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Tales of the Seventh #1
Stiger
The long awaited prequel to the Award Winning Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer series that started with the bestselling military fantasy book Stiger’s Tigers.
A nobleman from an infamous family, Ben Stiger finds himself freshly assigned to Third Legion, Seventh Company as a lowly lieutenant in the opening stages of war between the Empire and the Kingdom of the Rivan. Third Legion has been tasked with pursuing a retreating Rivan army back to the border where the Empire can take the fight into enemy territory. However, a major obstacle stands in Third Legion’s path: the river Hana. The crossing is sure to be contested and dangerous. Should Third Legion fail to force a crossing, the entire campaign could grind to a disastrous halt.
This is Stiger’s first military appointment. Inexperienced, young and unsure of himself, Stiger is ostracized by his fellow lieutenants. Worse, he’s been placed under the command of an incompetent officer. With life and reputation on the line, he must learn to understand men far beneath his station and lead them into battle. Stiger struggles not only against the enemy, but against his family's history and his own side to prove himself worthy of serving the empire he loves and earning the respect of the men he leads.
Set amidst the backdrop of an epic war, there are greater forces at work than the young Stiger can even begin to imagine, setting him on the dangerous and lonely path of destiny.
A nobleman from an infamous family, Ben Stiger finds himself freshly assigned to Third Legion, Seventh Company as a lowly lieutenant in the opening stages of war between the Empire and the Kingdom of the Rivan. Third Legion has been tasked with pursuing a retreating Rivan army back to the border where the Empire can take the fight into enemy territory. However, a major obstacle stands in Third Legion’s path: the river Hana. The crossing is sure to be contested and dangerous. Should Third Legion fail to force a crossing, the entire campaign could grind to a disastrous halt.
This is Stiger’s first military appointment. Inexperienced, young and unsure of himself, Stiger is ostracized by his fellow lieutenants. Worse, he’s been placed under the command of an incompetent officer. With life and reputation on the line, he must learn to understand men far beneath his station and lead them into battle. Stiger struggles not only against the enemy, but against his family's history and his own side to prove himself worthy of serving the empire he loves and earning the respect of the men he leads.
Set amidst the backdrop of an epic war, there are greater forces at work than the young Stiger can even begin to imagine, setting him on the dangerous and lonely path of destiny.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2016
708 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Marc Alan Edelheit
40 books875 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
August 7, 2022
Introducing Ben Stiger
This novel is a prequel to STIGER'S TIGERS and the other volumes of Tales of a Legionary Officer. In this one Stiger, a newly commissioned lieutenant, is on his first posting and things are not going well. Part of it is his family name. There are also incompetent officers who out rank him. But the main problem is Stiger himself. This story shows how Stiger grew and became an outstanding soldier and officer. An officer whom men will gladly follow into combat. A good thing as his posting is to the third legion which is in the midst of a brutal war.
This novel is a prequel to STIGER'S TIGERS and the other volumes of Tales of a Legionary Officer. In this one Stiger, a newly commissioned lieutenant, is on his first posting and things are not going well. Part of it is his family name. There are also incompetent officers who out rank him. But the main problem is Stiger himself. This story shows how Stiger grew and became an outstanding soldier and officer. An officer whom men will gladly follow into combat. A good thing as his posting is to the third legion which is in the midst of a brutal war.
December 2, 2017
The tale chronicles a Roman attack on a fortified enemy position planted on the opposing side of a river. The character development is great, starting with Stiger’s checkered family history and tracing through the interactions with superiors and subordinates. The battle scenes put you 10 feet behind the shield wall so you can experience the chaos and the tactical decisions. The attention to detail also gives you a glimpse into the life of a legionnaire: the food, training regimens, life in camp, weapons, etc. Awesome read, enjoyable, and enlightening.
July 4, 2020
Who was Ben Stiger
Really enjoy this read. Getting to know Ben Stiger better, where he came from an who is. Not just as a man but who he is deep inside., how he changed his thinking of the man he became. How he learns to trust in those at his side. Marc Alan Edelheit brings Stiger life. Out standing writing. A outstanding read sir.
P.S. Will you please continue Stingers from the last series of the Legionaries. I for one would like to know what happens with him Taha Leeth's an the Empire????????
Really enjoy this read. Getting to know Ben Stiger better, where he came from an who is. Not just as a man but who he is deep inside., how he changed his thinking of the man he became. How he learns to trust in those at his side. Marc Alan Edelheit brings Stiger life. Out standing writing. A outstanding read sir.
P.S. Will you please continue Stingers from the last series of the Legionaries. I for one would like to know what happens with him Taha Leeth's an the Empire????????
June 21, 2017
Unlike a lot of prequels, I enjoyed this one. The attention to detail found int eh book mirrors the other books and the base details hinted at in the first three books, come back to roost in this one.
I hope the regular series continues to progress and alternate with the prequels. That would be the best of both worlds, moving both time lines in a solid fashion without favoring one or the other.
I hope the regular series continues to progress and alternate with the prequels. That would be the best of both worlds, moving both time lines in a solid fashion without favoring one or the other.
August 4, 2017
A fast paced adventure
An interesting story with a hint of much more to come. The story was of a young officer's rise to stardom, despite the attentions of a pantomime villain in the shape of his immediate superior. The battle scenes were well written and I rather enjoyed the tale.
An interesting story with a hint of much more to come. The story was of a young officer's rise to stardom, despite the attentions of a pantomime villain in the shape of his immediate superior. The battle scenes were well written and I rather enjoyed the tale.
January 17, 2019
My newest favorite author. Well written with good character development. Good action and pacing. I enjoy stories with thoughtful, "bigger than life" main characters.
Only thing missing was some zombies. :)
Only thing missing was some zombies. :)
January 19, 2018
Wow
Great detail, interesting premise and solid character development. The twists and turns in this series are special. Well done in ready for more!
Great detail, interesting premise and solid character development. The twists and turns in this series are special. Well done in ready for more!
August 28, 2025
Wow!!!
Fast paced and a great lead character. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel recommended by a good friend and now I have a new author to enjoy and a new series!
Fast paced and a great lead character. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel recommended by a good friend and now I have a new author to enjoy and a new series!
September 21, 2017
I am actually glad that I read this after the first three books of the Chronicles - it sets up the main character Ben Stiger and gives you a better understanding of Captain Stiger and his military abilities. Now I have two series to read by this author as after the first three [ Stiger's Tigers, The Tiger, The Tiger's Fate) and was left hanging waiting for Book 4. And I WANT it NOW!
Now, I have a wait for Book #2 of this series, Eli, which will hopefully fill in additional background information on that character.
The Roman Legion military life and action feels very real in these series. The characters make me have feelings for them and I want to find out what happens to them.
Great Author and Great Series. An interesting mixture of Historical Fiction, Magic, and Science Fiction (Fantasy?). Marc carries it out well and I look forward to additional books that I can read and enjoy.
Now, I have a wait for Book #2 of this series, Eli, which will hopefully fill in additional background information on that character.
The Roman Legion military life and action feels very real in these series. The characters make me have feelings for them and I want to find out what happens to them.
Great Author and Great Series. An interesting mixture of Historical Fiction, Magic, and Science Fiction (Fantasy?). Marc carries it out well and I look forward to additional books that I can read and enjoy.
March 30, 2017
2.5 stars. Because I still want half stars, dammit.
Popcorn book. Largely predictable with the same cast of characters we've seen across a dozen different war books. The gruff sergeant with a heart of gold, the drunken captain, the wet-behind-the-ears budding tactical genius who needs to learn and earn the respect of his men and fellow officers.
Yup, if you've ever read a war book before, you've read this. I'm hoping to see more details fleshed out in the follow ons, because theres some good teasers of interesting things like the protagonist's family's checkered past, the complex politics of the world, the hints of magical items here and there. There's a lot of structure hidden under the gratuitous fluff, I just hope that we get to it at some point...
Popcorn book. Largely predictable with the same cast of characters we've seen across a dozen different war books. The gruff sergeant with a heart of gold, the drunken captain, the wet-behind-the-ears budding tactical genius who needs to learn and earn the respect of his men and fellow officers.
Yup, if you've ever read a war book before, you've read this. I'm hoping to see more details fleshed out in the follow ons, because theres some good teasers of interesting things like the protagonist's family's checkered past, the complex politics of the world, the hints of magical items here and there. There's a lot of structure hidden under the gratuitous fluff, I just hope that we get to it at some point...
June 10, 2018
Oddly anachronistic , Roman soldiers depicted smoking and a more lengthy reference to being served with coffee. The modern army ranks don’t work in that setting. Their are some researched descriptions, the author should take more time in preparation. The characterisation is clumsy , using the first person narration , sometimes in the guise of the hero’s Internal monologue. Nevertheless the atmosphere of comradeship , combat and corrosive rivalry is compelling.
February 14, 2022
I was conflicted with my rating. Book had so many great reviews, I had to return to some of them. Turns out its a prequel series from an already established book series. Which now makes sense. Overall I enjoyed the book, who doesn't like the rise of a new leader in Stiger. He has a very good mind on the battlefield. Slowly gained trust from those above him. His men followed him. good action. Even had a doubter. Can't wait to see what book 2 brings.
January 12, 2023
Could've easily skipped the first 40% of this book without affecting the story.
*disclaimer, this is the first Edelheit book I've read. Maybe I made the mistake of reading this before the main trilogy.
Summary:
I read about 85% of this book in one sitting, so obviously I wasn't bored. However, until Stiger returns from the supply run, I was extremely bored. Edelheit overkills the narrative that Stiger is constantly disrespected due to his father's actions (which I'm excited to learn more about) and that Stiger is unsure. Once Stiger starts to gain respect from his inferiors, the story picked up and I was hooked.
Characters
-Stiger: If I had to read "Stiger is unsure of himself" once more...I felt for him from the beginning and I liked the overall character arc. I struggled with the monologued development, however. A lot of telling when his actions portrayed his development. I loved how he's "not like other officers" (hehe) with his interaction with his men.
-Tiro: My FAV. I was read a book just about him.
-Geta: Are we going to pretend we didn't see that coming?
-Cathegus: This felt like a caricature of an incompetent leader. I know a lot of these positions are appointed, so not always based on merit (right? Idk I'm not a history buff) but his actions pulled me from the story.
-Livia: I liked her sass but I didn't see enough of her to really know her characters.
Plot:
-The beginning with the supply run felt unnecessary. I know he had to get the wine and Edelheit was establishing Stiger's backstory, but felt like he could've done that starting with when they save Triem and narrated the delays, wine, and crossing.
-This felt incomplete to me, as if I never reached an actual climax. Yes I get that they're trying to beat back the enemy and Stiger is trying to prove himself, but it didn't feel like enough to build a story around.
Writing:
-I really loved the writing of the battles, and most of the characters felt very real with their relationships, banter, and characteristics. However, there was too much monologuing and over explanation for me. At times, battle tactics or even Stiger's actions felt overly explained and simplified. I felt like Edelheit didn't trust me as the reader to be smart enough to put clues together and draw my own conclusions.
I have higher hopes for the original books and will probably pick them up eventually, but I'm not running to the store to buy them. Recommend for anyone who likes military fantasy looking for a quick read (like 4 hours).
*disclaimer, this is the first Edelheit book I've read. Maybe I made the mistake of reading this before the main trilogy.
Summary:
I read about 85% of this book in one sitting, so obviously I wasn't bored. However, until Stiger returns from the supply run, I was extremely bored. Edelheit overkills the narrative that Stiger is constantly disrespected due to his father's actions (which I'm excited to learn more about) and that Stiger is unsure. Once Stiger starts to gain respect from his inferiors, the story picked up and I was hooked.
Characters
-Stiger: If I had to read "Stiger is unsure of himself" once more...I felt for him from the beginning and I liked the overall character arc. I struggled with the monologued development, however. A lot of telling when his actions portrayed his development. I loved how he's "not like other officers" (hehe) with his interaction with his men.
-Tiro: My FAV. I was read a book just about him.
-Geta: Are we going to pretend we didn't see that coming?
-Cathegus: This felt like a caricature of an incompetent leader. I know a lot of these positions are appointed, so not always based on merit (right? Idk I'm not a history buff) but his actions pulled me from the story.
-Livia: I liked her sass but I didn't see enough of her to really know her characters.
Plot:
-The beginning with the supply run felt unnecessary. I know he had to get the wine and Edelheit was establishing Stiger's backstory, but felt like he could've done that starting with when they save Triem and narrated the delays, wine, and crossing.
-This felt incomplete to me, as if I never reached an actual climax. Yes I get that they're trying to beat back the enemy and Stiger is trying to prove himself, but it didn't feel like enough to build a story around.
Writing:
-I really loved the writing of the battles, and most of the characters felt very real with their relationships, banter, and characteristics. However, there was too much monologuing and over explanation for me. At times, battle tactics or even Stiger's actions felt overly explained and simplified. I felt like Edelheit didn't trust me as the reader to be smart enough to put clues together and draw my own conclusions.
I have higher hopes for the original books and will probably pick them up eventually, but I'm not running to the store to buy them. Recommend for anyone who likes military fantasy looking for a quick read (like 4 hours).
October 21, 2020
This is listed as a prequel to a series I haven't read. If memory serves, I won a copy at a giveaway at DragonCon some years ago. I'm not entirely sure what to make of the book. It might make more senes if I'd read the series, I suppose, but then, shouldn't prequels be able to stand alone?
Ben (odd name for Roman times) Stiger comes from a powerful family fallen on hard times when the head of the family backed the wrong side in a civil war. Being a second son, Ben decided to go into the military. He starts off as a kind of stuck up, self-centered officer, newly assigned to the 7th Company, Third Legion. As the book goes on, he realizes the men assigned to him are actually people, and vows to actually serve them.
While there's an enemy force to deal with from the Rivan Army, his biggest foes are an incompetent captain and a suck-up bully of a sergeant. Stiger does his best to work around them to make his unit the best, and gets treated horribly, both by the idiotic officers and the people who doubt him because of his family history.
Naturally, he falls into the right place at the right time, and manages to save the newly arrived general and his beautiful daughter. She seems like she'd be a love interest, but she's in something like three short scenes. Stiger also finds a previously missed ford across the river to get to the enemy, which his superior naturally does nothing about.
The big fight comes, Stiger's ford becomes hugely important, and most of the bad guys get what's coming to them.
Oddities in the book include the troops drinking coffee (which, far as I know, didn't start until the 15th century or so), the guy's name (Ben just sounds wrong, even if it's historically accurate, which I admit I don't know), and the hinted at more than seen existence of magic. There are no spells or anything, there's just a passing reference to a magical lantern and a holy paladin who can heal. There's an epilogue that doesn't really make any sense to me, but that, too, might tie in to the larger series.
Decent read, just didn't hugely grab me.
Ben (odd name for Roman times) Stiger comes from a powerful family fallen on hard times when the head of the family backed the wrong side in a civil war. Being a second son, Ben decided to go into the military. He starts off as a kind of stuck up, self-centered officer, newly assigned to the 7th Company, Third Legion. As the book goes on, he realizes the men assigned to him are actually people, and vows to actually serve them.
While there's an enemy force to deal with from the Rivan Army, his biggest foes are an incompetent captain and a suck-up bully of a sergeant. Stiger does his best to work around them to make his unit the best, and gets treated horribly, both by the idiotic officers and the people who doubt him because of his family history.
Naturally, he falls into the right place at the right time, and manages to save the newly arrived general and his beautiful daughter. She seems like she'd be a love interest, but she's in something like three short scenes. Stiger also finds a previously missed ford across the river to get to the enemy, which his superior naturally does nothing about.
The big fight comes, Stiger's ford becomes hugely important, and most of the bad guys get what's coming to them.
Oddities in the book include the troops drinking coffee (which, far as I know, didn't start until the 15th century or so), the guy's name (Ben just sounds wrong, even if it's historically accurate, which I admit I don't know), and the hinted at more than seen existence of magic. There are no spells or anything, there's just a passing reference to a magical lantern and a holy paladin who can heal. There's an epilogue that doesn't really make any sense to me, but that, too, might tie in to the larger series.
Decent read, just didn't hugely grab me.
July 17, 2023
I enjoyed this origin story of Ben Stiger. It's actually the first book I've read of the entire series, which has been on my TBR list for a while. Ben is exactly the type of character that I like to read about, and many authors don't seem to want to write about. Villians and antiheros are very popular now, while more noble or honorable characters have fallen out of favor.
The plot is not very strong here, it's primarily a description of a series of battles and training exercises sprinkled in with some camp politics. Only brief mentions of the fantasy side of this world.
But the point of the book is character development, and to show how Ben Stiger became the person we know from the other books. But I suppose that's how it would be for a legionary - train, fight, deal with other people at camp. So character development with a taste of what life might be like for the common soldiers.
The book delivers what it promises, and I got most of what I expected. The author promises more of would I would have liked to see in the other books - more about the more magical parts of this world, and adventure plots.
The plot is not very strong here, it's primarily a description of a series of battles and training exercises sprinkled in with some camp politics. Only brief mentions of the fantasy side of this world.
But the point of the book is character development, and to show how Ben Stiger became the person we know from the other books. But I suppose that's how it would be for a legionary - train, fight, deal with other people at camp. So character development with a taste of what life might be like for the common soldiers.
The book delivers what it promises, and I got most of what I expected. The author promises more of would I would have liked to see in the other books - more about the more magical parts of this world, and adventure plots.
February 23, 2018
For those of us interested in the history of the Roman Empire, this was very interesting. I thought the story line was good, believable, and overall the book was well written. Additional editing could have made it better, for there were a few grammatical mistakes and quite a bit of repetition. Nevertheless, this was not bothersome to me and did not slow down the reading. The author's knowledge of Roman military equipment and how they fought was spot on, and the political aspects were typical of those days when positions were determined by political influence. I did note that toward the end the author slipped into the use of British slang, but then ... that appears to be common these days. More and more books and movies are coming out of Great Britain. All in all, a good read worthy of the price.
May 2, 2019
Hah! Hah! Hah!
A wonderful read! I came here after reading the third book in the Chronicles of An Imperial Legionary Officer series. The first few pages of this book were hard to get through, but the level of action quickly increased.
The combat and tactics are fun to read. Sometimes the simplest tactics are the most effective.
The Stiger in this book feels less experienced than the Stiger in the middle series, and I enjoyed his growth as he fought in his first battle.
Marc Alan Edelheit keeps us entertained throughout this book. No excess infodumping - he introduces backstory here and there in just the right amount to keep us hooked.
A wonderful read! I came here after reading the third book in the Chronicles of An Imperial Legionary Officer series. The first few pages of this book were hard to get through, but the level of action quickly increased.
The combat and tactics are fun to read. Sometimes the simplest tactics are the most effective.
The Stiger in this book feels less experienced than the Stiger in the middle series, and I enjoyed his growth as he fought in his first battle.
Marc Alan Edelheit keeps us entertained throughout this book. No excess infodumping - he introduces backstory here and there in just the right amount to keep us hooked.
October 5, 2020
A very good storyteller continues with the action.
I have reviewed the majority of Marc's books that I've been lucky enough to read. My problem is trying to find something new and original to say at the end of each instalment!
I just love the blend of full on action, fast pace, humour and mix of Roman history with fantasy. Just a touch of the fantasy in this first instalment (to be expected I think).
The character development is excellent. New and future characters are introduced. I suspect other readers will also come to loathe a couple of the characters included in this story, as I did.
Thanks Marc for excellent entertainment.
I have reviewed the majority of Marc's books that I've been lucky enough to read. My problem is trying to find something new and original to say at the end of each instalment!
I just love the blend of full on action, fast pace, humour and mix of Roman history with fantasy. Just a touch of the fantasy in this first instalment (to be expected I think).
The character development is excellent. New and future characters are introduced. I suspect other readers will also come to loathe a couple of the characters included in this story, as I did.
Thanks Marc for excellent entertainment.
January 15, 2018
Fantastic. I guess I like my fiction grounded in reality
I get frustrated with many fantasy stories when armies can fly across the countryside without consideration or mention of mundane things such as supplies and rations. I like this story because it succeeded in appearing plausible. It struck a good balance between being detailed and keeping the action flowing. Also the author did a great job of bringing the setting to life. I could easily picture the hills, forest, roads, and rivers.
I get frustrated with many fantasy stories when armies can fly across the countryside without consideration or mention of mundane things such as supplies and rations. I like this story because it succeeded in appearing plausible. It struck a good balance between being detailed and keeping the action flowing. Also the author did a great job of bringing the setting to life. I could easily picture the hills, forest, roads, and rivers.
March 6, 2018
1st time author for me
It's the 1st time I've read this author so didn't know what to expect.......... I was surprised that he's an easy writer as in to get you in to the story, there's no long winded explanations of who is who or why they're there, he let the story do that.
I bought the 2 book package so am really looking forward to No 2 once this review is finished.
I haven't written a review before maybe because I wasn't grabbed but I was with this book.......... nice one Marc 👍
It's the 1st time I've read this author so didn't know what to expect.......... I was surprised that he's an easy writer as in to get you in to the story, there's no long winded explanations of who is who or why they're there, he let the story do that.
I bought the 2 book package so am really looking forward to No 2 once this review is finished.
I haven't written a review before maybe because I wasn't grabbed but I was with this book.......... nice one Marc 👍
June 10, 2021
The intense and personal battles of first time combat are met with the counsel of a battle hardened sergeant
Enemy forces control the main river crossing with devastating artillery and flights of killing arrows. However, Stiger and his patrol have discovered another crossing, unguarded, hidden among the tree line, marked only by a narrow trail, and used to move cattle to market. A game changer, but how to get word to the General when the chain of command is broken by a drunken misfit and his sergeant. Another fascinating tale and well worth the time.
Enemy forces control the main river crossing with devastating artillery and flights of killing arrows. However, Stiger and his patrol have discovered another crossing, unguarded, hidden among the tree line, marked only by a narrow trail, and used to move cattle to market. A game changer, but how to get word to the General when the chain of command is broken by a drunken misfit and his sergeant. Another fascinating tale and well worth the time.
February 16, 2022
This turned out to be quite interesting book with rather straightforward storyline, but interesting characters, albeit cliché. When done right (and it is here), that's perfectly fine and enjoyable.
The only thing lacking is that it reads a lot more as history novel, than "fantasy". The "fantasy" parts are so little, that everything works without them. I guess they will come later, in the next books.
The whole universe sounds interesting, so I might come back to it and read the other books at a later time, but for now, this book works for me even as a standalone, so kudos to the author.
The only thing lacking is that it reads a lot more as history novel, than "fantasy". The "fantasy" parts are so little, that everything works without them. I guess they will come later, in the next books.
The whole universe sounds interesting, so I might come back to it and read the other books at a later time, but for now, this book works for me even as a standalone, so kudos to the author.
May 10, 2018
Fast Read
I read they book one evening all the way through. What happened to the time?
The story is about a young man with some headwinds in life from his family. Who doesn't understand that? But it isn't all about the headwinds. The story is also about going the extra mile when it is not easy and the reward for working harder and taking nothing for granted. Some folks can relate to that sentiment.
Pardon me while I buy the second in the series.
Mike
I read they book one evening all the way through. What happened to the time?
The story is about a young man with some headwinds in life from his family. Who doesn't understand that? But it isn't all about the headwinds. The story is also about going the extra mile when it is not easy and the reward for working harder and taking nothing for granted. Some folks can relate to that sentiment.
Pardon me while I buy the second in the series.
Mike
October 3, 2018
Definitely grown as an author
This prequel was an excellent introduction to Stiger as a young Lieutenant. To see his fears and uncertainties hardening into the resolve to take care of his men is very satisfying. The author has steadily improved on pacing and depth of his character development. His action sequences have gotten tighter and more engaging. Altogether an excellent addition to Stiger's story.
This prequel was an excellent introduction to Stiger as a young Lieutenant. To see his fears and uncertainties hardening into the resolve to take care of his men is very satisfying. The author has steadily improved on pacing and depth of his character development. His action sequences have gotten tighter and more engaging. Altogether an excellent addition to Stiger's story.
July 4, 2020
Wanted more and got more
Having devoured the first series wanted more. Got more yay. Was apprehensive that it was "prior to story" but shouldn't have worried. Excellent storytelling. If you haven't read other books by this author you are in for a great adventure with the legion that you will enjoy. If you have read his previous books pick up your shield strap on you sandals and get ready for a wonderful march.
Having devoured the first series wanted more. Got more yay. Was apprehensive that it was "prior to story" but shouldn't have worried. Excellent storytelling. If you haven't read other books by this author you are in for a great adventure with the legion that you will enjoy. If you have read his previous books pick up your shield strap on you sandals and get ready for a wonderful march.
February 11, 2021
I have no idea where a reference was made the Edelheit's works. I simply needed something to read. Ordered the book and opened it up to a invigorating story of Stiger's early days in the Legion. It was an exhilarating read. The next two works in this series are on order.
Heartily recommend this book. Well written. Flows nicely. Great attention to detail. The type of book that, when finished, energizes one's spirit.
Heartily recommend this book. Well written. Flows nicely. Great attention to detail. The type of book that, when finished, energizes one's spirit.
November 19, 2021
Start here!
I wish I had read these books first, then it would have like a continuous story. However, of all the series books I've read by many authors, this is the best. I found myself wishing for the next book and the next before I finished the one I was reading. This author's imagination, and creative mind has created a parallel world, with legions, armies, dragons, orcs, gnomes, and dwarves. Besides the magic, magicians and elves. Read it and be carried away.
I wish I had read these books first, then it would have like a continuous story. However, of all the series books I've read by many authors, this is the best. I found myself wishing for the next book and the next before I finished the one I was reading. This author's imagination, and creative mind has created a parallel world, with legions, armies, dragons, orcs, gnomes, and dwarves. Besides the magic, magicians and elves. Read it and be carried away.
January 10, 2026
This is the first book of a prequel series to the stiger chronicles/chronicles of an imperial legionary officer. Basically a origin story to the main character, Ben Stiger. Having read all the books in that main series and seeing how the first 4 books improved in quality only to nosedive after the fifth book, I was unsure how this one work out. Let’s say, I was glad to see how good of a book this ended up being
June 4, 2017
Mix of historical and fantasy
I like this series of books, the characters are well developed and therefore you feel invested. I also like the fact that you have a Roman army but mixed in with elves and dwarves. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy fiction but with a historical element.
I like this series of books, the characters are well developed and therefore you feel invested. I also like the fact that you have a Roman army but mixed in with elves and dwarves. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy fiction but with a historical element.
August 13, 2017
Great beginning prequel to Stiger's Tigers
Good to read the basis for this stellar series. It displays the gritty reality of life as a young Legionaire and provides a good starting point for the action to come. A good writer immerses you into the times and life of the hero. This is an excellent historical fiction and sci-fi fantasy. Can't wait to read more!
Good to read the basis for this stellar series. It displays the gritty reality of life as a young Legionaire and provides a good starting point for the action to come. A good writer immerses you into the times and life of the hero. This is an excellent historical fiction and sci-fi fantasy. Can't wait to read more!
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