Title: Adventures of the Ninth Legion of Rome: Book 1: The Sacrifice
Author: Hurley D. Mahan
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing LLC
ISBN: 978-1643611464
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Pages: 308
Reviewed by: Susan Milam
Hollywood Book Review
Adventures of the Ninth Legion of Rome: Book 1: The Sacrifice opens the saga of Commander Marcus Artorius Agricola and the five thousand soldiers under his command. Author Hurley D. Mahan melds history, myth and religion to create historical fiction that frequently turns left when readers think it’s going to turn right. After only a few pages, the story and its characters cast a spell that few will be able to resist.
In northern Britannia in 122 AD, the Ninth Legion – under the command of Marcus Artorius Agricola – suffers stunning losses at the hands of the Picts. The soldiers retreat, a most uncommon maneuver for this storied Legion. Marcus hopes that by moving north and then arcing back around, the Ninth Legion can regain the upper hand in the fighting. As Marcus and his men travel further north, the terrain becomes increasingly hostile and the Legion sustains more losses. At last, the soldiers reach a clearing that appears to offer a chance to regroup. However, the triple whammy of immense cold, unexpected rain and a full moon combines to unleash circumstances that will change the course of the Ninth Legion forever.
Even in the book’s largely historical opening section, Hurley Mahan takes a few liberties with the true history of the Ninth Legion. However, he crafts a strong narrative line that carries the story over any factual potholes. By the time Marcus and the Legionnaires discover Stonehenge-like rocks in an open clearing, readers will have long since bought into the author’s premise. Then, with a quick change of direction, the plot veers off course and the stage is set for the first of several twists. An interesting but straightforward historical novel takes a flight into fantasy. Strong characters with authentic voices make this bit of artifice compelling rather than silly; and soon, readers will be caught up once again in the lives of Marcus, his brave and loyal slave Petra, and their unexpected journey.
On its surface, Adventures of the Ninth Legion of Rome: Book 1: The Sacrifice appeals mainly to fans of historical fiction. Many devotees of that genre may be perplexed by the book’s swerve into fantasy; however, those that stay the course will find much to enjoy as the narrative progresses. Additionally, folks who like fantasy with a foot still in reality will find Adventures of the Ninth Legion of Rome hits the spot for them, too. The gentle, subtle storyline concerning the faith of the slave Petra provides a surprising depth and counterpoint to the book’s main storyline of hard-bitten soldiers and brutal battles. An intriguing dual ending takes place in two times and two places, and it sets the stage for further volumes that could go in a variety of directions.