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Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer #3
The Tiger's Fate
2017 Gold Medal Winner for Best Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror E-Book Independent Publisher Book Awards
The third installment of the award-winning Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer series is here!
A nobleman from an infamous family, imperial legionary officer, fighter and a right proper bastard of a man…Captain Ben Stiger has successfully thwarted the attack from an army of the Cyphan Confederacy. Now Stiger, his men, and his new dwarven allies have fallen back behind the great walls of Castle Vrell. Stiger finds himself named Legate of the Vanished, the long lost 13th Legion. This title and his own word binds him to the terms of the Compact, an ancient and mystical alliance formed nearly two thousand years before. The snows have come and the mountain summit into Vrell is impassable. On one side of the pass sits an army of the Cyphan Confederacy some twenty thousand strong. On the other sits Stiger, his company, the remnants of the 13th Legion and a dwarven army. Each side is waiting for the spring thaw.
Bottled up in the Vrell valley, Stiger and his elven companion, Eli, learn of Garand Thoss, an ancient and abandoned dwarven city. Within its hallowed halls resides a prize of unimaginable value; a prize that will reveal the true history of the empire, and force Stiger to face a new enemy more deadly than he has ever faced before…
The third installment of the award-winning Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer series is here!
A nobleman from an infamous family, imperial legionary officer, fighter and a right proper bastard of a man…Captain Ben Stiger has successfully thwarted the attack from an army of the Cyphan Confederacy. Now Stiger, his men, and his new dwarven allies have fallen back behind the great walls of Castle Vrell. Stiger finds himself named Legate of the Vanished, the long lost 13th Legion. This title and his own word binds him to the terms of the Compact, an ancient and mystical alliance formed nearly two thousand years before. The snows have come and the mountain summit into Vrell is impassable. On one side of the pass sits an army of the Cyphan Confederacy some twenty thousand strong. On the other sits Stiger, his company, the remnants of the 13th Legion and a dwarven army. Each side is waiting for the spring thaw.
Bottled up in the Vrell valley, Stiger and his elven companion, Eli, learn of Garand Thoss, an ancient and abandoned dwarven city. Within its hallowed halls resides a prize of unimaginable value; a prize that will reveal the true history of the empire, and force Stiger to face a new enemy more deadly than he has ever faced before…
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2016
795 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Marc Alan Edelheit
46 books859 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 141 reviews
July 13, 2022
Good vs Evil
Captain Stiger, now Legate Stiger, has restored the compact and cemented the Alliance with the dwarves. Together it seems that they can defeat the rebels and the Cyphan Confederation. But the dark god Castor still wants Vrell and the world gate which it and the dwarves guard. Castor has apparently been planning and preparing his moves for decades. Stiger, the dwarves and their gnome allies must stop Castor or the world is lost. Clear cut good vs. evil in an exciting tale full of twists and turns.
Captain Stiger, now Legate Stiger, has restored the compact and cemented the Alliance with the dwarves. Together it seems that they can defeat the rebels and the Cyphan Confederation. But the dark god Castor still wants Vrell and the world gate which it and the dwarves guard. Castor has apparently been planning and preparing his moves for decades. Stiger, the dwarves and their gnome allies must stop Castor or the world is lost. Clear cut good vs. evil in an exciting tale full of twists and turns.
February 20, 2019
“Well,” Harananos said, “there is a complication. The young Stiger found the eagle of the Thirteenth.”
“The Thirteenth?” Treim said. “The Vanished? He found the lost eagle?”
“Yes, he did,” the emperor said, “and that is the problem.”
“I do not see how.” Treim was confused. “It is just an eagle. All he has to do is hang onto it until we can fight our way south. If this castle is so well fortified, there should be little problem with him holding out.”
“It is a bit more complicated than that,” Harananos said. “This here is Eli’Far’s father.”
“That’s the elf who follows Stiger around, right?” Treim asked, glancing over at Tenya’Far.
“My son,” the elf admitted, speaking for the first time."
This make any sense? Then, perhaps, you should read Stiger’s Tigers before going any further. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is a transitional book. The quotation above involves key players in “The Empire” who, once introduced, are never again mentioned in this volume. And that is why I am not as enthusiastic about this book though I will read the next one within a few weeks.
“We need to send Stiger aid,” Harananos said. “Should Vrell fall, the empire is doomed.” “That is why,” Tenya’Far stated, “I am taking a force of elven fighters to relieve Legate Stiger.” “What? I don’t understand,” Treim said, his mind racing. He could not see how a remote, isolated valley could hold the key to the empire’s survival. “Elven fighters? Legate? We have not used that title in centuries. We call them generals now.” “General Treim,” the emperor said, leaning forward from his golden throne, “as commander of my armies, it is time you were told of the Compact.”
“The Compact?”
“Yes,” Harananos said, “an alliance made over two thousand years ago.”
The Compact is the key to Stiger’s role and responsibilities. In this volume we meet dwarves and gnomes and goblins and dragons. Now, magic is becoming more of a factor. We learn a lot more about Castle Vrell and other things hiding in plain sight.
My problem isn’t with these elements or the world that Edelheit has created. My understanding is that this yarn was (like many that Dickens created) serialized and thus there is some constant repetition of places and relationships. Worse, it is as if you were given chapters 11-17 of Oliver Twist as a complete book. Shame on the publishers.
“The Thirteenth?” Treim said. “The Vanished? He found the lost eagle?”
“Yes, he did,” the emperor said, “and that is the problem.”
“I do not see how.” Treim was confused. “It is just an eagle. All he has to do is hang onto it until we can fight our way south. If this castle is so well fortified, there should be little problem with him holding out.”
“It is a bit more complicated than that,” Harananos said. “This here is Eli’Far’s father.”
“That’s the elf who follows Stiger around, right?” Treim asked, glancing over at Tenya’Far.
“My son,” the elf admitted, speaking for the first time."
This make any sense? Then, perhaps, you should read Stiger’s Tigers before going any further. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is a transitional book. The quotation above involves key players in “The Empire” who, once introduced, are never again mentioned in this volume. And that is why I am not as enthusiastic about this book though I will read the next one within a few weeks.
“We need to send Stiger aid,” Harananos said. “Should Vrell fall, the empire is doomed.” “That is why,” Tenya’Far stated, “I am taking a force of elven fighters to relieve Legate Stiger.” “What? I don’t understand,” Treim said, his mind racing. He could not see how a remote, isolated valley could hold the key to the empire’s survival. “Elven fighters? Legate? We have not used that title in centuries. We call them generals now.” “General Treim,” the emperor said, leaning forward from his golden throne, “as commander of my armies, it is time you were told of the Compact.”
“The Compact?”
“Yes,” Harananos said, “an alliance made over two thousand years ago.”
The Compact is the key to Stiger’s role and responsibilities. In this volume we meet dwarves and gnomes and goblins and dragons. Now, magic is becoming more of a factor. We learn a lot more about Castle Vrell and other things hiding in plain sight.
My problem isn’t with these elements or the world that Edelheit has created. My understanding is that this yarn was (like many that Dickens created) serialized and thus there is some constant repetition of places and relationships. Worse, it is as if you were given chapters 11-17 of Oliver Twist as a complete book. Shame on the publishers.
October 15, 2016
The good: You know how you feel when you buy a can of Pringles*? You know its not haute cuisine, but by god you're gonna enjoy it. That was how I felt about this. It was predictable, but still a good ride. Sort of wrapping up the first story arc with a satisfying epic battle and some majorly creepy bad guys (the reveal of the Minion critter was actually pretty good). All told, I think I dig this military fantasy thing.
The bad: Much like infomercials, theres a lot of "But wait! Theres more!" You keep thinking you've reached the climax (albeit very briefly) and then OhWaitTheresAWholeNotherArmyBwahahahahaha. And this kept going right to end, leaving you in a bit of a TV style cliff hanger. Which is a mixed bag and by the end was completely obvious.
* If you dislike Pringles you're wrong and you should feel bad.
The bad: Much like infomercials, theres a lot of "But wait! Theres more!" You keep thinking you've reached the climax (albeit very briefly) and then OhWaitTheresAWholeNotherArmyBwahahahahaha. And this kept going right to end, leaving you in a bit of a TV style cliff hanger. Which is a mixed bag and by the end was completely obvious.
* If you dislike Pringles you're wrong and you should feel bad.
February 23, 2023
Number three in the series "Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer". It's another re-read.
I have read this a couple of times, and I gave it four stars. I don't know what exactly my problem is, but I really found some aspects irritating. Maybe it's a mood thing, I don't know. I feel like I'm my normal self, but one never knows 😂
The first thing I need to get off my chest is that this was a bit of a slog for the first half of the book. It didn't really get going until the fight against the orcs. The author basically had everyone kind of meandering until then.
My next critique is repetitive vocabulary. For the most part his language is varied but holy moly, how many derivatives of the word "sour" have to be in one book? Soured, sourly, sour...Instead of always having one character look at another with a sour expression, (or sourly!), he could have used different words. While I'm already riding the critical train against repetition: if I had a dollar for every time the female elf was described as beautiful, I could fund an early retirement.
Since I brought up the female elf, that reminded me of an issue. The female characters have the depth and complexity of a paper plate. One of the females stereotypically trips several times while running through the woods. That trope is so overused. He just doesn't write about females very well.
I say all of this to say: there are some issues with the book. However!
The cast in the book has multiplied. It's not just humans, dwarves, elves and the sentient sword; there are the already mentioned orcs along with gnomes and dragons. There are also some hordes. These all help to keep things interesting. Surprisingly the gnomes were my favorite of the bunch. They are the surly (sour!) engineers and they love to blow things up. It's hard to dislike them when they're basically woohoo-ing themselves over a properly destroyed structure!
Once the book gets better after the orc battle, I didn't have nearly the problems with it that I experienced during the first half. That makes me wonder if it was the sheer boredom that caused my nitpicking. I will most likely continue my re-read despite my complaints, because this is a decent mishmash of the Roman legions and a portal fantasy.
I have read this a couple of times, and I gave it four stars. I don't know what exactly my problem is, but I really found some aspects irritating. Maybe it's a mood thing, I don't know. I feel like I'm my normal self, but one never knows 😂
The first thing I need to get off my chest is that this was a bit of a slog for the first half of the book. It didn't really get going until the fight against the orcs. The author basically had everyone kind of meandering until then.
My next critique is repetitive vocabulary. For the most part his language is varied but holy moly, how many derivatives of the word "sour" have to be in one book? Soured, sourly, sour...Instead of always having one character look at another with a sour expression, (or sourly!), he could have used different words. While I'm already riding the critical train against repetition: if I had a dollar for every time the female elf was described as beautiful, I could fund an early retirement.
Since I brought up the female elf, that reminded me of an issue. The female characters have the depth and complexity of a paper plate. One of the females stereotypically trips several times while running through the woods. That trope is so overused. He just doesn't write about females very well.
I say all of this to say: there are some issues with the book. However!
The cast in the book has multiplied. It's not just humans, dwarves, elves and the sentient sword; there are the already mentioned orcs along with gnomes and dragons. There are also some hordes. These all help to keep things interesting. Surprisingly the gnomes were my favorite of the bunch. They are the surly (sour!) engineers and they love to blow things up. It's hard to dislike them when they're basically woohoo-ing themselves over a properly destroyed structure!
Once the book gets better after the orc battle, I didn't have nearly the problems with it that I experienced during the first half. That makes me wonder if it was the sheer boredom that caused my nitpicking. I will most likely continue my re-read despite my complaints, because this is a decent mishmash of the Roman legions and a portal fantasy.
August 14, 2021
This is one of the best series I've read. (listened to, Steven Brand is on the top of his game with these characters) The third of Ben Stiger's story as an Imperial Legionary Officer, strictly swords and sorcery fantasy, with amazing Roman-like legions battling against and sometimes with elves, orcs, dwarves and dragons. This series has it all, with it's well developed characters and excellently choreographed battle scenes, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It's non stop action with this installment, so be prepared to stay put awhile. I've been binging on the audio and see I have several books to go, so no time to waste with any more reviewing.
August 13, 2017
Very enjoyable, with a cliff hanger of twist.
Battles between a motley collection of humans, elves, dwarves and orcs - what more could you want? This book was a very enjoyable read, with an unexpected twist at the end. Will Stiger escape? Yes, of course he will but that story is for Book 4 and I cannot wait.
Battles between a motley collection of humans, elves, dwarves and orcs - what more could you want? This book was a very enjoyable read, with an unexpected twist at the end. Will Stiger escape? Yes, of course he will but that story is for Book 4 and I cannot wait.
June 22, 2020
Mannnnn, there is some WAR going on. Rome VS Orcs!
(Uh oh, I've been very much enjoying the fact that these volumes are a bit on the slim side, and now I see the next in the series is like twice the size of the others. Time for a bit of a break)
(Uh oh, I've been very much enjoying the fact that these volumes are a bit on the slim side, and now I see the next in the series is like twice the size of the others. Time for a bit of a break)
July 5, 2016
It's the weakest of the series but still a good read.
The roman military fiction set in a fantasy world thing is as fun as ever. Problem is that in order to reach that part you'll have to trudge through a very lengthy exposition dump which eats up approximately the first fourth of the book. It's for the sake of world building and setting up things to come but as a result this book is a very slow starter.
After it's done it's share of educational tourism it gets back to it's strengths, warfare, and from then on it's a great read. While I didn't find the enemy or setting quite as interesting as the last two outings, this one pulls more from high fantasy and less from low fantasy which made the conflict seem a little too much like generic epic fantasy, the actual fighting is as good as ever. It also helps that, once the battles start, the pace and intensity of them lasts the whole way through until near the end.
That brings me to the ending which takes a surprising turn. We won't really know if it's good or bad until the next book but my gut reaction is to be a little concerned. Just have to wait and see.
The roman military fiction set in a fantasy world thing is as fun as ever. Problem is that in order to reach that part you'll have to trudge through a very lengthy exposition dump which eats up approximately the first fourth of the book. It's for the sake of world building and setting up things to come but as a result this book is a very slow starter.
After it's done it's share of educational tourism it gets back to it's strengths, warfare, and from then on it's a great read. While I didn't find the enemy or setting quite as interesting as the last two outings, this one pulls more from high fantasy and less from low fantasy which made the conflict seem a little too much like generic epic fantasy, the actual fighting is as good as ever. It also helps that, once the battles start, the pace and intensity of them lasts the whole way through until near the end.
That brings me to the ending which takes a surprising turn. We won't really know if it's good or bad until the next book but my gut reaction is to be a little concerned. Just have to wait and see.
June 25, 2016
My favorite book to date! :P
May 15, 2019
While I think books 1 and 2 are better overall, I don't think this is a bad book and the rating reflects that.
Books 1 and 2, with their world building and introduction are engaging and wondrous. Book 3 seems to have been setup as the stepping stone for the next mini-arc within the larger story of the Ben Stiger becoming "who he is meant to be"
We still have some great reveals and there's a pretty great, albeit slightly Deus Ex'y, scene with a large mythical creature.
Onward to book 4.
Books 1 and 2, with their world building and introduction are engaging and wondrous. Book 3 seems to have been setup as the stepping stone for the next mini-arc within the larger story of the Ben Stiger becoming "who he is meant to be"
We still have some great reveals and there's a pretty great, albeit slightly Deus Ex'y, scene with a large mythical creature.
Onward to book 4.
March 11, 2019
The pacing on this book was a bit slower than the author's other books, because of the need for more background verbiage because of a "big reveal". One that caught me off guard, but in hindsight made total sense. I was wondering how so many mythical creatures were interacting with Roman legions. Now I know why.
One more book and I'm out of books by this author. :(
One more book and I'm out of books by this author. :(
April 4, 2020
Brilliant
Well hes done it again a lot of stuff is revealed in this book that I'd love to talk about but spoiler alert so I wont this book felt so much more intense than the previous two and the ending would have had me swearing at it in a good way if my toddlers were not in the room on to book four then
Well hes done it again a lot of stuff is revealed in this book that I'd love to talk about but spoiler alert so I wont this book felt so much more intense than the previous two and the ending would have had me swearing at it in a good way if my toddlers were not in the room on to book four then
November 1, 2017
Great
Another great addition to the series marcs work keep getting better and thus series is in my top 10 all time reads.
Another great addition to the series marcs work keep getting better and thus series is in my top 10 all time reads.
January 31, 2025
Excellent read. Found myself in "just one more chapter" mode. Knew something big was going to happen at the end but still a surprise. Looking forward to Book 4.
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.
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.
January 11, 2024
“The Tiger's Fate” proves once again that the author, Marc Edelheit, is a master of battlefield action – up close and personal.
Winter has fallen and Captain Ben Steiger (a Legate in name but he's unconvinced) has settled his troops in the nearly impregnable Vrell Castle.
In front the enemy has camped for Winter.
Behind the castle is a peaceful valley … but not for long, as a huge Orc army marches towards Vrell, destroying everything in its way.
There's also the revelation that the Roman history Ben has grown up with is true – just not of this world.
In fact just about every inhabitant originally came from other worlds, and the time is fast approaching when the Gate may open again.
The details of the Compact remain tantalisingly vague but the general thrust is clear – defend the Gate no matter what.
There's also the slightest glimpse of a possible romance between Ben and the Elven princess Taha’Leeth, but war comes first.
And he's coming to realise that his days as a frontline leader are ending – as co-commander of an army of humans, dwarves, gnomes and a pair of dragons, he's become a commander of thousands.
But, even as Ben fights a succesful, though costly, fighting rearguard action against the Orcs he is betrayed.
And that betrayal leads to something very unexpected.
I inhaled this book, staying up well past my bedtime and don't regret a minute of it.
4 very solid Stars.
Winter has fallen and Captain Ben Steiger (a Legate in name but he's unconvinced) has settled his troops in the nearly impregnable Vrell Castle.
In front the enemy has camped for Winter.
Behind the castle is a peaceful valley … but not for long, as a huge Orc army marches towards Vrell, destroying everything in its way.
There's also the revelation that the Roman history Ben has grown up with is true – just not of this world.
In fact just about every inhabitant originally came from other worlds, and the time is fast approaching when the Gate may open again.
The details of the Compact remain tantalisingly vague but the general thrust is clear – defend the Gate no matter what.
There's also the slightest glimpse of a possible romance between Ben and the Elven princess Taha’Leeth, but war comes first.
And he's coming to realise that his days as a frontline leader are ending – as co-commander of an army of humans, dwarves, gnomes and a pair of dragons, he's become a commander of thousands.
But, even as Ben fights a succesful, though costly, fighting rearguard action against the Orcs he is betrayed.
And that betrayal leads to something very unexpected.
I inhaled this book, staying up well past my bedtime and don't regret a minute of it.
4 very solid Stars.
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.
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.
May 25, 2021
One hell of a book
This is one hell of a series on its own journey to enthrall it's readers. An fantastic job on the story.
It never let up the fantastical pace it had set from the first book. It's a beautifully written war epic/opera. Where although the focus is on Stiger and yet the supporting cast of allies, dwarves, legionaries, centurions and elves is one to behold.
The stakes are high, extremely so with every side losing so much. And yet the wins and losses are something to look forward to. For in every win or loss there is something to be learned either about the enemy or about oneself albeit at the expense of many lives. Guess this is how the Roman wars for expansion took place.
Never thought I would be reading about Roman battles and wars in a fantasy based setting. I have not been let down.
Stiger has a lot of questions and so do I. I guess everything will be revealed in time. For instance whats the back story on rorakan? Who made it and why and for whom.
The whole time travel thing is mind boggling in the real world. It's even more so in this book although the concept and explanation and the participants in the time travel are quite few.
Hopefully more will be explained in the fourth book.
This is one hell of a series on its own journey to enthrall it's readers. An fantastic job on the story.
It never let up the fantastical pace it had set from the first book. It's a beautifully written war epic/opera. Where although the focus is on Stiger and yet the supporting cast of allies, dwarves, legionaries, centurions and elves is one to behold.
The stakes are high, extremely so with every side losing so much. And yet the wins and losses are something to look forward to. For in every win or loss there is something to be learned either about the enemy or about oneself albeit at the expense of many lives. Guess this is how the Roman wars for expansion took place.
Never thought I would be reading about Roman battles and wars in a fantasy based setting. I have not been let down.
Stiger has a lot of questions and so do I. I guess everything will be revealed in time. For instance whats the back story on rorakan? Who made it and why and for whom.
The whole time travel thing is mind boggling in the real world. It's even more so in this book although the concept and explanation and the participants in the time travel are quite few.
Hopefully more will be explained in the fourth book.
November 10, 2021
This third entry in the series continues the well written, fast-paced narrative of its predecessors, and finally commits to some worthwhile world and lore building that was absent in the previous entries. It all makes for some interesting concepts, but as we interact more with the fantastical elements of the world I’m finding the cookie-cutter, stereotypical portrayals of the fantasy species distracting. Elves connected to the forest, reclusive Dwarves holed up underground with gunpowder technology, gnomes that gibber, and orcs that typify barbarian virtues of strength and individual prowess…it’s just all generally…well…generic. That wouldn’t be as distracting if there was better care taken in other areas, but I also think the lore breaks down when we find out just how long these descendants of the Roman Empire have inhabited this world…such time, yet they’re literally stuck at the technological level from when they arrived. It’s just not believable, and I think shows some real laziness in conception. There’s already an avoidance of needing to conduct painstaking historical research by transplanting the Roman Empire into a fantasy world, so I’d frankly have expected that energy to go into molding a unique and believable history and divergent path of this world. Instead it seems we have a series of historical events, but nothing else that actually marks the passage of time; nothing seems to have changed in any of the intervening centuries other than the shuffling of players. So while the story is still engaging, as is the writing minus some dragging with the increased presence of battle depictions in this entry, some of the enjoyment has worn off with what I find to be lackluster effort put into developing a unique and believable world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2019
Hell of an ending! Geesh! Now I have to get book 4 and pronto. Then wait far too long for book 5. Geesh...
Oh, let me back up a bit: Excellent series! Love the action and world-building. If I had to describe the series, it’s fantasy (magic, dwarfs, elves and grimdark) meets Spartacus (swords and sandals) action. Pretty nifty combination and there is never ever a dull moment.
If I were to list any complaints, I’d have two. 1- The relationship/friendship between the main character, Stiger and Eli (the elf) is not featured prominently enough. It gets close then Eli disappears a lot and even in the heat of battle, disappears when he seems to insert himself in battles determined to stay at Stiger’s side to watch his back should he take too great a risk. Still, their friendship is awesome but not enough on it features in the books. 2- Short. The books are far too short. I listen on Audible and blow through them in a day and a-half.
There is a lot of mention about how Stiger rose in the ranks and the general who took him under his wing, including how he met Eli and spent time with him in his home and the Elves. I was happy to see there are books that delve into the backstory and am happy to grab those soon.
Oh, and there is one other complaint: The narrator, Steve Brand. He’s not terrible but there are a lot of voices/characters to juggle and he doesn’t distinguish much from one to the other. He needs WAY more tone and vocal inflection to make this a better product. Thankfully, the stories themselves carry the day and I highly recommend them.
Oh, let me back up a bit: Excellent series! Love the action and world-building. If I had to describe the series, it’s fantasy (magic, dwarfs, elves and grimdark) meets Spartacus (swords and sandals) action. Pretty nifty combination and there is never ever a dull moment.
If I were to list any complaints, I’d have two. 1- The relationship/friendship between the main character, Stiger and Eli (the elf) is not featured prominently enough. It gets close then Eli disappears a lot and even in the heat of battle, disappears when he seems to insert himself in battles determined to stay at Stiger’s side to watch his back should he take too great a risk. Still, their friendship is awesome but not enough on it features in the books. 2- Short. The books are far too short. I listen on Audible and blow through them in a day and a-half.
There is a lot of mention about how Stiger rose in the ranks and the general who took him under his wing, including how he met Eli and spent time with him in his home and the Elves. I was happy to see there are books that delve into the backstory and am happy to grab those soon.
Oh, and there is one other complaint: The narrator, Steve Brand. He’s not terrible but there are a lot of voices/characters to juggle and he doesn’t distinguish much from one to the other. He needs WAY more tone and vocal inflection to make this a better product. Thankfully, the stories themselves carry the day and I highly recommend them.
January 1, 2018
It takes a legion to make a legend.
Brave, tough, selfless, disciplined, intelligent, driven by honor, duty, friendship, and a higher purpose. That is the description of these legion soldiers. With each book, their battles become even more amazingly, complex and hard fought. Through it all, Steiger the Tiger, is the perfect, imperfect man and leader. This was by far my favorite book of the series as the author brings all the factions together to focus on the battle to save their world. All the prior skirmishes\battles were preparation for the beginning of the most important fight of their lives. Steiger leads and inspires his soldiers to give all they've got and then some. The cost to become legend is harder than I ever imagined. This series gave me a new respect for soldiers and what they face. The twist at the end asks Steiger to dig even deeper, sacrifice even more, to save the world. Can't wait for the next book to reveal how Steiner handles the new challenge.
Brave, tough, selfless, disciplined, intelligent, driven by honor, duty, friendship, and a higher purpose. That is the description of these legion soldiers. With each book, their battles become even more amazingly, complex and hard fought. Through it all, Steiger the Tiger, is the perfect, imperfect man and leader. This was by far my favorite book of the series as the author brings all the factions together to focus on the battle to save their world. All the prior skirmishes\battles were preparation for the beginning of the most important fight of their lives. Steiger leads and inspires his soldiers to give all they've got and then some. The cost to become legend is harder than I ever imagined. This series gave me a new respect for soldiers and what they face. The twist at the end asks Steiger to dig even deeper, sacrifice even more, to save the world. Can't wait for the next book to reveal how Steiner handles the new challenge.
March 5, 2019
Exceptional, epic trilogy, enjoyed each book in this series, cannot wait to continue. Immediately, through this gifted, talented author, I was able to feel a kinship with the characters, the magic system is minimal, all that is needed..., the world building is incredible, what a ride! Camaraderie is heartfelt, the battle scenes, incredibly detailed and lifelike, while the strategies, tactics, battle training and maneuvers felt straight out of a textbook from a war college. However, this author was able to seamlessly blend these lessons into a cognizant, fast paced book series while explaining in layman's terms, the pov of the soldiers and their leaders. Wow, just really well done and incredibly imaginative. I look forward to continuing this series, thank you Marc Edelheit, for sharing your talents.
December 31, 2018
Marc Alan Edelheit's series takes some new twists and turns, revealing more about the larger picture of how Ben Stiger's Roman Legion mixes in with dwarfs, elves, orcs, and wizards. Some of the reveals are shocking, and new fantasy elements are woven into the tale. Stiger shows his leadership and tactical skill, but we find the Gods have powers and plans that throw Stiger's Tigers into quite a predicament. At the end, we are left with a very big reveal and a cliffhanger, begging the reader to get the next book. It's all great fun if you're a fan of historically accurate warriors and battle tactics, but even more so when that historical war machine's tactics are pitted against a fantasy army such as orcs and wizards.
Excellent read!
Excellent read!
March 11, 2019
The author has delivered yet another good book! He writes so well you'd think he could be a Roman general!
The descriptions of combat and tactics are short and crisp, yet detailed when they need to be. The situations of war he describes is vivid. He really brings the history to this series, and people or nonhumans often die in combat to injures like a sword wound to the neck.
The beginning was a little boring and it took a while for there to be some action, but other than that, once the fighting picked up, everything was okay.
There are some plot holes though, and some motivations for why certain people or groups did certain things did not always make sense. The ending was a little jarring though, because it was a little like science fiction.
The descriptions of combat and tactics are short and crisp, yet detailed when they need to be. The situations of war he describes is vivid. He really brings the history to this series, and people or nonhumans often die in combat to injures like a sword wound to the neck.
The beginning was a little boring and it took a while for there to be some action, but other than that, once the fighting picked up, everything was okay.
There are some plot holes though, and some motivations for why certain people or groups did certain things did not always make sense. The ending was a little jarring though, because it was a little like science fiction.
April 1, 2020
Excellent once again
Another brilliant read in this series, so glad I had it recommended to me by KU.
The characters are excellent and the story just gets better and better. There is always something happening and the author uses his time wisely never dragging out something but cutting to the chase and moving when needed.
The premise of this gets better and better with the plot twists at the end marvellous and also the wee signposts earlier setting up the last couple of chapters.
This missing of Fantasy and Romans is a joy and you should read it asap if you like either. 😁
Another brilliant read in this series, so glad I had it recommended to me by KU.
The characters are excellent and the story just gets better and better. There is always something happening and the author uses his time wisely never dragging out something but cutting to the chase and moving when needed.
The premise of this gets better and better with the plot twists at the end marvellous and also the wee signposts earlier setting up the last couple of chapters.
This missing of Fantasy and Romans is a joy and you should read it asap if you like either. 😁
January 15, 2021
My Second Reading
I have now read The Tiger's Fate twice, and there is no doubt it will not be the last time. Marc Alan Edelheit is a master story teller. Each and every book in his several series is a delight that just about cannot be put down. Personally I greatly enjoy reading them again before a new one in a series arrives.
If you enjoy fantasy mashed with elements related to history, you will love this series starting with Stiger's Tigers. Do not fail to give these novels a try, you will be forever glad you did. Enjoy.
I have now read The Tiger's Fate twice, and there is no doubt it will not be the last time. Marc Alan Edelheit is a master story teller. Each and every book in his several series is a delight that just about cannot be put down. Personally I greatly enjoy reading them again before a new one in a series arrives.
If you enjoy fantasy mashed with elements related to history, you will love this series starting with Stiger's Tigers. Do not fail to give these novels a try, you will be forever glad you did. Enjoy.
May 29, 2022
Book 3 of the Stiger tale grew into a full blown fantasy adventure. Book 1 was Roman legions, defending castles, and building a legacy for the Tiger. Book 2 veered off course. And Book 3 gives us a complete 180. Dwarfs, wizards with orbs, time travel gates, dragons, oh my... too much. Just too much. No longer my style. The writing is still decent, but the tale has turned from interesting and fresh to re-hashed and re-told concepts from so many other early fantasy novels. 3 stars and the Tiger's Fate is my exit novel from this series.
December 23, 2017
The major character suffers through a series of battles he could not have anticipated. Allies not sharing needed information is common and in this instance can be fatal. The novel is full of the characters trying to not break under incredible pressures. It stays tense from the first to the last page.
It's easily one of the best stories that I've read about the interactions between the various mythical races, as well with humans. If you've read the previous books, I don't need to tell you that the writing is as solid as rock. The storytelling is really good.
It's easily one of the best stories that I've read about the interactions between the various mythical races, as well with humans. If you've read the previous books, I don't need to tell you that the writing is as solid as rock. The storytelling is really good.
January 2, 2019
Great third book
The fantasy elements are expanded and their explanation have arrived. Transdimensional doors and a war between the gods caused being from other worlds, including the humans of the Roman legions. Characters and their relationships continue to be deeper defined, making it easier to feel something when injury or total sacrifice arrives. Coupled with that, the pacing is becoming a lot more balanced as the conflict expands.
The fantasy elements are expanded and their explanation have arrived. Transdimensional doors and a war between the gods caused being from other worlds, including the humans of the Roman legions. Characters and their relationships continue to be deeper defined, making it easier to feel something when injury or total sacrifice arrives. Coupled with that, the pacing is becoming a lot more balanced as the conflict expands.
March 25, 2019
The third book of the series doesn't disappoint. When Ben Stiger is pulled from his own time chasing a minion of an evil God, he is forced to relive events of his ancestor. Just when you think this series couldn't get any better The Tigers Fate comes along. Epic battle sequences along with a great story and characters make this book a joy to read. It is one of those books you hate to see come to an end. I highly recommend this book for fans of the Fantasy genre.
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