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A Legion Archer #1

Journey from Exile

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“I’ve heard Cretan archers are good bowmen but weak skirmishers,” a Tribune offered. “It has something to do with the teeny, tiny shields they wear like jewelry on their left forearms.”

“They wear jewelry into combat,” Tribune Scipio moaned. “What have I done?”

Set in the desperate years of the 2nd Punic War, the series follows the exploits of Cretan Archer, Jace Kasia, and Roman Legion Tribune, Cornelius Scipio. One is a castaway searching for a home while the other seeks to step out of the shadow of a famous father.

On their journey from exile, the orphan and the descendant will need to come together to save a trapped Legion from total annihilation.

Welcome to 232 B.C.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2022

244 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

J. Clifton Slater

69 books74 followers
Thank you for reading my author's profile.
I write Military Adventure both Future and Ancient.

In early 2015 I sat down and began On Station. The Galactic Council Realm series is now four books long.

My wife and I have three rescue dogs. Our home is a dog house. Luckily, they are small dogs. This doesn't explain why the Galactic Council Realm has Space Cats. It's still a mystery to my dogs.

Another subject I am passionate about is history.
While researching ancient Rome, I looked for books set before Rome became an Empire. They are few. Further study led me to the Roman Republic which lasted over 200 years.

Clay Warrior Stories takes place before the first Punic War in a world where making steel and clay bricks were the height of technology. There are 19 book in the Clay Warrior Stories. Welcome to 264 B.C.

A Legion Archer is a series set during the 2nd Punic war. The books follow Cornelius Scipio who would become Rome's greatest general and Jace Kasia, an archer, who saves him. Welcome to 218 B.C.

I am a United States Marine Corps veteran. My father was career Air Force, so I am also a service brat. I have lived in numerous states and a fair share of foreign countries. This influences my writing in creating diverse characters and locations.

To follow my progress sign up for my monthly Author Report at www.JCliftonSlater.com

Thank you for reviewing my Author Page.

I wish you faith, courage and enthusiasm. Now, go have a perfect day.

J. Clifton Slater

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5 stars
425 (53%)
4 stars
277 (34%)
3 stars
70 (8%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Silver Thorn.
43 reviews
June 3, 2022
A Cretan Archer Officer takes the blame for an incident which results in him being badly beaten and exiled. He ends up taking a young boy under his wing after the child is found washed up on a beach. The story then follows that child Jace as he strives to follow in his mentors footsteps but not being Cretan can he ever be accepted as a 'Cretan Archer'. The story then focuses on Tribune, Cornelius Scipio who with is father is setting out to fight Hannibal Barca. Because of his young age and the fact his father is leading the Roman legions he struggles to gain recognition. This is all about to change as Jace and Cornelius's paths are about to cross in an epic clash with Hannibal. The Roman Legions with the Cretan Archers are facing complete annihilation at the hands of Hannibal Barca, when .......

Read and find out. Looking forward to the next instalment.
19 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2023
Great stuff, spoiled by poor or no proof-reading and woeful grammar.

I have read and sort-of enjoyed the 8 books so far released in this series.

There are so very many errors of text that it speaks of zero proof-reading. If the author would just use Grammarly as his keyboard, he would be alerted to the many instances where a singular actor is given a plural verb, and where the ed of a past tense is printed, when it should be the es of a present tense, too is printed as two, or to. On should be is, letters are omitted. They're does not exist, t may be rendered as their or there, giving rise to the suspicion that the author is speaking to his device, not typing.

Misrelated particles and clumsy constructions are constant irritants.

It's just as well I am a sucker for a ripping yarn and have an interest in Roman history.

If you don't care about grammar and syntax, or are prepared to overlook gross violations for in-depth, if fictionalised history of the Punic wars, you will be fascinated.

Mr. Slater, get an editor.
20 reviews
June 21, 2022
poorly written

This had the makings of a good book. It has an interesting storyline, and could have been excellent, but it was poorly executed. I never leave negative reviews, but I cannot get past the multiple spelling mistakes, and grammatical errors. It leaves the reader unable to fully immerse themselves in the reading. Wasn’t it proofread? The large chunks of time missing in the story was a shame too, as it felt rushed in certain areas. I also didn’t like the named titles for each chapter, but that’s personal choice. This is just my honest feedback for the author/publisher. A shame, as I did enjoy the concept of the story, and was looking forward to what could have been an interesting historical novel.
30 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2022
I Love Roman War Stories!

I really enjoyed getting to know young Jace from when as a toddler he was found on a beach following his ship's sinking in a monster storm. To when he is finally given the title of Creten Archer, an honor he had sought for most of his life.

I can't wait to start Book 2.
166 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2023
Hannibal the Terrible …

…in an old fight, but sounding like a rah-rah modern military fight. It’s wayyy too short, though. Good action and by the end you can’t understand how the Roman Empire ever came to be with all the Cretins that were so-called officers in the Legions.

Remember, don’t call a Cretan a Greek.
7 reviews
March 21, 2025
Enjoyable Read!

I was never good at Book Reports!
I enjoyed the book greatly!
I learned more about the Archers of Crete. Hopefully, what I learned is correct seeing as this is a work of fiction! Seems pretty accurate with what I have learned from other sources.
Anyone with a reasonable vocabulary and like of battle history would like the book.
43 reviews2 followers
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June 20, 2023
An Excellent Military Tale!

J. Clifton Slater can write. Rah! If you enjoy stories of historical fiction dating back to the Punic Wars, you will appreciate the quality of this story. On to book 2. This will be fun.
11 reviews
June 27, 2023
A rolicking good read.

This book was fast paced and full of action. I could not put it down. The details were accurate with no jarring notes. I can reccomend the author to any history buff.
Profile Image for Olaitan Adenike.
36 reviews1 follower
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June 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

J. Clifton Slater writes with power, precision, and heart. His stories are immersive, action-packed, and rich with detail. Whether ancient or futuristic, his worlds feel real and his characters unforgettable. A must read for military fiction fans.
212 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2022
Keep writing

You have the start of a good story. Keep writing you have the talent. The story needs to be finished.
Profile Image for Mr P L Hughes.
78 reviews
September 23, 2022
Avid reading on hooiday

Another day, a new author for me in a new series of characters across several geographical and political areas. Onwards to book two!
9 reviews
November 13, 2022
great read

It is rare to have a book jump out as greatly entertaining and hard to put down. But this one is one of those
Profile Image for Guy.
Author 2 books4 followers
February 15, 2023
This was a holiday read.A ripping yarn that held me engrossed, though I felt at times it was a little “fast”. Colleen McCullough it is not! I am a sucker for all things roman and I have bought the next in the series to read in the sun.
14 reviews
February 4, 2025
Already Hooked!!!

The first installment was riveting! I can already tell that I’ll be captivated by the rest of series. Can’t wait to start Volume II.
50 reviews
September 23, 2025
fantastic read

Great story and characters during one of the mist interesting periods of history. The archers really make for a page turning read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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