Hunting the Eagles

A gripping three-part series based on real historical events. Three Roman legions massacred. Three Imperial Eagles lost. One man vies for revenge.

From 'the rising star of historical fiction' (Wilbur Smith) a new Eagles of Rome novel, by the Sunday Times bestselling author of Eagles at War.

The portrayal of the characters was sublime. Totally believable. The battle scenes were vivid and were very real in the telling. It was like being there, without the threat of being brutally maimed or killed, of course!...Eagles at War is now definitely on my 'to be read' list.

Kept me riveted to the page for every word. You will honestly struggle to find any more real characters in any Roman book. I highly recommend this and all Ben Kane’s books, if you have not read his work… why?? please go do so.

Excellent…another compelling, dark tale

Hunting the Eagles is a fantastic novel, a triumph of Roman historical fiction, as thrilling as you could ask for, while still showing how complicated the situation was, how frenzied, on the borders of the empire. The setting is so well done. Ben Kane’s thorough research into the period, warfare and the location really pays off. Hunting the Eagles is not only a terrific follow up to Eagles of War, one of the best books of 2015 in my opinion, but also superb in its own right.

This brutal and bloody book should be at the top of your must-read list

CultureFly ‘6 Must Read Books for Autumn’

Kane puts you right in fighting slog…it’s blood and bravery all the way

A thundering second book in the series from a master storyteller

The battle of the Teutoburg Forest in September AD 9 saw three Roman legions annihilated by German tribes in a masterful ambush. While the defeat was a considerable setback for Rome, such humiliations were never taken lying down. By the time five years had passed, an experienced general – Germanicus – and a massive army were in place on the frontier, ready to cross the Rhine in search of revenge. Recovery of the three lost eagle standards was paramount. So too was tracking down and killing Arminius, the chieftain who had masterminded the Teutoburg massacre. 
 
Before the campaign could get underway, events took an unexpected direction with the emperor Augustus’ sudden death in autumn AD 14. An air of unease settled over the entire empire, and simmering grievances held by the soldiers of the Rhine garrisons flared into open mutiny. Restoring law and order would test Germanicus’ skills to the limit, and make his task in the wilds of Germania that much harder. 
 
Although Hunting the Eagles is a work of fiction, it is peopled by historical characters and is based on real events in north-western Germany during the years AD 14 and 15. I hope, like me, you too will want to lose yourself in this remarkable story, and to march step by muddy step with the Roman legionaries as they fight for their lives against Arminius and his bloodthirsty horde.

From 'the rising star of historical fiction' (Wilbur Smith) a new Eagles of Rome novel, by the Sunday Times bestselling author of Eagles at War. 
 
JUSTICE , HONOUR, REVENGE 
 
 AD 14: Five long years have passed since the annihilation of three legions in the wilds of Germania. 
 
 Demoted, battle-scarred and hell-bent on revenge, Centurion Tullus and his legionaries begin their fightback. Ranged against them is the charismatic chieftan Arminius, determined to crush the Romans for a second time. 
 
 Convinced that the eagle belonging to his old legion is close at hand, Tullus drives ever deeper into enemy lands. 
 
 But with Arminius and his warriors closing in on the Romans, a murderous battle is about to begin…

The Arena (A gripping short story in the bestselling Eagles of Rome series)

An exclusive digital short from Ben Kane, ‘the rising star of historical fiction’ (Wilbur Smith). The prequel to Hunting the Eagles, the second in the new gripping three-part series, Eagles of Rome, based on real historical events.

Last year I wrote ‘The Shrine’, a short story and prequel to Eagles at War, the first book in the Eagles of Rome trilogy. A fun thing to do, it seemed to go down well with my readers, so I decided to repeat the process and write another story. This one is set between the end of Eagles at War and the start of its sequel, Hunting the Eagles, which comes out in March 2016. 
 
I decided to make the central character of this story someone other than Tullus, the main star of the Eagles books. Piso, one of Tullus’ men, is a somewhat hapless soul. As with Degmar, the enigmatic German warrior, I’ve grown to like Piso as the series has continued, and I feel that his adventure at the arena outside the fort at Vetera might have happened to a real legionary. The remains of the arena are still visible near the town of Xanten, and are in use today as an outdoor theatre. It’s very atmospheric to walk to the ruins in the dark, through the fields, as I did in August 2014 with Anthony Riches, a fellow Roman author and friend. 
 
‘The Arena’ came about partly because of that late-night stroll. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

An exclusive digital short from Ben Kane, ‘the rising star of historical fiction’ (Wilbur Smith). 
 
A day out with comrades, brutal gladiator fights, a bet with disastrous consequences. A Roman soldier’s much anticipated payday plays out in very different ways to those he expected. 
 
The German frontier, AD 12. Legionary Marcus Piso is set to enjoy a four monthly payday with his comrades. Wine, food and gladiatorial entertainment are on offer, and his purse is full. 
 
But thanks to a dishonest bet maker, events take on a very dangerous life of their own... 
 
 
The Arena is a prequel to Ben Kane's upcoming novel, Hunting the Eagles, the second in the new gripping three-part series, Eagles of Rome. It also includes a sample chapter from the new book.

Eagles at War

From ‘the rising star of historical fiction’ (Wilbur Smith), the first in a new gripping three-part series, based on real historical events. Three Roman legions massacred. Three Imperial Eagles lost. One man vies for revenge.

You can bank on Kane to deliver an accurate version of events fictionalised with verve and served up with a large dose of bloody violence.

Ben Kane has put himself at the top of the historical fiction writing tree, and with Eagles of War he has begun a new trilogy which will leave his fans eager for more

Ben Kane’s ability to illustrate the major turning points in Roman history at the level where the blood gets shed is second to none, and in Eagles at War his ability to put believable characters into the heart of the battle is stronger than ever.

Ben Kane lifts the genre into a space all his own where honour and duty, love and hate, legions and tribes clash in spectacular, bloody, heart-breaking glory... I loved this book. It dragged me in on the first page, held me spellbound to the end and I can’t wait for the next one. More!

'The battle of the Teutoburg Forest, or Varian Disaster, took place in Germany, in September of AD 9. Three Roman legions were massacred by native tribes in a supremely well executed ambush. The defeat was one of the greatest ever suffered by Rome, and the body blow it delivered was one of the reasons that the Empire never again made a serious attempt to conquer Germany. 
 
All my books are born from my obsession with Roman history, and this one was no different. Planning and writing a series of novels about the lead-up to this conflict, the battle itself and its aftermath has been thrilling. I have twice visited the area of Germany in which the battle took place, and its many museums. Seeing the equipment, weapons, coins and even the bones of legionaries who’d died in battle didn’t just fuel my imagination – it stirred my soul. 
 
Eagles at War is the first in my 'Eagles' trilogy of novels about the Varian disaster, and although it is a work of fiction, it is peopled by historical characters and is based on real events. I hope, like me, you will want to immerse yourself in this incredible story, to remind yourself why the legend of Rome endures, and to stand with Varus’ legionaries during the rain-soaked, muddy, bloody terror of Arminius’ ambush.' 
 
To find out more about all my books, please go to my website: www.benkane.net. 
 
 
Ben Kane 
 April, 2015

ONLY THE GODS CAN SAVE THE ROMANS NOW 
 
 AD 9, Germania. East of the river Rhine, tribes hostile to Rome prepare a deadly ambush. 
 
 Their leader is the charismatic chieftain and trusted ally of Rome, Arminius, whose dream is to drive out the brutal invaders of his land. 
 
 Pitted against him are veteran centurion Lucius Tullus and the Roman provincial governor, Varus. 
 
Together with three local legions, they leave their summer camp to begin the march back to the Roman forts on the Rhine. 
 
They have no idea that in the forests and bog of the Teutoburg, mud, slaughter and bloody death await … 
 
‘This is historical fiction at its best' Sunday Express 
 
'Held me spellbound to its spectacular bloody end' Manda Scott 
 
'Gripping, brutal, brilliant' Giles Kristian

The Shrine (A gripping short story in the bestselling Eagles of Rome series)

An exclusive digital short from Ben Kane, ‘the rising star of historical fiction’ (Wilbur Smith). The prequel to a new gripping three-part series, Eagles at War, based on real historical events.

FROM BEN KANE 'The battle of the Teutoberg Forest, or Varian Disaster, took place in Germany, in September of AD 9. Three Roman legions were massacred by native tribes in a supremely well executed ambush. The defeat was one of the greatest ever suffered by Rome, and the body blow it delivered was one of the reasons that the Empire never again made a serious attempt to conquer Germany. Planning and writing a series of novels about the lead-up to this conflict, the battle itself and its aftermath has been thrilling. I have twice visited the area of Germany in which the battle took place, and its many museums. Seeing the equipment, weapons, coins and even the bones of legionaries who’d died in battle didn’t just fuel my imagination – it stirred my soul. Eagles at War is the first in my 'Eagles' trilogy of novels about the Varian disaster, and although it is a work of fiction, it is peopled by historical characters and is based on real events. I hope, like me, you will want to immerse yourself in this incredible story, to remind yourself why the legend of Rome endures, and to stand with Varus’ legionaries during the rain-soaked, muddy, bloody terror of Arminius’ ambush.' www.benkane.net

A closely fought race, treachery in a back alley, a visit to the shrine of an Egyptian Goddess. A Roman centurion discovers that Fate will always hold him in her power. 
 
The German frontier, spring 6 BC. When Lucius Cominius Tullus, a recently promoted centurion, gambles on a foot race between rival legionaries, he has no idea that his wager will endanger his very life, and that the streets of an Empire border town can be as deadly as the bloodiest battlefield. 
 
A prequel to Ben Kane's dramatic new trilogy, Eagles at War, The Shrine also includes a sample chapter from the first book in the series.

Hannibal: Clouds of War

As Rome's war with Carthage continues, two friends - now on opposing sides - confront each other in one of the most brutal sieges of all time. A new Hannibal novel by the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Forgotten Legion series. ‘Who’s the rising star of historical fiction? I say Ben Kane’ Wilbur Smith

Gritty, passionate and violent ... a thrilling page-turner.

You feel the ground tremble beneath the phalanxes, hear the battle cries of the legions, smell the carnage of war.

A compulsive, relentless story, vividly recounted in muscular prose

‘History is more than facts on a page. It’s the sounds, the smells, the people, the passion. History should make you think: “I was there”. My books are born from my obsession with Roman history. I’ve followed Spartacus’s trail across Italy. I’ve stood at Cannae and pictured Hannibal’s army meeting the massed legions of Rome. I’ve watched the sea lapping against the fortifications of Syracuse, besieged by the Romans for close to two years. Immerse yourself in these incredible stories and – like me – remind yourself why the legend of Rome endures.’ To find out more about BEN KANE, his world and his novels, visit: www.benkane.net. Twitter@@BenKaneAuthor / Facebook.com/benkanebooks

As Rome's war with Carthage continues, two friends - now on opposing sides - confront each other in one of the most brutal sieges of all time. A new Hannibal novel by the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Forgotten Legion series. 
 
213 BC. Syracuse. Under the merciless Sicilian sun, a city is at war. 
 
Outside the walls, a vast Roman army waits. Yet the city’s incredible defences, designed by Archimedes, mean that Syracuse will not be taken easily. 
 
A veteran of the bitter war since its beginning, Quintus is ready to give his life in the service of the Republic. But dangers face him from within his own ranks as well as from the enemy - who include his former friend, the Carthaginian, Hanno. 
 
Hanno has been sent by his general Hannibal to aid Syracuse in its fight against Rome. Pledged to bring death to all Romans, he is diverted from his mission by the discovery of Quintus’ sister Aurelia, a captive within the city. 
 
Two friends on opposing sides. A woman caught between them. They are about to meet in one of the most brutal sieges of all time. 
 
Who will survive?

Hannibal: Fields of Blood

‘Who’s the rising star of historical fiction? I’d say Ben Kane’ Wilbur Smith

A master of the details…his research is meticulous

Ben’s research is impeccable…Highly recommended

The killing fields of Cannae provide the setting for one of the bloodiest battles in history. But who will triumph? Hannibal and his warrior army, or the mighty legions of Rome. By the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Forgotten Legion trilogy. 
 
Hannibal's campaign to defeat Rome continues as he marches south to confront his enemy. With him is a young soldier, Hanno. 
 
Like his general, Hanno burns to vanquish Rome. Never has the possibility seemed so likely. 
 
But a stealthy game of cat and mouse is being played as Rome's generals seek to avoid confrontation. 
 
Eventually the two armies meet under a fierce summer sun. The place is Cannae - the fields of blood. 
 
The battle will go down in history as one of the bloodiest ever fought, a battle in which Hanno knows he must fight as never before - just to stay alive.

Ben Kane

Ben Kane, a master of Roman military fiction…A suitable bloody end to a powerful trilogy

Eagles in the Storm completes Ben Kane’s magnificent trilogy on the the Battle of Teutoburg… the definitive fictional account…it concludes perfectly…an extraordinary talent…This is brilliant storytelling from an author who is steeped in the history of the Romans

Thrilling and steeped in historical and military detail, this is the conclusion of Ben Kane’s superb Eagles trilogy, which has been a triumph from start to finish

Once again Ben Kane is a master storyteller, the historical detail is amazing

Eagles In The Storm is everything you could want from a historical tale

Bloodthirsty, soaked in the sweat and tears of its time, this is a fine blend of history and action

AD 15. The German chieftain Arminius has been defeated, one of the lost Roman eagles recovered, and thousands of German tribesmen slain. 
 
 Yet these successes aren’t nearly enough for senior centurion Lucius Tullus. Not until Arminius is dead, his old legion’s eagle found and the enemy tribes completely vanquished will he rest. 
 
 But Arminius – devious, fearless – is burning for revenge of his own. 
 
 Charismatic as ever, he raises another large tribal army, which will harry the Romans the length and breadth of the land. 
 
 Soon Tullus finds himself in a cauldron of bloodshed, treachery and danger. 
 
 His mission to retrieve his legion’s eagle will be his most perilous yet…

Eagles in the Storm

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Eagles of Rome

He marches to freedom - or to bloody war. The epic story of Spartacus, the gladiator slave who took on the might of Rome.

Spartacus

A brilliant, fast-paced Roman epic that follows the story of three men and one woman bound in servitude to the Republic but bent on survival at all costs

Ben Kane

Praise for Eagles in the Storm

Ben Kane, a master of Roman military fiction…A suitable bloody end to a powerful trilogy

Eagles in the Storm completes Ben Kane’s magnificent trilogy on the the Battle of Teutoburg… the definitive fictional account…it concludes perfectly…an extraordinary talent…This is brilliant storytelling fro ...

Thrilling and steeped in historical and military detail, this is the conclusion of Ben Kane’s superb Eagles trilogy, which has been a triumph from start to finish

Ben Kane, a master of Roman military fiction…A suitable bloody end to a powerful trilogy

Eagles in the Storm completes Ben Kane’s magnificent trilogy on the the Battle of Teutoburg… the definitive fictional account…it concludes perfectly…an extraordinary talent…This is brilliant storytelling fro ...

Thrilling and steeped in historical and military detail, this is the conclusion of Ben Kane’s superb Eagles trilogy, which has been a triumph from start to finish

Ben Kane, a master of Roman military fiction…A suitable bloody end to a powerful trilogy

Eagles in the Storm completes Ben Kane’s magnificent trilogy on the the Battle of Teutoburg… the definitive fictional account…it concludes perfectly…an extraordinary talent…This is brilliant storytelling fro ...

Thrilling and steeped in historical and military detail, this is the conclusion of Ben Kane’s superb Eagles trilogy, which has been a triumph from start to finish

Books by Ben Kane

Series by Ben Kane

Eagles of Rome5 Books

Spartacus2 Books

The Forgotten Legion Chronicles2 Books

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