Book of the week and bibliography - Simon Scarrow, Centurion

Centurion is the eighth novel by Simon Scarrow to feature Roman soldiers Macro and Cato. The Roman Empire faces a new threat from its long-standing enemy Parthia, which is vying with Rome for control of Palmyra, an officially neutral kingdom. Palmyra’s royal household is on the brink of open revolt, and so a task force under the command of experienced soldiers Macro and Cato is dispatched to defend its king and guard its borders. When Parthia hears of the Roman army’s presence, it starts amassing its troops for war. Macro's cohort must march against the enemy, deep into treacherous territory. If Palmyra is not to fall into the clutches of Parthia, they will have to defeat superior numbers in a desperate siege.

Like all of the previous books in the series, this one is published by Headline in the UK. The early books in the series have become very valuable and are difficult to find at a reasonable price. The interesting thing about Centurion is that in addition to the standard first edition, Waterstone’s in the UK have a version with an additional short story, which will become the preferred version and is worth seeking out now – the number of copies printed is unclear. I was lucky enough to pick up a signed copy for £6.50 in Cambridge a couple of days ago, so call into your local Waterstones now and have a look.


The Eagle Series (Macro and Cato)


1. Under the Eagle (Headline, 2000)
2. The Eagle's Conquest (Headline, 2001)
3. When the Eagle Hunts (Headline, 2002)
4. The Eagle and the Wolves (Headline, 2003)
5. The Eagle's Prey (Headline, 2004)
6. The Eagle's Prophecy (Headline, 2005)
7. The Eagle in the Sand (Headline, 2006)
8. Centurion (Headline, 2008)
9. The Gladiator (Headline, 2009)
10. The Legion (Headline, 2010)
11. Praetorian (Headline, 2011)


The Revolution Series (Napoleon and Wellington)

1. Young Bloods (Headline, 2006)
2. The Generals (Headline, 2007)
3. Fire and Sword (Headline, 2009)
4. The Field of Death (Headline, 2010)

Young Adults

1. Centurion - Fight for Freedom (Penguin, 2011)