Title: Death to the Emperor

Author: Simon Scarrow

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 10th November 2022

Rating: 4/5

Cover:

Summary:

AD 60. Britannia. The Boudica Revolt begins . . .

Macro and Cato – heroes of the Roman Empire – face a ruthless enemy set on revenge

The Roman Empire’s hold on the province of Britannia is fragile. The tribes implacably opposed to Rome have grown cunning in their attacks on the legions. Even amongst those who have sworn loyalty, dissent simmers. In distant Rome, Nero is blind to the danger.

As hostilities create mayhem in the west, Governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus gathers a vast army, with Prefect Cato in command. A hero of countless battles, Cato wants his loyal comrade Centurion Macro by his side. But the Governor leaves Macro behind, in charge of the veteran reserves in Camulodunum. Suetonius dismisses concerns that the poorly fortified colony will be vulnerable to attack when only a skeleton force remains.

With the military distracted, slow-burning anger amongst the tribespeople bursts into flames. The king of the Iceni is dead and a proud kingdom is set for plundering and annexation. But the widow is Queen Boudica, a woman with a warrior’s heart. If Boudica calls for death to the emperor, a bloodbath will follow.

Macro and Cato each face deadly battles against enemies who would rather die than succumb to Roman rule. The future of Britannia hangs in the balance.

Review:

I have read a couple of Simon Scarrow’s books in the past which I’ve very much enjoyed, although this is the first I’ve read in his extraordinarily long running Eagles of the Empire series. The story follows Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro as the Roman Empire faces a ferocious enemy in Queen Boudica and a violent uprising.

I found Death to the Emperor a thrilling and action packed read which kept me engrossed from beginning to end. The historical aspect is fascinating and brought to life vividly by Scarrow with intriguing characters and bloody clashes. The story is full throttle and whilst there are a lot of characters and locations to keep track of, as a reader you are in safe hands with Scarrow’s expertly constructed, atmospheric and gripping novel. Would highly recommend to historical fans.

✶✶✶✶✩

I kindly received an e-copy of the book from the publisher. My review is entirely my own honest opinion.

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