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mjporterauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free E-Arc from Netgalley.
This is only the third book about the Roman Empire that I've read, and bizarrely, one of the other one's (read in the last two weeks) begins where Ben Kane has clearly started his trilogy that ends with Eagles in the Storm. That's a long way of saying that even though I've not read the two other books in this series, I have some idea of the storyline that Ben Kane has been writing about, and while it's probably not necessary, as there are more than enough illusions to the previous 2 books in this one, it meant that I was very comfortable and could enjoy this book without worrying that I was missing out on back story.
The story is mainly told from three different viewpoints - Tullus, a Roman Army Veteran, Arminius, the enemy of the Romans and Piso, one of Tullus' soldiers.
Tullus is an honourable soldier, bedevilled by the events that happened in AD9 when his men, under the command of Varus, were annihilated by the traitor Aremenius, the Eagle of his Legion stolen, leaving him carrying the burden of revenge ever since.
Areminius, the chieftain who masterminded the events of AD9, has been striving to keep the disparate tribes of his homeland united against the Romans ever since, and the previous year (AD15) saw him suffer a setback that he wishes to overcome with a new campaign against the Romans. This is pretty hard to organise, as the chieftains he needs to convince are not easily swayed, because they seem to spend much of their time a little bit too drunk!.
Piso, one of Tullus' soldiers, provides the view point of a 'normal' soldier in the Roman army.
While I can't attest to the historical accuracy, because I've never studied this time period, I found this to be a very enjoyable story, if a little too obsessed with the need for the men to 'pee and poo' (I'm using polite words here) while on the march, or while fighting. This is essentially a book about men but then, it's a story of soldiers and I assume that the Roman's perhaps didn't invite women into the ranks.
The pacing of the book is good, there is a slight wrinkle near the end, but in the end everything ends as it needs to, and as it should. So yes, it's a little bit predictable, but hey ho, it's still a fun read and I've already downloaded the two 'shorts' that Ben Kane has written to accompany the trilogy.
This is only the third book about the Roman Empire that I've read, and bizarrely, one of the other one's (read in the last two weeks) begins where Ben Kane has clearly started his trilogy that ends with Eagles in the Storm. That's a long way of saying that even though I've not read the two other books in this series, I have some idea of the storyline that Ben Kane has been writing about, and while it's probably not necessary, as there are more than enough illusions to the previous 2 books in this one, it meant that I was very comfortable and could enjoy this book without worrying that I was missing out on back story.
The story is mainly told from three different viewpoints - Tullus, a Roman Army Veteran, Arminius, the enemy of the Romans and Piso, one of Tullus' soldiers.
Tullus is an honourable soldier, bedevilled by the events that happened in AD9 when his men, under the command of Varus, were annihilated by the traitor Aremenius, the Eagle of his Legion stolen, leaving him carrying the burden of revenge ever since.
Areminius, the chieftain who masterminded the events of AD9, has been striving to keep the disparate tribes of his homeland united against the Romans ever since, and the previous year (AD15) saw him suffer a setback that he wishes to overcome with a new campaign against the Romans. This is pretty hard to organise, as the chieftains he needs to convince are not easily swayed, because they seem to spend much of their time a little bit too drunk!.
Piso, one of Tullus' soldiers, provides the view point of a 'normal' soldier in the Roman army.
While I can't attest to the historical accuracy, because I've never studied this time period, I found this to be a very enjoyable story, if a little too obsessed with the need for the men to 'pee and poo' (I'm using polite words here) while on the march, or while fighting. This is essentially a book about men but then, it's a story of soldiers and I assume that the Roman's perhaps didn't invite women into the ranks.
The pacing of the book is good, there is a slight wrinkle near the end, but in the end everything ends as it needs to, and as it should. So yes, it's a little bit predictable, but hey ho, it's still a fun read and I've already downloaded the two 'shorts' that Ben Kane has written to accompany the trilogy.
bookfever's review
5.0
It's not often that I rate a trilogy with five stars for all three books, but with Ben Kane's Eagles of Rome trilogy I did it and it's so well deserved!
Eagles in the Storm was a fantastic conclusion. I could barely put the book down, it was so thrilling and as always well-written. It was also heart-wrenching at times I must say.
The story returns with its great cast of characters like Tullus, Armenis, Maelo, Piso and several others.Tullus is still holding hope after so many years to find the lost eagle of the 18th and revenge on Arminius. Meanwhile Arminius is desperate to lead his people and the other tribes into battle against the Romans.
The book had its fair share of battles. It was all very action-packed and as always really brutal. The author's way of writing not only the battle scenes but every other detail made me feel as if I was actually there. I also can't help but praise the subtle humor as well.
The story was amazing and I thought the ending was pretty much perfect but some characters' deaths basically punched me in the gut. The unexpectedness of that made it even a more powerful ending of my one of my favorite trilogies.
Eagles in the Storm was a fantastic conclusion. I could barely put the book down, it was so thrilling and as always well-written. It was also heart-wrenching at times I must say.
The story returns with its great cast of characters like Tullus, Armenis, Maelo, Piso and several others.Tullus is still holding hope after so many years to find the lost eagle of the 18th and revenge on Arminius. Meanwhile Arminius is desperate to lead his people and the other tribes into battle against the Romans.
The book had its fair share of battles. It was all very action-packed and as always really brutal. The author's way of writing not only the battle scenes but every other detail made me feel as if I was actually there. I also can't help but praise the subtle humor as well.
The story was amazing and I thought the ending was pretty much perfect but some characters' deaths basically punched me in the gut. The unexpectedness of that made it even a more powerful ending of my one of my favorite trilogies.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
Six years after the disastrous expedition that led to the Roman defeat in the Teutoberg forest and two eagles are still missing. Despite recovery of one eagle the year before Centurion Tullus still grieves that the eagle of the Eighteenth legion has not been found. After his defeat Arminius is trying to rally the German chieftains in an attempt to drive the occupying Romans away but his alliance is fragile. Both sides know that the forthcoming battle will be decisive.
Having read both of the previous novels in this trilogy I knew what to expect, a superior 'sword and sandals' epic, well-researched and written with verve - this book does not disappoint. Kane manages to bring a real sense of time and place to his tales, Tullus is an engaging character and the day-to-day life of a Roman soldier is portrayed with conviction. Although less is known about the life of the German tribes, again this is imagined well. I particularly like the sense of humour that ripples through the Roman ranks, it fits in well. The battle scenes are depicted in visceral detail but the book is not a series of set pieces, unlike many in the genre, there is a real narrative here as well.
Having read both of the previous novels in this trilogy I knew what to expect, a superior 'sword and sandals' epic, well-researched and written with verve - this book does not disappoint. Kane manages to bring a real sense of time and place to his tales, Tullus is an engaging character and the day-to-day life of a Roman soldier is portrayed with conviction. Although less is known about the life of the German tribes, again this is imagined well. I particularly like the sense of humour that ripples through the Roman ranks, it fits in well. The battle scenes are depicted in visceral detail but the book is not a series of set pieces, unlike many in the genre, there is a real narrative here as well.
rogelio_aurelio's review against another edition
5.0
Fantástico final!
Muy emotivo, a estas alturas de la serie estás clavadisímo con la historia y los personajes de Tulo y Piso, a Arminio seguramente ya lo odias.
Todos los detalles que cubre el autor para llevarte a la vida cotidiana, las emociones y el ambiente hacen que de verdad te sitúes en la historia en un ejercicio de imaginación increíble.
Muy emotivo, a estas alturas de la serie estás clavadisímo con la historia y los personajes de Tulo y Piso, a Arminio seguramente ya lo odias.
Todos los detalles que cubre el autor para llevarte a la vida cotidiana, las emociones y el ambiente hacen que de verdad te sitúes en la historia en un ejercicio de imaginación increíble.
speesh's review against another edition
4.0
I can't find much doubt that in his Eagles of Rome series and in the character Tullus, Ben Kane has produced his best work so far. Probably as it should be, a writer getting better all the time, and this being his latest series. If Eagles In The Storm isn't quite up there with the first one, Eagles At War, then that's no disgrace, and it might even be down to me thinking, "well it wasn't as good as the first."
There's generally nothing wrong with it, bar a little of a stretched feeling - that this was a two book series made into a trilogy. That and a disappointing, after the general all-round wonderfulness of the first two, slip into the Hist Fic swamp of lesser writers. The Germanic barbarian warriors - and warriors who work for the Romans - all have bad breath. Here ‘fetid.’ Maybe it’s all non- Romans. Bad breath is something common to all warriors who oppose our Hist Fic hero characters, have you noticed that? Pushed up against in a shield-wall, the guy over the shield from us always has gods-awful bad breath. Then there are also one too many raised eyebrows flying around. Like he maybe wrote this just after getting back from a pub lunch with Anthony Riches. But Ben Kane has time and time again proven himself better than this. Fair enough, 'his' eyebrows are most often just one eyebrow raised, or ‘arched,’ but face it, when was the last time you raised just one eyebrow to signify you were doing anything other than a Roger Moore, or Benny Hill impression? That's right, never. And, it’s not like they’re any one character’s habit, they’re all at it. Not needed. Something else that struck me was, the prevalence throughout the ages, from BC to medieval times, of the insult 'Whoreson(s).' Hist Fic needs a new insult. Or two, preferably. Or I need to see some evidence that BC Romans used it, AD Romans, Anglo Saxons, Vikings and later Medieval Period peeps used it. Then finally, there's way too much "dipping" of chins. In salute, in acknowledgment in every occasion. It sounds - again - more like a meeting of the Great Crested Grebe Society than a tough as nails Roman story. I didn't notice an 'almost imperceptible' so that's some sort of plus.
Other than that then, just great. This story and the previous book, could have been combined, but you're not wasting your money getting all three. The finale, is perfect really, summing up the feelings of loss and regret and the 'did we do the right thing?' That's what I got. Even, though of course we're rooting for the Romans, a feeling for Arminius, not so much in his stressful efforts to keep the tribes together, more a daydream about what it must have felt for him, knowing that while his wife and child were probably still alive, he would never see them again. I don't have children, but it affected me quite deeply all the same.
Another thing it has done, is get me on to buying a couple of other books about the battle of the Teutoburg Forest. One non-fiction even. I've followed Ben Kane on various social medias for a while now and his book recommendations have always been absolutely spot on, and as the books he writes are also spot on, its inspired me to find out more about the period and I hope you are inspired to read his books.
Get the best reviews, first: Speesh Reads Blog
Or here: Speesh Reads Facebook Page
There's generally nothing wrong with it, bar a little of a stretched feeling - that this was a two book series made into a trilogy. That and a disappointing, after the general all-round wonderfulness of the first two, slip into the Hist Fic swamp of lesser writers. The Germanic barbarian warriors - and warriors who work for the Romans - all have bad breath. Here ‘fetid.’ Maybe it’s all non- Romans. Bad breath is something common to all warriors who oppose our Hist Fic hero characters, have you noticed that? Pushed up against in a shield-wall, the guy over the shield from us always has gods-awful bad breath. Then there are also one too many raised eyebrows flying around. Like he maybe wrote this just after getting back from a pub lunch with Anthony Riches. But Ben Kane has time and time again proven himself better than this. Fair enough, 'his' eyebrows are most often just one eyebrow raised, or ‘arched,’ but face it, when was the last time you raised just one eyebrow to signify you were doing anything other than a Roger Moore, or Benny Hill impression? That's right, never. And, it’s not like they’re any one character’s habit, they’re all at it. Not needed. Something else that struck me was, the prevalence throughout the ages, from BC to medieval times, of the insult 'Whoreson(s).' Hist Fic needs a new insult. Or two, preferably. Or I need to see some evidence that BC Romans used it, AD Romans, Anglo Saxons, Vikings and later Medieval Period peeps used it. Then finally, there's way too much "dipping" of chins. In salute, in acknowledgment in every occasion. It sounds - again - more like a meeting of the Great Crested Grebe Society than a tough as nails Roman story. I didn't notice an 'almost imperceptible' so that's some sort of plus.
Other than that then, just great. This story and the previous book, could have been combined, but you're not wasting your money getting all three. The finale, is perfect really, summing up the feelings of loss and regret and the 'did we do the right thing?' That's what I got. Even, though of course we're rooting for the Romans, a feeling for Arminius, not so much in his stressful efforts to keep the tribes together, more a daydream about what it must have felt for him, knowing that while his wife and child were probably still alive, he would never see them again. I don't have children, but it affected me quite deeply all the same.
Another thing it has done, is get me on to buying a couple of other books about the battle of the Teutoburg Forest. One non-fiction even. I've followed Ben Kane on various social medias for a while now and his book recommendations have always been absolutely spot on, and as the books he writes are also spot on, its inspired me to find out more about the period and I hope you are inspired to read his books.
Get the best reviews, first: Speesh Reads Blog
Or here: Speesh Reads Facebook Page
chrudos's review against another edition
5.0
I am very impressed by this trilogy, and it really shows how Ben Kane matured as a writer. Sometimes (if I am very picky) he tends to slide to a bit to cinematic situations/descriptions and I think I spotted some (=few) anachronisms. But the work with character development and how characters fit into the story....in one word - impressive. I am planning to re-read the whole trilogy (with the separate chapters/short stories).
lindzy's review against another edition
5.0
Full Review Here
Having devoured the first two books of the trilogy, I wasn’t waiting around to read Eagles in the Storm. The second book had a shift in focus: the Romans weren’t the victims any longer but fighting back, rediscovering their pride and prepared to fight until the very end. I couldn’t wait to see where the third – and final book – was going to take their story.
After the overwhelming defeat in the first book, there’s a shift across the second and third. In book two, they are fighting back. By the third book, they are mustering to attack, determined to end the threat once and for all. While they might be outnumbered, while they know their enemy can use the land to their advantage, pride and defiance is on their side this time and they will not back down.
This kept the pace steady, but it wasn’t as tense as previously: the two opposing sides were evenly matched, removing the heart-in-mouth feeling of wondering if your favourite characters were going to survive. However, it was rewarding seeing our heroes finally getting the chance to attack, to fight back and try and reclaim their honour and pride that had been missing since book one.
As much as I love the battles, it’s the characters that made this trilogy for me.
I never did warm to Arminius. You see his desperation this time, his control slipping as he realises everything he has worked towards is disappearing. I never wanted him to succeed: his arrogance makes him unlikeable. The other characters call him out on this arrogance, which works to make him a well-fleshed-out character.
It’s Tullus that once again wins the spot of favourite character, making him a firm favourite from the start. There’s no overlong descriptions about him being a good man, but the way his soldiers react to him, the way he reacts to praise and recognition, show he can be both proud and humble. He’s loyal, he’s strong and he refuses to give up, regardless of the situation. He’s good with his men; he’s approachable and willing to listen but is ready to inspire them when the situation calls for it.
Piso breaks the tension with his scheming and his pranks. He’s a loveable character, and also the one who managed to break my heart. Just when you think everyone has made it through the fight unscathed…
I love the writing style. The descriptions transport you to those battle-fields, even a few moments that make you grimace. But there is nothing too graphic. There are also a few time jumps; you don’t need to know about every battle, you just know it happened and what the outcome was. It keeps the pace moving and heightens the tension for when the reader is drawn into the fighting.
I don’t know what else to say: I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, especially from the Roman era, Ben Kane is one you have to read!
Having devoured the first two books of the trilogy, I wasn’t waiting around to read Eagles in the Storm. The second book had a shift in focus: the Romans weren’t the victims any longer but fighting back, rediscovering their pride and prepared to fight until the very end. I couldn’t wait to see where the third – and final book – was going to take their story.
After the overwhelming defeat in the first book, there’s a shift across the second and third. In book two, they are fighting back. By the third book, they are mustering to attack, determined to end the threat once and for all. While they might be outnumbered, while they know their enemy can use the land to their advantage, pride and defiance is on their side this time and they will not back down.
This kept the pace steady, but it wasn’t as tense as previously: the two opposing sides were evenly matched, removing the heart-in-mouth feeling of wondering if your favourite characters were going to survive. However, it was rewarding seeing our heroes finally getting the chance to attack, to fight back and try and reclaim their honour and pride that had been missing since book one.
As much as I love the battles, it’s the characters that made this trilogy for me.
I never did warm to Arminius. You see his desperation this time, his control slipping as he realises everything he has worked towards is disappearing. I never wanted him to succeed: his arrogance makes him unlikeable. The other characters call him out on this arrogance, which works to make him a well-fleshed-out character.
It’s Tullus that once again wins the spot of favourite character, making him a firm favourite from the start. There’s no overlong descriptions about him being a good man, but the way his soldiers react to him, the way he reacts to praise and recognition, show he can be both proud and humble. He’s loyal, he’s strong and he refuses to give up, regardless of the situation. He’s good with his men; he’s approachable and willing to listen but is ready to inspire them when the situation calls for it.
Piso breaks the tension with his scheming and his pranks. He’s a loveable character, and also the one who managed to break my heart. Just when you think everyone has made it through the fight unscathed…
I love the writing style. The descriptions transport you to those battle-fields, even a few moments that make you grimace. But there is nothing too graphic. There are also a few time jumps; you don’t need to know about every battle, you just know it happened and what the outcome was. It keeps the pace moving and heightens the tension for when the reader is drawn into the fighting.
I don’t know what else to say: I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, especially from the Roman era, Ben Kane is one you have to read!
bookfever's review against another edition
5.0
It's not often that I rate a trilogy with five stars for all three books, but with Ben Kane's Eagles of Rome trilogy I did it and it's so well deserved!
Eagles in the Storm was a fantastic conclusion. I could barely put the book down, it was so thrilling and as always well-written. It was also heart-wrenching at times I must say.
The story returns with its great cast of characters like Tullus, Armenis, Maelo, Piso and several others.Tullus is still holding hope after so many years to find the lost eagle of the 18th and revenge on Arminius. Meanwhile Arminius is desperate to lead his people and the other tribes into battle against the Romans.
The book had its fair share of battles. It was all very action-packed and as always really brutal. The author's way of writing not only the battle scenes but every other detail made me feel as if I was actually there. I also can't help but praise the subtle humor as well.
The story was amazing and I thought the ending was pretty much perfect but some characters' deaths basically punched me in the gut. The unexpectedness of that made it even a more powerful ending of my one of my favorite trilogies.
Eagles in the Storm was a fantastic conclusion. I could barely put the book down, it was so thrilling and as always well-written. It was also heart-wrenching at times I must say.
The story returns with its great cast of characters like Tullus, Armenis, Maelo, Piso and several others.Tullus is still holding hope after so many years to find the lost eagle of the 18th and revenge on Arminius. Meanwhile Arminius is desperate to lead his people and the other tribes into battle against the Romans.
The book had its fair share of battles. It was all very action-packed and as always really brutal. The author's way of writing not only the battle scenes but every other detail made me feel as if I was actually there. I also can't help but praise the subtle humor as well.
The story was amazing and I thought the ending was pretty much perfect but some characters' deaths basically punched me in the gut. The unexpectedness of that made it even a more powerful ending of my one of my favorite trilogies.
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