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A review by melanie_books
The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
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.