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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!!
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.
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!?