In the 2nd Century AD, Rome's Ninth Legion was sent to Hadrian's Wall in northwest Britain to quell an insurrection. They were never heard from again. Historians have speculated for centuries about what happened - THE LAST FREE MEN presents one intriguing possibility as seen through the eyes of Marcus Gettorix, son of a Roman general and a British woman. Marcus is an undercover scout for the Romans, but during a battle he is captured and sentenced to work in the mines with the rest of the native prisoners. The Druids act to use Marcus as a figurehead to fan the flames of resentment into an insurrection that joins British and Scottish tribes against the Romans. Now allied with the Druids, Marcus lures the ambitious Roman general in charge of the Ninth Legion into a deadly trap destined to create one of history's greatest mysteries.
He was a man of two countries, his mother a British woman, his father a Roman General. Marcus was an uncover scout for his masters, the Romans with his knowledge of both languages and the lands of Hadrian’s Wall. When wrongly accused of murdering his general, he is sent to work the mines. Upon learning of his imprisonment, the Druids scheme to use him as a figurehead, a rallying point for the British and Scottish tribes rising up against Roman rule. For Marcus, this alliance is to his benefit and when a leading Roman general in charge of the Ninth Legion is entrapped in a deadly snare, the mystery of the events that followed are forever up to speculation.
Karras was a career soldier, and although married to a British woman, his life revolved around his legion and his Rome. His one desire was to expand Rome’s power and glory around the world. Two men, their destinies already pre-ordained will play a major role in bringing to life the world of almost two thousand years ago, when life was hard, oppressors rode the tribes with an iron fist and love, loyalties and liberties were questionable at best and could change on a whim. Fascinating reading, shining details and realistic speculation will keep readers entranced in what may have been.
A dream come true for history buffs, this tale even comes with a glossary to help understand words, terms and the names of modern day places that suffered the bloodshed of millions at the hand of Rome.
Jack Everett and David Cole’s tale, THE LAST FREE MEN is their well-researched version of what followed. Filled with the atmosphere of ancient Rome and its conquests of far reaching global proportions, see the bold soldiers, their daring generals and the greed of Rome in epic proportions. The Ninth Legion has been vilified, idolized and thought to be questionable in its existence, but with the mastery of Mssrs. Everett and Cole, one would be hard-pressed to not feel they spent time in a long ago world.
Publisher: Portals Publishing (January 2, 2016) Publication Date: January 2, 2016 Genre: Historical Fiction Print Length: 430 pages Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Foray into Roman History, July 23, 2010 By Diane Scott Lewis "Author of THE FALSE LI... (Locust Grove, VA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Last Free Men (Paperback) Marcus is a half-druid and half-Roman bastard. He spies for the Romans but can't help sympathizing with the conquered people of Britain during the building of Hadrian's Wall. Will Marcus turn on the Ninth Legion and destroy these rampaging people from across the sea?This novel will pull you in with earthy atmosphere, a vivid setting and characters so alive you'll swear they walk beside you. Even the female characters jump off the page, sensual and alluring. The author's knowledge of Roman history, clothing and weapons is excellent and never overpowering. The many characters can get confusing at times, but the story is well worth the effort. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars My Opinion, June 6, 2010 By Allen Branch "arrow180" (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) This review is from: The Last Free Men (Paperback) I won't repeat what has already been said in the other reviews regarding what this book is about. I will say that it is a well-written book with a story line that sucked me in and kept me turning the pages. The characterization was very well developed, especially those of the protagonist, Marcus Gettorix, and the Roman Centurion, Aemilius Karrus, such that I had to keep reading to see how it was going to turn out. This story placed me there, in Britain, in the 2nd century. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and especially to those who are interested in either early England or Roman army expansion. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was
Fans of history, especially if their passion is the Roman era, will love this book.
Although this is a work of fiction, it is a wonderful insight into life at this time. It is set in what is known as York now, but was called Eboracum then, and covers a period of time in the history of the famous Ninth Roman Legion.
The two principal character are Marcus Uffin Gettorix, who is a half British, half Roman scout, and the other, an ambitious centurion called Emelius Karrus, totally devoted to his career and the legion.
Unfortunately, Marcus is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to hard labour in the lead mines, however, he manages to escape and takes with him a young woman. He then seeks sanctuary with the tribes which still manage to live free, despite their Roman oppressors.
This is a well written and exciting story which has something for everyone in it.
Of course, the actual fate of the Ninth Legion has never been documented, however this exciting story gives us a brilliantly entertaining fantasy ending which will be sure to entertain the reader.