These survivors have become close, and their trust and friendship with each other was a positive part of this tale. As a matter of fact, Tullus shows symptoms of PTSD. None of them have come away unscathed from that slaughter. The few survivors are now serving under Tullus in his new cohort. The obliteration of three Roman legions in the Teutoburg Forest by the coalition of tribes was five years past.

The story takes place in 14-15 AD in the German Frontier along the Rhine River. I do look forward to reading it, and I think it will be much stronger than this book here (hopefully.) History dictates the ending, of course, but I look forward to reading about it nevertheless. So this was a good book but it is very much the middle of the series, a set up job for the final instalment. Tullus wants revenge for his men, as the rivalry between the two men is extended upon further. The real threat is Arminus, one of the so called savage German tribesmen, and he is out to crush Rome once more. But this is only the start of the action. Thus a mass mutiny takes hold of the camp, one very dramatic and entertaining to read about. No one listens to him, and when he tries to prevent disaster his station prevents his voice carrying any weight. Only bad things could happen.Įxperienced centurions like Tullus see the blunders coming a mile away, but they are powerless to prevent them. Thus, juveniles and all sorts of incompetent people are in charge of thousands of men.

The lower level officers are all promoted on merit, but some of the higher officers are only there for one reason: their right of birth. The main problem with the Roman army was its command structure. He still follows his orders, and excuses them, but he sees the weaknesses: he sees the cracks.

His characterisation has been built upon he is a typical legionary and has the mind of a solider, but unlike most Romans, he is aware of the flaws of his empire. It’s the brutal reality of colonial rule, and the author portrayed it here very honestly. There’s something terribly dangerous about that mind-set, and although it was uncomfortable to read, it is one many Romans possessed. Centurion Tulus considers his enemies, the German tribesman, savages because they slaughtered an army of Rome, but the actions of the mighty Romans- the slaughtering of women and children- is just an acceptable means of war. The best part of the writing is how the ignorance, and supposed superiority, of the Romans was channelled. It lacked the energy and bloodbath its predecessor drove to. I do enjoy a good military style book about ancient Rome, though this one didn’t quite carry the intensity of the first one in the series.

Ben kane eagles at war