54 pages 1 hour read

Rosemary Sutcliff

The Eagle of the Ninth

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1954

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Eagle of the Ninth follows nineteen-year-old Marcus Flavius Aquila as he embarks on a quest in Roman Britain to recover the lost eagle standard of his father's vanished legion. Joined by Esca, an enslaved gladiator whom he frees, they journey north of Hadrian's Wall, encountering challenges and forming a deep bond as they seek to restore honor to Marcus's family.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Rosemary Sutcliff's The Eagle of the Ninth has been praised for its rich historical detail, engaging narrative, and vivid character development. Readers appreciate the adventure and depth of the story. However, some find the pacing slow at times. Overall, it captivates with its portrayal of Roman Britain, making it a compelling read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Eagle of the Ninth?

Readers who enjoy The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff typically appreciate historical adventure novels with strong, character-driven plots. Fans of works like The Silver Branch by Sutcliff or Pompeii by Robert Harris will find the Roman Britain setting captivating and the themes of courage and loyalty compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

1110L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

British Literature

Themes

Relationships: Fathers

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Society: Nation