About the Book

"In this sixth entry of Scarrow's page-turning Roman historical series, it is spring A.D. 45, and Centurions Macro and Cato are trapped in Rome, waiting for the investigation of their involvement in the death of a fellow officer. It is then that the imperial secretary, the devious Narcissus, makes them an offer they can't refuse: to rescue an imperial agent who has been captured by pirates operating from the Illyrian coast" --P. [4] of cover.

Book Synopsis

The arresting sixth novel in Simon Scarrow's epic series of the Roman army

It is spring A.D. 45 in Rome, and Centurions Macro and Cato, dismissed from the Second Legion in Britain, are waiting for an investigation into their involvement in the death of a fellow officer. It is then that the imperial secretary, the devious Narcissus, makes them an offer they can't refuse: to rescue an imperial agent who has been captured by pirates operating off the Illyrian coast. With him were scrolls vital to the safety of the emperor and the future of Rome.

But Narcissus also sends Vitellius, an old enemy of the two centurions. The three officers set out from Ravenna with the imperial fleet but the pirates are forewarned and the Romans pay a heavy price. Outnumbered by the enemy, surrounded by rumors of treachery, and endangered by Vitellius's desire to redeem himself, Centurions Macro and Cato must find the pirate base to avert a disaster that could destroy the emperor and the very core of Rome.

"[A] rip-roaring, thoroughly entertaining tale of swashbuckling adventure from one of the most exciting writers of historical fiction."---Scottish Daily Record

Review Quotes

"A rip-roaring, thoroughly entertaining tale of swashbuckling adventure from one of the most exciting writers of historical fiction." --Daily Record (Scotland)

"Scarrow manages to summon up all the glory and the gore that characterized life in the Roman legions. Outstanding military history from a relatively new master of the genre." --Booklist

"A combustible concoction of intrigue, treachery, and violence. Series fans will welcome Scarrow's intense action, beguiling characters, and authentic detail." --Publishers Weekly

"Scarrow again provides a vivid sense of history and believable scenes of maritime action. His righteous but flawed protagonists are winning heroes." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Simon Scarrow teaches at City College in Norwich, England. He has in the past run a Roman history program, taking parties of students to a number of ruins and museums across Britain. He lives in Norfolk, England, and The Eagle's Prophecy is his sixth novel featuring Macro and Cato.