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The Karus Saga #2
Fortress of Radiance
Bestselling, award-winning author Marc Alan Edelheit delivers this second action-packed fantasy epic in the Karus Saga.
Surrounded by an army of Celts and facing certain destruction, the Ninth Imperial Legion, one of Rome’s most powerful military formations, has been unexpectedly transported to the world of Tannis. The legion, now under the command of Camp Prefect Karus, finds itself lost in a strange land. Cut off from everything they have known, they find temporary shelter in the abandoned city of Carthum.
They quickly learn an unholy army of orcs, goblins, trolls, and humans known as the Horde is on the march, sweeping across the face of Tannis like a dark tide, conquering one land at a time. No force upon this world has been able to withstand the armies of the enemy. Yet the Horde has never met the might of Rome, and Karus means to fight.
In the dungeons under the palace, Amarra, last of the faithful, is found. Together they are visited by Jupiter himself and given a series of dangerous tasks that sets them on the path of destiny. The first is to recover the dread sword Rarokan the Soul Breaker from the Fortress of Radiance. But the sword has a will of its own, and the enemy will stop at nothing to get the dangerous relic.
Aided by the dragons Cyln’phax and Kordem, Karus and Amarra must set out on a perilous journey to the Fortress of Radiance to bring back the dread sword. Should they fail and the enemy get to it first, all will be lost.
If you enjoy an original story, honorable heroes, mind-blowing twists, and page-turning action that puts you right in the middle of the gritty fighting, then you will love Edelheit’s series.
Scroll up and one-click now!
Other books by Marc Alan Edelheit
Chronicles
Stiger’s Tigers
The Tiger
The Tiger’s Fate
The Tiger’s Time
The Tiger’s Wrath (Coming Early 2019)
Tale of the Seventh
Stiger
Fort Covenant
Eli (Coming 2019)
The Karus Saga
Lost Legio IX
Fortress of Radiance (Coming 2018)
Surrounded by an army of Celts and facing certain destruction, the Ninth Imperial Legion, one of Rome’s most powerful military formations, has been unexpectedly transported to the world of Tannis. The legion, now under the command of Camp Prefect Karus, finds itself lost in a strange land. Cut off from everything they have known, they find temporary shelter in the abandoned city of Carthum.
They quickly learn an unholy army of orcs, goblins, trolls, and humans known as the Horde is on the march, sweeping across the face of Tannis like a dark tide, conquering one land at a time. No force upon this world has been able to withstand the armies of the enemy. Yet the Horde has never met the might of Rome, and Karus means to fight.
In the dungeons under the palace, Amarra, last of the faithful, is found. Together they are visited by Jupiter himself and given a series of dangerous tasks that sets them on the path of destiny. The first is to recover the dread sword Rarokan the Soul Breaker from the Fortress of Radiance. But the sword has a will of its own, and the enemy will stop at nothing to get the dangerous relic.
Aided by the dragons Cyln’phax and Kordem, Karus and Amarra must set out on a perilous journey to the Fortress of Radiance to bring back the dread sword. Should they fail and the enemy get to it first, all will be lost.
If you enjoy an original story, honorable heroes, mind-blowing twists, and page-turning action that puts you right in the middle of the gritty fighting, then you will love Edelheit’s series.
Scroll up and one-click now!
Other books by Marc Alan Edelheit
Chronicles
Stiger’s Tigers
The Tiger
The Tiger’s Fate
The Tiger’s Time
The Tiger’s Wrath (Coming Early 2019)
Tale of the Seventh
Stiger
Fort Covenant
Eli (Coming 2019)
The Karus Saga
Lost Legio IX
Fortress of Radiance (Coming 2018)
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2018
646 people are currently reading
128 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 59 reviews
March 23, 2021
The continuing story of the lost Ninth legion
This second volume following the story of the lost Roman Ninth legion after its magical removal from almost certain destruction in Britain continues Mr. Edelheit's almost magical story telling. Now, under the command of Karus, they are on the world of Tannis and in the midst of a war among the gods. If they had any remaining doubt that they were far, far away from Rome, the presence of dragons, magic, orcs, dwarfs and elves make that very clear. Jupiter in his persona of the High Father makes an appearance and chooses champions. Of course Karus is one of them and in this book has been sent on a quest.
This second volume following the story of the lost Roman Ninth legion after its magical removal from almost certain destruction in Britain continues Mr. Edelheit's almost magical story telling. Now, under the command of Karus, they are on the world of Tannis and in the midst of a war among the gods. If they had any remaining doubt that they were far, far away from Rome, the presence of dragons, magic, orcs, dwarfs and elves make that very clear. Jupiter in his persona of the High Father makes an appearance and chooses champions. Of course Karus is one of them and in this book has been sent on a quest.
February 23, 2023
This picks up shortly after Lost Legio IX left us. Karus has been given a simple tasking, retrieve the sword called Rorakan. He can't take the Ninth with him, it's just himself, Amarra, and two dragons.
He's going to stir up some trouble along the way of course, not exactly his own fault, things happen, right?
Fortress of Radiance has plenty going on. Some new characters to love, new characters to hate, A magic sword, elves, dwarves, and Dragons! And if you've followed the whole series, this is just a lead up, there's plenty more to come.
Why 4 stars instead of 5. Hard call for me, I did love the book. The Tiger's Time is really the new 5 star standard for me I think. I'm tough 'grading' books as it is. And it set a whole new benchmark. If you like alternative history and tales of lost legions, this is your world. Jump in and get lost in it like I have.
He's going to stir up some trouble along the way of course, not exactly his own fault, things happen, right?
Fortress of Radiance has plenty going on. Some new characters to love, new characters to hate, A magic sword, elves, dwarves, and Dragons! And if you've followed the whole series, this is just a lead up, there's plenty more to come.
Why 4 stars instead of 5. Hard call for me, I did love the book. The Tiger's Time is really the new 5 star standard for me I think. I'm tough 'grading' books as it is. And it set a whole new benchmark. If you like alternative history and tales of lost legions, this is your world. Jump in and get lost in it like I have.
January 31, 2019
The plot thickens
After reading this i cannot wait for the next release. Marc weaves some great magic here, and a compelling new universe of planets under threat by Gods, Magicians and the ultimate good vs evil dynamics.
The characters evolve, the story deepens and the military Action is detailed and gripping.
After reading this i cannot wait for the next release. Marc weaves some great magic here, and a compelling new universe of planets under threat by Gods, Magicians and the ultimate good vs evil dynamics.
The characters evolve, the story deepens and the military Action is detailed and gripping.
March 23, 2022
The 2nd book is better than the first and opens up more in what is going on in Tannis. New characters emerge and open the ultimate scenario of the The First Compact being created.
December 28, 2018
A quest for Rarokan
*****SPOILER for Lost Legio IX*****
In the climax of book one, Karus and Amarra were given a mission by the High Father. Fortress covers step one of the mission, find Rarokan.
This is not a straight forward story. It's layered like all the good ones are.
There are new armies, creatures, peoples, good guys, bad guys, twists, jaw dropping moments, harsh betrayals, and intrigue to keep you reading through the night.
Grab your favorite beverage settle down for a while in a comfy chair and prepare to be swept away by the chaos.
P.S, that epilogue is crazy!
*****SPOILER for Lost Legio IX*****
In the climax of book one, Karus and Amarra were given a mission by the High Father. Fortress covers step one of the mission, find Rarokan.
This is not a straight forward story. It's layered like all the good ones are.
There are new armies, creatures, peoples, good guys, bad guys, twists, jaw dropping moments, harsh betrayals, and intrigue to keep you reading through the night.
Grab your favorite beverage settle down for a while in a comfy chair and prepare to be swept away by the chaos.
P.S, that epilogue is crazy!
January 26, 2025
Good Read
Lost Legio IX was the first of Marc's books that I read, so I have been looking forward to Book 2 for a while. I have not been disappointed. Great storytelling that pulls you in and carries you along. Roll on Book Three.
Lost Legio IX was the first of Marc's books that I read, so I have been looking forward to Book 2 for a while. I have not been disappointed. Great storytelling that pulls you in and carries you along. Roll on Book Three.
January 13, 2019
Loved it. Everything worked for me. The writing, the characters, the story, the humor, the pacing, ...
Can't wait for the next book.
Can't wait for the next book.
June 23, 2021
I wasn't a huge fan of this one; it was just okay. But I'm going to soldier on and start the next, which is The First Compact. I've heard so much about this compact in the Stiger series that I want to read about it.
March 17, 2019
The legions March to glory
I loved the concept of a Roman legion transported to another world pitting their military skills against alien opponents. The series leaves me wanting more and that is why I have it 5 stars.
I loved the concept of a Roman legion transported to another world pitting their military skills against alien opponents. The series leaves me wanting more and that is why I have it 5 stars.
March 10, 2019
A good read
I enjoyed the book it is well written fantasy. I will no doubt read more of this series. Good light entertainment
I enjoyed the book it is well written fantasy. I will no doubt read more of this series. Good light entertainment
March 10, 2019
More of what we love from MAE
April 21, 2019
Of Elves and Dwarves
This is more of the history of the Ninth legion on Tannis. The orcs, elves, dwarves as well as Noctalum and Wyrms (both related to dragons) are part of the mix now. The goblins, gnomes and another subset of dragons are introduced.
The past is in some ways more complicated than the future in this universe. There are some very cool new major characters dwarf and elf, introduced to the series. The Karus Saga is beginning to answer a lot of questions about the lost legion. The interspecies politics gets a good review too.
It feels slower without the focus on the Ninth. It drifts away a little from the legion and into the fantasy side but It's probably the best way to absorb the details of this universe. It's still about the Romans but it involves a lot more besides. I'm looking for the next volume.
This is more of the history of the Ninth legion on Tannis. The orcs, elves, dwarves as well as Noctalum and Wyrms (both related to dragons) are part of the mix now. The goblins, gnomes and another subset of dragons are introduced.
The past is in some ways more complicated than the future in this universe. There are some very cool new major characters dwarf and elf, introduced to the series. The Karus Saga is beginning to answer a lot of questions about the lost legion. The interspecies politics gets a good review too.
It feels slower without the focus on the Ninth. It drifts away a little from the legion and into the fantasy side but It's probably the best way to absorb the details of this universe. It's still about the Romans but it involves a lot more besides. I'm looking for the next volume.
January 29, 2019
The series that always leaves me wanting more!
First off I consider myself to be a lover of history, so when I see a book that involves Rome or anything pertaining to that time period I get excited. This is the second book in this particular series and it only expanded upon the lore of this universe the author has created. It was a welcome addition and I couldn't put the book down until I was done! The characters are likable and fleshed out. You can tell that they were created with love, and the plot is awesome. There is much foreshadowing of future events to come that makes your imagination race with possible outcomes! All in all, it's a solid 5 starts from me and I can't wait for more from this fantasy epic!
First off I consider myself to be a lover of history, so when I see a book that involves Rome or anything pertaining to that time period I get excited. This is the second book in this particular series and it only expanded upon the lore of this universe the author has created. It was a welcome addition and I couldn't put the book down until I was done! The characters are likable and fleshed out. You can tell that they were created with love, and the plot is awesome. There is much foreshadowing of future events to come that makes your imagination race with possible outcomes! All in all, it's a solid 5 starts from me and I can't wait for more from this fantasy epic!
Read
March 7, 2019First book is great, but then in the 2 book for some reason the author ditches the legion idea. and sends the main character off to mess around with new characters that I dont care for. not after the first book made me love the legion and all is members.
January 1, 2019
Karus And Amarra
Karus and Amarra received their charges from the High Father and proceed to their destinies. Along the way, they gain understanding and power. She develops in her role as High Priestess and Karus in attracting alies against the horde. I like the Roman historical fantasy aspect. The blooming romance is fun to watch. The faith demonstrated was refreshing. It feels like I am right there with them. I anxiously await another book.
Karus and Amarra received their charges from the High Father and proceed to their destinies. Along the way, they gain understanding and power. She develops in her role as High Priestess and Karus in attracting alies against the horde. I like the Roman historical fantasy aspect. The blooming romance is fun to watch. The faith demonstrated was refreshing. It feels like I am right there with them. I anxiously await another book.
January 8, 2019
Continuing excellence
I should just cut and paste my past reviews of this authors previous works...They are all well written, well edited and thoroughly entertaining. There is nothing to complain about unless, like me, you are impatiently awaiting the next offering. Congrats MAE. If you are a new reader to any of these series...don't start here. Go to the beginning, buy all of them, and start the adventure.
I should just cut and paste my past reviews of this authors previous works...They are all well written, well edited and thoroughly entertaining. There is nothing to complain about unless, like me, you are impatiently awaiting the next offering. Congrats MAE. If you are a new reader to any of these series...don't start here. Go to the beginning, buy all of them, and start the adventure.
January 2, 2019
3 stars. While I generally like the books in this series/universe, this one was just OK for me. It basically read like a D & D campaign plus I was continually thrown out of the story by the presentation of Jupiter as the "High Father" and god of these people in ways that was so jarringly incompatible with the historical context.
February 4, 2019
Great follow-up to Steiger's Tigers, adding fantasy to sci fi and historical fiction
This story is best read after reading Steiger's Tigers, as that story lays out the back plot of the main characters. Lots of action, suspense, and intriguing twists make this a must read for lovers of sci first, historical fiction and fantasy.
This story is best read after reading Steiger's Tigers, as that story lays out the back plot of the main characters. Lots of action, suspense, and intriguing twists make this a must read for lovers of sci first, historical fiction and fantasy.
December 30, 2018
Another great read by MAE.
I've been waiting for this since the last book. It was definitely worth the wait. I am really enjoying this look at what could have happened to the lost legion. Definitely looking forward to the next book. Just hate having to wait
I've been waiting for this since the last book. It was definitely worth the wait. I am really enjoying this look at what could have happened to the lost legion. Definitely looking forward to the next book. Just hate having to wait
January 3, 2019
Good read as usual, yet there was something missing that would bring it to the level of Stiger's stories. I can't exactly pinpoint what it was but I was not as satisfied as I was with the first of the series.
December 31, 2018
Fun and compelling series
A fun and exciting read, the larger story moves along nicely and the plot thickens for the main heroes. The book kept me engaged right to the end.
A fun and exciting read, the larger story moves along nicely and the plot thickens for the main heroes. The book kept me engaged right to the end.
January 4, 2019
Another spellbinding tale by Marc Edelheit. I am thrilled he is now a full-time writer and will be delivering more of his spectacular books in 2019 and beyond.
January 18, 2019
As always excellent from Marc
Top ratings as with all his books when are the next books being released it will always be five stars from me cannot wait
Top ratings as with all his books when are the next books being released it will always be five stars from me cannot wait
February 20, 2019
Excellent story
As is expected from this author a great story and an exciting read and an introduction to other races and protagonists.
As is expected from this author a great story and an exciting read and an introduction to other races and protagonists.
October 16, 2022
I have read all of the books, twice!
My first book was Stigers Tigers, and I was hooked.
So of course I then proceeded to read them in order.
I was not really sure what I was getting into with the first book. Here I am reading a book about
The Roman legions and it appears that one of the main characters in the legion had a German
Background, ok so I was wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and had to feed my appetite with
Another and another, luckily for me you continued to write, please do not stop!
When I have a book that I enjoy, definitely your books, I do not read them only once. They become
Friends of mine and I read them over and over and no they do not become boring, like I said they
Become friends and I enjoy visiting them again. That said, thank you for filling us in on the circumstances
That brought everything together, coming from Earth to a different planet, you tied it together very nicely.
My first book was Stigers Tigers, and I was hooked.
So of course I then proceeded to read them in order.
I was not really sure what I was getting into with the first book. Here I am reading a book about
The Roman legions and it appears that one of the main characters in the legion had a German
Background, ok so I was wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and had to feed my appetite with
Another and another, luckily for me you continued to write, please do not stop!
When I have a book that I enjoy, definitely your books, I do not read them only once. They become
Friends of mine and I read them over and over and no they do not become boring, like I said they
Become friends and I enjoy visiting them again. That said, thank you for filling us in on the circumstances
That brought everything together, coming from Earth to a different planet, you tied it together very nicely.
April 27, 2023
"The Fortress of Radiance", second in the 'Karos Sage' ticks all the boxes without much effort. It's a pity really as stronger writing and greater depth would have elevated it tremendously.
Karos, Amarra, find themselves based in the abandoned city of Carthum. The IX Legion is, however, facing a mystery epidemic which is increasingly eroding its ability to fight effectively.
As enemies circle, Karos and Amarra must fulfil an ancient prophecy and retrieve a legendary sword from the fortress of the title.
Of course their journey is not without incident - betrayal, battles, magic, finding unlikely allies - but is pretty much par for the course in this kind of fantasy novel.
I felt that Marc Alan Edelheit could churn out books like this in his sleep and he certainly didn't overtax himself while writing this one.
It's a pleasant but almost completely unremarkable read.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
Karos, Amarra, find themselves based in the abandoned city of Carthum. The IX Legion is, however, facing a mystery epidemic which is increasingly eroding its ability to fight effectively.
As enemies circle, Karos and Amarra must fulfil an ancient prophecy and retrieve a legendary sword from the fortress of the title.
Of course their journey is not without incident - betrayal, battles, magic, finding unlikely allies - but is pretty much par for the course in this kind of fantasy novel.
I felt that Marc Alan Edelheit could churn out books like this in his sleep and he certainly didn't overtax himself while writing this one.
It's a pleasant but almost completely unremarkable read.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
April 24, 2019
This author is fast becoming a favorite. Some of the best Fantasy I have read in quite a while. The historically correct depiction of the roman legions set in an rich and in depth fantasy world is a fantastic combination. Karas and Amarra are tasked by the High Father (Jupiter) to find a ancient sword. They must retrieve the powerful relic and return to the legion before the horde attacks. Great story telling combined with rich characters make this book a joy to read. I highly recommend this for fans of the Fantasy genre.
November 1, 2019
4.5 stars. Another read from Marc I really enjoyed. Karus tale continues. This is the second book in the Saga, this series follows how Roman Legions wound up on the world of Tanis. This expands well on the first book and Tanis starts to get fleshed out with the different races and world building.
Humans aren’t held in high opinion by the other races and Karus has to begin gathering some allies. As with the others, it is well-written, well-characterized, and well-plotted. I think there are some great battles scenes coming looking forward to the next book.
Humans aren’t held in high opinion by the other races and Karus has to begin gathering some allies. As with the others, it is well-written, well-characterized, and well-plotted. I think there are some great battles scenes coming looking forward to the next book.
February 18, 2020
Wider and Deeper
I am loath to give substantive hints or clues let alone real reconnaissance. That said, if you are a fan of exciting fantasy, especially when mixed with real historical legends and myth, all with a liberal seasoning of Might and Magic, then you will love Mr. Edelheit's works top to bottom. In my opinion it is best to start with the Stiger's Tigers series. Then Tales of the Seventh. Last but far from least, the Kraus Saga. Be advised, this order will awaken a hint of coming majesty, beauty and intrigue I have never before experienced. Enjoy.
I am loath to give substantive hints or clues let alone real reconnaissance. That said, if you are a fan of exciting fantasy, especially when mixed with real historical legends and myth, all with a liberal seasoning of Might and Magic, then you will love Mr. Edelheit's works top to bottom. In my opinion it is best to start with the Stiger's Tigers series. Then Tales of the Seventh. Last but far from least, the Kraus Saga. Be advised, this order will awaken a hint of coming majesty, beauty and intrigue I have never before experienced. Enjoy.
September 30, 2020
Continuing with excellence.
At last, another author who gives me cause to use well used phrases such as, " a real page turner..... " or "just couldn't put this book down......." In this case it's absolutely true . I'm relatively new to Marc's writing but I am truly pleased that I tried it out. Being a big fan of Roman history and fantasy he covers the areas seamlessly for me. Always disappointing when I come to the end of a story. Good news for me is that the next instalment awaits. Thank you for your continuing storytelling Marc. It's much appreciated.
At last, another author who gives me cause to use well used phrases such as, " a real page turner..... " or "just couldn't put this book down......." In this case it's absolutely true . I'm relatively new to Marc's writing but I am truly pleased that I tried it out. Being a big fan of Roman history and fantasy he covers the areas seamlessly for me. Always disappointing when I come to the end of a story. Good news for me is that the next instalment awaits. Thank you for your continuing storytelling Marc. It's much appreciated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews