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Sword of the Legion #1
Rome: Fury of the Legion
From USA Today bestselling author R. Cameron Cooke, comes the gripping first novel in the exciting adventures of Lucius Domitius, soldier of Rome... 57 B.C., Gaul - Marching with Caesar's legions against the defiant Belgic tribes, legionary Lucius Domitius narrowly survives an attempt on his life. He is shocked to discover that someone in the higher ranks wants him dead. Unable to trust even his oldest comrades, Lucius must expose his assailant before the murderer tries again. But as Lucius begins to unravel the plot, he learns that he is just a pawn in a much grander scheme - a scheme to betray the proconsul, Gaius Julius Caesar, and the entire Roman army, to the savagery of the enemy. All of their fates converge on the banks of a lazy river in the Belgic lands, where the stalwart legions are attacked by an army of spear-wielding, axe-swinging warriors twice their number in the epic Battle of the Sabis.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
39 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 7, 2017
A jolly romp through Roman Gaul
This story was a real, highly enjoyable, page turner. I've read better books about the Roman legions, but what this one lacked in historical accuracy it certainly made up for with, non stop fast paced, action.
This story was a real, highly enjoyable, page turner. I've read better books about the Roman legions, but what this one lacked in historical accuracy it certainly made up for with, non stop fast paced, action.
July 26, 2023
Spoilers ahead.
I have liked all Cooke's WW2 submarine books so I decided to give this one a try. The setting is a legion of Republican Rome fighting where Belgium currently is.
A bit young adult in complexity and words but still with plenty of violence and gore.
There were a few things I did not like. First thing was it was hard to get settled in because the third person narration jumped around a bit. Usually I like to follow a character around to get vested in him and the story but in this case, too many things were happening. I never felt comfortable.
Secondly I do not like the idea of an antagonist. This is the person who is against the protagonist. Usually the reader identifies with the protagonist and I hate the element of conflict plots where the protagonist has to suffer until he wins in the end. In this case, he suffers at the hand of the antagonist who is the overall commander of the legion.
With all this stuff going on, I just didn't feel it and didn't want to continue. I dnf'd the book and I don't think I will continue with the series.
I have liked all Cooke's WW2 submarine books so I decided to give this one a try. The setting is a legion of Republican Rome fighting where Belgium currently is.
A bit young adult in complexity and words but still with plenty of violence and gore.
There were a few things I did not like. First thing was it was hard to get settled in because the third person narration jumped around a bit. Usually I like to follow a character around to get vested in him and the story but in this case, too many things were happening. I never felt comfortable.
Secondly I do not like the idea of an antagonist. This is the person who is against the protagonist. Usually the reader identifies with the protagonist and I hate the element of conflict plots where the protagonist has to suffer until he wins in the end. In this case, he suffers at the hand of the antagonist who is the overall commander of the legion.
With all this stuff going on, I just didn't feel it and didn't want to continue. I dnf'd the book and I don't think I will continue with the series.
December 18, 2021
Such a disappointment.
The beginning was very promising. Sadly, as the story progressed, it was obvious that not enough research had been done. Caesar was no slouch, tactically nor intellectually. And what happened to the cornices. No mention is made of there use throughout the book. At the end a horn was used to announce the arriving Legions at the battle's end. Would have been very useful at the beginning of the encounter, and would definitely have happened. I won't be purchasing the following books. On a positive note I did not notice very many spelling or grammatical errors.
The beginning was very promising. Sadly, as the story progressed, it was obvious that not enough research had been done. Caesar was no slouch, tactically nor intellectually. And what happened to the cornices. No mention is made of there use throughout the book. At the end a horn was used to announce the arriving Legions at the battle's end. Would have been very useful at the beginning of the encounter, and would definitely have happened. I won't be purchasing the following books. On a positive note I did not notice very many spelling or grammatical errors.
June 22, 2017
Reasonable read
To be honest this book is a fairly enjoyable read. Some errors in nomenclature which are irksome. Quite a shallow story makes it a quick read. Three stars as its not a touch on Simon Scarrow roman series.
To be honest this book is a fairly enjoyable read. Some errors in nomenclature which are irksome. Quite a shallow story makes it a quick read. Three stars as its not a touch on Simon Scarrow roman series.
November 26, 2021
great book
Once again the lowly legionnaire is getting better at his duties and he seems to be in the right place at the right time to get noticed by Caesar. He may now advance in his career.
Once again the lowly legionnaire is getting better at his duties and he seems to be in the right place at the right time to get noticed by Caesar. He may now advance in his career.
September 10, 2022
Book 1
Interesting storylines, if a bit stretched at times for the readers enjoyment. A mixture of characters and viewpoints from all sides.
Interesting storylines, if a bit stretched at times for the readers enjoyment. A mixture of characters and viewpoints from all sides.
August 5, 2015
Another Roman page turner. Good solid writing and it kept me engaged enough to get through it in a few days. If anything it lacked authenticity for me as much of the military detail was omitted... or wrong. Roman cavalry used Falcatas not short gladius, but hey, it didn't spoil a good yarn. I was so pleased that the girl did not get in the way too much.
if you lioke Roman ripping yarns, you will enjoy this. Yes, i shall read the other novel in the series so that says something.
if you lioke Roman ripping yarns, you will enjoy this. Yes, i shall read the other novel in the series so that says something.
January 26, 2016
Another triumph!
After reading the second book I of the series, I rushed to seek this one. I'm so glad I did. I hadn't realized it was a series. I hope there are many more to come. Great works.
After reading the second book I of the series, I rushed to seek this one. I'm so glad I did. I hadn't realized it was a series. I hope there are many more to come. Great works.
March 25, 2016
Appallingly badly written, full of historical inaccuracies
Utter rubbish. I continued reading in the hope that the writing might improve, but to my astonishment it just kept getting worse.
Utter rubbish. I continued reading in the hope that the writing might improve, but to my astonishment it just kept getting worse.
September 26, 2015
A good story with plenty happening. Interesting characters and well written
May 9, 2016
Good book
Nicely written. This book was well done and I identify better with Lucius than I did in the first book.
Nicely written. This book was well done and I identify better with Lucius than I did in the first book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews