The Eagle of the Ninth   by Rosemary Sutcliff Oxford, 2004 (first published in 1954), 292 pages, ISBN 0192753924

How easy was it to get stuck into this book?
The Eagle of the Ninth has been hailed as one of the great classics by many people, and its meticulous historical accuracy, engrossing storyline and vivid, realistic characters set it apart from almost all other novels.

Who are the main characters?
The main character in the book is a Cohort Commander of the second legion, Marcus Flavius Aquila, who is marching to the England/Scotland border in order to help defend the province. Other important characters in the book are his Uncle Aquila who lives in England, Marcus' slave, and later friend, Esca and Cottia, the daughter of neighbours to Marcus' uncle.

What's the storyline?
The story follows Marcus as he serves his time up in the North but is sorely wounded in a battle with the Scots, and is forced to return to his Uncle's home to recuperate. However he has a problem in that his Father, the commander of the infamous ninth legion which disappeared into Scotland will be forever disgraced unless the Legion's standard, the Eagle, can be recovered. With this in mind he and his friend Esca set off into the heart of Scotland in a daring mission to try and recover the Eagle.

How's it written?
The book is very historically accurate, and may not appeal to all readers.

Other books by the same author that Tim knows about?
The author has written a lot of historical books for teenagers

The overall verdict is
Really good stuff

Print Review

Unable to post comments at this time