Product Description

'Behind me I left my youth, my middle age, my wife and my happiness. I was a general now and I had only defeat or victory to look forward to. There was no middle way any longer, and I did not care.' In the year AD 406 Rome was on the defensive everywhere, and a single Roman legion stood desperate guard on the Empire's Rhine frontier. Maximus, the legion's commander, is urged to proclaim himself emperor, but he stands by his concept of duty and holds the frontier for longer than seems possible. Then chance plays a cruel trick...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #328538 in Books
• Published on: 2004-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

About the Author
Wallace Breem was born in 1926 and educated at Westminster School. In 1944 he entered the Indian Army Officers Training School and later joined a crack regiment of the North West Frontier Force. After the war he joined the staff of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, where he became Chief Librarian and Keeper of Manuscripts. He died in 1990.

Customer Reviews

Gripping and truly moving
I love historical fiction, my favourite topics are Britain in the 'Dark Ages' (such as Cornwell's superb Warlord Chronicles) and the decline of the Roman Empire.

This book fitted both well and I found it gripping to the end. I loved how Maximus sounded desparate and worn out through out the whole book, as if he knew (which he did) that he was fighting a losing battle but that loyalty must prevail. It's a clash of the old and new, of paganism and Christianity - but neither is shown to be better than the other which was a good move for Breem.

Loyalty, frienship and betrayal are the three key components to this novel, all three have profound effects on Maximus and his men, effects that cut deep and ultimately tip the balance in the climax.

This book my have been criticised for some of its portrayals but I found it to be accurate enough for historical FICTION novel. This book was as refreshing as if it was written today and I loved it.

If any book is deserving of 5 stars then this is it.

Hits the Target
How refreshing to read an author who knows what he's talking about and doesn't mess about with all the trendy modern "interior dialogues" and moral dilemas that today's author's so often apply to ancient Rome. If you like books with a military bent with only a cursory nod to beautiful women and romantic interests, you will like Eagle in the Snow. The author gets inside the Roman mind which is determined, practical and unsentimental. The Romans did not worry too much about "hurting people's feelings". They believed themselves to be an inherently superior civilization and looked down on the barbarians outside the empire. General Maximus has a job to do - hold the frontier against an alliance of barbarian tribes. The book is about his attempt to do this with limited resources and reading it gives anyone new to Roman history an idea why the Romans were so successful. I've read Simon Scarrow and I find this more authentic. My only criticism is all the characters at one point or another seem to lick their lips nervously. Once or twice, fine. But everyone seems to be at it, Romans, barbarians, even the horses. But don't let that put you off a superior historical novel.

The stuff that heroes are made of
Even if you aren't remotely interested in Roman times this book is well worth its money. It may be set in those times (and describes them accurately, you'll feel as if you've been there), but is about timeless human qualities such as honour, courage and determination.

Great story, unforgettable characters, and piercing insight into human behaviour. One could not wish for more in any novel.