Who Would Like This Book:
Dive into Roman Britain with this gripping quest! "The Eagle of the Ninth" blends action-packed adventure with deep emotional resonance and unforgettable friendships. Sutcliff is a master at vivid, immersive settings - misty hills, wild forests, and ancient forts leap right off the page. The relationship between Marcus and Esca (think: epic bromance) is both heartwarming and complex, making it a standout for those who love loyal companions against the odds. Fans of historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and anyone craving a thoughtful, beautifully written classic will find a favorite here - teens and adults alike.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers struggle with the book’s slower pace, especially early on - the action simmers rather than explodes at first. The language, though evocative, can feel a bit old-fashioned or challenging, especially for younger readers. If you prefer stories with modern dialogue, constant thrills, or complex romantic subplots, this may feel a touch dry. And for those who expect gritty realism or graphic detail (à la Bernard Cornwell), Sutcliff’s cleaner and more idealized take on history might seem too gentle or even dated.
About:
Set in Roman-occupied Britain, 'The Eagle of the Ninth' follows the story of Marcus Flavius Aquila, a young centurion on a quest to solve the mystery of his father's lost legion, the Ninth Hispana, and to recover their missing eagle standard. Alongside his British slave and friend, Esca, Marcus embarks on a dangerous mission beyond Hadrian's Wall, facing battles, chases, and intrigue as he seeks to redeem his father's honor. The book is praised for its evocative descriptions of the landscape, engaging characters, and the strong bond between Marcus and Esca.
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From The Publisher:
The Ninth Legion marched into the mists of Northern Britain-and they were never seen again. Four thousand men disappeared and their eagle standard was lost. It's a mystery that's never been solved, until now . . .
Marcus has to find out what happened to his father, who led the legion. So he sets out into the unknown, on a quest so dangerous that nobody expects him to return.
Ratings (4)
Incredible (1) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (16):
Read It (5) | |
Want To Read (6) | |
Not Interested (5) |
2 comment(s)
This one ended up on my TBR after I saw it rec’d in the Queen’s Thief Fandom (I want to say it in someway inspired TQT but not 100% on that). Got it as an audibook and listened to it during a housework Saturday.
The audiobook was all of 4.5 hours, tops, and the narrative style is very easy to listen to. Not a lot of high action, but a solid adventure all the same. Reminded me a little of Stephen Lawhead but that could just be the Roman Britain setting.
There is a short series that follows, but I like this as a standalone.
Revisiting this in print form and upping my rating to a solid 5 stars because
wow, this was everything to me.
I remember almost nothing from my first time reading this book. There were a few vague images and impressions in my head, and some of the details came back to me as I read, but it was almost like reading a completely new story. Marcus is a fantastic POV character, sympathetic, compelling, and charming, and the supporting cast are all colorful and delightful. Sutcliff's ability to transport readers into 2nd century AD Britain, across all of its landscapes and in all of its varying cultures, is breathtaking.
And then Sutcliff caught me by the throat in the last chapter and laid me out in a wreck on the floor. I had a great time.
This will be going on my regular rotation of books to revisit. I probably won't get to the rest of the series until next year, though.
What can you read after
The Eagle of the Ninth?
About the Author:
Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-1992) wrote dozens of books for young readers, including her award-winning Roman Britain trilogy, The Eagle of the Ninth, The Silver Branch, and The Lantern Bearers, which won the Carnegie Medal. The Eagle of the Ninth is now a major motion picture, The Eagle, directed by Kevin MacDonald and starring Channing Tatum. Born in Surrey, Sutcliff spent her childhood in Malta and on various other naval bases where her father was stationed. At a young age, she contracted Still's Disease, which confined her to a wheelchair for most of her life. Shortly before her death, she was named Commander of the British Empire (CBE) one of Britain's most prestigious honors. She died in West Sussex, England, in 1992.
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