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Praetorian (2011)

by Simon Scarrow(Favorite Author)

4.18 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0755353773 (ISBN13: 9780755353774)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Headline

series

Eagle

review 1: One to add to the endless list of Roman "mystery" novels.Relatively little time is spent on familiarising readers with the two main characters. It's arguable that that was because this is over a dozen books into the series so the author didn't feel it necessary. To me however it feels a little lazy as it could have easily been worked into being a book that stood out on its own instead of being just a link in the chain.As far as the storyline goes, there isn't much in the way of suspense, intrigue or menace. The conspiracy is there but it feels very much like it's on the back burner and doesn't particularly get your brain ticking over.There's far too much pondering, wistful thinking into the distance and ruminating. Far too little action or menace for my liking.The only thi... moreng that saves this book is that mercifully, in the last quarter of the book, the pace and intrigue actually kicks in at last and makes up for lost time. If you don't see the second conspiracy coming, then you should be registered a literary blind person.Overall not the most riveting, darkest or compelling novel surrounding a conspiracy but an alright addition to the canon.
review 2: Praetorian sees a departure from the usual legionary capers for Macro and Cato as the two intrepid heroes return to Rome to work undercover as members of the Praetorian guard as they try to uncover a plot to undermine the Emperor, Claudius and bring his reign to an end.Being a big fan of all Mr Scarrow's books, I was really looking to this story especially as it was going to be different. Although enjoyable, the pace of the storyline was a lot slower than usual and I thought there was less humour and cutting remarks especially by Macro that usually have me chuckling away to myself.The picture created by the writing easily allows you to 'see' the environment where the two spies find themselves especially during their escapades in Rome's sewer system. There is also an unusual attempt on the Emperor's life but I won't spoil it for you in-case you intend to read the book.Overall it's another good story and addition to the previous books and best of all, the boy's are returning to the legions and Britannia in the next instalment. less

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