Simon Scarrow is the best of the best. He is a living classic of historical action. His “Eagles of the Empire” series has long become a cult, and each novel from it has been a world bestseller. The key to the success of his books is English thoroughness, authenticity and attention to detail, combined with American dynamism and ancient Roman rigidity. Roman Empire, 54. Prefect Cato and centurion Macro returned home after a successful Spanish campaign. But Rome changed a lot during their absence. Emperor Claudius was poisoned, and his adopted son Nero ascended the throne. The opposition, led by Claudius’s own son Britannicus, does not agree with this. The Empire is teetering on the brink of civil war. Cato and Macro are experienced warriors and not the last people in the Praetorian Guard. This means that both Nero and Britannicus need them. And they are trying to get them. At any cost... A new novel in Simon Scarrow's Roman series is always a holiday. The Times I don't need such competitors. Bernard Cornwell Scarrow has concentrated on the pages of his novels all the glory and blood that accompanied the marches of the Roman legions. Booklist