Give Me Back My Legions!

A Novel of Ancient Rome

By: Harry Turtledove

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Publius Quinctilius Varus, a Roman politician, is summoned by the Emperor, Augustus Caesar. Given three legions and sent to the Roman frontier east of the Rhine, his mission is to subdue the barbarous German tribes where others have failed and to bring their land fully under Rome's control.

Arminius, a prince of the Cherusci, is playing a deadly game. He serves in the Roman army, gaining Roman citizenship and an officer's rank, and learning the arts of war and policy as practiced by the Romans. What he learns is essential for the survival of Germany, for he must unite his people against Rome before they become enslaved by the Empire and lose their way of life forever.

An epic battle is brewing, and these two men stand on opposite sides of what will forever be known as the Battle of the Teutoberg Forest---a ferocious, bloody clash that will change the course of history.

©2009 Harry Turtledove (P)2009 Tantor

Great All Around

There was one bad review on this book, but i got it anyway cause it was the genera i was looking for, and i could be happier. Great book if you like Roman historical fiction, and its always more entertaining when it is based off a real event.

A good listen

I do have to somewhat agree with one of the previous reviewers that there was repetition, and it did feel at times like the author was "filling the pages". However the story did flow nicely and the narration was incredible and the overall result was that I wanted to keep coming back to hear more. Lets face it this is a great story and Turtledove's take on it is quite plausible. All in all - it was a good listen.

Great book, great narration.

I’ve read a number of Harry’s novels, and I have to say this is a favorite.

Another Historical Masterpiece

Harry Turtledove proves yet again how to spin an epic tale against the backdrop of some of western history's pivotal moments. His depiction of the believable characters and their impact on various historical events immerses the reader in the rich scenery and events, all the while, keeping to a writing style that flows with ease of the words of a fireside storyteller. One actually feels as if he or she has been transplanted through time and has ringside seats during the era of the setting. The plot moves at a steady pace and the perspective switches between major characters on both sides, lending the reader insight into both the Germanic and Roman cultures and how the Empire expanded its influence. This particular conflict marked the first historical defeat of the Legions to successfully resist and rebuff the Roman influence and led ultimately to the sacking of Rome some centuries later. Although this was a fictional depiction of those events, Turtledove completed and represented enough research to lend the tale a refreshingly authentic feel. A great read for anyone who loves history or even those who are just looking for something different to read.

Correcting a misleading review

I loved this story. Based on history and Turtledove's careful inclusion of all the facts that his research can authenticate, Turtledove produces an outstanding, (and exciting) audio book.

Turtledove is simply too good a writer to be hammered by an illiterate critic.

If you like this genre of history (Roman Legion) listen to this great rendition.

Not Harry's Best

Having read several of Turtledoves other works, I looked forward to this one. I should have saved my credit. The characters were, frankly, not very likeable. I got into the story about three hours and couldn't figure who was the protagonist. The history is fascinating. Roman Legions march away into the German forest and never seen again. But this novel makes it all kind of boring and I just could not get interested enough to finish it. Turtledove's other books are terrific, so I suppose everyone is entitled to an off day.

Repetitions, repetitions

I don't beleive I've ever read a book, to the end at least, with so many repitetions. Example: the main character befriends the roman, even though he is their enemy. To remind the reader of this every single time he says a friendly thing to a roman we are told that what he really wanted to say was ... Every single time (or so it feels like ). The battle in the climax of the book, is something you in other book will find after a few chapters. The naration might, in a more entertaining book, seem too much, but here feels like a brave attampt to put some life into the characters. I like stories from ancient rome, especialy if there are set in northern Europe, but unless you have the same inclination, I will advice you to pass.