Marcus Takes Command

Legionnaire Chronicles, Book 1

By: Gilbert M. Stack

Narrated by: William L. Hahn

Length: 17 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Legionnaire is a gritty high fantasy series set on the borders of the far-flung Republic of Aquila. While political in-fighting and scheming are the order of the day in the heart of the Republic, the borderlands are awash with dangers, only kept in check by the might of the legions.

Fell magics, savage peoples, and scheming empires all threaten the country Patrician Marcus Venandus has sworn to defend using his wits, military strategy, and his small command of highly disciplined legionnaires.

This collection includes the first three books in the series: The Fire Islands, The Sea of Grass, and The Jeweled Hills.

©2020 Gilbert M. Stack (P)2020 Gilbert M. Stack

Sword and sorcery modeled on the Roman Empire

Marcus Venandus is a Lesser Tribune of a Legionaire (one hundred men) serving on the Fire Islands at the edge of the world. After an altercation, he states, "Don't. We'll recover your stolen property but we are legionnaires, not brigands." proving himself to be a man of honor in a time of lax morality.

He handles his indecisive superior officers with a dexterity of master politician. When a poorly designed military campaign places his unit in danger he rises to the challenge and becomes a heroic warrior.

Armies of the undead, hordes of rebel warriors, a legion crushed are all part of this story that uses Roman historical detail for its combat techniques, weaponry, and social organization. The fighting skills he portrays in physical combats are so graphic and explicit that you feel involved in the struggle and flinch at the physical blows.

A thoroughly enjoyable tale mixing history, fantasy, and heroism along with fun characters. I recommend this book and I look forward to the next in the series.

Great story. Interesting & action filled

I'm not usually a history/battle fan but these stories were intriguing. Great characters kept me involved and wanting to find out what was going to happen to them. Would recommend not only to those who enjoy historical fiction, but to anyone who likes good story telling.

A quick, fun listen.

I'm reviewing the whole series, so I'll do a quick one here. This was a fun read, a historical fantasy take on a Roman commander with mages and witch doctors who can call on the dead. I liked some of the historical touches, such as the rancour between different ranks of legionaries, and the political wrangling that went on behind the scenes. The narrator is great, and even adds in some sound effects, like in a studio play, although not all are successful.

Damn

I might read the book but couldn't listen to seventeen minutes of this let alone seventeen hours. Sounds like it was recorded in the shitter.

Amazingly well done

I love this series and can’t get enough. If you wanna pass the time with a great story, this should be the story you pick!

Well this was disappointing

The story was interesting enough, but it it still needs a lot of work to fix the glaring issue to make it worth anything. I also don't understand how the recording could be so bad, it's high at times then low at others. The background sounds as well are also distracting and doesn't add anything to the story. I don't get how it could have been recorded so poorly and no one check the quality before it is released.