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The Karus Saga #1
Lost Legio IX
One of history's greatest mysteries—the Ninth Imperial Legion guarding Rome's northernmost frontier in Britannia disappeared around the year 122 AD. This is their story.
Badly outnumbered, facing certain destruction, and cut off from supply, the Imperial Roman Ninth Legion Hispana is in a desperate position. Surrounded by the hostile Celtic army, Senior Centurion Lucious Grackus Lisidus Karus must lead his men to safety after unexpectedly finding himself thrust into command of the legion.
Then, the unthinkable happens.
Karus and the Ninth are transported to a strange place, far away from the Britannia they knew. The legion's deliverance from danger at first appears to be a blessing from the gods, but slowly, they begin to uncover the secrets of this new land, a world that is slowly being overrun by a terrible evil.
A young woman is discovered in a dungeon, where she has been abandoned and left to starve. Inextricably linked with Karus' own destiny, she may be the key to salvation, or worse, the instrument of destruction for the Ninth.
Cast adrift in a terrible war, Karus must find his way through the mysteries of this unfamiliar world, one filled with true magic, strange alien races, evil gods, and dragons. More importantly, Karus must discover his destiny and complete a desperate task set for him by a god of Rome. Should he fail, it will mean certain destruction for the Ninth, the triumph of evil, and the rise of a new order.
"For these I set no bounds in space or time; but have given empire without end."—Jupiter, Virgil's Aeneid.
Bestselling, award-winning author of The Stiger Chronicles, Marc Alan Edelheit, delivers a new action-packed fantasy epic filled with gods and magic. Lost Legio IX is the first book in the exciting Karus Saga series.
Badly outnumbered, facing certain destruction, and cut off from supply, the Imperial Roman Ninth Legion Hispana is in a desperate position. Surrounded by the hostile Celtic army, Senior Centurion Lucious Grackus Lisidus Karus must lead his men to safety after unexpectedly finding himself thrust into command of the legion.
Then, the unthinkable happens.
Karus and the Ninth are transported to a strange place, far away from the Britannia they knew. The legion's deliverance from danger at first appears to be a blessing from the gods, but slowly, they begin to uncover the secrets of this new land, a world that is slowly being overrun by a terrible evil.
A young woman is discovered in a dungeon, where she has been abandoned and left to starve. Inextricably linked with Karus' own destiny, she may be the key to salvation, or worse, the instrument of destruction for the Ninth.
Cast adrift in a terrible war, Karus must find his way through the mysteries of this unfamiliar world, one filled with true magic, strange alien races, evil gods, and dragons. More importantly, Karus must discover his destiny and complete a desperate task set for him by a god of Rome. Should he fail, it will mean certain destruction for the Ninth, the triumph of evil, and the rise of a new order.
"For these I set no bounds in space or time; but have given empire without end."—Jupiter, Virgil's Aeneid.
Bestselling, award-winning author of The Stiger Chronicles, Marc Alan Edelheit, delivers a new action-packed fantasy epic filled with gods and magic. Lost Legio IX is the first book in the exciting Karus Saga series.
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Published March 19, 2024
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About the author
Marc Alan Edelheit
47 books862 followersBestselling author Marc Edelheit has traveled the world, from Asia to Europe, at one point crossing the border at Check Point Charlie in Berlin toward the end of the Cold War.
Marc is the ultimate history fan and incorporates much of that passion into his work to bring greater realism to his fans. He is also an avid reader, devouring several books per week, ranging from history to science fiction and fantasy.
Marc is the ultimate history fan and incorporates much of that passion into his work to bring greater realism to his fans. He is also an avid reader, devouring several books per week, ranging from history to science fiction and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 23, 2019
A little history, a lot of fantasy and there you have an explanation for the mystery of the ninth legion. A mystery introduced to many of us by Rosemary Sutcliffe in her wonderful novel, THE EAGLE OF THE NINTH.
Mr. Edelheit has also written a wonderful novel set earlier in the same fictional universe he created with STIGER's TIGERS and FORT COVENANT, TALES OF THE SEVENTH. I am not going to compare authors but I look forward to a new Marc Alan Edelheit novel with much the same eagerness as i do a new David Drake, David Weber, Eric Flint, Mercedes Lackey, Christopher Nuttall, John Drake, Vered Ehsani, Bernard Cornwall or James Nelson.
Mr. Edelheit has also written a wonderful novel set earlier in the same fictional universe he created with STIGER's TIGERS and FORT COVENANT, TALES OF THE SEVENTH. I am not going to compare authors but I look forward to a new Marc Alan Edelheit novel with much the same eagerness as i do a new David Drake, David Weber, Eric Flint, Mercedes Lackey, Christopher Nuttall, John Drake, Vered Ehsani, Bernard Cornwall or James Nelson.
October 8, 2017
Another great book! So far I have loved each of the books by this author. My preference is for books that follow a main character or two and do not skip around to other points of view. I also enjoying learning what is happening along with the characters rather than having insight into what the adversities are planning. These books fill both of those requirements along with great action, heroic and smart characters and an interesting plot.
October 16, 2017
The Romans are coming...
I like history. I’ve studied the Roman military as a hobby for decades. So a SF novel based on an actual Roman Legion that vanished is a natural fit. The action is slow because the author builds a good framework about life as a Legionary without getting too deep into the weeds. By “slow” I mean that he sets the stage and fights the battle and sets up for the next act.
This aint Conan the Barbarian that is all muscle and kill without any kind of nod to the support structure needed to do that. This is a very general class on the ways and means of the old Roman Legions. And, it also highlights what they did best - utterly destroy anyone foolish enough to oppose them.
This is the first of several books, and all that extra detail will come in handy elsewhere. The book is worth the price and the time.
I like history. I’ve studied the Roman military as a hobby for decades. So a SF novel based on an actual Roman Legion that vanished is a natural fit. The action is slow because the author builds a good framework about life as a Legionary without getting too deep into the weeds. By “slow” I mean that he sets the stage and fights the battle and sets up for the next act.
This aint Conan the Barbarian that is all muscle and kill without any kind of nod to the support structure needed to do that. This is a very general class on the ways and means of the old Roman Legions. And, it also highlights what they did best - utterly destroy anyone foolish enough to oppose them.
This is the first of several books, and all that extra detail will come in handy elsewhere. The book is worth the price and the time.
February 20, 2018
Another "Military Fantasy" romp by Marc Edelheit. Set in the "past" of the Stigers Tigers, it sets up how those crafty Romans wound up on a dark fantasy world.
I liked the semi-historical backing of using one of the lost Roman Legions as a way to kick off the story, and making gods "real" after a fashion.
That said, If feel like this book could have been about half as long. The setup dragged on (and on), and was not terribly informative to either the plot or world building, or even just explaining how a legion worked. We get it, Brittania sucks, the natives are cranky and the CO is a moron. Taking 1/3rd of the book to get through what you just described on the back-flap (metaphorically speaking) of the book is a little weird. It felt like filler.
BUT, if you can get past that (and I for all my griping, it wasn't horrific, it just felt unncessary and unmotivated), its a fun fantasy romp, and he's definitely getting better and a bit more creative with his world building and characters than he was in the Stiger Tigers trilogy.
I liked the semi-historical backing of using one of the lost Roman Legions as a way to kick off the story, and making gods "real" after a fashion.
That said, If feel like this book could have been about half as long. The setup dragged on (and on), and was not terribly informative to either the plot or world building, or even just explaining how a legion worked. We get it, Brittania sucks, the natives are cranky and the CO is a moron. Taking 1/3rd of the book to get through what you just described on the back-flap (metaphorically speaking) of the book is a little weird. It felt like filler.
BUT, if you can get past that (and I for all my griping, it wasn't horrific, it just felt unncessary and unmotivated), its a fun fantasy romp, and he's definitely getting better and a bit more creative with his world building and characters than he was in the Stiger Tigers trilogy.
October 9, 2017
Great read !!
This book is cleverly written by a great author from the start of this book .I was astounded at the design of this story line and character development .the pace of the story is never boring or lackluster. the author shows the reality of war and why the Roman empire was so successful at it ,it's been a long time since I've read a book that has kept me so immersed to point of losing my sleep.You will get your money's worth and more with the purchase of this book.
This book is cleverly written by a great author from the start of this book .I was astounded at the design of this story line and character development .the pace of the story is never boring or lackluster. the author shows the reality of war and why the Roman empire was so successful at it ,it's been a long time since I've read a book that has kept me so immersed to point of losing my sleep.You will get your money's worth and more with the purchase of this book.
October 18, 2017
Again another great book!
A wonderful story with very detailed descriptions of armor, weapons, and living standards of people during the Roman times. The characters are well fleshed out and can easily seen in my mind’s eye. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Everyone should read this book.
A wonderful story with very detailed descriptions of armor, weapons, and living standards of people during the Roman times. The characters are well fleshed out and can easily seen in my mind’s eye. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Everyone should read this book.
October 11, 2017
Romans in a strange land
Five stars for the author doing his homework and keeping the scope reasonable.
Interesting main character that you learn more and more about. The endless possibilities the story and world gives leaves me looking forward to more.
Five stars for the author doing his homework and keeping the scope reasonable.
Interesting main character that you learn more and more about. The endless possibilities the story and world gives leaves me looking forward to more.
October 25, 2017
Great mil fantasy
Well written with thought out characters interesting story line , the pace never drags and new revelations around every turn , enjoy this and the the stinger books
Well written with thought out characters interesting story line , the pace never drags and new revelations around every turn , enjoy this and the the stinger books
October 28, 2017
Really good setup to the Steiger series of books
History and sci-fi unite in an exciting prelude to the Stringer series of books. Very nice character development, excellent plot and unforseen setting twists make this a read worthy of following.
History and sci-fi unite in an exciting prelude to the Stringer series of books. Very nice character development, excellent plot and unforseen setting twists make this a read worthy of following.
November 22, 2017
Great arrest to a new series
Loved this book.Great start to a prequel for his previous series.explains how Romans can't into the alternate world. The plot was good , characters very believabl. So looking forward to the next part of the series
Loved this book.Great start to a prequel for his previous series.explains how Romans can't into the alternate world. The plot was good , characters very believabl. So looking forward to the next part of the series
October 27, 2017
Good read
I like this author as he manages to take historical Rome and mix it with fantasy without it seeming stupid or clunky. I always look forward to each new release.
I like this author as he manages to take historical Rome and mix it with fantasy without it seeming stupid or clunky. I always look forward to each new release.
September 28, 2017
Another excellent historical fantasy
Mr. Edelheit did another great job blending history with fantasy in the Karus Saga. In this series we learn about Karus, an ancestor of Stiger, and the beginning of how a a very Roman like empire gets started on another world. Mr. Edelheit kept it similar enough to the Stiger series that his previous readers will instantly be able to dive in, but manages to show a lot of growth as a writer as well. This is a much deeply layered story with ambitious world building and technical challenges and he has definitely risen to the occasion. If you've read the Stiger series then you will definitely love this book and after a few more books get released in the Karus Saga I may actually tell people new to the overall series to start with Karus.
Mr. Edelheit did another great job blending history with fantasy in the Karus Saga. In this series we learn about Karus, an ancestor of Stiger, and the beginning of how a a very Roman like empire gets started on another world. Mr. Edelheit kept it similar enough to the Stiger series that his previous readers will instantly be able to dive in, but manages to show a lot of growth as a writer as well. This is a much deeply layered story with ambitious world building and technical challenges and he has definitely risen to the occasion. If you've read the Stiger series then you will definitely love this book and after a few more books get released in the Karus Saga I may actually tell people new to the overall series to start with Karus.
September 29, 2017
He does it again
At first I was pretty distraught that he took a break from Stigers to write this series. I was pleasantly surprised. It furthered the overall story line while introducing a lot of new people as well. I feel like I must now go back and read Stigers to see if I notice anything new in that series. I am curious to see how he publishes each series in terms of timeline. I look forwards to both series eagerly.
Overall I give it a 5 stars for 3 reasons.....
Consistency of Writing
Progression of World/Story
Battle Scenes and Camp Politics at its finest.
At first I was pretty distraught that he took a break from Stigers to write this series. I was pleasantly surprised. It furthered the overall story line while introducing a lot of new people as well. I feel like I must now go back and read Stigers to see if I notice anything new in that series. I am curious to see how he publishes each series in terms of timeline. I look forwards to both series eagerly.
Overall I give it a 5 stars for 3 reasons.....
Consistency of Writing
Progression of World/Story
Battle Scenes and Camp Politics at its finest.
February 9, 2023
Fantastic storytelling!
Historical fiction and back-story to what is becoming one of my favorite series.
The ninth legion is to make a push north, risking it all to further the career of an inept commanding officer. Karus is able to keep control of his men in the face of immanent destruction and winds up in a strange new world.
Note- this is the second book I've read recently that refers to Xenophon, so after searching through my collection I've found an old copy of Anabasis (now I've got a digital copy of a different translation too).
Historical fiction and back-story to what is becoming one of my favorite series.
The ninth legion is to make a push north, risking it all to further the career of an inept commanding officer. Karus is able to keep control of his men in the face of immanent destruction and winds up in a strange new world.
Note- this is the second book I've read recently that refers to Xenophon, so after searching through my collection I've found an old copy of Anabasis (now I've got a digital copy of a different translation too).
September 30, 2017
In The Beginning There Was Karus
I enjoyed this book because I like historical fiction. Particularly military based and specifically the Roman Empire era. The characters are well defined and feel real and the take on what happened to the lost legion is outstanding. There is action, humor and a hint of romance as well as universe building. I look forward to another book to follow the Ninth's quest.
I enjoyed this book because I like historical fiction. Particularly military based and specifically the Roman Empire era. The characters are well defined and feel real and the take on what happened to the lost legion is outstanding. There is action, humor and a hint of romance as well as universe building. I look forward to another book to follow the Ninth's quest.
September 30, 2017
AGAIN!
Once again Marc has spun a tale. Weaving together a group of characters into a realistic group any Veteran can relate to. The story entrances you with predictable lines then surprises you with the unexpected!
So now, I have 3 storylines that I am eagerly awaiting more of (4 if you included "Interludes".
Keep going Marc!
Once again Marc has spun a tale. Weaving together a group of characters into a realistic group any Veteran can relate to. The story entrances you with predictable lines then surprises you with the unexpected!
So now, I have 3 storylines that I am eagerly awaiting more of (4 if you included "Interludes".
Keep going Marc!
September 30, 2017
Superb
Great read. This series is on par with Robert Jordan WOT. The author provides a superior historically accurate fantasy story. The characters are intense and well developed. My only recommendation for the entire series is to possibly add some footage to the view point of the bad guys.
Great read. This series is on par with Robert Jordan WOT. The author provides a superior historically accurate fantasy story. The characters are intense and well developed. My only recommendation for the entire series is to possibly add some footage to the view point of the bad guys.
September 30, 2017
And now we wait
One reviewer correctly noted there have been a few other stories of Legions being transported to alternate worlds and this one is as well conceived as most. The frustration for me, the reader, is waiting not only for the next Stiger novel but now for the next Karus novel. This novel is well written, edited and holds the readers attention.
One reviewer correctly noted there have been a few other stories of Legions being transported to alternate worlds and this one is as well conceived as most. The frustration for me, the reader, is waiting not only for the next Stiger novel but now for the next Karus novel. This novel is well written, edited and holds the readers attention.
October 7, 2017
Loved it
Excellent storyline very strong characters , can't wait for next book . Best new series I've read in sometime couldn't put it down,
Really enjoyed the focus of the book, didn't stray from main characters or feel like the author was trying to pad the book with unnecessary information.
Excellent storyline very strong characters , can't wait for next book . Best new series I've read in sometime couldn't put it down,
Really enjoyed the focus of the book, didn't stray from main characters or feel like the author was trying to pad the book with unnecessary information.
September 28, 2017
Can not wait till the next book I'd released
I could not put this book down. So much fun to read and so well written that I devoured every word and the deception of the new planet were spot on to be able to make the transition from old world to new. Marc get cracking on book two
I could not put this book down. So much fun to read and so well written that I devoured every word and the deception of the new planet were spot on to be able to make the transition from old world to new. Marc get cracking on book two
October 1, 2017
Amazing
Another great edition to the fantasy world/universe that Marc is making. Was great to start to learn some of the beginning of the history thats leads to his other series. Not sure ill be able to wait patently for very long for the next book.
Another great edition to the fantasy world/universe that Marc is making. Was great to start to learn some of the beginning of the history thats leads to his other series. Not sure ill be able to wait patently for very long for the next book.
October 8, 2017
Enjoyable
Not my usual type of book, I usually read scifi or fantasy, I do enjoy learning about historical events and especially the day to day lives of people, this book covered both, I will be watching for the next one in this series.
Not my usual type of book, I usually read scifi or fantasy, I do enjoy learning about historical events and especially the day to day lives of people, this book covered both, I will be watching for the next one in this series.
October 9, 2017
Very well done.
October 9, 2017
More for winters reading list!
Marc Alan Edelheit has written hopefully a new series that I have added to look for winters reading list. A new fan!
Marc Alan Edelheit has written hopefully a new series that I have added to look for winters reading list. A new fan!
January 2, 2019
Great writing, great story, great characters, and a lot of surprises. What's not to love?
On to the next book in the series.
On to the next book in the series.
May 6, 2020
Hey, this is sort of fun. Okay, the writing style is a little awkward. It also drags on in a few places (how many damned buildings can you search? - if you read it, you’ll get it). And the obvious love interest feels like it was written by a ten year old. However, it’s a combination of ancient Romans and fantasy. The ancient Roman part is fairly accurate and the fantasy part is imaginative. I am about to begin reading the second instalment in the series.
June 21, 2021
An Excellent Portal Fantasy with Romans.
January 12, 2025
More of the same, but good stuff. Short.
September 26, 2017
Interesting Premise
Can't wait to read more in this series. Guesses on the Ninth always interesting. Reminds me of other great roman legion Fiction writers.
Can't wait to read more in this series. Guesses on the Ninth always interesting. Reminds me of other great roman legion Fiction writers.
July 24, 2018
This book is nothing to brag about. Your typical fantasy novel. The main character has a quest and must complete it or else everyone is doomed!! The action itself kept my interest going. However, here is my problem with the story. You have the nine Legion of Rome teleported to a new world. Then finding a mysterious woman in a dungeon. Probably here is she does not speak their language and cannot tell them why she was in the dungeon in the first place. The city that they are teleported to is completely deserted. Throughout the novel, they are trying to figure out why the city is deserted and why there are so many stores and other things left behind. Here is my problem with the novel. Throughout the entire book, in the beginning, you have an elf and you have a dwarf wizard talking to each other watching allegiant drop the novel, they do not make another appearance. I don’t understand why. They are the central part of this novel and they’re the ones who basically teleported the ninth legion into this world. Secondly, throughout the novel as well, the main character and the female character cannot communicate with each other she slowly learning the language and yet still hasn’t told them what happened to her what happened to the people and why she was trapped in the dungeon. By the end of the novel, you still have no idea what’s going on and what the quest entails for the ninth legion to accomplish. I’m hoping the next book will explain everything. I felt like this book was way too rushed. That should’ve been more details going on here. I feel like I did drags him. Hopefully, the author will explain everything and the next book. Sorry for all my errors I am using dictation on my phone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews