Traitors of Rome (Eagles of the Empire 18)

This eventful historical Roman adventure is the 18th episode of the fantastic "Eagles of the Empire" (Cato & Macro) series from the author, Simon Scarrow.At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of the Frontier between the Roman Empire and Parthia in the 1st Century, while there's also a great cast list of great historical and superb fictional figures who're featuring in this thrilling Roman historical tale.It's another fast-paced and action-packed addition to this series, accompanied with great story-telling by the author, as well as very believable characters who come all vividly to life within this marvellous Roman adventure.This story is set as from the year, AD 56, and our main protagonists, Prefect Cato and Senior Centurion Macro, find themselves in Tarsus under the leadership of General, Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, who's also a great Commander, shrewd tactician and hard taskmaster.The story evolves quickly after the marriage celebration of Macro and Petronella, when Cato is summoned by General Corbulo and is sent on a secret diplomatic mission to Parthia to parley for a peace treaty with King Vologases of Parthia, in which he's accompanied with Corbulo's envoy spy, Apollonius of Perga, as well as Cato's new slave, Flaminius, who manages to escape when in Parthia, and several others as escort, while Macro will assume his role as acting Prefect of the garrison of Tarsus.With Macro on a military mission to recapture Thapsis from the rebels with General Corbulo, and Cato underway to Ctesiphon to parley for peace with King Vologases of Parthia, both mission and embassy will encounter treacherous situations, tough battles, and many deaths for Cato and Macro and their men to absorb.What will follow is a tremendous Roman historical tale, where on the one hand General Corbulo with his army and Macro in their midst is trying to turn raw recruits into hardened veterans for when they are needed when war against Parthia will begin, but instead of support he has to endure rebellion and treason that will be dealt with in the only possible way, the Roman way, while on the other hand Cato and Apollonius are facing treachery within their own ranks as well as treason within the court of King Vologases, and this last treachery with enable them to escape from Seleucia and to arrive at Thapsis to quell the mutiny, that's come from within and the rebels, with the remaining loyal Roman troops.Very much recommended, for this book is simply a wonderful addition to this terrific series. and that's I like to call it: "A Superb Cato & Macro Roman Sequel"!

This is book 18 in the ongoing series of adventures of Cato and Macro, this time they are on the eastern frontier of the empire preparing for war with Parthia. There are the usual scrapes, battles and deceptions along the way and while it flows along at a good pace it is all somewhat samey from the previous books in the series. There are interesting paragraphs fleshing out the pairs domestic lives but overall this book is something of an anti climax, the title "traitors of Rome" and the blurb suggest some grand conspiracy such as that of the liberators in the earlier books when it`s nothing of the sort and all a bit predictable. Fans of the series will lap it up and the end sets up for book 19 nicely, overall this book probably won`t win many new readers but it`s enjoyable enough and if you`ve read the previous books you sort have to keep going don`t you?

One wonders how Simon Scarrow manages to not only continue his series, but make every novel fascinating. I am only 1/4th into "Traitors" but can assure you am hitched. For once, Marcro and Cato get separated being at lesast for now parts of different, and obviously very difficult, missions! At an interview at the end, Scarrow assures us the series will not end soon! Indeed, we are approaching the demise of Nero and also the Boidica led revolt in Britain. I am sure we shall see our friends part of both. Ahhh but what will Macro then think of his former "lover" as enemy queen. And will it all end only when their "kind of friend" Vespasian becomes emperor? But right now Macro is in a shambles with Corbulo in present day Turkey and Cato is risking his life on an embassy mission in Parthia...... how will it develop?

Another exciting and well written adventure for Cato and Macro from Mr Scarrow. Without spoiling plots etc there are plenty of twists and turns for our heroes to face and conquer.The novel, for me perhaps more of a series of tales that intertwine, feels it has reached a crossroads for the main characters so it will be interesting to see the next instalment (and as soon as possible please!)Great book, devoured very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you.

For me, Simon Scarrow can do no wrong. Another rip roaring adventure with the two pals. Sorry to think of Macro going but the partnership couldn't go on for ever given the age difference. Hopefully the author will invent another side kick for Cato, this series could go on forever!!