Description:

From Publishers Weekly

Alternate history icon Turtledove probes the intrigues and battles surrounding Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar's attempts to control uprisings in Germanic lands circa A.D. 9. Caesar appoints Publius Quinctilius Varus, formerly a successful governor of Syria, to become the new governor of Germany, and Varus sets off bolstered by three legions from the overextended Roman army. Sure that he is headed for further glory, Varus is unaware that crafty Prince Armenius, who serves in the Roman army but secretly seethes in indignation at Rome's plans to make Germany another conquered territory, is planning a massive revolt. Turtledove rotates through many points-of-view, from Caesar to slaves and soldiers, to give a panoramic look at the epic battle of Teutoburg Forest, laced with telling details of ancient military life and strategy and lightened with humorous interludes. The fantastic action scenes and taut narrative make this a fine addition to the ancient Roman battles canon. (Apr.)
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Review

“A compelling story about one of Rome’s greatest military disasters.” —Newt Gingrich, New York Times bestselling author of Days of Infamy

“Turtledove’s searing account clears the cobwebs off this ancient and nearly forgotten disaster, and brings it to vivid and startling life for modern readers.”—Michael Curtis Ford, bestselling author of The Ten Thousand

“Turtledove rotates through many points of view, from Caesar to slaves and soldiers, to  give a panoramic look at the epic battle of Teutoburg Forest, laced with telling details of ancient military life and strategy and lightened with humorous interludes. The fantastic action scenes and taut narrative make this a fine addition to the ancient Roman battles canon.” —_Publishers Weekly_

“Harry Turtledove has brought to life the actors in a pivotal event that altered the fate of both Rome and Germany. A good read, filled with history writ both large and small.” —H. A. Drake, Roman Historian, University of California, Santa Barbara, and author of Constantine and the Bishops