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ejpreads's review against another edition
4.0
This was for homeschool. Very hard to read out loud at first. I think if I'd been reading to myself it would have been less laborious. We were all sad when this book ended. I can't think of another historical novel that has taken place during the Roman occupation of Britain.. and it made me want to read and learn more about it. Looking forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy.
karinlib's review against another edition
4.0
Rosemary Sutcliff has a way of making history come alive. I saw the movie first, and maybe that was a good thing for the movie was only somewhat like the book.
completing_my_tbr's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
melanie_books's review against another edition
4.0
Marcus assumed his new command keenly aware that his family name is somewhat notorious in Britain. His father was a commander in the Ninth Legion Hispania, who carried their eagle standard north of the wall and never returned. Having served with distinction, and been rewarded with honor and a discharge due to his injuries, he now feels a bit at sea, without a plan for what comes next. While staying with his uncle, he hears strange rumors that the Eagle of the Ninth has been seen. Filled with purpose and a desire to restore his family's honor, Marcus and his slave Esca set out to the wilds of northern Britain to see what they can discover.
The disappearance of the Legion IX Hispania is one of those mysteries that I've loved since I first heard it. The theory that they went to Caledonia, which this book helped popularize, is my favorite so it was a fun read. The writing is a middle-grade level but that didn't make the story any less exciting. There were times when the situation was very tense, especially when they were being chased across Caledonia. I felt like the brutality of the tribes was likely downplayed for the sake of a younger audience, but overall, the setting seemed authentic.
The disappearance of the Legion IX Hispania is one of those mysteries that I've loved since I first heard it. The theory that they went to Caledonia, which this book helped popularize, is my favorite so it was a fun read. The writing is a middle-grade level but that didn't make the story any less exciting. There were times when the situation was very tense, especially when they were being chased across Caledonia. I felt like the brutality of the tribes was likely downplayed for the sake of a younger audience, but overall, the setting seemed authentic.
whatvictoriaread's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ginny__'s review against another edition
5.0
The strength of this book lies in the bonds the characters form, which go beyond the beliefs and values of their respective societies. But I was also charmed by the very detailed setting (and we know so little about Roman Britain, so it's twice as hard!) and the beautiful natural descriptions.
smemmott's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
When I borrowed this audiobook from the library, I didn’t realize it was abridged. So that was slightly disappointing but it was still n enjoyable listen, with a good reader.