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Having been transported to the world of Tannis, 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 one 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 Tannis 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.

Now comes a greater and the more difficult task, forming a greater alliance. Only, the peoples of this world dislike and despise one another with intensity. It seems like an impossible job. Still, Karus somehow must find a way to unify them, and he is not one to easily give up.

Having destroyed an army of the Horde in a desperate fight, the legion, for the moment, is safe. Karus has won a major victory. However, the Horde has many more armies where that one came from, and the enemy is certain to strike back, for Karus and the legion represent a threat that cannot be ignored.

Not only does Karus have the legion to look after, but also the camp followers, along with thousands of people from this new world. Having gathered and scrounged all the supplies they can from an abandoned city and the surrounding countryside, Karus must march the legion, along with the remnants of the dwarven warband and thousands of civilians, west and away from the enemy in search of not only allies, but also safety, if such a thing can be found on Tannis. But, most importantly, Karus needs time, something he does not have, for not only are there enemies behind, but also on the road ahead to the west, the one down which he marches.

640 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

186 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Marc Alan Edelheit

46 books859 followers
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.

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5 stars
721 (75%)
4 stars
191 (19%)
3 stars
33 (3%)
2 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Charles  van Buren.
1,910 reviews303 followers
June 9, 2023
The fourth volume in Mr. Edelheit's Karus saga. It follows the continuing adventures of the Ninth legion, the famous Roman lost legion. Recent historical discussions question whether the Legion was actually destroyed or simply removed from the record of legions. Mr. Edelheit has a much more interesting solution. In his sagas, the legion, at the very moment of its destruction, was transplanted to another world to support the High Father in the war against dark gods and the Horde.

In this book, the men of the ninth discover that others, from different places and times have also been transplanted. There are ancient Spartans from the time of Thermopyle and Romans from the 21st Rapax legion which had, in the Ninth's time, been destroyed some decades earlier. There is war, realistic battle scenes, diplomacy, coalition building and romance in this volume. Very well done.
10 reviews
May 18, 2023
The story has continued in great fashion with Karas and his group. The story is growing ever strong and the connection, friendships become deeper with the ever threatening enemy following.
Profile Image for Dmaino.
64 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2023
Repax Pax: The Karus Saga, Book 4 by Marc Alan Edelheit, © 2023 (fantasy)

If you’ve been reading my book reviews, you know I am a devotee of all things related to Ancient Rome. I’ve read the biographies of all the Emperors of Imperial Rome and numerous books concerning the Roman Republic that preceded the Empire. I’ve not only read the biography of Julius Caesar but also his Commentary on the Civil and Gallic Wars in the original Latin! (Actually, reading these books by Caesar is true. Reading them in Latin is not however.)

Imagine that a whole Roman Legion is transported to another world AND there are Wyrms breathing fire, evil magicians, trolls, and orcs. Pitted against these evil creatures are talking, telepathic dragons, a Roman Legion, long-lived elves, cantankerous dwarfs and even irascible gnomes. All creatures on this planet, unfortunately, hate each other.

A mission has been given to the Roman Legate and his consort by a benevolent god. Unfortunately, this mission is seemingly impossible to complete. The Legate’s consort is a heroic, beautiful woman with a magical spear. The Roman Legate has a deadly, magical sword that, if he is not careful, will control him. All are fighting the vile Horde. The Horde has been directed by their evil gods to conquer and destroy multiple worlds and now they are invading Tannis.

The Legate, his Legion and his companions are the only force that can defeat or at least slow down the Horde. The only way they can find the secret portal to the next world (which is untouched by the Horde) is to bring all together as a united force. Yeah, good luck with that.

Book 4 starts with Krix, the leader of the Horde standing in front of the charred remains of Carthum, a city now in ruins. The burnt and thoroughly cooked bodies of the Horde’s soldiers litter the grounds. It was a defeat for the malevolent Horde. A defeat the likes never previously experienced by Krix. Is it time to send the Hoard’s dreaded assassins to kill Karus, the Roman Legate and his companions?

As the story continues, Karus, with his Legion; Amarra (Karus’ love and high priestess), the Dverge (dwarfs), Elves, gnomes and a couple of dragons take on thousands of turn-coat humans. Several battles large and small result. And the winner is…. (yeah, you must read the book to find out).
Marc Alan Edelheit knows his Roman history and the details of how Rome’s Legions fought so effectively against their foes. He takes history and turns it into incredible fantasy. Marc’s description of battles is very accurate. It’s almost as if you are right there in the middle of the Legion.

So, should you read this book? Yes and no.

I’d start with reading the Karus Saga Book 1 (Lost Legio IX) first and then read the Fortress of Radiance, then The First Compact and finally Rapax Pax.

Can you read Rapax Pax on its own? Yes, but why would you want too when you could enjoy all in this series?

Should you read this book (and all those mentioned)? Yes.

(BTW the cover artwork by Piero Mng (Gianpiero Mangialardi) is awesome!

In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that I recently became a Beta Reader for Marc and his creations. This means I get to read multiple copies of his work before its publication and help to find “stuff” that either shouldn’t be there or needs to be altered in some way. It also means I get to read his stories long before anyone else.

A link to this book https://rb.gy/q37q7

Marc’s books in order
https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/mar...

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70 reviews
March 12, 2025
What a disappointment and frustration

What a disappointing and frustrating read! Actually leaving me angry. Angry at this author, Marc, who obviously has the gift for story telling and yet published this less than stellar.

What is so disappointing about this book? Words, tons of words, unnecessary words. Pages and pages of words that say very little to nothing. Filler words to meet the requirements, the word count, necessary to make it a book and to get it published/printed?

I'm in book 4, but found myself getting more and more frustrated with Marc as the story told through each successive book - after book one of this series - becomes ever more bogged down in pages and pages of ever more unimportant chatter, so many words to say so little. Marc leads us through pages and pages teasing us along, stretching out the anticipation, we know that this is leading up to an important battle, leading up to a much anticipated battle which then also drags on and on and on. I can't believe that I actually skipped pages! But I did.

This is so frustrating and disappointing because I know that this writer has a true gift for story telling. I can't believe that Marc actually wrote and published this disappointing writing. I have read his first Roman historical fantasy series. I love learning, learning about any subject, historical fiction included. I read books because there is so much I get to learn, so many ideas and possibilities, and doing it while having fun. This series is teaching about the history of ancient Rome and the life of its Legionares . Who doesn't want to imagine that?

Marc has a fantastic idea, write a story about these Roman legionares plus throw in some dwarves, goblins and ogres, and yes dragons, and that is definitely an awesome idea! But Marc has a serious problem telling us this story so it all makes sense plus is fun to read. Somehow he got all bogged down in the telling. Happens to the best of us,. Unfortunately, I don't think he ever got out of having problems telling this great story and making it fun for us to read.

I will read book 5, because I am hoping that Marc found his way out of that bog he was stuck in, that he will have found his creative voice and is telling us a great ending to his fantastical story and I get to have fun reading it cover to cover.
3,070 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2025
“Rapax Pax, fourth in the 'Karus Saga', is a story in search of a battle.
Karus, his legion, and his allies, are withdrawing from the ruins of Carthum and advancing towards the army of its former king.
Behind him the Horde is following.
He's caught between a rock and a hard place which is fine by him.
There is a serious battle on the horizon but it takes hundreds of pages to get to it.
If you've read the series so far you know what to expect, and that means a lot (an awful lot) of waffle and repetition about how a Roman legion operates, plans for the future, understanding his allies, etc.
The battle, when it finally arrives, is up to standard and the surprising conclusion was an enjoyable surprise.
This is a book with a beginning, middle and no end. It stops almost in mide-sentence.
3 Stars.
223 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2023
Continued excellence

Like the continuation of character building, of the strength and weakness of differing methods and times of fighting, of shield walls, length of sword, ranged weapons, but so far not slings. Tells a rollicking good story, and the bits about gods, goddesses, characters out of legend make the story interesting. Like the idea of the missing 9th as a basis, but kinda wondered about whether other Roman disasters would result in other legionaries showing up, especially when the Greeks
had both Atheneans and Spartans in their grouping.

Go ahead and read this if you liked his other works, I'm sure you'll enjoy it
Profile Image for Wayne Burdett.
49 reviews
May 7, 2023
WOW

What else can I say? What an amazing story from start to finish. Karl’s is able to make allies of Elves Dwarfs Dragons and Gnomes as they move to stay ahead of the Orc horde bent on killing all on this word on the name of their dark god. But Karus is the chosen by the High Father and Ammara is the a Priestess of the high father and with and with his help and their ever growing army they are a force to be reckoned with. Thoroughly enjoyed it Marc has wrote another masterpiece, highly recommended.
16 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2023
Another brilliant book by Mr. Edelheit, rejoining Karus and the 9th was wonderful.

Rapax Pax struck many balances that I have a hard time finding in books, but really appreciate. The books pacing was phenomenal - with me always wanting to know what would happen next, but still being able to put it down without too much difficulty when I needed to do other things. It also did well at refreshing my memory of what happened in previous books without feeling repetitive or overhanded.
Profile Image for Alejandro Serrano Balgenorth.
1 review
May 6, 2023
Success!

As always, Mark delivers.

I tore through this book in 2 days (having been salivating for it for a minute mind you.)

Excellent attention to detail, making you feel like you’re there right as a Goblin takes down an Orc. You can picture mile long battlelines coming together.
Constant combat and Roman military life. Never ending motion.

These books will forever be amongst my favorites.
244 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2023
Amazing !

Holy crap ! , Mr. Edelheit, you have outdone yourself . Loved this book , excellent installment. Grabbed me hard , and I spent more time reading than I should have . Totally left me hanging and wanting more. Now comes the worst part, waiting for more books . I can't wait for the further adventures of Karus, Stiger, and the Marines, lol.
Profile Image for Neil Plucknett.
48 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2023
Another excellent work in the Paris saga

An excellent book. So good I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. The author is a master at creating worlds and the characters within. The story is full of adventure with some neat twists in the plot. I loved every word and now look forwards to book 5.
12 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2023
Non stop action

Wow what read Mark has excelled himself again a rip roaring rollercoaster page turner.I made sure to start at the beginning of the saga to get up to speed ,Rapax Pax most certainly did not disappoint now I have to wait for the next instalment.Thank you Mark a thoughraly remarkable read.
Profile Image for Lavonne Wingham.
28 reviews
September 12, 2023
another great book by Marc elelheit

I really like this installment. Great detail, plot and battles. I really enjoy military sci-fi /fantasy. It is a great genre and Marc is a good writer with a great story to read. Thanks Marc. Looking forward to the next installment as I have all the rest.
4 reviews
September 14, 2023
Best of the series so far

Really enjoyed this one. I had preferred the series with Stiger over the stories with Karus. But the last book began to win me iver and this ine has me firmly entrenched. I am a fan of Karus and would look forward to additional stories. This one was great!
160 reviews
May 2, 2023
the saga continues

Another masterful piece in the creation of the new Roman Empire on a new world. Looking forward to the next, as well as the upcoming continuation of the Stiger saga.

Read, enjoy
Profile Image for Michael.
56 reviews
May 3, 2023
Book 4 Rapax Pax

The answers and anticipated outcomes all come together in the last 50 to hundred pages. An enjoyable and entertaining read with elements of Roman Army culture mixed with the theme.

Just disappointed that Book 5 is yet to be published.
Profile Image for Curtis Dixon Colgate.
10 reviews
May 4, 2023
Another exciting chapter and this series is a MUST READ

Marc Alan Edelheit has crafted a superb story and mythology around the “Lost Legion” and “The Steiger Chronicles.” I simply can not recommend this series and all associated series enough.
Profile Image for gerald morson.
290 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2023
A fantastic read

Once again Marc delivers ,the saga continues Mary's is slowly building a combination of gnomes,dwarfs,elves and greeks,not forgetting dragons a masterful read GI Morson s very impressed
Profile Image for John.
8 reviews
May 13, 2023
Outstanding

I absolutely love this book. Marc Alan Edelheit has done it again. Every book he puts out has me in another world for the duration of the read. Excellent work sir, I look forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Jeremy.
17 reviews
May 14, 2023
Another Amazing Read.

If you like Roman Military History and/or Fantasy and you don't know what you are missing. Hard to believe but each of Marc books keep getting better. The only problem is waiting for the next one.
Profile Image for Kevin Lepley.
14 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2023
Too quick a reas!

I really must learn to pace myself when reading this series. It goes to quick. The Roman legions versus orcs! What more do you need to know. Excellent books all!
Profile Image for John Slatton.
82 reviews
May 20, 2023
Fantastic!

As usual MAE has hit it out of the park! A great continuation of the Karus saga! To be honest I am enjoying this saga more than the two Stiger stories. Absolutely brilliant!
5 reviews
May 27, 2023
Another triumph!

I became totally immersed in this book from the beginning. In fact, I'm a little sad that I've finished reading it. It was exciting to the max. I can't wait for the continuation. Great story!
21 reviews
December 6, 2023
The Karus saga continues. A fighting retreat across a strange world. Dragons, goblins, and gnomes just to name a few. Spell binding and a totally fun ride. Start with Lost Legio IX and strap in for an exciting ride!!
62 reviews
September 24, 2024
Awesome

Fantastic story telling. The battles are intense and detailed. The politics and coalition building are a treat to themselves. Would like to see more magic detailed. I would also love to learn more of the history involved in this setting. Looking forward to the next book.
6 reviews
May 10, 2023
Amazing

Awesome book and story so far. I can’t wait to read what happens next.

Count down to June to read the Tiger’s Fight!
10 reviews
May 10, 2023
Kari’s Lives On

I pick this series up after reading the Tiger books and have not been disappointed. Lively action and interesting characters!
What more can you ask for!?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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