Soldier of Rome: The Legionary

[arklore70]

Soldier of Rome: The Legionary

I'll be blunt; I loved this book. James Mace can write and he knows how to tell an accurate fictional story of a soldier in the world's first professional standing army.

Mace has done his research as well as consulting with professional historical re-enactors.

The basis of this story in based on the actual campaigns of Germanicus as written by Tacitus. In addition, he is one of the first writers to perhaps portray the Emperor Tiberius in a much more positive light than generally accepted.

Mace's own personal experiences as a combat vet and professional soldier allows for a great real feel into his combat sequences as well as the day to day routine that all professional soldiers face. He does a great job of getting into the head of his characters.

Those with a solid understanding of Roman Military Equipment, Tactics and Organization will catch a few minor errors that are in the process of being corrected for his second book and 2nd printing.

If you liked Simon Scarow's Eagle series or Altimari, you will love this book.

[Tarbicus]

Thanks Mike, looks worth checking out.

In addition, he is one of the first writers to perhaps portray the Emperor Tiberius in a much more positive light than generally accepted.

If you liked the more positive portrayal of Tiberius, you'll like Alan Massie's Tiberius

[Artorius13]

Mike,

Thanks for posting this review on here, I do appreciate it! I also want to thank everyone on Roman Army Talk for their kind words and positive feedback from where I posted on the "new recruits" section. Heck, several have even said they are now buying my book!

Okay, I will admit right off that it does feel a little odd replying to a thread regarding my own book, but I figured "why not?"

Jim, I have read Maisse's books Augustus and Tiberius. I admit that I liked Tiberius a little better; and in fact it was one of the primary inspirations for the way I portray Tiberius in the Soldier of Rome series.

You heard correct, The Legionary is just the first book in the Soldier of Rome chronicles. I have a sequel, Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt which is being proof-read and edited as we speak. Hopefully it will be available sometime around January. I'm already chomping at the bit to get this one done so that I can dive head first into Book Three!

I look forward to talking more with everyone on here; it's nice to have sources that aren't so "dry" (ie Tacitus and Cassius Dio!). For those who do read my books, I encourage any and all feedback. You can either send me a line here, or via my website / email (see below). With best regards,

James

[maius]

James, i just finished reading "Soldier of Rome: The Legionary". Great book, i really enjoyed it!

Looking forward to your next book "Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt".

Maius/Bill

[Hugh Fuller]

I bought this book based upon the great reviews that it had received here. Mr. Mace shows great knowledge of Roman military history and of the practical day-to-day details of life in the Legions. In that, the book is quite enjoyable as is the plot and character development. What is not so enjoyable is that the book is a prime example of why one should not count on a computerized spell-checker as a proof reader. There are so many silly errors where homonyms have been substituted for the correct words that it is really quite frustrating for me.

I am sorry to have to post this, Mr. Mace, but it is not a nit-picky issue. These errors keep occurring on nearly every page.

[Artorius13]

I bought this book based upon the great reviews that it had received here. Mr. Mace shows great knowledge of Roman military history and of the practical day-to-day details of life in the Legions. In that, the book is quite enjoyable as is the plot and character development. What is not so enjoyable is that the book is a prime example of why one should not count on a computerized spell-checker as a proof reader. There are so many silly errors where homonyms have been substituted for the correct words that it is really quite frustrating for me.

I am sorry to have to post this, Mr. Mace, but it is not a nit-picky issue. These errors keep occurring on nearly every page.

No problem; I am not thin-skinned and I appreciate any and all constructive feedback. I am glad that you liked the story and I hope you are not averse to checking out the next books in the series.

It is for the reasons you mentioned that the first book is going to be edited and re-released as a second edition. Probably after the holidays I am going to send it to the editors to have those issues fixed.

This is why the second book is taking me a lot longer to get out. I had it thoroughly proof-read by an independent source, and I am having it ran through a professional editor once I submit it (which will probably be on Monday). I learned some hard lessons on the first book which I have applied to the rest of the series.

[Hugh Fuller]

That is the sort of answer for which I had hoped but feared to expect. Thank you for your openness, Artorius.

[Renius]

I just finished the Sacrovir Revolt. Does anyone know if James is coming out with 3rd book in the series. I really liked the 1st 2 books and want to continue following Artorius and his life in the legion.

[Artorius13]

Renius,

In fact I just finished the third book in the series and it is going through the proof-reading stage now. This one is called "Soldier of Rome: Heir to Rebellion," and it takes place about a year after then end of "The Sacrovir Revolt." I anticipate that it should be out sometime around June. There will be six books altogether in the series and I have started to do some work on the fourth book.

Also, I have revised and re-released my first book, "The Legionary." Given the criticisms regarding the editing and proof-reading (or lack thereof) I felt this was necessary. I also replaced the covers of both the first two books.

If you want to know more, please check out my website, www.legionarybooks.net .

[Renius]

James,
Thanks for the great news and the link to your website. Your books are very enjoyable to read, to know that 4 more are coming makes me want to raise a toast and go toss my pilum in celebration.
I bookmarked your site to keep updated on your awesome books. I like the extra info you included.

[Artorius13]

Those looking forward to my next book will be happy to hear that "Soldier of Rome: Heir to Rebellion" was released today. It should be distributed through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers soon. In the meantime it is available directly from the publisher: http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/Book ... -000109557

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Wow, another series of books I've missed!! :o Mind you, i've hardly looked at the fiction shelves for the last few years, but looks like there is great stuff to be had.
I've only just bought Centurion, but will be looking out for this too, next time I'm home.
Note to self...need a bigger house for books and Armour....

So you recommend the second edition? Just spelling errors, no change to story I hope?
That is quite eye opening, I thought that was one of the services a publisher supplied with an editor, was proof reading for spelling as well as what ever else they actually do.... hock:
Anyway, looking forward to getting these books..