Book Review: The Fire Islands, by Gilbert M. Stack

I’m not sure where I first heard about this novel, but it drew my interest for obvious reasons — another reflection of Roman culture mixed with fantasy.

What to Expect

Expect a fantasy world loosely inspired by Ancient Rome. Marcus Venandus is a member of the legions of Aquila (the world’s version of Rome; ‘Eagle’ in Latin), posted in a far away island outpost. The archipelago has a strong Hawaiian (or at Polynesian) influences.

A minor officer in the legion, Marcus keeps his troops...