I will start my review by saying that I cannot wait for the next book in the series, which there will undoubtedly be!
The author Neil Derby was previously unknown to me, but he is up there with the best of the military history fiction writers. His descriptions of the incredibly tough life in a Roman legion are outstanding and gripping.
The first chapter concerning the punishment of decimation of a legion is extremely graphic and chilling. The victims were randomly chosen, whether innocent or guilty. The highly respected leader of the main protagonist, Julius Quirinius, was unfortunate to have selected the only white stone out of a bag of 10 pebbles. A random and brutal death sentence.
The key characters are well-rounded and full of surprises. The intense banter between the section of troops is typical of many generations of soldiers throughout the ages. The battle scenes against the elusive, but cunning native tribesmen, plus the adverse weather conditions were vividly & powerfully portrayed.
The ending of the book was quite unexpected and being left hanging, will hopefully lead to another exhilarating chapter of the adventures of Quirinius and his cohort.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

When we meet Quintus it is his first time at a cowards ceremony and he watches Augustus one of his mentors and a good man pick the white stone but because most respect him his death will be quick and painless. As for those who pick the white stone that were also the cause of needing the ceremony their debts will not come so swiftly. Quintas is new to the Roman military and although he carries his self with dignity and integrity there’s still things he’ll have to learn but he keeps good company and is respected and look at like a leader by most. Every soldier dreams at home and although they are not at war they still have battles to fight and journeys that will take him far from home. He is still young and he will be tested physically mentally and spiritually. There was so much I wanted to say about this book and things that happen in the book but I didn’t want to give anything away but what I will say is there has to be a second book… Right? There’s no way there’s not going to be another this book was so good and the way it ended leaves room for the next book that is the one I am definitely waiting on. I have never read a book by Neil Digby before but trust me when I say I am definitely reading the next one. I love Quintas it cannot wait to see where he goes and what happens to him and Britannia it’s a zip we’re getting to see a hero in the making a warrior taking baby steps and I am down for it. I love this book and highly recommend it I received it from NetGalley into The publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.