This is a fascinating beginning to a fantasy series. Ben Stiger is from a noble, wealthy and unfortunately infamous family. Although being in the military has brought out profound leadership abilities, he struggles with the repercussions caused by his father’s reputation. Originally, in an elite legion, he is less than pleased to find he is transferred to a legion where leadership is absent and if he desires his men’s loyalty and well-being he will have to fight for it every step of the way.
The military is based on the Romans that no one remembers, being eons past. They have the horses, the cloaks, the sandals, the mud and the nasty smells that go along with a lack of sanitation. One thing that is different is this entertaining fantasy – not everyone is human and some of those who appear human may have some bit of magic hanging about. Animals are usually animals and monsters are definitely just as they seem. As much as I would like to give you bits and pieces of this story, there is just so much entertainment and intrigue here.
Stiger does receive loyalty from his men and in time they become a find tuned killing machine, which is a good thing since there is betrayal around the corner. Stiger’s most interesting companions are an elf, which are rarely seen or understood by humans and a warrior priest referred to as a Paladin, naturally everyone has hidden talents.
Rating:
- Genre and age – Military fantasy. I think adults will receive the most entertainment because this is an involved story.
- Level of sexuality – With constant battles or running for their lives there is not even a whisper of sex.
- Is there graphic language? This story is not bogged down with bad language. The author does a find job of conveying anger with a curled lip, a tightened fist and joy in the moment with a hand pressed to the shoulder in salutation.
- Did I cry? No.
- Did I laugh? No.
- Level of character development – The characters are well developed, even many of those that play small parts.
- Is this part of a series? Yes, The Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer.
This is a great story and deserves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
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