Review: This story builds gradually like an orgasm, and climaxes nicely too
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 23, 2011
Although my specialty is Canadian history, I have a great appreciation for all history, and I certainly bow to Heather Domin's knowledge of Augustinian Rome, as demonstrated in "The Soldier of Raetia: Valarian's Legion.I also like her writing style. She provides just the right amount of description to make both characters and settings vivid without slowing the pace. The characters are also well developed and distinctive although I did find Elurius and Pertinax somewhat similar in nature. Thi applies to their respective relationships with Dardanus and Velarian, as well. The author has also made very good use of dialogue (very credible), without being contrived.  What I liked most, however was that the story built to a climax gradually--like an orgasm--and the climax was gratifying.The synopsis of the story is that young Manilus Dardanus has come to Rome at his father's insisstance. The father has arranged an introduction to the wealthy and illustrious general Marcus Cassius Valerian, who commands Augustus Caesar's twenty-fourth legion. Crusty General Valerian is hardened by battle and tragedies of the past, and at first assumes that Dardanus is like the other sons of sycophants who have sought his favour--i.e. with the idea of an adoption in mind. Despite these reservations, valerian gives him a place within his household and arranges for him to be trained as a soldier. Theirs is an awkward relationship, but in spite of this they both undergo significant changes; Valarian re-discovers deeply buried emotions within himself, and Dardanus grows from a callow boy to a self-sufficient man. He also discovers friendships bonded from hard work and the heat of battle, as well as loyalty asa soldier and for his idol, Valarian.Having said all that, I had some minor reservations. I certainly bow to Ms Domin's knowledge of Roman history, but did they travel in carriages (I mean the four-wheel variety) is 10BC Rome? I don't know, but it seemed at little `modern' to me. Their were some other anachronisms we well, For example, the phrases "working his ass off," and "Cut them off at the pass," also seem a bit modern. However, these certainly didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.Highly recommended. Four and one-half stars.Gerry Burnie"Two Irish Lads" & Coming soon: "Nor All Thy Tears"