Give Me Back My Legions!

January 19, 2009
Alternate history icon Turtledove probes the intrigues and battles surrounding Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar's attempts to control uprisings in Germanic lands circa A.D. 9. Caesar appoints Publius Quinctilius Varus, formerly a successful governor of Syria, to become the new governor of Germany, and Varus sets off bolstered by three legions from the overextended Roman army. Sure that he is headed for further glory, Varus is unaware that crafty Prince Armenius, who serves in the Roman army but secretly seethes in indignation at Rome's plans to make Germany another conquered territory, is planning a massive revolt. Turtledove rotates through many points-of-view, from Caesar to slaves and soldiers, to give a panoramic look at the epic battle of Teutoburg Forest, laced with telling details of ancient military life and strategy and lightened with humorous interludes. The fantastic action scenes and taut narrative make this a fine addition to the ancient Roman battles canon.

March 15, 2009
Be prepared to be transported back to the battlefields of Ancient Rome in a big way as Turtledove spectacularly re-creates the disastrous Battle of Teutoberg Forest. Commissioned by Augustus Caesar to vanquish and govern those wild and always pesky German tribes east of the Rhine, Publius Quinctilius Varus is sent packing with three legions of Roman soldiers. Standing indirectly in his path is Arminius, a German prince seemingly loyal to Augustus. Though he serves in Caesars army, Arminius is hatching a plot to lead his people in revolt against their would-be conquerors. The authentically detailed historical stage is set for some magnificently brutal battle scenes, as the author seamlessly shifts perspective from one major combatant to another. Fans of Robert Harris Imperium(2006) and Ben Kanes Forgotten Legion (2009) will feel right at home here.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)