle’s Prophecy 4.25 Stars

In AD 45 centurions Macro and Cato, are being told that they must go on a deadly mission or be executed. A large group of vicious pirates have come into possession of scrolls that could destroy Rome if they see the light of day. Now Macro and Cato must go with a group of troops to try to get the scrolls back and save Rome. If they are successful, they can have there lives back. It seems like a suicide mission, but what choice do they have?

This book had a good introduction, as it gets you right into the heart of what the book is going to be about. The main plot is great. It has some twists, but no real shocking moments. It did keep me reading and enjoying the time period as it is a captivating time. It had some very intense parts that kept me on the edge of my seat, not wanting to put the book down. I loved the characters in the book as well. I will definitely be looking for more books in this series. I did feel in parts like I was missing something in not having read the other books preceding this one. In the future I will read this series in order. I would recommend this book those who love historical fiction.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com.

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/