Imperial Legions

By the time I finished this book, I was fond of all the characters (even Egomas, Ailidh's grouchy uncle), with the exception of Decianus Catus and Lovernios. Sergius' best friend, Veturius is exactly the sort of person you enjoy reading about, but would be appalling in real life. However, war works inevitable changes in him, and with the end of the novel, he's still the same old epicurean, but with more depth. I also liked how Sergius and Ailidh help each other out of sticky situations throughout the story. I, at least, found their relationship touching. A dash of of unexpected humor was greatly appreciated. The characters are constantly telling each other funny anecdotes(alot of them are true), which made the setting more authentic, as if you were there with them. In short, if you read this book, you won't regret it. I certainly don't.

For me, the book started slowly, but eventually built to a "satisfying" conclusion. One reviewer said the book was basically a cliche. Maybe, but I think if one looks past the book's "faults," there is an amazingly good story here. Yes, it's Christian fiction, but not so biased as to be unfair. There is an amazing amount of sympathy here for the Britons and I think the Roman reputation was generally accurate and thus, deserved. I enjoyed the book, though it was truly sad to watch the story unfold - one which pits selfless service and love against greed and revenge (the essence of selfishness). To see emotion get the better of sound judgment, resulting in the deaths of so many people was not rousing, it was heartrending. So what if this is not "literature for the ages," it was a worthwhile read.

Imperial Legions is a fascinating read for those interested in historical novels, especially those dealing with the 1st Century (A.D.) world of the Roman Empire, Celtic Culture and the expansion of the early Christian Church into the British Isles. Dr. Seddon has exhaustively researched the details of his novel and has integrated them with a cast of characters -- some historical, some legendary and others purely a product of his vivid imagination -- producing an exciting storyline that holds the reader's interest throughout. I found the listing of characters at the beginning of the book helpful in quickly referencing them as they were introduced in the story. The glossary and notes at the end of the book were also of interest, allowing for a detailed understanding of the material presented without interfering with the story as it unfolded. I liked the book for its depiction of two cultures in conflict--Roman and Celtic -- and how the Christian faith of primary characters in both cultures presented challenges that required hard decisions regarding their own cultural norms (especially in the area of the Celtic and Roman pagan religions), versus their faith in a new religion in its infancy, which provided a common ground transcending their individual cultures. I also appreciated the fact that the book presents the military aspects of the life of the Roman Legions in Britain at the time in unfliching detail, not only the battle activities of the various forces involved, which are as exciting as any war novel, but also the more mundane preparations of supply, training and manuever which make for success on the battlefield for any military campaign ancient or modern. Imperial Legions brings to life an era almost lost in the mists of two millenia of past history. It is a great story with all the elements of romance, action and historical detail necessary for a most enjoyable reading experience.