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Abandoned and cut off from friendly lines, Stiger takes the fight to the enemy!

A nobleman from an infamous family, imperial legionary officer, fighter, and a right proper bastard of a man…Captain Ben Stiger captured Castle Vrell and rid it of a minion of a dark god. Now he finds himself cut off from the empire with a hostile rebel army marching on the legion’s fortress where they guard the entrance to the Vrell Valley. It is not in Stiger’s nature to simply wait for the enemy. Badly outnumbered and facing odds greater than twenty to one, he sets out to impede the enemy’s advance and show them the steel that the legions are made of. To help him on his way he has the services of his friend, Eli one of the last remaining elven rangers. As if matters could not get worse, an army of dwarves is preparing to retake Castle Vrell, a sacred place they name Grata’Kor.

There are forces at play greater than Stiger can imagine. To survive, he must not only contend with a well-supported rebel army, but a hostile dwarven nation intent on fulfilling a mysterious prophecy that has the potential to shatter the world and bring ruin to the empire.

The battle to save the empire and the world continues in this action packed adventure.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2015

804 people are currently reading
788 people want to read

About the author

Marc Alan Edelheit

46 books859 followers
Bestselling 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.

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5 stars
2,176 (55%)
4 stars
1,289 (32%)
3 stars
387 (9%)
2 stars
46 (1%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
Profile Image for H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov.
2,125 reviews819 followers
February 8, 2019
“I fear the humans are right,” Ogg said. The hint of madness, for a moment, left the wizard’s eyes. “Braddock, I feel it in my bones. The Last War is coming. Can’t you feel it? The day fast approaches when the Gate can be unlocked and the way made open. Though, by your actions, we teeter on the edge of an endless night.”

These chronicles are like peanuts……..hard to stop at one. So I have plunged into the second book. As you may surmise from the above, Edelheit is pouring more fantasy into his legionary tale. The races now include elves and dwarves and magicians are involved in the conflict between the Empire (not evil) and the Confederacy (maybe evil, but certainly aggressive).

Not to give much plot away because most of this book is centered on the tactics used by Stiger (our hero) to block the Confederacy and “the Rebels” from taking Castle Vrell that Stiger has been ordered defend.

The tactics are right out of the Roman Legion military playbook. All the equipment, including the shape of the shields and the use of short swords is as well.

"The two catapults were an example of what made the legions so formidable. They were mostly self-reliant when it came to artillery. Each company was trained in the construction and maintenance of artillery. As long as the supplies needed were handy, any company could, at will, construct artillery."

The NCOs for the Empire could be from today’s U.S. Army training ground.
“All right, you sorry lot,” Durggen shouted at his file. “You thought you earned yourselves a rest? Well, you thought wrong. Time for some real soldiering. Fall in, you lazy bastards.” Stiger left the corporal and moved over to the left, where Sergeants Boral and Blake stood fast. They had arranged their defensive formation four deep and twenty across. This force represented half of the files that had been manning the left. Stiger had already sent the rest down the road toward Vrell. Those remaining represented his blocking force, keeping the enemy on his left in check."

Either you enjoy the details or you don’t. Because they ring true as to how battles really are conducted and how soldiers react in the moment. I rate this almost as good as the first.
Profile Image for Michelle.
654 reviews56 followers
February 6, 2023
Number two, and it's another re-read.

This one was better than the first. While the fantastical elements are still extremely light, there are a couple of them. There is a magical sentient sword and there are a couple of wizards casting their spells. Primarily, though, the story is similar to reading about the Roman legions on campaign. There is even a missing legion, except it's the 13th rather than the 9th. And the other races are dwarves, elves and gnomes so far.

There are several points of view to this one. Nothing obnoxious; they all have dedicated chapters. Captain Stiger the MC has his, then perspectives rotate through Lt. Lan holding down the fort at Vrell, Marcus the scout, Lt. Ikely the woodcarver, and Braddock, the leader of the dwarven clans.

The background storyline is starting to make itself known. So far it's a bit vague, more in the guise of a portent or allusion to history. But it's there for those that catch it!
Profile Image for John Brown.
563 reviews68 followers
April 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️

I still don’t really know what the plot of these books are a the fantasy elements are little to none but they’re action packed and fun reads. Based off the covers of later books it looks like it leans more into fantasy.
1 review
January 15, 2016
The author created a great framework for an epic series. Sadly he 'broad stroked' his story too much and ends up with a book suited for very young adults. At times the story appears to meander where the author seems to have lost his chain of thought. This reads like a first draft with the details to be added later. He also has established his books as Fantasy similar to the Warcraft series with a strong D&D influence. I was disappointed that characters weren't developed and are very one dimensional. Too bad... It had such great potential.
Profile Image for ShannaBanana✨.
548 reviews40 followers
June 17, 2021
Brilliant. I can’t put these books down. It is non stop action that has my heart pounding through every page. I am constantly worried for these characters every time they go into battle or even when they are settling down for the night. Anything could happen with enemies all around. I absolutely love Eli and Stiger and their amazing friendship. I felt like I was going to die when it seemed Eli was dead. I knew it didn’t feel quite right but I also knew that it would be just my shitty luck if it was so 🤷🏻‍♀️ What a freaking relief to know Eli couldn’t be killed off that easily! 🙌🏻

Anyway, I have to start the third book now cause I’m beyond excited to know what happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Shayne-Train.
438 reviews102 followers
June 9, 2020
Oh this one's just full o' war. WAR! Ungh. Good god, y'all. What is it good for? (Putting down rebellions!) Say it again.

But really. The first book was all build up, this book is all conflict, and it looks like the THIRD book is doubling-down on the more fantastical elements. I think I'll go check it.....right now.
Profile Image for Charles  van Buren.
1,910 reviews301 followers
July 9, 2022
Trapped

Having defeated the minion of the dark god Castor, Captain Stiger and Father Thomas should be able to rest a bit. But evil is never vanquished and Castor still wants Vrell. Captain Aveeno is dead but Castor has many agents through whom to work. The rebels and the Cyphans are moving an army towards Vrell and Captain Stiger's handful of men now trapped there.

I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Fantham.
320 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2016
These are very short books, I am hoping that they will be a continuous series because they are just that AWESOME.

The writing is on point always, the plot is very interesting and the characters are all well done. There is lots of ongoing action and they are just WOW.

Can't wait to see what happens next!
616 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2015
Great Read

Best one of the series yet. I'm looking forward to the next one. Excellent character development and nonstop action. I loved it!
Profile Image for Pamela .
626 reviews36 followers
August 8, 2021
Swords, magic, elves, dwarves, proud legionnaires, endless battles with strategic planning, characters you love, with nail biting moments. It's an addictive series......I'm on to "The Tiger's Fate"
Profile Image for GaiusPrimus.
868 reviews97 followers
May 14, 2019
Man oh man

Does this series continue to deliver or what? What a rush.

I'm glad there's a 8 book library from this author, all somewhat related.
Profile Image for Brian Turner.
707 reviews12 followers
February 3, 2018
Follows on nicely from Stigers Tigers. Following the events from that, Stiger now finds himself in charge of the Vrell castle, but other groups also want it for their own reasons.
This book introduces dwarves and elves into the mix, but they don't have too big a part just yet.

The fighting scenes are well done, and it tends to stick to the main characters from book one.
This is shaping up to be a good series, and will be getting the third book.
Profile Image for John Morris.
1,011 reviews80 followers
August 11, 2017
An exciting fantasy tale

The story was a marked improvement on Book 1. The battles were exciting to read about, with the added potency surrounding the arrival of dwarves, elves and the like. We are now, well and truly, in "Game of Thrones" territory.
Profile Image for Tim.
152 reviews14 followers
January 30, 2025
The Stiger novels get better as they go. Marc's skill as a writer improves as he expands his saga. His knowledge of Roman infantry tactics and organisation gives the battle scenes life. I am a fan. Highly recommended.
28 reviews
August 9, 2018
Excellent Book

Outstanding storyline with enough twist to keep you engrossed throughout the book . Highly recommend both the series and this book
922 reviews18 followers
August 13, 2020
So I read all 5 books in the "Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer" series at once which means:

1. Read the "Tales of the Seventh" and possibly "The Karus Saga" first. "Tales of the Seventh" I would say absolutely read first because those are prequels involving the same MC, Ben Stiger, and almost certainly worth the read. Unfortunately for me, I was unable to get interested in "Tales of the Seventh" since I already knew where the story was going. "The Karus Saga" is a prequel that takes place many centuries earlier and tells the tale of the missing Roman legion that was transported between worlds and created the second "Roman Empire" which Ben Stiger eventually serves.

2. I may misremember details and I won't be going back to check as my reading list is too long. In particular, I don't believe any of the books did something ridiculous like ending in the middle of a battle or not. I would definitely give such poor authorship a low rating but here the entire series was enjoyable so I am just advising readers to plan on reading all 5 books one after another.

3. Although the information I found was spotty, there are apparently 2 more books in this series on the way with the next book due out in October, 2020. Book 5, however, ended on such a high note that I was initially given the impression the series ended there. (I "asked" the author about this on Goodreads.com but I'm not holding this review for the answer.)

4. Books 1-5 are all getting the same review.

Ben Stiger, a low ranking officer in the Roman legions on another world, is sent north, with his elf lieutenant. Unfortunately the legions Stiger joins is rife with the politics of the Empire and, as a result, have fallen into terrible disorder and disgrace. Stiger, however, is immediately given a mission to scout in force to an outpost that has been cut off from the main camp of the legions. Seeing the opportunity in the mission Stiger immediately removes his own troops from the festering encampment and sets about returning them to proper legionary order before marching. Fortunately for Stiger his march is joined by the one cavalry unit that has stayed out of camp politics as much as possible. Unfortunately for Stiger, his march is joined by a paladin, since all know paladins only go where the gods send them and the gods only send them to trouble.

Stiger's initial march leads him into discovering a magical sword and the tale of the 13th, a legion missing for 300 years and commanded by Stiger's ancestor. Confrontations with deamons and the rediscovery of lost tribes of dwarves and elves follow. To top it all off Stiger even has to deal with the invasion of the Roman Empire by a neighboring empire, the champions of opposing gods and the occasional dragon.

Bottom line: Definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Tony.
1,720 reviews99 followers
February 24, 2020
The first book in this series introduced veteran imperial officer Ben Stiger, as he took over a rag-tag legion on the edge of the empire and whipped them into shape with the help of his trusty elf Lieutenant. Heavily based on imperial Roman soldiering, the book concluded with Stiger having taken command of a castle, but cut off from friendly territory by a large rebel force.

This next in the series opens with Stiger seeking to fight a delaying action so that winter can arrive and make it safe for his forces to hole up in the castle that commands the pass into a friendly valley. However, there's a twist -- it seems the local dwarves also have an interest in the castle and seem to think all this human activity might just be part of some prophecy.

Most of the book details Stiger's various attempts to slow the enemy down via various tactics, including several ambushes and carefully timed engagements. All pretty standard military fiction stuff -- at least until the enemy suddenly introduces a fireball-tossing wizard! The first book had a minimal dose of fantasy to it, but this one turns the dial up a little, as not only the dwarves start to play a role, but some more elves turn up unexpectedly. All in all, it's a pretty quick sequel that marries some decent action with a lot of plot table-setting for the next book.
461 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2021
I completed twelve available books authored by Mac Alan Edelheit on March 6, 2021 in less than a month. They are Chronicles of a Legionary Officer (5 books), Tales of the Seventh (3 books), The Karus Saga (3 books), and Way of the Legend (1 book). To paraphrase Bill and Ted’s Adventures it has been a “most excellent” reading experience.
I don’t recall what prompted me to first read Edelheit’s Tales of the Seventh: Stiger. It turned out to be a great place to start. In the books that followed, Stiger’s universe expanded introducing many mythical creatures and gods and followers at odds with each other. The books broke the bounds of time and worlds as prophecies began to unfold. Other protagonists for good and evil were introduced and were led and driven by their respective gods toward specific ends leading to wars and skirmishes and unlikely compacts.
I am giving each work a five-star rating. Much like the Star Wars Saga, it is essentially one story involving different players, time periods, and multiple worlds.
Each book left me thirsting for more. Each book unexpectedly left me feeling upbeat and hopeful and refreshed . It also left me rather fatigued as the clock often passed midnight before I could no longer continue reading. Errands were left undone or put off. I simply could not put the books down.
3,059 reviews13 followers
January 10, 2024
Captain Ben Steiger is fighting a series of delaying rearguard skirmishes as the rebel army remorselessly advances on Vrell Castle.
These are battles he has prepared for but there is one coming from within as the dwarven builders of Vrell attempt to reclaim it.
The dwarves withdrew into the mountains over centuries ago and their history has faded into legend but an ancient evil has brought them back.
Steiger's Tigers stand alone with no hope of reinforcement any time soon.
“The Tiger”, second in the “Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer”, is primarily a battle book with a few brief diversions.
It opens up a fresh understanding of what became of the 13th Legion and General Delvaris centuries ago and why the 13th was never officially retired from the active list.
And what happens at the end is truly startling.
It's bloodthirsty and rousing stuff – I revelled in it.
4 Stars.
31 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2021
Transports you through time

This book is well written and holds your interest closely. (And unlike all too many books I've read in recent years, it's not full of distractions such as poor grammar, punctuation errors and other annoying distractions that should be caught by a decent proofreader or editor.) The author takes an ancient historical entity and translates it to a fictional world of like period. If you have any interest in the ancient Roman Legions, you will want to read this. While I've not studied the subject extensively, what I do know matches what is presented here and teaches even more of the subject while telling an interesting story. Be sure you read the entire series (this is book two, the first being "Stiger's " Tigers).
31 reviews
September 3, 2020
A perfect merging of Simon Scarrow and JRR Tolkien

I am a long time fan of Roman history fiction. Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane produce, for me, the perfect examples of such work. The same goes for my real enjoyment of fantasy written by the likes of JRR Tolkien and George RR Martin. Mr Edelheit has blended the two genres very well.
Plenty of action. Very good character development. Our eponymous hero has martial skills and knowledge aplenty. However he is frequently nagged by self doubt.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next instalment, as this review covers the first two books.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Rob.
683 reviews40 followers
March 9, 2021
I liked book #2. The author introduces a bit more fantasy than the opening novel but it works. While our hero Captain Stiger fares about as expected... the writing and basic storyline work well for me. An easy, enjoyable read. Good change of pace from some of the more complex fantasy authors I enjoy (Sanderson, Mark Lawrence, Brian McClellan, etc.). Edelheit also gets into the details of military strategy and maneuvering during battle scenes. Interesting at first then in a few cases caused the story to drag a bit. Just a bit. This book definitely reads as one part of a broader story but it is a story I will keep reading. I am ready for book #3.
Profile Image for Jacob.
18 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2017
Roman Legion in a world of Magic!!

First of, did I just write "Roman Legion in a world of Magic?!?!" Talk about an amazing plot twist!!! The fact that we get to experience the greatest heavy infantry our world has ever seen on another, through the perspective of our favorite grizzled "Legate," and his Tigers is nothing less than astounding!!! I quite enjoy fantasy and history, so getting to see them both together in the form of a well written novel is something of much enjoyment to me. These books are amazing, and I am thankful to have found them. That is all.
1,420 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2017
Awesome

I started the series with this book. I'm going back to read the first. This was really well done. Elves, dwarves, gnomes, wizards, prophecies and mysterious evil notwithstanding this felt like a historical novel. I haven't read those for a little while and this brought back the memory of the pleasure of that genre.

If you like military fiction with a strong accurate accounting of the warfare depicted then you will get the benefit of a well written story. If you like fantasy, this series puts a different spin on elves, and the rest.

God job Mr. Edelheit.
Profile Image for Charles.
100 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2018
Book 2 in this series finds Stiger and his Legionaries confronting a rebel army that's bent on removing him from the fortress he just took over. Even though he's outnumbered more than 20-1, Stiger decides to take the fight to the advancing rebel army. Along the way we get more battle tactics, leadership skills, and daily life of a legionnaire. Add into the mix some major surprises and twists in the story, and we have a pretty entertaining read that is hard to put down.

Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer Book 2 doesn't disappoint!
Profile Image for LJ.
431 reviews39 followers
February 16, 2019
Outstanding book two, no slowing down this winning series!

As I complete book two in this series, again I have to repeat what a discovery! This series continues to exceed my expectations with pulse pounding action, raw, intense combat,, it does not slow down or disappoint.
The author has created a lead character, who Is a gifted, skilled tactician, with methodical, military planning skills and manages to hold my interest completely throughout this series by involving me in his thought processes. Well done! On to book 3!
Profile Image for Adrian Jackson.
37 reviews14 followers
April 16, 2020
Fun fun fun. I enjoyed book one of this series but kept tripping over the historical legionary detail mixed with the light fantasy trickling in at the edges of the story. As a mild history buff I both enjoyed the references but was taken aback at the discrepancies. Not dissimilar in approach to Miles Cameron's fantasy series (which I cannot recommend enough btw). The characters from the first book grew on me in this one and I enjoyed the addition of a wider cast outside the unit. For me this was really good brain candy. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Sam.
273 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2021
Action and suspense filled as the heavily outnumbered Romans fight a delaying action.

When fewer than a thousand face more than 20 thousand it is only a matter of time before even the best training, conditioning, and leadership must be overwhelmed. Regardless these odds, Stiger fights a delaying battle, trusting to winter to delay and weaken the huge enemy force which also contained battle hardened elite troops. A fantastic story, well told, an excellent addition to the series, and well worth the time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews

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