Finalist for Best Series: 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards!
The fifth installment of the award-winning Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer series is finally here!
Ben Stiger, Legate of the Lost Thirteenth Legion, a nobleman from an infamous family and born fighter, has defeated the servants of the evil god Castor and crushed the dark deity’s orc-led army. Having repaired the damage wrought by Castor and fixed the timeline, Stiger has returned to the present, bringing with him the entire Thirteenth Legion and her auxiliary cohorts. If he thought the road behind him was a difficult path to travel, the one ahead will prove even more challenging. A rebel army is besieging the Vrell Valley. Hundreds of miles away, the Cyphan Confederacy’s armies are driving into the heart of the empire, leaving a swath of destruction in their wake. Stiger, with his dwarven and gnome allies, must break out of Vrell and then, if successful, march to the aid of the emperor. Should the empire fall, everything Stiger has worked toward will be lost, and darkness, like a shadowy veil, will forever fall over the world of Istros.
Stiger has finally accepted the mantle of Champion for his god, the High Father. He is seen by his men as gods blessed. But has he truly been blessed? Or has Stiger been cursed to a terrible destiny, one even the elves dread? Stiger intends to see his purpose through to the bitter end, no matter where it leads. Along that lonely road, all those who stand in his way will feel his mighty wrath.
The final battle to save the empire and the world has begun!
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.
If you enjoyed the previous four volumes in the Chronicles of An Imperial Legionary Officer series, you will probably like this fifth volume as well. If you have not read any of the earlier books, I recommend doing so before reading this one. I also highly recommend the related Tales of The Seventh which follow Stiger and Eli as younger, lower ranking officers of the Empire which is obviously modeled after Rome.
Again, Stiger commands an allied army of humans, dwarves, gnomes, elves, dragons and one orc. They are supported by gods, wizards and strange beings of will or power. The Cyphan Confederacy enemy is in league with the dark god Valoor and its priests/wizards. This evil wants control of the world gate, a sort of teleportation device for transport and travel among various worlds. It is death for all who do not acquiesce to their rule so the empire and their allies have little choice but to fight, no matter the odds.
Again, the battle scenes are very well done as is the easy explanation of military matters. An unusual romance which causes discord enters the picture in this volume. There is also an interesting twist at the end which may change everything.
Ben Stiger's saga continues back in the present, where as Legate he faces yet another foe, the Cyphan. Stiger recruits more groups of allies, which turn out to be some new species to the story. I for one enjoy seeing who will show up in the camp next, and I love the dragon characters. As for Stiger, there's never a dull moment in this man's life; his personal, professional, and even spiritual. The books seem to be following a formula, which have kind of cut in to my enjoyment of the series, however it's still entertaining.
I am so glad to have Stiger and Eli together again but I could use more. The insta love between Taha’Leeth and Stiger annoys me so much. It just happened to quick and I would prefer no romance. This series was doing just fine without it. The relationship itself is just strange. There was nothing leading up to it.
Anyway, that ending was 🤯 Emperor! He’s really going up in the world. I can’t wait to start the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
OMG, is this the best one in the series so far? It just might be!
Fantasy meets Roman war epic (again!) with a little non-sappy romance thrown in with the constant battling and tactics and monster-slaying. I really can't recommend this series enough for those that like war/fantasy fiction.
This book just keeps on giving, action, impossible situations, massive battles, elves, dwarves, dragons, a little magic and a surprise at the end. What more could you ask for
2.5, maybe. I’m honestly not sure how this one is rated so highly…I suppose at this point in the series the people who are lukewarm on the series or dislike it have all fallen off. I’ve felt like the series has progressively gotten worse as the books have advanced, and this one is no different. It’s long-winded in many sections, features stunted dialogue, and doesn’t have the depth of writing or character complexity to sustain the narrative. Stiger and his Tigers will be continuing on without me; it’s an easy choice for me at this point to discontinue my reading of the series.
In this book Legate Stiger is seemingly surrounded by the enemy in the fortress in the forest. He knows that there are thousands of enemy soldiers that want to keep him bottled up here instead of going to the rescue of the other legions that are being attacked.
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.
Marc does a great job with the story line. The pacing is superb, it never bogs down. The story stays fresh even during non action scenes. The love interest isn't bogged down by too many love scenes nor are they terribly explicit. If I wanted hot sex, I'd be reading pornography. His proof readers do an excellent job of making sure that words are spelled correctly and the grammar is not awkward. I read over a hundred books a year and hitting improperly used or spelled words is like hitting a wall at fifty miles an hour. Kudos to your Legion, Marc.
My only true complaint (and it is a very small one) is that twice, that I caught, the author breaks with his well thought out and complete world building by using modern (mostly) American colloquialisms such as the term "Heck". Hell, damn, shit, Hades would have been better. It would be better to avoid using modern words such as cool, darn, dang, crap. It kills the scenes of authenticity. Fortunately the author only did this twice and I'm sure as he develops as an author this will disappear from his works.
A incredibly enjoyable read, produced professionally and creatively. I can't thank you enough for allowing your books to be published under Kindle Unlimited. I am a disabled veteran on a very limited budget and I truly appreciate you making your books affordable for me to read.
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.
What an Amazing read I just finished! It's been thirty years of reading since I have read a book that had so much to teach me. If you were ever interested in Rome, maybe watched a movie or two about Rome and it's legions, and wished that you understood more about the in and outs of that famous military system, wish no longer. Truthfully I know less about any military, ancient or modern then will fit into a thimble, and truthfully I have never wanted or needed to know more than fits into my thimble, until now. Having just finished reading book 4 of this series I wish to thank Marc Alan Edelheit for having filled my thimble to overflowing! The thing is, in order to be able to fully enjoy a story it is imperative that the author do fill whatever vessel you keep your knowledge and understanding in to overflowing, fill you with enough information - no, not just enough - fill you to overflowing. Then, only then is what you are reading an event, an expansion of your knowledge, an event which you are not just reading but experiencing. It is a gift the author gives you if, when you turn the last page, you go...ahhh, ahhh...
Once in the Edeheit groove you can't read just one
Some complained about the violence others that it moved too slow. But by the time you get to book three then you either love it or hate it. Ilike the descriptive detail and well developed charcters. By th time you teach book five, they are ingrained. I think a few more adjectives could enhance the descriptions to fill out the imagination. Not so much needed when introducing a character or place, but toward then of chapter or during a transition to pique a more colorful scene msybe up one notch such as red blood gushed instead of blood gushed. Not only in graphic details, but in scene descriptions or action sequences. Still don't know really what color Dog is or how the gate looks. Do appreciate the dragon colors, but what about the flame or a synonym to better describe what the flame is like rather than only its affect on metal armour. That's my two copper coins worth. Well written overall esp after book three. Cheers and looking forward to Tiger's Imperium. William
Ben Stiger has returned to his timeline. He arrives back at Castle Vrell which is under siege by a army from the Cyphan Confederacy. The Cyphan believes there is but a small force holding the castle. Unbeknowst to them Stiger has restored the compact and brought troops from the past back to present day. The lost 13th Legion along with Dwarves, Gnomes and Elves must win their freedom and march on to save the empire. As always this story grabs you from the very beginning and you literally fly through the pages. The characters are all well written and endearing. The story line over the series is amazing. The only down side to this book is you eventually get to the end and have to wait for the next installment. Without giving any spoilers away the ending is epic. I had a suspicion of what was coming but I still enjoyed reading how it played out.
Just when I thought Mr. Edelheit wouldn't introduce any more races, creatures, or new twists, he springs some of them on us with this book.
The fight scenes continue to impress. When all odds are stacked against Stiger, Mr. Edelheit has a way of letting Stiger barely emerge victorious without making it seem too easy or fake, which is really hard to do.
Admittedly, the middle of the book dragged on a bit and it took me a few months to get through that, but the beginning and middle were awesome.
Can't wait to read book 6. Have you seen the amazing cover?
By the way, I really like the twist in the end of the book. I was shocked at what that meant for what would happen in the next book in this series.
A really great read. Can hardly wait for the next one of the series to come out. Marc has such wonderful characters. His use of different mystical creatures give his stories a different twist that a strictly historical fiction doesn't have. I would recommend this book to a anyone interested in Roman history and fantasy. The whole series is a must read for all military fantasy buffs. His attention to detail of the Roman war machine sounds very accurate from what I recall from my history book.
His other series about the Seventh legion and the young Stiger is also worth reading as it gives you the background for the Tiger series.
After emerging/returning through the World Gate, Stiger finds a substantial enemy army camped at his doorstep. Not willing to wait for the snows to clear, Stiger hatches a bold plan to break out of Vrell Valley. While his Legion is vastly outnumbered, Ben is bringing some friends along to the fight (some old, some new).
If you've follow the exploits of The Tiger, this will not disappoint. Lots here to digest with scattered hints of things to come. You're going to want this in your library.
Really, really good! 5 + stars. As I was reading, I realized that I was fussy on the start in transition from book 4 to book 5. So after this read, I went back to book 4 & re-read it. Of course, I proceed to re-read book 5 again as well. Too good! Now, as it's been 2 years inbetween books, I highly recommend reading book 4 prior to book 5. In general, Marc excels in characters development. Worldview is excellent. Plus, his writing chops is pro level. Can't wait for book 6, hopefully it won't take 2 years 😉
Well written story by a true student of classical history.
Stiger continues his battles in service to his empire. The empire that he loves. While 300 years in the past he truly makes a name for himself. Making his way back to his time he finds that he must make alliances and go on the offensive to save the empire and defeat the Cyphans. Becoming the High Fathers Champion takes his combat skills to a new level. He will need all of his skills, allies and heavenly help to prevail.
More page-turning action as a fight for the empire intensifies against huge odds.
Incredible evil drives the actions of the enemy and their slave soldiers are taught to die for their owners, regardless the morays of ancestors and requirements of tribe. A scathing mass of humanity brutally lays huge territories to waste, brings overwhelming weapons to the fight, and plots to totally destroy Stiger and his mixed army. An excellent addition to the series and well worth the time.
Stiger comes back from the past with the 13th Legion and with allies crushes the rebel army besiegeing Vrell Castle. The Legion then marches to help the Empire against the invaders. I like the action, humor, and romance. The main characters are well written, competent and compelling. Driver's power and understanding continue to grow as battles and bests the enemy. I look forward to the next book.
I have enjoyed very much anything that the author is writing about this world which is a blend of Roman History ( Army) and Orc, Dragons and Elves. this is the fifth book in the series and I would recommend starting with Book one as the other Books are not stand alones.
When I get the book I am able to finish within two days and a few weeks later I return to read the book once more. Great read
Well shit you can't serially tell me this is the end.Oh Hell no!!!!. You just can't leave me hanging like this. I tell you I have never had such fun reading about the Legionaries as I have with Stigers Tiger's. Bravo sir. We have Elves, Ogers, Dwarves,Legions Overs an we can't forget the Gonmes. They kept me laughing every time they showed up. What will happen to to Taha' Leeth's an Stiger an there child. So please sir finish there take . A must read!!!!!!
The whole series is amazing. Want to be part of something bigger then it's parts read the series. Great storytelling, great characters and battles where you can smell the blood. Okay, no you really don't smell anything but wow. If you are looking to get you out of yourself this is perfect. Excellent escape from, well everything. Can't believe it everywhere it dud. More please
I have thoroughly enjoyed what I think of as the Stiger's Tigers series. This latest round was just as good as the others. The next promises to be even more intriguing. MAE does an excellent job writing historical Roman military fiction in a different world. His historic detailing and vivid action coupled with amazing characters are reason enough to read the series from start to finish. I consider it time well spent.
If you like fiction around the history of the Roman empire and then you fancy mixing it with some fantasy. Then Marc is definitely at the top of this genre. He gives you a brilliant picture of what life may have been like in the military during ancient history. Plenty of action, heroes and military style humour. Be ready for tragedy as well! I highly recommend this series.
After 5 years in the future Ben Sticker returns to his own time and does so at the head of the, no longer Lost, 13th Legion. And boy are they needed. He will be grossly out-numbered in every fight he engages in, will he survive? A surprise ending that will knock your socks off!! Swords, sorcery and dragons, dwarves, orcs, elves and other strange creatures, oh my!! Don't miss this exciting book! Highly recommended.
A great addition to this series. This is a solid and well written story. I couldn’t put it down until I reached the end, so early in the morning. A surprisingly, and somewhat tragic ending as far as Steiger is concerned though. Now for the long wait for book 6...
Another great read from Marc!! This was a fantastic tale. Enough to build on the follow-up s that are obviously following. Looking forward to the continuing saga to come. As well as some intertwining tales that are alluded to.. This and your other works have earned my devotion. Keep up the great works. Greg
I'm such a fan of this series. The battles & strategy are epic. The storyline interesting & fast paced. The friendships, well, they are amazing. The way you feel about these characters, their life & history makes for an excellent read. Cannot wait for more from this crew. Thank M.E. looking fwd to more & more!
This series is a terrific blend of fantasy meets historical fiction. It took me a few chapters to get back into the saddle with Stiger and company - I’d finished the previous book some time ago - it moves quickly and ends with a rising crescendo. I can’t wait for the next installment!