Macro and Cato

 The Eagle in the Sand

Eagles #7

by

Simon Scarrow

Judaea in AD 46. Roman centurions Cato and Macro have been posted to Judaea for a 'hearts and minds' operation. The Empire needs to win over the locals after some of their religious figures have started revolts - and since the Romans crucified the last charismatic Judaean leader, the natives' rebellions have become bolder.

Not only are these small villages causing trouble, but there are also thousands of Parthians eager to fight Rome. With the threat of suicide attacks and even all-out war, Cato and Macro have their peace-keeping work cut out...

Sent east to Judea on the orders of Narcissus, the imperial secretary, Macro and Cato arrive at Fort Bushir expecting a straightforward handover of command. Instead, Macro finds himself stalled, waiting for confirmation of his appointment while the current prefect refuses to relinquish control. In the meantime, Centurion Postumus and Prefect Scrota continue their lucrative racket, extorting “protection” money from passing trade caravans — and that’s only the surface of the corruption.

Tensions in the region are rising. The local tribes are being stirred to rebellion by the charismatic agitator Bannus, and beyond the frontier the Parthians watch closely, poised for an opportunity to strike.

When Fort Bushir is suddenly besieged by a vastly superior force, all hope seems lost. With no reinforcements and no way out, Macro and Cato fall back on the one thing they can always rely on: their ability to fight against impossible odds.

Scarrow delivers another gripping adventure featuring his iconic duo, blending history, intrigue, action, and sharp storytelling into a tale that keeps the pages turning right to the final chapter. A solid 5/5.