The Jeweled Hills

Legionnaire, Book 3

By: Gilbert M. Stack

Narrated by: William L. Hahn

Tribune Marcus Venandus and his two trusted officers have gone through hell in their journey north from the Fire Islands and across the Sea of Grass. Arriving at Amatista in the Jeweled Hills, Marcus is looking forward to a much deserved rest in the home of his half-brother, but fate has other plans for the legionnaire. Soon, he will be wishing he’d never heard of his brother’s city.

Surrounded by enemies and crippled by internal divisions, Amatista is already on its knees and ready to fall. Marcus must act decisively to save everything his brother has built, but without his beloved legions behind him, can Marcus and his friends survive their visit to the Jeweled Hills?

©2018 Gilbert M. Stack (P)2019 Gilbert M. Stack

Waiting for the battles with baited breath

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

It's a fine line between writing a military fantasy whilst creating a new fantasy setting to provide the context for said military action. It's a line the author walks well. Thrust into the middle of complicated plots among even more complicated politics with complex historical background whilst exiled from his beloved Aquilla, Tribune Marcus probably wishes he was back at Fire Islands. Our hero is resilient, but even he takes a pause whilst dealing with the inheritance of his older half-brother, which includes his 3 wives and a potential for war that seems to have started because of greed of merchant houses. Add to that the shadows of the mysterious Empire that might have been behind the Fire Islands uprising and you have a fascinating story.

I loved the character development of Marcus, bringing his prejudices towards commerce to the fore felt believable. Marcus may potentially be one of the most gifted military commanders of this world, but if only life was as a simple as a military campaign. I felt that the ending could have been more than just the newly achieved victory, but I suppose there are more books in the series to enjoy.

The narration was great and I Will Hahn did a great job in distinguishing the different peoples of the North. His narration of female characters was great, many male narrators feel that making their voices go higher is all that's required for a successful narration, fortunately Mr Hahn is not one of those. I really loved his voices of Estella and Su-Jinn. It's the battles that absolutely impressed me. Everytime the 'war' trumpets started I would relish each battle.

Highly recommend the series. Such a shame that the audiobooks exist only for the first 3 books in the series!

Better and Better!

This series keeps getting better. There is lots of precise intense action. This writer either has experience in military tactics or a good source. Also brings out the cultural differences and the hurdles in joining them as a unit.
This audio was given to me free and I voluntarily gave this review.

Really Enjoying This!

First let me say Thank You Mr Stack for gifting me this great book! I am honored that you still wanted my opinion even thought my review of the first book in the series was less than perfect. But the series has gotten better and better with each read! Marcus is a skillful thinker in the art of war. He has the ability to think like his enemy and this serves him well. He is honorable and its part of his innate charm. I hope the next book in the series is available soon to read as I do like to keep the mental momentum going when I am engaged in a series by reading straight through when I can. Great book though and looking forward to more!

too much of a good thing

This is the third of the series and has just as much action as the first two with more personal involvement. Money, business, and three inherited wives Marcus has too much of a good thing, but he deals with it with his usual style. Great as always. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Silk Road!

We find our stalwart Tribune at Amatista in the Jeweled Hills inheriting his brother’s estate after his untimely death. This may seem like a positive event, but it holds many problems for our Marcus. He not only assumes his brother’s potential wealth, but also his business, debts, mother-in-law, and three wives! For instance, his brother was a successful merchant which is not a desirable profession for an Aquilan Patrician. The turmoil of the countryside concerning bandits and pirates has had a disastrous effect on the merchant economy. The politics of the region and the divisions amongst the populous are a further issue to resolve. Fortunately, Tribune Marcus is just the man to solve the problems of bandits. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Great Military Fantasy Adventure

When story opens, it does so in a way that breeds curiosity. This audiobook shows that the author has done deep research into ancient warfare tactics. It is well constructed, and situations change in a realistic manner. The narrator has the perfect voice for the military man of war. Vocal pressure is timed well, and clear.
I recommend this audiobook for ages 17 and older due to some mild adult situations and violence.

Such a great series!

If you enjoy the Roman period history, this series is just for you. The author and narrator bring to life what the typical life may have looked like from this era. I felt like I had stepped back in time. Thank you for a great story!