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Soldier of Rome: The Legionary


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Post #1 Guest_Spitfrnd_*

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Posted 24 December 2014 - 10:51 AM

I have just about finished a new historical novel on ancient Rome.  The Legionary is the first book in the Soldier of Rome series by James Mace.

 

http://www.amazon.co...s/dp/1477418342

 

Overall I liked it well enough to try another.  There is much detail about the training and fighting of the legions and the story and dialogue is not too bad.  The battle scenes are a bit sterile and anticlimactic in comparison to the two other great Roman military novelists I have read, Scarrow and Sidebottom.  For example, the legions come off more as efficient killing machines who virtually can't lose than valiant warriors.  Thus while I would prefer reading another Cato and Marco adventure, it was a pretty good read for anyone who likes the period.  This was his first book and the various reviews all suggest his writing improves as the series progresses.  I will definitely continue the series and perhaps try one of his Napoleonic novels.


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Post #2 Sahara

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Posted 24 December 2014 - 02:11 PM

Scarrow has a new book out called "Brothers in Blood". Don't have it yet but by tomorrow I will have it. At least that's what a little birdie tells me :)

Post #3 Guest_Spitfrnd_*

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Posted 24 December 2014 - 04:23 PM

I still have a couple to go in the Eagle series since I have only read up to Eagle in the Sand.  I have been saving them.  I am also thinking about trying the Strongbow Saga starting with the Viking Warrior and Douglas Jackson's Rome series starting with Hero of Rome.

 

Post #4 Larry_B

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Posted 29 December 2014 - 02:52 PM

I just started JW Peake's series Marching with Caesar:

 

http://www.amazon.co...d=IP75V5PRPQBPX

 

About halfway through the first book and am enjoying it. I am about to start the first battle scene. Up to now it is all back story and training which has been good in itself.

 

One thing I really like that is different than Scarrow is sticking with the Latin / Roman terminology rather than updating it. I find this a pleasant contrast.


Larry
 
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Post #5 Guest_Spitfrnd_*

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Posted 30 December 2014 - 09:28 PM

I couldn't quote your post to reply, something odd going on with the site software it seems, but that sounds like another good one to try. Thanks for the recommendation.



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