The Eagle Of The Ninth

Author:

Rosemary Sutcliff

Illustrator:

N/A

Published by:

OUP Oxford

First Published:

1 Jan 1954

Ideal for readers aged

9-12y

My Review

The Eagle of the Ninth is an incredible tale, based on the true story of the mystery of the Ninth legion, lost in Britain in the 2nd century AD. A young centurion, whose father was lost with the Ninth and his servant, a celt, travel north of Hadrian's Wall to try and discover what became of the legion . There's mystery and fighting, but it's also a story about friendship and trust. Rosemary Sutcliff has written many excellent historical novels for children, but this is considered one of her best.

Heads Up!

This book is followed by first ' The Silver Branch', and then 'The Lantern Bearers'.

Publisher Review

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. The Eagle of the Ninth is heralded as one of the most outstanding children's books of the twentieth century and has sold over a million copies worldwide. Rosemary Sutcliff writes with such passion and attention to detail that Roman Britain is instantly brought to life and stays with the reader long after the last page has been turned.