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Legion of the Undead #1
Legion of the Undead
When Roman legions march over the borders of the Empire they meet an enemy greater than any they have ever faced.
Emperor Vespasian has ordered a push further into Germania than the legions have ever been and an enemy army is gathering to meet them. What neither side is prepared for is the darker force that they will both face. Indiscriminate and incapable of mercy, the new enemy will drive the Romans to the very brink of destruction.
The Gates of Hades have opened and the Roman Legions must face what has escaped.
Emperor Vespasian has ordered a push further into Germania than the legions have ever been and an enemy army is gathering to meet them. What neither side is prepared for is the darker force that they will both face. Indiscriminate and incapable of mercy, the new enemy will drive the Romans to the very brink of destruction.
The Gates of Hades have opened and the Roman Legions must face what has escaped.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 13, 2017
Legion of the Undead really hit the spot; I need a second helping! First, I love Roman Empire stories and I’ve come to love zombie fiction in the past few years. Now we have the perfect mash-up. Hungry zombie horde, meet the Roman legions! Cue evil laughter!
Often with ancient Roman historical fiction, I don’t see too many female characters and the few that are present are usually only there to act as someone’s love/lust interest. Not so with this book! Yay! The ladies are true to accepted Roman Empire gender roles but they also get plot-relevant stuff done. Even the minor but evil Sevillia did something that affected the plot. And I love Lucia, who is a 16 year old thrown into the midst of this zombie uprising. She’s not a cliched uber-tough zombie stomping heroine but she is practical, saves the day a time or two like the other heroes, and doesn’t fall to pieces when she needs to be rescued.
Of course Vitas Protus is my favorite. He’s an archer that is catapulted up into the ranks as the zombie issue becomes a real problem. He keeps his wits about him, takes advice from those around him, and gets stuff done. I loved how he watched out for Regulus, the 14 year old lad that was forced into the military. Then there’s big Antonius too. He’s also a practical sort, giving the soldiers orders to aim for the heads if they want to take out the zombies.
Starting out on the outskirts of Germania where the Roman legions were pushing back the German tribes, Vitas has to get his little band to safety. First, it’s to the their encampment and then on to the estate of Governor Clemmons. There Vitas gets his orders to head to Rome with a dire note and Lucia, who can speak to her merchant father’s home being overrun with these Risen (as the zombies are called in this book). Not everyone makes it out unscathed. In fact, a character I had gotten a little attached to takes one for the team before the end. There’s also a touch of intrigue and betrayal!
Anyway, it’s just a really good book and since we’re in November, I can safely say it’s one of my favorites of the year. Legion of the Undead has set a new bar for zombie Roman Empire historical fiction! 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book.
The Narration: Terry Self really out did himself with the narration. Just a great performance all around. He has distinct voices for all the characters and his female character voices are feminine. There’s a few accents as well (Spain Spanish, Gaulish, and Chinese) which he pulls off quite well. In fact, Terry Self sounded like he was really into the story, it never being a dull moment. There were no technical issues with this audiobook. 5/5 stars.
Often with ancient Roman historical fiction, I don’t see too many female characters and the few that are present are usually only there to act as someone’s love/lust interest. Not so with this book! Yay! The ladies are true to accepted Roman Empire gender roles but they also get plot-relevant stuff done. Even the minor but evil Sevillia did something that affected the plot. And I love Lucia, who is a 16 year old thrown into the midst of this zombie uprising. She’s not a cliched uber-tough zombie stomping heroine but she is practical, saves the day a time or two like the other heroes, and doesn’t fall to pieces when she needs to be rescued.
Of course Vitas Protus is my favorite. He’s an archer that is catapulted up into the ranks as the zombie issue becomes a real problem. He keeps his wits about him, takes advice from those around him, and gets stuff done. I loved how he watched out for Regulus, the 14 year old lad that was forced into the military. Then there’s big Antonius too. He’s also a practical sort, giving the soldiers orders to aim for the heads if they want to take out the zombies.
Starting out on the outskirts of Germania where the Roman legions were pushing back the German tribes, Vitas has to get his little band to safety. First, it’s to the their encampment and then on to the estate of Governor Clemmons. There Vitas gets his orders to head to Rome with a dire note and Lucia, who can speak to her merchant father’s home being overrun with these Risen (as the zombies are called in this book). Not everyone makes it out unscathed. In fact, a character I had gotten a little attached to takes one for the team before the end. There’s also a touch of intrigue and betrayal!
Anyway, it’s just a really good book and since we’re in November, I can safely say it’s one of my favorites of the year. Legion of the Undead has set a new bar for zombie Roman Empire historical fiction! 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book.
The Narration: Terry Self really out did himself with the narration. Just a great performance all around. He has distinct voices for all the characters and his female character voices are feminine. There’s a few accents as well (Spain Spanish, Gaulish, and Chinese) which he pulls off quite well. In fact, Terry Self sounded like he was really into the story, it never being a dull moment. There were no technical issues with this audiobook. 5/5 stars.
July 15, 2017
Excellent!
A wonderful story, with a great twist! This is the first zombie tale I have read since Max Brooks book "Zombie attacks through History" so many years ago. I LOVED IT! Can't wait to read the sequel....
A wonderful story, with a great twist! This is the first zombie tale I have read since Max Brooks book "Zombie attacks through History" so many years ago. I LOVED IT! Can't wait to read the sequel....
June 29, 2017
ZOMBIES DURING THE ROMAN EMPIRE 🏛🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🛡AN AMAZING MUST READ - MICHAEL WHITEHEAD, YOU ROCK!!!!!!
One excellent book, awesome and a must read. I loved it!!!!! Michael Whitehead has done an amazing job writing this story and I am so ready for Book #2... Zombies during the Roman Empire, I did not see this coming and it goes to show that no matter how many different books are out there with all the different places zombies are written about and in, there is still someplace they can Rise... The Roman Empire has the one thing against them that other stories and places didn't, they have never heard of & know nothing of Zombies and the Undead. One Legionnaire, sets something in motion that he could never dream of, as he and another do something out of greed without even knowing what he let loose. Vitas Protus, an Archer in the Roman Legion, soon finds himself a Centurion and on his way to Rome, with a message from the Governor to inform the Senate of something so much worse, than even their enemies they have fought. But will the Senate even believe what is on the way? That is one thing Vitas prays they listen to and believe before it's to late, as the fate of Rome, the people, allies & enemies alike and the Country beyond, could possibly no longer exist. With one evil man planning a coup, he uses the "Risen" in his quest. This is one super story that I hope turns into an awesome series, that doesn't end soon. Please check out "Legion of the Dead". You will not be disappointed. Michael Whitehead, you ROCK!!!!!
One excellent book, awesome and a must read. I loved it!!!!! Michael Whitehead has done an amazing job writing this story and I am so ready for Book #2... Zombies during the Roman Empire, I did not see this coming and it goes to show that no matter how many different books are out there with all the different places zombies are written about and in, there is still someplace they can Rise... The Roman Empire has the one thing against them that other stories and places didn't, they have never heard of & know nothing of Zombies and the Undead. One Legionnaire, sets something in motion that he could never dream of, as he and another do something out of greed without even knowing what he let loose. Vitas Protus, an Archer in the Roman Legion, soon finds himself a Centurion and on his way to Rome, with a message from the Governor to inform the Senate of something so much worse, than even their enemies they have fought. But will the Senate even believe what is on the way? That is one thing Vitas prays they listen to and believe before it's to late, as the fate of Rome, the people, allies & enemies alike and the Country beyond, could possibly no longer exist. With one evil man planning a coup, he uses the "Risen" in his quest. This is one super story that I hope turns into an awesome series, that doesn't end soon. Please check out "Legion of the Dead". You will not be disappointed. Michael Whitehead, you ROCK!!!!!
September 26, 2017
A FINE ZOMBIE TALE IT IS...
Hello, this is a really great story. Don't see many like this. Set in the days of very old, where monsters were fought with steel and strength. Damn fine stuff. Thanks.
Hello, this is a really great story. Don't see many like this. Set in the days of very old, where monsters were fought with steel and strength. Damn fine stuff. Thanks.
July 21, 2017
Romans vs Zombies
As a general rule I don't like zombie stories, but I made an exception for this one and I'm glad that I did. This was an exceptional tale of ancient Rome menaced, not by barbarians, but by the undead. Well recommended.
As a general rule I don't like zombie stories, but I made an exception for this one and I'm glad that I did. This was an exceptional tale of ancient Rome menaced, not by barbarians, but by the undead. Well recommended.
September 14, 2017
Great storyline, great historical research, superb characters some likeable and dome not so likeable, the story is very addictive further you delve into the Romanesque lifestyle the more you want. Highly recommend the book.
August 26, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this take on a zombie apocalypse. Clever ideas, great characters and a different setting. Ready for the next one now
March 18, 2018
This novel starts with a bite in the very first chapter and the feeding frenzy continues to the end of the book. A curse of zombies is released in Germania and very quickly threatens the whole Roman Empire. In many ways, this is typical zombie fare—a single source point of infection is vectoring across the planet—but it just doesn’t feel typical when you’re watching Roman legionnaires respond to the threat. The whole novel feels highly authentic as the legions struggle to come to grips with the walking dead. Then things get even more interesting as politics intersects the zombie crisis to make saving civilization—no, saving all of humanity—even more difficult. Strong and memorable characters that the author is not afraid to kill populate an unusual apocalyptic tale. My one serious complaint with the novel is the large number of typographical errors. I expect a few such errors in every book—especially self-published ones—but this novel was riddled with them to the extent that it seriously distracted me from the action.
June 11, 2019
I prefer fantasy and historical fiction and this twist looked intriguing. It also sat that long in my TBR pile more books and audiobooks have came along.
The latter provide some entertainment in my day job, and not just on who I’d feed first to the undead.
The premise is interesting, with a cool origin, so well done that kid. It is also a little silly which I don’t mind in horror as the undead are one of the boogeymen to go for, and while it seems an impossible task to survive - Roman discipline and engineering are are potent counterbalance, especially when thrown into the backbiting of empire
I enjoyed it, it is a quick book to rattle through and has a couple of abrupt left turns to tease expectations and leave you going with ‘aww’.
Book 4*
Audiobook 3*
For me the ending feels a tad (too much) episodic and is a little light. Not a problem when binge reading/listening but you know worse and more epic finales are to follow. I’d like a bit more of the backstory here, but it will come as it was a corker of an opener.
It is an easy audiobook to get through, a quick listen, but personally I feel it undersells the novel. A couple of the voices I’m personally not sold on and if you don’t pay attention with a couple of characters it can trip you up.
If you fancy a punt in something away from Supernatural, or World War Z it is a good laugh and well worth the trip to the slave market.
The latter provide some entertainment in my day job, and not just on who I’d feed first to the undead.
The premise is interesting, with a cool origin, so well done that kid. It is also a little silly which I don’t mind in horror as the undead are one of the boogeymen to go for, and while it seems an impossible task to survive - Roman discipline and engineering are are potent counterbalance, especially when thrown into the backbiting of empire
I enjoyed it, it is a quick book to rattle through and has a couple of abrupt left turns to tease expectations and leave you going with ‘aww’.
Book 4*
Audiobook 3*
For me the ending feels a tad (too much) episodic and is a little light. Not a problem when binge reading/listening but you know worse and more epic finales are to follow. I’d like a bit more of the backstory here, but it will come as it was a corker of an opener.
It is an easy audiobook to get through, a quick listen, but personally I feel it undersells the novel. A couple of the voices I’m personally not sold on and if you don’t pay attention with a couple of characters it can trip you up.
If you fancy a punt in something away from Supernatural, or World War Z it is a good laugh and well worth the trip to the slave market.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2017
I discovered this book because of the author's short story in Undead Worlds: A Reanimated Authors Anthology This is a really enjoyable, solid zombie story - it's well written and has a different enough storyline to offer something new. The fact that it takes place in Roman times gives a lot to explore.
December 12, 2017
This was a great story. Not what I expected but I really enjoyed it. I would describe this book as the walking dead against the Roman empire. I really enjoyed the perspective of the zombie invasion in a time without motorized vehicles, guns, tanks ect. All the survivors had where swords, shields, bows and arrows and their training. I really recommend this book for anyone who loves zombies or the roman empire.
The narrator of this book has so many different voices in his arsenal. He brought all of the characters to life.
The narrator of this book has so many different voices in his arsenal. He brought all of the characters to life.
April 8, 2018
NOT AS BAD AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN.
Ok, this was never going to be best read ever but that said, it's not as bad a story as it could have been. For those with a liking of roman times, names and places and sword and sandal epics, it's quite good. Ofcourse the twist being, the dead come back to life as "The Risen" and fight to eat everything on roman legs. If it floats your boat, then it will, but if not, then sadly your ship will sink very quickly
Ok, this was never going to be best read ever but that said, it's not as bad a story as it could have been. For those with a liking of roman times, names and places and sword and sandal epics, it's quite good. Ofcourse the twist being, the dead come back to life as "The Risen" and fight to eat everything on roman legs. If it floats your boat, then it will, but if not, then sadly your ship will sink very quickly
September 23, 2018
Solid imaginative zombie book
Following in the footsteps of Empire of the Undead and Scourge of Byzantium, Mr. Whitehead has created compelling story. The story quickly grabs you and refuses to let go. A good mix of action and story development is occasionally marred by editing issues. If not for those issues, five stars.
Following in the footsteps of Empire of the Undead and Scourge of Byzantium, Mr. Whitehead has created compelling story. The story quickly grabs you and refuses to let go. A good mix of action and story development is occasionally marred by editing issues. If not for those issues, five stars.
February 11, 2020
This was a change from the usual zombie story choose, but I was surprisingly entertained by the idea of Roman Centurians taking on hordes of Zombies! The back stabbing politics and betrayals were engaging and addictive, I definately want to find out what happens next!
February 8, 2021
Awesome hard to put down
This book was great and original undead during the Roman empire how cool is that very detailed about how Romans would handle the situation loved the book so much I bought the other 2
This book was great and original undead during the Roman empire how cool is that very detailed about how Romans would handle the situation loved the book so much I bought the other 2
March 1, 2024
2.5 the best of the series, although still suffered from the somewhat basic plot and hugely one dimensional characters
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews