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I'd like to thank Ben Kane and Keith at St. Martin's Press for the review copy of The Silver Eagle and for an extra copy for one lucky reader! I'd reviewed Ben Kane's debut novel, the first in the series, called The Forgotten Legion. After reading The Forgotten Legion, I jotted down the release date of the next in the series. I enjoyed it that much. If you'd like to read my review of The Forgotten Legion and Ben Kane's account of what it was like getting his debut novel to market, head here.


The blurb:
Trapped in Parthia by Crassus's failed invasion, ten thousand legionaries are captured and marched to the edge of the known world - these men are the Forgotten Legion. Among them are Romulus, Brennus, and Tarquinius, all men with troubled pasts and good reason to hate Rome. Together the trio must face the savage tribes that surround them as well as the more treacherous enemies within the ranks of the legion itself.

The three friends' characters will be tested to the utter limit as they struggle to find a way back to Rome. Meanwhile, Fabiola, Romulus's twin sister, fights to survive and maintain hope in her brother's survival. Freed by her powerful lover but beset by enemies on all sides, she must travel to Gaul to find her lover, Caesar's right-hand man, where Vercingetorix threatens the life and the lives of all who rally around Caesar.

Review:
The Silver Eagle continues the interwoven stories of Ben Kane's debut novel, The Forgotten Legion. The series is set in the Roman Empire and its outskirts during the time of Julius Caesar, Pompey, Crassus, and Brutus. These historical figures play critical roles in Ben Kane's plots, but the lead protagonists are far from the seat of power. The heroes are largely taken from the conquered peoples and slaves of the Roman Empire.

We encounter the three close friends and legionaries of The Forgotten Legion again. The story continues after Crassus's failed invasion of Partha and these legionaries have been incorporated into the Parthan army. Tarquinius, the Etrucscan haruspex, is under increasing pressure by the Parthian commander Pacorus to read the future and help Parthia smash all opposition. As the Parthian troops face attacks from Scythians, Tarquinius's position becomes increasingly tenuous. Brennus, the famous gladiator and former slave from Gaul, struggles to keep up his spirit but antagonism from the Parthian troops and fellow legionaries constantly weigh him down. Brennus relies upon his friendship with Tarquinius and Romulus to keep him focused and motivated. Romulus, a former slave who proved himself to be a born warrior, dreams of returning to Rome and uniting his family. Romulus, Brennus, and Tarquinius are isolated and in danger - with no one to trust but each other, they must make the journey of thousands of miles.

Meanwhile, Fabiola, Romulus's beautiful twin sister, is established in Brutus's household. She's adapting to her life on her country estate when sudden violence erupts. Fabiola suddenly faces a struggle for her life and must rely on her wits, her beauty and the loyalty of those around her as she prepares to travel to Gaul to find Brutus and safety. I enjoy stories with where determined

Things have been a bit crazy for me this last week or so balancing the duties at my self-managed condo, catching up on my continuing legal education credits, and other aspects of my life. I haven't been posting much over the last two weeks and I've missed you guys.

I did want to mention a few recently released books that I'd been very eagerly awaiting. These have been on my wishlist/advance purchase list ever since I'd read the debut author's first novel.



Ben Kane's The Silver Eagle which follows the story of The Forgotten Legion came out on March 16, 2010. I'd discovered Ben Kane through the TLC Book Tour of The Forgotten Legion. If you haven't read the book yet and you enjoy novels about Ancient Rome filled with historical detail, intrigue, action, and stories of friendship, love and loyalty, I highly recommend it. You can read my review of The Forgotten Legion here. The Silver Eagle continues the story of the lead characters through key periods of Roman history. I was lucky enough to get a review copy of The Silver Eagle through Ben Kane and his publisher and started reading it immediately. Ben and St. Martin's Press have generously sponsored a copy for giveaway! I'll post my review of The Silver Eagle shortly along with the details for the giveaway!



The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag came out on March 9, 2010. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I loved the Alan Bradley's first novel, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie with his 11-year old sleuth, Flavia de Luce.