A well researched, well written book, and an enjoyable read. The grizzled soak that is one of the main protagonists is initially something of an enigma since his predilection for drink seems at odds with his apparent prowess at his job, which is no more nor less than a secret (although not really so secret) agent of sorts. Nevertheless, once one gets over this, the story is an intriguing tale, with interesting characters, and would make a good first in a series.

I have to admit to having a fondness for Altered History stories but have found that some authors don’t do their research and tell a tale that is lacking credibility... this book is not one of those, the author has been meticulous and it shows in the nuances of the story, I am not going to bore you with a breakdown the book synopsis says it better than me, I will just say this is a book that deserves to be read, enjoyed and talked about

Lately, I’ve found myself reading more and more mystery novels. I’ve grown to enjoy the suspense and mountain of questions that arises as the story unfolds, before the final revelation has you reeling in your seat. I also have been a longtime fan of sword and sandal tales, so finding and reading Legion of the Moon was a fantastic experience. With so many twists, turns, and whodunnits, woven expertly into a classical Roman setting, the book reads as if Agatha Christie wrote the script for the film Gladiator.

The book is a compelling and entertaining work of historical fiction, and it is evident that much research went into crafting the history, setting, and characters. It also doesn't skirt away from real world problems. There's class inequality, bigotry towards other people groups, and a general superiority complex from Romans over those that they have subjugated. All these factors greatly contribute to the unrest experienced by the main characters.

Set in Britain during the Roman Empire, the narrative primarily follows Quintus Suetonius and his adopted son Manius. They are frumentarii--Roman secret police--sent to investigate a brewing feud between two important Roman figures in Britain, and to investigate a potential plot against the emperor of Rome. When bodies begin to pile up, Quintus dives headlong into the fray, dragging Manius alongside him. Events become quite the harrying and confusing ordeal, with barbarians, betrayal, and murder abounding.

It’s the confusion of the story that makes it such a compelling read. The point of view is primarily told through Manius and Quintus, though there are a handful of other characters’ perspectives in some chapters; a seasoned centurion, a British noblewoman, and a cold-hearted blade for hire to name a few.

With all these different viewpoints and personalities telling the story, the reader has a very distorted and jumbled sense of what’s going on. When a major player turns up murdered, it’s anyone’s guess as to who did the deed.

These changes in perspective also provide a number of masterful transitions. At times, a character may be on the cusp of some great revelation or running for their life or some other event, only for the chapter to end--many times at the end of a blade--and the point of view to change. It leaves the reader craving more, desperate to find out who killed who, and what tantalizingly juicy bit of information was left dangling just out of reach.

There is a stark difference between the two main characters that creates an enjoyable, if dysfunctional, rapport. Quintus is a man of many years of duty, jaded and hardened to the world. He has seen the world, and decided a perpetual drunken stupor was a better existence. In contrast, Manius is much more ambitious, seeking to advance through the social hierarchy. He constantly schemes in his head, trying to ingratiate himself with powerful players, even if it means betraying those he calls a friend.

With so much subterfuge and shadow warfare, it is refreshing that there are some good, old-fashioned battles to go along with all the cloak-and-dagger. At the climax of the story, the main characters find themselves beset upon by a growing army of barbarians, leading to an inevitable conflict. Barbarians and Romans clash in a struggle rooted in real-life tactics and expressive encounters that put the reader smack dab in the center of all the action.

With swords, betrayal, and abundant political plotting, Legion of the Moon has everything a good murder mystery requires, alongside a dash of historical fiction that gives it that uniqueness to stand out. Readers will all be trying to guess whodunnit in this Romanesque game of Clue, crying out, “it was the centurion, in the villa, with the gladius,” with fervor and passion.