Brothers in Blood Paperback – June 1, 2015

Reading a new Macro and Cato book is always a high-light to me; the writing usually very good, the details are nice, and the historical accuracy is about as good as you can get. For me this one rapidly became a high 4 star/weak 5 star book. The plot was nicely done with a story pace that makes you look forward to the next time you read it. The initial combat is nicely done with just the right amount of heroics from Macro and Cato. As usual Cato is the more dominant character (I’ve always felt Mr. Scarrow is telling the story from Cato’s perspective more so than Macro’s) though both are important to the story; Macro’s heroics are the springboard Cato’s but Macro’s heroics are due to Cato’s ideas. As for any later combat(s), while probably not happening “historically” they make for a great story and set up the transition from Claudius to Nero. I’ll call it 4 stars but only because of other 5 star books I’ve read.

Cato and Macro take on Caratacus and his army, fighting against Roman dominion. Of course, they win the day for Rome. When Caratacus escapes and tries to restart the rebellion, Cato and Macro must try to intercept him. Not only must they fight the Britons, but they must also deal with a spy out to aid the revolt and a somewhat foolish man who will become a future emperor.

This Eagles of the Empire series by Simon Scarrow is the best series I've ever read. Every book has been hard to put down. The main characters of Macro and Cato really grow on you and it's exciting to follow them through their adventures. You learn a lot about Rome and the Roman Empire as well as it's military campaigns, strategies and weapons. Mr. Scarrow has done serious research in every region in which his stories are set so there's lots of historical accuracy. He will admit when he has taken literary license to "fill in the blanks" where there's missing information. I love this series!

$23 is an insane price for a Kindle book, specially as it's not even 300 pages! But I'm hooked on Macro and Cato's adventures. Literary catnip.

I have read and enjoyed all the books by Mr. Scarrow on the Roman legions and protagonists Cato and Macro. The plots are ingenious and plausible, and the descriptions of military campaigning and battles in the Roman period spot on. Like the earlier books, this one provides engrossing action and thought provoking plotting and intrigue. When the story involves personal insights or inner dialogue of a character it is believable and real. I highly recommend this book. You won't be able to put it down.

like al of the other books in the series

Simon Scarrow is at par with Bernard Cornwell. This is a well written and well researched novel. It holds the reader's attention in a compelling manner. Easy to read action novel. A must for all miniature wargamers especially Ancients aficionados. Of general interest to all historians and antiquarians.

A welcome return to form with this latest instalment of Simon Scarrow's Eagles series. I was disappointed by the previous novel as it borrowed far to heavily from "Heart of Darkness" plus "Apocalypse Now" for my taste but here we see more on the Roman conquest of Briton.

Out of the 13 Books, this is the 10th Cato and Macro adventure I have bought. Although I have been an avid fan of Simon Scarrow, I can only rate this book with 2 stars not because it is badly written or that there is a drop in standards but because the story is so predictable and the various supportive characters are quite weak and the excitement level has deteriorated with every new book in this series. The problem with a lengthy series of books is that unless the author manages to develop the main characters and enthrall the readers with shocks to the plot and bring in new elements to the story, the series becomes monotonous and loses its sparkle. I find myself in the minority as most reviewers in great numbers have rated this book very highly. However, as a serious collector of historical fiction novels, I have learned to expect something better from authors, especially from one as accomplished as Simon Scarrow.

Our Roman Army heroes continue in Britannia tracking down Caratacus who was captured and escaped in the previous story. They are also having to cope with the unknown traitor who is still meddling and trying to get them killed...as if the locals were not trying to do the same. We have two sexy ladies, both cougars, one Roman, one British. Unhappily neither of our boys get up close and personal. Cato does have some good news for a change. He is going to be a daddy. Trouble is with the way the war is going junior will be hitting puberty before he sees him/her. But that is the ancient Roman way. A well written tale about a non sexual bromance. Very entertaining. You either get the boys or you don''t. I get them. Although I worry about when we reach the Boudicca Rebellion and I am sure we will. She was Macro' s British squeeze when he first got to Britannia. And now his mamma is running a bar there. How many bets amongst fans he eventually retires there?

NO of course they are not!! But did that grab your attention?Not to be a bore but I have read all the books in this series. I once vowed I would not commit my reading time to anything larger than a trilogy, but Simon Scarrow's Cato and Macro stories are so consistently entertaining I just had to break my own rule. Each book is a self-contained story and I think they can be read individually, but the best approach imo is to start with book One and read them in order. I don’t usually read this genre, although that’s not to say I haven’t. These books are great adventure, friendship and full of daring do. The later ones become more political as Mr Scarrow attempts to explain in some part the forces acting upon Rome and its empire. It’s a well-used phrase but I couldn’t put this one down, reading into the wee small hours when I should have been sleeping and suffering at work the next day. I recommend the settings, adventure and descriptive writing style that Simon Scarrow has mastered.

This is another offering from Simon Scarrow...and if you've come this far with Cato and Macro, you'll know what to expect by now. This another thoroughly researched,bloody and occasionally witty tale that centres around the adventures of two Roman soldiers. His version of events around actual historic events are well written and fast paced. His knowledge of the Roman army, their tactics and equipment is evident. His clever mix of old and modern vernacular make this book (and others in the series) very enjoyable.....but that's justly opinion. I'd recommend reading this and the others, in the series because i think they're very entertaining.

A wonderfully captivating escape from the reality of modern day life as Macro and Cato involve me in their truly believable life in the era of ancient Rome. The contrast between the personalities of these two close friends has created both mirth and excitement in the twelve books I have read to date. Book 13 is now on my Kindle in readiness for what I feel certain will be yet another superb adventure.