Simon Scarrow

Simon Scarrow is a British historical fiction author born in 1962, best known for his extensive Eagles of the Empire series set in the Roman Empire. His work primarily focuses on military historical fiction, with particular emphasis on ancient Rome and the Napoleonic era. The Eagles of the Empire series, which began in 2000 with "Under the Eagle," follows the adventures of two Roman soldiers, Cato and Macro, through various military campaigns across the Empire. As of 2023, the series comprises 22 books, consistently appearing on bestseller lists and establishing Scarrow as a prominent voice in historical military fiction. Scarrow has also authored the Revolution series, a four-book sequence chronicling the parallel lives of Napoleon Bonaparte and Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington). The series demonstrates his ability to bring historical figures to life while maintaining historical accuracy. Before his writing career, Scarrow worked at the Inland Revenue and later became a lecturer at East Norfolk Sixth Form College and City College Norwich. His background in education and deep research into military history inform his detailed depictions of historical warfare and society.

Readers consistently rate Scarrow's Roman military fiction between 4.0-4.4 stars across platforms. His Eagles series maintains steady ratings across all 20+ books, with "Under the Eagle" and "The Eagle's Conquest" receiving over 25,000 ratings each on Goodreads. Readers praise: - Historical accuracy and battle scene detail - Fast-paced plotting - Character development of Cato and Macro - Clear writing style that avoids complex military jargon Common criticisms: - Repetitive plot structures across the series - Modern-sounding dialogue that breaks immersion - Predictable outcomes in later books - Some historical liberties taken for dramatic effect Amazon reviewers note the books work as standalone reads despite being a series. Goodreads reviews highlight the authentic portrayal of Roman military life and camaraderie between characters. Library Thing users frequently compare the books favorably to Bernard Cornwell's work, though note they are less complex in political intrigue. Average ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (180,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (50,000+ ratings)

Eagles of the Empire Series: Under the Eagle - Two Roman soldiers begin their military careers in 42 AD Britain as the Empire plans its conquest of the island.

The Eagle's Conquest - Macro and Cato participate in the Roman invasion of Britain under Emperor Claudius.

When the Eagle Hunts - The two soldiers face tribal rebellions and personal vendettas in the harsh British winter.

The Eagle and the Wolves - Macro and Cato train native troops to defend against Welsh tribes.

The Eagle's Prey - The protagonists pursue a British war chief while dealing with political intrigue.

The Eagle's Prophecy - The duo undertakes a naval mission against pirates threatening Rome's grain supply.

The Eagle in the Sand - Macro and Cato face desert warfare and rebellion in the Eastern provinces.

Centurion - The soldiers defend Rome's eastern frontier against Parthian forces.

The Gladiator - A mission to Egypt puts the protagonists amid civil unrest and rebellion.

The Legion - Macro and Cato combat insurgency in Egypt's western desert.

Praetorian - The pair go undercover in Rome's elite Praetorian Guard.

The Blood Crows - Return to Britain brings new challenges against fierce tribes.

Brothers in Blood - Macro and Cato pursue a personal vendetta while maintaining Roman control in Britain.

Revolution Series: Young Bloods - Chronicles the early lives of Napoleon Bonaparte and Arthur Wellesley.

The Generals - Follows Bonaparte and Wellesley as they rise through military ranks.

Fire and Sword - Details the parallel campaigns of both commanders across Europe.

The Fields of Death - Culminates in the final confrontation between Napoleon and Wellington.

Gladiator Series: Gladiator: Fight for Freedom - Young Marcus learns gladiatorial combat while seeking revenge.

Gladiator: Street Fighter - Marcus continues his quest for vengeance in Rome's streets.

Gladiator: Son of Spartacus - The young gladiator discovers his connection to the famous slave rebel.

Gladiator: Vengeance - Marcus faces his ultimate challenge in the arena.

Bernard Cornwell writes the Saxon Stories and Sharpe series, focusing on military campaigns with detailed battle scenes and historically accurate warfare. His work covers multiple historical periods including Saxon England and the Napoleonic Wars, with strong emphasis on military tactics and leadership.

Conn Iggulden created the Emperor series about Julius Caesar and the Conqueror series about Genghis Khan. His books feature military campaigns and political intrigue with particular attention to combat and leadership development.

Ben Kane specializes in Roman military fiction including the Forgotten Legion trilogy and Eagles at War series. His background as a veterinarian who walked Hadrian's Wall in full Roman military gear informs his precise details about Roman military life.

Christian Cameron writes multiple series set in ancient Greece and Rome, including the Long War series and the Tyrant series. His experience in military service and medieval recreation provides authenticity to his battle scenes and military organization details.

Robert Fabbri authored the Vespasian series chronicling the life of the Roman emperor from childhood to throne. His work incorporates detailed research about Roman political systems and military operations while following historical figures through actual campaigns and battles.