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lakesbecky's review against another edition
5.0
Thoroughly enjoyed this follow up novel. Great characters that you get really attached too. Fascinating part of Roman/German history that is less well known.
Made my long drive to and from work much more bearable listening to this. Have to admit to a tear in my eye towards the end though...
Made my long drive to and from work much more bearable listening to this. Have to admit to a tear in my eye towards the end though...
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
Five years after the disaster of the Teutoberg Forest and the Romans are keen for revenge against Arminius and the German tribes. The lgions whose eagles were captured have been disbanded and the few remaining soldiers have been allocated to other duties. Tullus has been demoted, even though he managed to rescue the largest number of survivors, but a chance meeting with Germanicus, heir to the Emperor, gives him the chance for redemption and revenge. A huge force invades the tribal areas, capturing Arminius' wife and laying waste to the countryside but a retreat for winter leads Tullus and his comrades across a bog, harassed by Germans. Is history about to repeat itself?
I found this book far harder work than the original. This is possibly due to the fact that there is little action until the last third of the book and the description of fighting is the strength of Kane's prose. Most of the book is taken up with descriptions of everyday life in the camps and development of the characters. However some of the dialogue seems clunky and, whilst Kane has gone to a great deal of effort in his research, it feels superfluous. This is still an enjoyable read but struggles due to the fact that little happens and it feels like a book that is in the middle of a series
I found this book far harder work than the original. This is possibly due to the fact that there is little action until the last third of the book and the description of fighting is the strength of Kane's prose. Most of the book is taken up with descriptions of everyday life in the camps and development of the characters. However some of the dialogue seems clunky and, whilst Kane has gone to a great deal of effort in his research, it feels superfluous. This is still an enjoyable read but struggles due to the fact that little happens and it feels like a book that is in the middle of a series
rogelio_aurelio's review against another edition
5.0
Excelente secuela, la batalla de Teutoburgo no terminó con la emboscada, continuó a través de las repercusiones sociales, políticas, económicas y militares para Roma y los germanos. En esta secuela Ben Kane retoma esas repercusiones, te envuelve en el ambiente y te hace comprender mejor el proceso desencadenado por Arminio.
speesh's review
5.0
Well, reading much of the synopsis you'd be forgiven for thinking that this sounds just like a re-run of Book One. It isn't. Not really. Though there are a number of similarities. Luckily, Ben gives us the superb writing and character depth of the first book, as his similarities. The Romans, to my limited knowledge of the actual events, seem intent on making all the same similar mistakes as in book one. The reason? Well, maybe arrogance. Maybe surprise, that the proto-Germans wouldn't roll over and play dead as so many other provinces had done before them.
From what I can gather from this book and Ben's afterword (always well worth a read), this marked the high-water point of Roman expansion in the area that now is mostly Germany. The original defeat in the Teutoberg Forest, can, then, be seen as not only altering Roman history, but also European history. That's why it is an important event, and that is why if you're going to read about it, it's important you read these Ben Kane books.
So, I’m thinking the Eagles of Rome series just might be Ben Kane’s best. I haven’t read the Spartacus series, but if Ben’s star is indeed rising and he's getting better as he goes, Eagles will be the pinnacle (so far), the peak, the soaring...better than Spartacus anyway. Would have liked to see Tubero get more of what's coming, though maybe (hopefully) Ben is saving that dish to be served in book three. Though as Tubero is one of the books' many actual historical characters, that may not be possible. It'd be a pisser to have him die of old age, that's all I'm saying.
Hunting has everything Eagles at War had, great build-up if tension, excellent plot construction and earthy pathos. Mostly, for me, around how the leaders had no real idea of what was motivating the ordinary rank and file legionary. Still, that hasn't changed any in 2000 years. Hunting is far from a book two, stretching it out until the denouement of book three. Much more than a time-waster. It looks closely at the characters, their motivations and their own search for answers, clearly not being provided by their leaders.
If you only read one book about the Teutoberg Forest, read these three.
The best book blog on the net: Speesh Reads
The Facebook Page: Speesh Reads
From what I can gather from this book and Ben's afterword (always well worth a read), this marked the high-water point of Roman expansion in the area that now is mostly Germany. The original defeat in the Teutoberg Forest, can, then, be seen as not only altering Roman history, but also European history. That's why it is an important event, and that is why if you're going to read about it, it's important you read these Ben Kane books.
So, I’m thinking the Eagles of Rome series just might be Ben Kane’s best. I haven’t read the Spartacus series, but if Ben’s star is indeed rising and he's getting better as he goes, Eagles will be the pinnacle (so far), the peak, the soaring...better than Spartacus anyway. Would have liked to see Tubero get more of what's coming, though maybe (hopefully) Ben is saving that dish to be served in book three. Though as Tubero is one of the books' many actual historical characters, that may not be possible. It'd be a pisser to have him die of old age, that's all I'm saying.
Hunting has everything Eagles at War had, great build-up if tension, excellent plot construction and earthy pathos. Mostly, for me, around how the leaders had no real idea of what was motivating the ordinary rank and file legionary. Still, that hasn't changed any in 2000 years. Hunting is far from a book two, stretching it out until the denouement of book three. Much more than a time-waster. It looks closely at the characters, their motivations and their own search for answers, clearly not being provided by their leaders.
If you only read one book about the Teutoberg Forest, read these three.
The best book blog on the net: Speesh Reads
The Facebook Page: Speesh Reads
nigelbrown's review against another edition
5.0
I’m relatively new to Ben Kane’s novels and I have to say he is easily as good as Iggulden, Cornwell or Scarrow. This is everything historical fiction should be, including a previously unread emotional human side were he shows the difficulties faced by a soldier at the loss of a comrade. ( perhaps for the female readers out there *joke*)
Small break of a few books before I take on the final book in the series.
Small break of a few books before I take on the final book in the series.
chrudos's review against another edition
5.0
4.7 stars
Probably the best Kane's book so far, staying far from the YA feel of some of the earlier books.
Probably the best Kane's book so far, staying far from the YA feel of some of the earlier books.
lindzy's review against another edition
5.0
Full Review Here
Having adored Eagles at War, I didn’t wait long before starting the next book. Hunting the Eagles has the steadier pace you often see in middle-of-the-trilogy books, but that didn’t diminish the tension or action. Like the first one, the characterisations drew me in and the nail-biting battles kept me hooked.
Time has passed since the catastrophic events of the first book and you can tell in the way the characters have changed. Still reeling from the defeat, the treatment of the soldiers after the battle and burning with revenge, Tullus has a bitter streak not present before. The subtle undertones of character development are clever: he never goes against the grain, but you can see his loss of respect for superiors and how they have to earn it back this time.
He’s still my favourite. His troops love him, will die for him, and know he will do the same for them. He’s got a reputation, one that allows him to be heard when others would be ignored and he’s fiercely loyal to a regime that ultimately betrayed him after the forest ambush.
Piso comes into himself this time. He’s not a new recruit in over his head, but a veteran loyal to his centurion and determined to do what is right, even if that places him in danger. You really get the sense of how he has grown and his bravery and determination shine through. A fierce contender for the favourite spot.
I still don’t like Arminius. But as the deception isn’t as strong in this book, I did warm to him: he’s determined, brave and will do whatever it takes, even shelving his pride, to unite the clans. You see a more vulnerable side to him this time, which makes him more relatable.
There are two parts of the plot this time; the Romans falling apart by themselves, and the Germans helping tear them apart. It was engaging to see more of a camp life this time – it allowed for Tullus and Piso to show how things had changed. It also shows what kind of leader Tullus is that he can keep his men from mutiny even while the rest of the army falls apart. He commands such loyalty from those who follow him!
Naturally, a large-scale battle took place in the second half. Would this be a Ben Kane book if not? But while it still had the same tension as the previous book, you didn’t get the overwhelming helplessness this time around. Tullus and co have survived this once: they refuse to be beaten a second time and their determination is stronger this time.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t causalities though, and there was one death in particular that I felt – mainly because you know how the characters are going to react.
A strong second book that has kept me gripped and engrossed in the characters and the struggles they are facing. I’m looking forward to the third one and hope for a satisfying ending.
Having adored Eagles at War, I didn’t wait long before starting the next book. Hunting the Eagles has the steadier pace you often see in middle-of-the-trilogy books, but that didn’t diminish the tension or action. Like the first one, the characterisations drew me in and the nail-biting battles kept me hooked.
Time has passed since the catastrophic events of the first book and you can tell in the way the characters have changed. Still reeling from the defeat, the treatment of the soldiers after the battle and burning with revenge, Tullus has a bitter streak not present before. The subtle undertones of character development are clever: he never goes against the grain, but you can see his loss of respect for superiors and how they have to earn it back this time.
He’s still my favourite. His troops love him, will die for him, and know he will do the same for them. He’s got a reputation, one that allows him to be heard when others would be ignored and he’s fiercely loyal to a regime that ultimately betrayed him after the forest ambush.
Piso comes into himself this time. He’s not a new recruit in over his head, but a veteran loyal to his centurion and determined to do what is right, even if that places him in danger. You really get the sense of how he has grown and his bravery and determination shine through. A fierce contender for the favourite spot.
I still don’t like Arminius. But as the deception isn’t as strong in this book, I did warm to him: he’s determined, brave and will do whatever it takes, even shelving his pride, to unite the clans. You see a more vulnerable side to him this time, which makes him more relatable.
There are two parts of the plot this time; the Romans falling apart by themselves, and the Germans helping tear them apart. It was engaging to see more of a camp life this time – it allowed for Tullus and Piso to show how things had changed. It also shows what kind of leader Tullus is that he can keep his men from mutiny even while the rest of the army falls apart. He commands such loyalty from those who follow him!
Naturally, a large-scale battle took place in the second half. Would this be a Ben Kane book if not? But while it still had the same tension as the previous book, you didn’t get the overwhelming helplessness this time around. Tullus and co have survived this once: they refuse to be beaten a second time and their determination is stronger this time.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t causalities though, and there was one death in particular that I felt – mainly because you know how the characters are going to react.
A strong second book that has kept me gripped and engrossed in the characters and the struggles they are facing. I’m looking forward to the third one and hope for a satisfying ending.
bookfever's review against another edition
5.0
Hunting the Eagles was just as good — if not a little better — as the first book, Eagles at War. I literally loved every single page of it, never wanted to put my Kindle down or ever get bored. Ben Kane is fast turning into one of my favorite historical fiction authors!
The first book was one of my top favorites of 2015, so I'm really thrilled to say that Hunting the Eagles wasn't a disappointment at all. If anything, I think I enjoyed it even more because I was already familiar with the characters.
I don't want to say too much about the story itself because I don't want to spoil it for other people but it takes place over five years later. Tullus and Arminius are still important characters in the story. Tullus is out for revenge on Arminius and his tribesmen. Arminius wants to crush the Romans once again.
Like in the first book it was full of action, battles and bloodshed so there's never a boring moment, not even for a second. The different points of view were all great to read, in my opinion and the writing was obviously excellent. What more can I say? I loved this book.
The first book was one of my top favorites of 2015, so I'm really thrilled to say that Hunting the Eagles wasn't a disappointment at all. If anything, I think I enjoyed it even more because I was already familiar with the characters.
I don't want to say too much about the story itself because I don't want to spoil it for other people but it takes place over five years later. Tullus and Arminius are still important characters in the story. Tullus is out for revenge on Arminius and his tribesmen. Arminius wants to crush the Romans once again.
Like in the first book it was full of action, battles and bloodshed so there's never a boring moment, not even for a second. The different points of view were all great to read, in my opinion and the writing was obviously excellent. What more can I say? I loved this book.
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