En esta ocasión, Cato y Macro son enviados a la frontera oriental del Imperio para poner orden en un ejército que está al borde del caos y en sus oficiales, que se ven envueltos en todo tipo de escándalos. Sin embargo, nuestros protagonistas no tardarán en descubrir que el estado del ejército es el menor de los problemas de la frontera oriental del Imperio: Bannus, está provocando un alzamiento en Judea en nombre de un personaje crucificado en Jerusalén hace casi setenta años, y Partia, parece dispuesta a una invasión de consecuencias imprevisibles...

divertimento entre lecturas más profundas ( )

standard simon scarrow
- easy to digest
- clear and concise language
- nearly no parts which dont belong to the plot
( )

Another great read. Out two indestructible heroes travel to the east, suppress a potential revolt by a governor, meet the early christians, sight see in Petra, and are then sent to face the Parthians. All cool.

A few thoughts:
a. "Liberators"—any historical basis for believing that this group existed?
b. Referring to centurions as officers, would the term sergeants better? Though, as I understand it, the more senior centurions did perform duties which would be considered the duty of an officer in the modern world.
c. Claudius—Scarrow portrays him as rather addled. I don't think he was that incapable, or am I wrong? ( )

His best book in the series in my opinion. His description of the battles was excellent, you really feel as if you are fighting them with Cato and Macro. The plot is not really predictable (other than Macro and Cato will survive) and there are several twists in the plot to maintain interest. I liked the relationship between Macro and Cato. They really reinforce each other and it seems natural to me. In the major battle at the end I was so caught up in the action I wanted to shout out...Fix the darn Bolt Thrower...that would help with the Onager problem.

My only complaint was the beginning of the novel started slow and I wish these novels didn't always have to start with a battle...it seems most authors seem to do this...a small complaint though. Two thumbs up for this one. ( )