Brass Legionnaire (The Steam Empire Chronicles) [Kindle Edition]

Daniel Ottalini (Author)

Book Description

When Julius Caesar survived the assassination attempt on his life during the Ides of March, the history of the Roman Empire was changed forever. Now, just over 1800 years later, an industrialized Rome sits at the forefront of technological innovations and exploration. But the facade is cracking, and espionage, corruption, and revolution are pulling the empire apart. Into this steps newly minted Tribune Constantine Appius, backed by a cohort armed with new, experimental tactics. Legions, airships, mechanical elephants, and yes, togas, play a part in Daniel Ottalini's award winning steampunk adventure novel, Brass Legionnaire.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner of the 2013 EPICon Award - Best Action Adventure Novel.

"A great debut novel that gives much promise for the Author's writing career..." - Hazel B. West

"It would make a great movie...action packed..." - Sugpie 1953

From the Author

Welcome to a world where Rome never fell. Now the leader in a worldwide industrial revolution, Rome's might has allowed it to prosper for centuries, while the steam powered warmachines of the Imperial legions keep hostile neighbors at bay. Seeking to escape the endless toil of the factory, a young man joins the army. His commander works to prove himself, away from the power and corrupting influence of his rich and mighty family. Amid a backdrop of revolution, espionage and assassination, how can a green and unprepared legion withstand the onslaught of forces aiming a deathblow at the largest empire ever created? This is the first book in the Steam Empire Chronicles.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 575 KB
• Print Length: 203 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477485449
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0087G3ZCO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,336 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #6 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Fantasy > Myths & Legends > Greek & Roman
  • #39 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Science Fiction > Galactic Empire
  • #43 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Science Fiction > Steampunk

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Fresh take on both Steampunk and Roman novels June 17, 2012

By Hazel West

Format:Paperback

I thought this was a great debut novel that gives much promise for the Author's writing career. It's fresh, never been done before, and one of those intriguing books one just has to read because it's such an interesting twist on the norm.

Brass Legionnaire has a great premise as being the only novel that mixes steampunk with the Romans and, though I never would have thought of that myself, it really works well in this alternate universe that Daniel Ottalini created in this novel. You get the feel of the traditional Romans, and yet there's a more modern and really awesome steampunk twist to it. All the gadgets and machines were neat and fit in well with the Romans, making it seem that this story could have actually happened in some alternate reality.

The action scenes were great and flowed well, and the battle scenes were gory and gave you the feeling of desperation that the characters are feeling. Julius is a likable hero, and Amalia and Corbus made great villains. Their cause was understandable--a bit cliche, but I have never said no to a cliche story ;)

The only thing I could complain about was that I usually like to see a little more camaraderie between soldiers, and there wasn't quite enough of that between Julius and some of the supporting characters like Gwendyrn, but yet, I'm a sucker for brotherhood stories so that's just personal preference. And since this is an action/adventure novel, the lack of downtime can be excused because that's just what the genre is.

Overall, this was a really fun read, the kind of thing that's great to pick up after a long day, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of this new series!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Steam driven Roman Empire July 4, 2012

By larsodin

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a fast moving story that keeps revealing more and more of a sort of advanced but also sort of retarded Roman society that is using early industrial revolution technology mixed with traditional Roman Empire rules modified to the modern times. If you know the history of the Roman Empire and it's barbarian neighbors you can easily build a picture of the people and forces that are currently in action in this book. Definitely an adventure novel that should be followed up with many more by this skilled author and researcher. Read it in 4 days and enjoyed every bit.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! June 22, 2012

By sugpie1953

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Well, Daniel did it! What a great story. I typically do not read fiction. I like historical non fiction. Lincoln, the Vampire Killer was a "stretch" for me to read, but I did so at my daughters request. Brass Legionnaire is a wonderful story. It could have been longer, the transitions more connected and the story lines more developed, but WHY? It was enjoyable, creative and I HOPE Daniel writes more continuing the story with the same characters....Great job! I enjoyed it very much and hope others will read it. In fact, it would make a great movie...action packed, with lots of interesting objects and gizmos! Keep it up Daniel.

More About the Author

Daniel Ottalini is a teacher, writer, and amateur historian. His interests include reading everything from nonfiction to sci-fi and amazing others with his knowledge of fun facts and cheesy 3rd grade jokes. When not working with his students, he is most likely writing some more or catching much needed rest. He lives in Maryland.

His first novel, Brass Legionnaire, won the award for best Action-Adventure novel at the EPICon eBook awards in 2013.