What do you think?
Rate this book
The Karus Saga #3
The First Compact
The Bestselling, award-winning author of STIGERS TIGERS Marc Alan Edelheit delivers the third action-packed book in his fantasy epic, The Karus Saga. One of history’s greatest mysteries, the disappearance of ancient Rome’s Ninth Imperial Legion, is now revealed in this untold story.
Having been transported to the world of Tanis, separated from everything they know, the Ninth find themselves caught amidst an ancient war of the gods. Like a dark tide, the Horde is slowly conquering one nation after another, and a great migration of peoples has begun fleeing westward before the enemy’s advancing armies. No has been able to stand against the might of the Horde. But the Horde has never faced the power of a Roman legion.
Cast adrift in this strange, fantastical world, so unlike the one he knew, Karus has been given a number of tasks by his God Jupiter, known in this world as the High Father. Karus’s holy mission and mandate: retrieve a dread artifact and form an alliance with the peoples of this world so together they can withstand the might of the enemy and finally escape Tanis before it is too late. If he succeeds, the reward is everything Romulus and Remus were promised. If he fails, all will be lost and the Ninth destroyed.
Aided by the dragons Cyln’Phax and Kordem and the dwarven warchief Shoega, Karus and Amarra have succeeded in the first task, retrieving the dread sword Rarokan. It is a weapon that is both powerful and incredibly dangerous, for it has a mind of its own and an evil agenda.
Returning from the Fortress of Radiance, Karus must now find a way to save Shoega’s besieged warband, cure the sickness ravaging his legion, and then defeat an enemy army that outnumbers his legion greatly before he can even begin to think about unifying the free peoples of Tanis, who dislike and despise one another.
If you enjoy an original story, honorable heroes, mind-blowing twists, and page-turning action that puts you right in the middle of gritty battles, then you will love The Karus Saga.
Having been transported to the world of Tanis, separated from everything they know, the Ninth find themselves caught amidst an ancient war of the gods. Like a dark tide, the Horde is slowly conquering one nation after another, and a great migration of peoples has begun fleeing westward before the enemy’s advancing armies. No has been able to stand against the might of the Horde. But the Horde has never faced the power of a Roman legion.
Cast adrift in this strange, fantastical world, so unlike the one he knew, Karus has been given a number of tasks by his God Jupiter, known in this world as the High Father. Karus’s holy mission and mandate: retrieve a dread artifact and form an alliance with the peoples of this world so together they can withstand the might of the enemy and finally escape Tanis before it is too late. If he succeeds, the reward is everything Romulus and Remus were promised. If he fails, all will be lost and the Ninth destroyed.
Aided by the dragons Cyln’Phax and Kordem and the dwarven warchief Shoega, Karus and Amarra have succeeded in the first task, retrieving the dread sword Rarokan. It is a weapon that is both powerful and incredibly dangerous, for it has a mind of its own and an evil agenda.
Returning from the Fortress of Radiance, Karus must now find a way to save Shoega’s besieged warband, cure the sickness ravaging his legion, and then defeat an enemy army that outnumbers his legion greatly before he can even begin to think about unifying the free peoples of Tanis, who dislike and despise one another.
If you enjoy an original story, honorable heroes, mind-blowing twists, and page-turning action that puts you right in the middle of gritty battles, then you will love The Karus Saga.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2020
383 people are currently reading
96 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 2, 2020
A worthy continuation of the Karus saga. an interesting development of Amarra the priestess and introductions of new races such as the Vass. Not to mention the (accidental) discovery of what Black Powder can do. A bit light on the Roman Legion side in this books, the action centres mainly on Karus, Amarra, the Dvegr and the Vass. Not to mention the Orc's of the horde.
The tale is well crafted as is usual and entertains all the way through to the last page - which inevitably leaves you wanting more and feeling impatient. The characters continue to be "fleshed out", developed, sometimes along unexpected lines. You need to read the book to find out more.
Definitely a recommended read for those fans of the Karus and Steiger chronicles. Roll on book 4. :)
The tale is well crafted as is usual and entertains all the way through to the last page - which inevitably leaves you wanting more and feeling impatient. The characters continue to be "fleshed out", developed, sometimes along unexpected lines. You need to read the book to find out more.
Definitely a recommended read for those fans of the Karus and Steiger chronicles. Roll on book 4. :)
June 25, 2021
This one was much better than the last, with an awesome siege thrown into the mix. The way it ended was somewhat open, so there must be a fourth to come.
September 14, 2020
There's some excellent storytelling going on in the Stigerverse, and this installment is no exception.
Karus is still looking to build an alliance to fend off the hoard, and he needs them quickly. Karus arrives from the Fortress of Radiance with his new found sword only to find his legion in disarray due to illness. He has to set things aright, and prepare to receive a hoard that is pursuing his dwarven friend.
This book starts strong, and finishes stronger. There's some dry wit (dad jokes) here and there that made me giggle a bit, and once you get past the 70% mark you might as well consider getting a comfortable chair and holding on until you finish. Great ground based fighting in the city streets result in some pulse-pounding action.
small spoiler - - -
If you were unhappy with G.O.T. and the way Daenerys used her dragons in the defense of Winterfell... chapter one is for you.
Karus is still looking to build an alliance to fend off the hoard, and he needs them quickly. Karus arrives from the Fortress of Radiance with his new found sword only to find his legion in disarray due to illness. He has to set things aright, and prepare to receive a hoard that is pursuing his dwarven friend.
This book starts strong, and finishes stronger. There's some dry wit (dad jokes) here and there that made me giggle a bit, and once you get past the 70% mark you might as well consider getting a comfortable chair and holding on until you finish. Great ground based fighting in the city streets result in some pulse-pounding action.
small spoiler - - -
If you were unhappy with G.O.T. and the way Daenerys used her dragons in the defense of Winterfell... chapter one is for you.
March 6, 2021
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.
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.
February 9, 2023
There are many reasons to read the work of Marc Alan Edelheit.
I started reading his fantasy novels because of Marc's extensive knowledge of Roman history and its Legions. (I have an unquenchable thirst to consume fact based information (biographies, histories, etc), novels (see the novels by Simon Scarrow) and fantasy information about the rise and fall of Rome, it's leaders, conquests and Legions).
I continued reading Marc's work (in fact I've read ALL of his books that have been published) because he just tells good stories.
His characters are always interesting and you often come across unexpected twists and turns in his books that keep your attention.
There is at least one more reason to read his work.
The art work that accompanies each novel is marvelous. You can also buy these online to help support him and the artists he works with.
I can't wait for The Karus Saga #4!
I started reading his fantasy novels because of Marc's extensive knowledge of Roman history and its Legions. (I have an unquenchable thirst to consume fact based information (biographies, histories, etc), novels (see the novels by Simon Scarrow) and fantasy information about the rise and fall of Rome, it's leaders, conquests and Legions).
I continued reading Marc's work (in fact I've read ALL of his books that have been published) because he just tells good stories.
His characters are always interesting and you often come across unexpected twists and turns in his books that keep your attention.
There is at least one more reason to read his work.
The art work that accompanies each novel is marvelous. You can also buy these online to help support him and the artists he works with.
I can't wait for The Karus Saga #4!
March 16, 2021
Good story good ending or is it
Like the story of creating the compact ,of the different races coming together, of the issues of the different races and we see that in our own world today.
The story of Karus of the 9th legion , of his troopers ,of the way he cares for his men, of the story of the god Jupiter or high father and how faith can literally move mountains and or help those recover who were ill. As a story of fighting in the roman style with barbarians it is good, as a story talking about interactions of the people and how they ar,e it is also good.
Give it a try I think you'll like it I'm going to go ahead and wait for the next part of the story as Karuss and Amarra continue.
Like the story of creating the compact ,of the different races coming together, of the issues of the different races and we see that in our own world today.
The story of Karus of the 9th legion , of his troopers ,of the way he cares for his men, of the story of the god Jupiter or high father and how faith can literally move mountains and or help those recover who were ill. As a story of fighting in the roman style with barbarians it is good, as a story talking about interactions of the people and how they ar,e it is also good.
Give it a try I think you'll like it I'm going to go ahead and wait for the next part of the story as Karuss and Amarra continue.
September 15, 2020
Like all of Marc's novels this was a pleasure to read. He has created a fantastic fantasy world where authentic Roman soldiers are thrust into a world inhabited my mythical creatures. The only complaint I have from the stories are the end too soon. This is a sure sign the books are great when you are disappointed that they have to end. The characters are well developed and unique and the story line always keeps your undivided attention. If you have not read any of this author's work, do yourself a favor and start reading. I have no doubt you become just as hooked as I am with the high quality of the writing. I highly recommend this book to any fans of fantasy and military fiction.
August 30, 2020
Fantastic Read
Karus and the legion are being trailed by a huge Orc army. Along the way, they aly with a dwarven war band. They plan to meet at a deserted city and then march west together. Reality strikes and they are forced to stay in the city to defend themselves. I like the action, bit of humor, and romance. The characters seem so real that I feel like I am with them as they fight their battles. They are vastly outnumbered, but Karus has some tricks up his sleeve. I look forward to the next book.
Karus and the legion are being trailed by a huge Orc army. Along the way, they aly with a dwarven war band. They plan to meet at a deserted city and then march west together. Reality strikes and they are forced to stay in the city to defend themselves. I like the action, bit of humor, and romance. The characters seem so real that I feel like I am with them as they fight their battles. They are vastly outnumbered, but Karus has some tricks up his sleeve. I look forward to the next book.
October 3, 2020
Another cracking instalment.
From my perspective, this book really highlights Marc's understanding of military life. There are obviously common links between ancient and modern military personnel. He also has the ability to create nail biting tension when describing the scenes of battle. Oh yes, the final battle is a humdinger !!
I love how the tea brewing gets a mention ( a nod to soldiers in the field). We also get to meet a young Tribune with a glowing future.
Great reading thank you.
From my perspective, this book really highlights Marc's understanding of military life. There are obviously common links between ancient and modern military personnel. He also has the ability to create nail biting tension when describing the scenes of battle. Oh yes, the final battle is a humdinger !!
I love how the tea brewing gets a mention ( a nod to soldiers in the field). We also get to meet a young Tribune with a glowing future.
Great reading thank you.
September 3, 2020
Amazing Story Telling
This book is just another one in a growing library of great reads. The author obviously has a wonderful talent in writing and the ability to keep you wanting more. He takes us to a fantasy world and yet educates is on our own ancient past. I read Asimov when I was young because besides getting a great story you got educated on the universe at the same time. That’s what Marc does with his stories. Hats off to you Marc.
This book is just another one in a growing library of great reads. The author obviously has a wonderful talent in writing and the ability to keep you wanting more. He takes us to a fantasy world and yet educates is on our own ancient past. I read Asimov when I was young because besides getting a great story you got educated on the universe at the same time. That’s what Marc does with his stories. Hats off to you Marc.
September 5, 2020
an excellent read
I am a sci-fi reader and i would consider this series an excellent read tne author uses imagination and a bit of history: there was a lost roman legion the 9th that was lost in britannia and uses it for this book as the starting point the characters could uses more more filling that is the auxiliary ones , but a good read all the same,i wish the book was longer though.
I am a sci-fi reader and i would consider this series an excellent read tne author uses imagination and a bit of history: there was a lost roman legion the 9th that was lost in britannia and uses it for this book as the starting point the characters could uses more more filling that is the auxiliary ones , but a good read all the same,i wish the book was longer though.
June 21, 2021
An overwhelming enemy is crushed by surprise and discipline is the glue
A fantastic sequel to the series with superb and fascinating twists and turns as a seemingly unending army of well trained enemy brings surprise and treachery to an all out fight for existence. A magic sword carries its own promises and threats and will appear again as the men of Rome seek alliances and fight with honor to preserve their Eagle. Well worth the time.
A fantastic sequel to the series with superb and fascinating twists and turns as a seemingly unending army of well trained enemy brings surprise and treachery to an all out fight for existence. A magic sword carries its own promises and threats and will appear again as the men of Rome seek alliances and fight with honor to preserve their Eagle. Well worth the time.
June 21, 2023
First compact
This book was flat out excellent in pacing, content, plot twists, relationships , strategizing, and development of alliances between extremely different beings. events were extremely intense. I would highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys this genre. I finished reading it quickly and had a difficult time putting it down to sleep at night. I found the experience of reading it just amazing.
This book was flat out excellent in pacing, content, plot twists, relationships , strategizing, and development of alliances between extremely different beings. events were extremely intense. I would highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys this genre. I finished reading it quickly and had a difficult time putting it down to sleep at night. I found the experience of reading it just amazing.
August 27, 2020
Hmmmmm
Reading this book was nice but it didn't go anywhere near what I was hoping for,more background and plot and history of the last war. It felt like it mirrored or repeated parts of stigers story,how he made allies and even humour with a certain elf,which was obviously intentional but far to similar to what hiss came before.
Reading this book was nice but it didn't go anywhere near what I was hoping for,more background and plot and history of the last war. It felt like it mirrored or repeated parts of stigers story,how he made allies and even humour with a certain elf,which was obviously intentional but far to similar to what hiss came before.
August 28, 2020
Another hit
As always Marc spins another great tale of hero’s and heroines. For anyone who has read any of his previous books, you should fall right into this story. Honor and betrayal, despite battles filled with the legions,magic, dragons, elves, orcs and dwarfs. I highly recommend all Marc Alan Edelheits books
As always Marc spins another great tale of hero’s and heroines. For anyone who has read any of his previous books, you should fall right into this story. Honor and betrayal, despite battles filled with the legions,magic, dragons, elves, orcs and dwarfs. I highly recommend all Marc Alan Edelheits books
September 4, 2020
A Must Read
This is the exciting continued expansion of the Karus Saga, yet another story arc by Mr. Edelheit. His books and intertwined stories are a historical fiction fans dream come true. All of his works are incredibly well researched and enjoyable especially when read over and over and yes over again. Enjoy.
This is the exciting continued expansion of the Karus Saga, yet another story arc by Mr. Edelheit. His books and intertwined stories are a historical fiction fans dream come true. All of his works are incredibly well researched and enjoyable especially when read over and over and yes over again. Enjoy.
September 5, 2020
A Must Read
Another great addition to Marc's collection of stories. If you like David Weber or Poul Anderson then these books are right up your alley. Only wish they did not end so soon. Marc's world building is consistent and fun. He put limits on his main characters so they are not over powered and gives a look into the stress of command that is not often found.
Another great addition to Marc's collection of stories. If you like David Weber or Poul Anderson then these books are right up your alley. Only wish they did not end so soon. Marc's world building is consistent and fun. He put limits on his main characters so they are not over powered and gives a look into the stress of command that is not often found.
September 9, 2020
Being a big fan of Marc’s novels I was excited to start the next book in the Karus Saga, unfortunately I was slightly disappointed with the lack of movement in the storyline. As usual the book was extremely well written but I had a sense of deja vu as I progressed through the storyline.
I still look forward to the continuing story of the Karus Saga and hopefully the storyline will pick up pace.
I still look forward to the continuing story of the Karus Saga and hopefully the storyline will pick up pace.
December 4, 2020
Incredible story
The Karus Saga is my introduction to this author. It was a fantastic story and I can't wait for the 4th book to be released. I will also go back and read all the other books by this author. If they are as good as this series then I will consider it time well spent.
The Karus Saga is my introduction to this author. It was a fantastic story and I can't wait for the 4th book to be released. I will also go back and read all the other books by this author. If they are as good as this series then I will consider it time well spent.
January 21, 2023
Just Keeps Pulling You In
The 3rd Installment of this prequel to the later Stiger series does a masterful job of building the fantastical world the characters inhabit. It is world-building at its finest while also building the protagonist and his supporting cast up. Makes it so you can't wait for the next one.
The 3rd Installment of this prequel to the later Stiger series does a masterful job of building the fantastical world the characters inhabit. It is world-building at its finest while also building the protagonist and his supporting cast up. Makes it so you can't wait for the next one.
August 30, 2020
Fantastic
Well worth the wait. The continuation of the story doesn't disappoint. Love the direction of the storyline , and the expansion of the characters. Lot of action , over all fantastic
Well worth the wait. The continuation of the story doesn't disappoint. Love the direction of the storyline , and the expansion of the characters. Lot of action , over all fantastic
September 3, 2020
An excellent continuation
I have enjoyed every book in the saga as well as all of the others set in this universe. The continuation of this story is a great one and as always I look forward to he next book of the saga.
I have enjoyed every book in the saga as well as all of the others set in this universe. The continuation of this story is a great one and as always I look forward to he next book of the saga.
September 5, 2020
Likely the best book yet by Marc, although hard to say as they are all fantastic. I could have finished it in a day but deliberately took my time to truly enjoy. Looking forward to the continuing saga...
September 11, 2020
Nice
Yet another book in a series that has kept me on the edge of my seat for some time now. If you've read any of Marc's other books I guarantee you will enjoy this one. If you haven't, you are missing out.
Yet another book in a series that has kept me on the edge of my seat for some time now. If you've read any of Marc's other books I guarantee you will enjoy this one. If you haven't, you are missing out.
September 11, 2020
Great Read!
Great adventure with a realistic Roman Legion in a magical planet with elves, dwarves, dragons and tiger men. Discipline is a big lite compared to an actual Roman legion - punishment by decimation is an example of their cruelty, by modern standards.
Great adventure with a realistic Roman Legion in a magical planet with elves, dwarves, dragons and tiger men. Discipline is a big lite compared to an actual Roman legion - punishment by decimation is an example of their cruelty, by modern standards.
September 21, 2020
Hard Hit
A bit tough because the installments were far apart, and I never reread. But it came back quickly. New characters, shitty twists, but a truly heroic comeback. You'll love this book.
A bit tough because the installments were far apart, and I never reread. But it came back quickly. New characters, shitty twists, but a truly heroic comeback. You'll love this book.
October 23, 2020
A classic as always
Marc Alan Edelheit has a gift when it comes to writing military fiction. The action is always paced consistently. The dialogue is on point. The humor present. Will continue to read his works.
Marc Alan Edelheit has a gift when it comes to writing military fiction. The action is always paced consistently. The dialogue is on point. The humor present. Will continue to read his works.
October 28, 2020
SHARED HISTORY DONE RIGHT
Three series each set and sharing the same universe and backstory weave well together. If you are interested in Roman military lore, Tolkien, or Burroghs you should be able to sit back.
Then you’ll answer the question: Are you not entertained?
Three series each set and sharing the same universe and backstory weave well together. If you are interested in Roman military lore, Tolkien, or Burroghs you should be able to sit back.
Then you’ll answer the question: Are you not entertained?
June 24, 2021
The Karus Saga: Book #3 The First Compact
I have enjoyed this series immensely. The plot twists and turns like a pretzel, and the characters are interesting and vivid! I will read more of Marc Alan Edelheit books!
I have enjoyed this series immensely. The plot twists and turns like a pretzel, and the characters are interesting and vivid! I will read more of Marc Alan Edelheit books!
December 5, 2021
Continued Advances in the Time Before Stiger
Enjoying the story and character development in the age before the Compact. The story unfolds with excitement, surprises, and the unexpected.
Enjoying the story and character development in the age before the Compact. The story unfolds with excitement, surprises, and the unexpected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews