The bestselling, award-winning author of STIGER’S TIGERS delivers the action-packed Part Two in the Tales of the Seventh series.
In this military fantasy, Ben Stiger is given a simple mission: march his understrength company to the Cora’Tol garrison far to the southeast. Once there, he is to take a fellow officer into custody and promptly return. But when Stiger arrives, he finds the Rivan have destroyed the garrison and slaughtered the inhabitants of the valley. Suddenly, what was supposed to be a quick and easy task turns into something far more dangerous.
With a Rivan army now moving to flank the imperial army to the west, Stiger makes a desperate decision. Short on rations, and hopelessly outnumbered, he must find a way to delay the enemy so Third Legion can react to this dire threat before it is too late. The solution lies in Fort Covenant, a forgotten place with a history important not only to his people, but the elven nations as well.
Set amidst the backdrop of an epic war, there are greater forces at work than the young Stiger can begin to imagine.
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.
Review of the Kindle edition Publication date: December 18, 2017 Language: English ASIN: B078HG4L39
I downloaded this book through Kindle Unlimited.
More fine backstory to Mr. Edelheit's outstanding STIGER'S TIGERS. The world of Stiger is divided into three separate but related chronicles. The group which began with STIGER'S TIGERS tells of the middle years of Stiger and his elf friend Eli. It could also be regarded as the current story. The TALES OF THE SEVENTH recount Stiger's beginnings as a legion officer and of the meeting of Stiger and Eli. So far these tales occur in the north while the STIGER'S TIGERS storyline occurs in the south. The third group, THE KARUS SAGA tells of how the Romans arrived in this new world and established the empire into which Stiger was born.
Part military fiction, part science fantasy, part sword and sorcery and part history, these tales create a new fictional universe populated by humans, elves, dwarfs, orcs, gods and others. All engaged in the timeless war between good and evil. In Mr. Edelheit's world good and evil are not abstract concepts or a function of situational ethics. They are the lifeblood of existence. Rather as they are in our own world even if most no longer acknowledge it.
Once again the Seventh gets itself in a world of trouble and Stiger meets an elf for the first time. A very exciting story and I highly recommend this book 5o everyone.
Like all of the books in the series, this was very well done. The characters from ordinary legionaires to Barbarian (in the Roman sense of not being Roman/cinvilized) princes are well thought out and described in word and deed. The books have the feel of Caesar's "Gallic Wars" and include the High Born (elves to you and me), dragons, dwarves and more.
There's good history here if you want a glimpse at life in the legions. It also gives a good picture of how the campaigns against the Picts, the britons, The Germanic tribes and others were fought. Life outside the legions from the poverty to slavery is also depicted. Romans were great engineers, record keepers (bureaucracy was invented by the Romans), organizers and soldiers. They were like most of their contemporaries brutal.
The dialogue is splendid from elf to centurion. It moves the story along instead of propping it up. It exposes beliefs and personality in a natural way. There is a struggle between gods that underlies the whole series. Each book is complete into itself.
This second installment in the prequel series Takes of the Seventh continues in the mold of Stiger's other adventures. Action? Yep, plenty of that Suspense? In spades.
And as a bonus, we finally get to meet Stiger's closest companion form the original series (Chronicles of an Imperial Legion Officer) and begin to fill in the backstory of their unusual pairing.
And of course there are the usual feckless incompetents who almost get everyone killed because of their political hatred for Steiger's family but despite it all, the Seventh and Steiner prevail while Ben learns just how horrible!e war can be.
Nicely written and well edited, Fort Covenant earns all 5 of its stars just as surely as Ben Steiner has earned his place in the seventh company of the third legion.
As a number of reviewers noted this is a short offering. It is not however a weak story. ME writes a taut tale developing more depth to the Stiger main character and introducing Eli to the story. The only reason to complain about the book length is that we fans want to settle in for a looong experience. Editing, plot and realism were as expected...superb. It was delightful to see other ancient battles of note interwoven in the tale. At this stage ME can do no wrong.
This really is a good and enjoyable series. It is a well written and carefully constructed story that keeps the reader enthralled right up until the final page. Well recommended. I cannot wait until the next installment.
Another terrific story that covered less than a week’s time but captured this reader’s imagination and wouldn’t let go. I’m going on to the next in the series and looking forward to it.
What can I say? More Stiger is a good thing. Once again, I can barely put the book down. In spite of all the free books I own, I bought the rest of this author's books.
JRR Tolkien meets Gladiator. This tale of the 7th Legion of Rome mixed with elves is a fun sci fi fantasy with interesting characters and a solid plot. With the read.
There are no great revelations in this book. More of the great characters from the Seventh. I would have liked a bit more world building but the foundations are laid and this promises to be a long lasting and entertaining series. I hope to get more of the main story arc soon! Deeper explanations on other races etc.
Another winner! I have read every novel currently available. I even reread the first novel in this series in order to segue into this one. Not only does Marc weave a good tale, but his knowledge of the workings of the imperial Roman legion is awesome. His plot line is an excellent weaving of fact and fantasy. If I were still in the classroom, I would have this as a recommended reading ... at least for the boys.
Kudos to Marc and continued good luck on his series. You have a staunch reader here. And suggestion: this would make an awesome television series ... legionaries and dragons, what a combo!
Stiger is being formed into the leader he will become via the crucible of battle. It is interesting to watch Stiger morph from a pampered noble into a promising officer. Stiger is a compelling, competent character. The characters are well written and the telling of the story makes me feel that I am there with them. I enjoyed the military science and historical aspect. All in all, a very attention holding story. I look forward to another book.
This series gets better with each installment. Picking up where 'Tales' left off, young lieutenant Stiger has stumbled on to a Rivan incursion. Still learning the ropes of command he also get to teach his fellow officers a thing or two. This is excellent storytelling, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next in line.
Just a darned good book for a cold day and a warm recliner. Plenty of action as our hero matures and becomes an officer and there's enough history of the Legions to add something to the story. Solid adventure book and I'll look forward to the next book in the series.
Have been reading the stories of Stiger and the legions and this book was a great continuation of the sagas.Good to see when the elf and Stiger meet for the first time.Love this series the author conveys the feel of the battles , tactics well .All in all a great read.
Fast paced, action packed tale of Stiger & his 7th as they cross the countryside with the enemy nipping at their heels. Battles, tactics, honor & an elf. What more could you ask for? I'm looking fwd to much more.
Another fantastic book by my favourite new author. The alternative reality premise of the Roman legions combined with (but not overridden by) magic and an elf made it another great read. I finished it one sitting on a long plane ride.
A good military story with the usual cast of characters, but freed of the constraints of historical accuracy. Thus we have a “Roman”army fighting against another empire. Plenty of action, plot and character development.
I enjoyed this story very much. It tells more of Stigers story & why he is the way he is. I also enjoyed learning more about Eli who looks for interesting things to do during his long life.
Elements of Roman Legions are carefully blended with a seasoning of science fiction but without the silliness of fantasy. Plenty of gritty reality as formerly pampered boy becomes a man and seasoned warrior.
Highly recommended. Wish there were more books like this around. Problem is because it holds you its h a rd to put d o an and ends up finishing to fast and leaves you wanting more
A solid follow up novel. The action and story line don't disappoint and carry through the tale of the seventh. I look forward to the continuing exploits of Stiger in the legion.
Another well written title that draws you in. It leaves you looking forward to reading more about Stiger's initial adventures after joining the legions.
Ben take a very long march to gather a band of cohorts. All to fight a battle in a fort he wonder why has the name Fort Covenant yet even the perfect in charge there can't answer he question. He just needs to find someone old enough.
I like military fiction and history. This book delivered the kind of story I like. I enjoyed the evolution of the young officer through his interactions with his men and situation. I look forward to reading the next installment.