Ranks of Bronze

By: David Drake

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

They were Roman soldiers - and they were still alive because there were no better killers in the galaxy.

The Galactics need fighters who could win battles without the aid of technology. That's why, when Rome's legions suffered disaster at Carrhae, secretive alien traders were waiting to buy them on the Persian slave market.

Now, virtually immortal, the Romans fight strange enemies on stranger worlds; and though they win every battle, the spoils of victory never include freedom. If the legionaries are ever to return to Earth, it must be through the beam weapons and force screens of their ruthless alien owners. But no matter the odds, 2,000 years is a long time; the Romans are coming home. At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

©1986 David Drake (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Some Amazing stuff Right here.

This book isn't for everyone. It takes a special listener to fully appreciate Drakes work. His descriptions of the many battles which his "Ranks of Bronze" under-go almost perfectly describes the military vibe that only those who have an appreciation for the finer points of war can thuroughly graps... you feel as though your mixed up in the sweat and blood of the battlefield as the rank and file moves it's ugly head onward to battle. This is a work of genius that your average twilight reader can fully grasp it's brilliant significance.


Truly a must read :)

Loved it

I read this when it came out in the eighties. I don’t read much anymore, loved the freedom of listening while I work and travel!

loved it. gripping story

another great story. Drake create another great set of personalities. wished there was another extention to this book.

Meh

Started out with a great premise. Plot development was slightly lacking. Hard to get into the characters. Overall just okay.

Enjoyed it

would have preferred Italian accents over British. I understand why, since most movies of the Roman Empire used English actors.

great book.

I like the book and the overall performance. but the accent used for the characters speaking I don't like as much.

The story is of a Roman legion sold into slavery to aliens to be mercenaries. Roman's however are free men.

the story was bad real bad

this is one of those times the sequel is better then the oeiginal. I read the other two books first then I found this audio book. I bought it on the strength of the reader. bad story great reader.

Normally I live David Drake's writing

But not this time. It is an interesting idea. It was hard to follow and must be setting something up in future books. But until those books emerge, this as a stand-alone book was a bit boring.