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mrchandler's review against another edition
2.0
When it comes to the world of historical fiction, there are many different styles and flavors to choose from. There are those who follow closely to actual history, focusing on a specific historical event. Then there are those that tend to be in a general time period but follow their own story. On the extreme side, we have alternative history books which ask the question “What if…?” One example would be “What if Hitler and the Axis powers won WWII?” This was asked by Ryan Groudin and her first book Wolf by Wolf, is still one of my favorites. That brings me to Stiger’s Tigers by Marc Alan Edelheit. He decides to take one aspect of history (Roman Legions) and then make up the rest with different lands, different rebel barbarians, and even magic. Sadly, he does not do a very good job at telling a good story.
One of the best elements of this book is the military aspects of it. We have a legionary officer, Stiger, who is trying to whip a company into shape amidst the problems of his family's shame and some deeper troubles going on within the military itself. It said in the author’s biography that he is a fan of Roman military history and it shows as we see many soldiers setting up camp, drilling, and other activities that put you right in the middle of the military life of a Roman legionnaire.
I also liked the ending. There were many different aspects of the world that felt like there were things to come. We have evil spirits that have taken over different members of the Roman army, rebels who are controlling supply lines, as well as Stiger’s family honor is explored. We also get to see this world's version of warrior priests as they battle the forces of darkness.
Sadly, all of this cool stuff happens about the last three chapters or so. The rest of the time, about 80% of the book, is filled with camping, marching, and drilling, as Stiger whips his men into fighting shape. In other words, I don’t mind military life described in books. I just want the exciting bits.
Then there's the whole premise of the book. I went in thinking that this was a historical fiction look at a Roman legion battling some barbarians in actual history. I did not realize that this was going to be set in a fictional world with elves, dwarves, and warrior priests (that's what I get for not going beyond the first paragraph). That said, I just don’t think it worked for me. The elves and dwarves and magic, in general, do not come into play until the last portions of the novel. All that time we are spent in the seemingly real world, with a Roman company doing military things.
In fact, this made me wonder how another person, say Brian McClellan would have handled a subject like this. McClellan is known for his Powder Mage series, a world where there is magic and gods and whatnot, but the armies fight with Napoleonic-era weapons. Other than the gear and guns, McClellan made the wise choice not to base anyone on actual armies or worlds, giving him the freedom he needs when he needs it. Edelheit, as far as this book is concerned, seems to only use fantasy elements when convenient to the plot, a common pitfall of fantasy writers.
So the slow plot, lackluster fantasy elements, and confusing worldbuilding, all add up to me giving this book a two out of five. I can see that Edelheit has some good points, and I’ll be checking out more by him, but overall I think I’ll skip this series for now.
P.S. If you love audiobooks, then I would check out the narrator for this. Steven Brand has an excellent voice for fantasy, and I will be checking out other projects he has participated in.
One of the best elements of this book is the military aspects of it. We have a legionary officer, Stiger, who is trying to whip a company into shape amidst the problems of his family's shame and some deeper troubles going on within the military itself. It said in the author’s biography that he is a fan of Roman military history and it shows as we see many soldiers setting up camp, drilling, and other activities that put you right in the middle of the military life of a Roman legionnaire.
I also liked the ending. There were many different aspects of the world that felt like there were things to come. We have evil spirits that have taken over different members of the Roman army, rebels who are controlling supply lines, as well as Stiger’s family honor is explored. We also get to see this world's version of warrior priests as they battle the forces of darkness.
Sadly, all of this cool stuff happens about the last three chapters or so. The rest of the time, about 80% of the book, is filled with camping, marching, and drilling, as Stiger whips his men into fighting shape. In other words, I don’t mind military life described in books. I just want the exciting bits.
Then there's the whole premise of the book. I went in thinking that this was a historical fiction look at a Roman legion battling some barbarians in actual history. I did not realize that this was going to be set in a fictional world with elves, dwarves, and warrior priests (that's what I get for not going beyond the first paragraph). That said, I just don’t think it worked for me. The elves and dwarves and magic, in general, do not come into play until the last portions of the novel. All that time we are spent in the seemingly real world, with a Roman company doing military things.
In fact, this made me wonder how another person, say Brian McClellan would have handled a subject like this. McClellan is known for his Powder Mage series, a world where there is magic and gods and whatnot, but the armies fight with Napoleonic-era weapons. Other than the gear and guns, McClellan made the wise choice not to base anyone on actual armies or worlds, giving him the freedom he needs when he needs it. Edelheit, as far as this book is concerned, seems to only use fantasy elements when convenient to the plot, a common pitfall of fantasy writers.
So the slow plot, lackluster fantasy elements, and confusing worldbuilding, all add up to me giving this book a two out of five. I can see that Edelheit has some good points, and I’ll be checking out more by him, but overall I think I’ll skip this series for now.
P.S. If you love audiobooks, then I would check out the narrator for this. Steven Brand has an excellent voice for fantasy, and I will be checking out other projects he has participated in.
dandonovan's review against another edition
5.0
Well written
Engaging swords and sandals story that moves quickly and consistently entertains. Much better than I expected, will read more of his work.
Engaging swords and sandals story that moves quickly and consistently entertains. Much better than I expected, will read more of his work.
cavster's review against another edition
4.0
interesting read, in that you could as easily be reading a story about a roman legion in Europe as opposed to the universe described in the novel. What a surprise to find Elves and dwarves inserted into the story but in such away that the fit naturally there. They fit like a puzzle piece that's intended to fit in that spot, not one that is forced to work and that is what makes for a good story!
pulpmonkey66's review against another edition
3.0
An odd mix. Something similar to the Roman Legion soldiers with a smattering of fantasy. The main character, Stiger is a competent, but proud noble from an infamous family. He is accompanied by an elf ranger, who serves him for some unknown reason.
Tasked with leading a group of slovenly legionnaires, Stiger whips them into shape and goes on a mission to deliver supplies to a site far from the Legion camp.
All in all, a good story. It is a bit slow at times, but solid read. I'll be checking out the sequel.
Tasked with leading a group of slovenly legionnaires, Stiger whips them into shape and goes on a mission to deliver supplies to a site far from the Legion camp.
All in all, a good story. It is a bit slow at times, but solid read. I'll be checking out the sequel.
longanlon's review against another edition
3.0
Съвсем mid книга, няма даже какво да кажа за нея. Чете се, но няма никакъв смисъл, нито е особено интересна. И няма нищо общо с Рим, въпреки корицата.
shaynexb's review against another edition
5.0
Very readable and enjoyable start to a series, blending Ancient Rome-ish vibes with just a few tablespoons of fantasy & magic. At its heart, it's a "tough commander whips a ragtag bunch of misfits into the best group ever" story, and I'm such a sucker for those.
I'm not even taking my usual other-book-between-books-in-a-series as a palette cleanser. Nope, onto book two. Boom.
I'm not even taking my usual other-book-between-books-in-a-series as a palette cleanser. Nope, onto book two. Boom.
pingwin's review against another edition
4.0
I'm gonna give this one a courtesy half-star to bring it up to 4 stars since this is a lesser known author
I love the fantasy-Roman aesthetic so I knew I had to check this one out and I'm glad that I did. While this book has some pacing issues, it's an easy read and the narration is good. For the majority of the book it almost falls into a pseudo-cozy category while the titular Stiger trains his men
The battles and overall treatment of warfare felt far more realistic and grounded despite the inclusion of elves, paladins, and dark gods. I'll definitely be checking out the sequel
I love the fantasy-Roman aesthetic so I knew I had to check this one out and I'm glad that I did. While this book has some pacing issues, it's an easy read and the narration is good. For the majority of the book it almost falls into a pseudo-cozy category while the titular Stiger trains his men
The battles and overall treatment of warfare felt far more realistic and grounded despite the inclusion of elves, paladins, and dark gods. I'll definitely be checking out the sequel
whovianpnw's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
My husband recommended this book to me, I completely understand why he loved it but with that said for all the reasons he loved it were the reasons I don’t. The first half of the book is slow and repetitive focusing on the legion being brought up to standard as the southern legionaries were underfed and under disciplined. The book drops Roman military practices into the realm of fantasy creatures and elements but focuses mostly on Military practices and duty. There’s just not enough fantasy for my taste. The characters are very one dimensional, as in your going to need to develop your main characters more if you want me to care for them. At this point we’re not even on a first name basis. Would I read the second book? Maybe, if it was available for free and I had little else at the moment to read sure. But right now it doesn’t compete with the red rising series I need to still complete. The book isn’t flawed, it just wasn’t a stand out read for me.
the_mitch's review against another edition
3.0
Simple but enjoyable
Great little story. Short and very direct with characters who, at best, could be called one dimensional, but despite that it was engaging and satisfying. I'll pick up book two.
Great little story. Short and very direct with characters who, at best, could be called one dimensional, but despite that it was engaging and satisfying. I'll pick up book two.
hastati1989's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5