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julianav's review
4.0
This review is for the audiobook version:
I hadn't come across Gilbert M. Stack's "Legionnaire" series before, but I'm glad there was an offer to review one of the other books in the series and I ended up buying the first audiobook myself.
There aren't many books that deal with the 'science' of being an elite soldier within a low magic fantasy setting. The care with which various reasons were explained for the training and the explanations of the legion, its history and various ranks were essential to the enjoyment of the story.
I really like the narrator and the added special effects to the narration. The small inconvenience was that there were announcements of the following chapters made about 3 times during the book. It was slightly disconcerting as for a second I thought there were other parts to buy.
All in all a great novella listen if you like fantasy with a historic bent. Definitely a must for those who appreciate their military fantasy!
Highly recommend it!
ADD UPDATE ON KINDLE: There is definitely a difference between a listened to book and one that is read by the reader even if it's the same book. I really enjoyed revisiting the first adventure. Something I hadn't paid as much attention before were the actions of the other officers during the main attack. Whilst some, had acquitted themselves with honour others did exactly what the hero, Marcus Vernandos thought they might. More than anything, this added to my enjoyment and understanding of the world as a whole.
I hadn't come across Gilbert M. Stack's "Legionnaire" series before, but I'm glad there was an offer to review one of the other books in the series and I ended up buying the first audiobook myself.
There aren't many books that deal with the 'science' of being an elite soldier within a low magic fantasy setting. The care with which various reasons were explained for the training and the explanations of the legion, its history and various ranks were essential to the enjoyment of the story.
I really like the narrator and the added special effects to the narration. The small inconvenience was that there were announcements of the following chapters made about 3 times during the book. It was slightly disconcerting as for a second I thought there were other parts to buy.
All in all a great novella listen if you like fantasy with a historic bent. Definitely a must for those who appreciate their military fantasy!
Highly recommend it!
ADD UPDATE ON KINDLE: There is definitely a difference between a listened to book and one that is read by the reader even if it's the same book. I really enjoyed revisiting the first adventure. Something I hadn't paid as much attention before were the actions of the other officers during the main attack. Whilst some, had acquitted themselves with honour others did exactly what the hero, Marcus Vernandos thought they might. More than anything, this added to my enjoyment and understanding of the world as a whole.
friedatweehuysen's review
4.0
I like the story, with it's melting pot of cultures with some characters so blind to how others feel and the plans that fall and then fall apart.
alwroteabook's review
5.0
I'm reviewing the whole series, so I'll do a quick one here. This was a fun read, a historical fantasy take on a Roman commander with mages and witch doctors who can call on the dead. I liked some of the historical touches, such as the rancour between different ranks of legionaries, and the political wrangling that went on behind the scenes. The narrator is great, and even adds in some sound effects, like in a studio play, although not all are successful.
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