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The Misplaced Legion Harry Turtledove Books

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The Misplaced Legion Harry Turtledove Books

The Roman detachment (part of a legion rather than a whole) is suddenly transported to another planet along with Viridovix the Gaul their commander is fighting. This new world contains magic and a various cultures transported from various points in our history (Byzantium being the most recognisable, but also Turks, Armenians, some Germanic tribe, and others I didn't know enough about to put my finger on).

There's lots about Videssos / Byzantium and its utterly recognisable Byzantine culture, slightly changed religion and religious arguments and riots, and social structure, but a complete lack of memory of how their predecessors ended up on this planet. Why don't they (and the other cultures) have a origin story at least?

I enjoyed the book, but as the Roman commander Scaurus and Greek physician Gorgidas both speak Greek, it bothered me that they don't understand Byzantine Greek which wouldn't have been very different; my father, a Classics scholar, could even make himself understood to his Greek friends. This bothered me all the way through with all those Greek titles and names they should have recognised right away. Frankly, those two should have understood the Videssians from the start - and asked lots of questions. Another reviewer, Arch Stanton, has also dealt with this in greater detail, so I'm glad I wasn't the only one this irritated.


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The Misplaced Legion Harry Turtledove Books Reviews

This was a gift and the person enjoyed it so much. A request for the series was hinted for so I bought the rest.
This book wasnt the best I have ever read but I certainly wanted to read more. So I have started the sequel.
Alternative ancient history, a good read
most of Turledoves future histories. You must read all four volumes of the series. I have read them two or three times and now they are on my
This book is a great combination of political intrigue and war. The amazing accuracy that Turtledove uses to describe everything about Roman society is great. You really get the feel of Videssos and you get attached to the characters quickly. All in all this is a really amazing book that I'd recommend to anyone, whether you were into Turtledove or not.
Harry Turtledoves' "Misplaced Legion" has all the best elements. Namely combat, magic, political intrigue, and even some romance. Such literary devices transformed me to a new and exciting land. The historical elements top this particular literary cake. All in all I heartily recommend this title & can't wait to read the sequels.
The Misplaced Legion (1987) is the first fantasy novel in the Videssos Cycle. It is initially set in northern Gaul during the later days of the Roman Republic. Not everything was recorded in Julius Caesar's history of the Gallic War.

In this novel, Marcus Aemilius Scaurus is a military tribune presently commanding three cohorts in a scouting column for Caesar. His family is from Mediolanum in Northern Italy, so he is as tall and blonde as any Gaul. He also carries a longsword that he had taken from the corpse of a Gallic Druid.

As with most officers of his rank, Marcus is a fairly young man with little experience in military affairs. He is serving for a time in the military to enhance his political chances. He has already served as magister in his hometown and has further ambitions.

Gaius Philippus is the senior centurion of the command. He has had much experience in military affairs, particularly in guiding young officers. The young tribune relies on his experience, asking for advice as needed. A very proper officer in Gaius's opinion.

Viridovix is a Gaul and the leader of the opposing Gallic force. He too has a Druid longsword.

In this story, the Romans discover that they are being observed by Gallic scouts. They close up and hurry toward a relatively nearby clearing. Unfortunately, the Gauls enter the clear shortly after the Romans arrive.

Since there is not enough time to build the standard earthworks, the Romans form in three rows, with skirmishers in front. The Gauls, of course, form their normal mob. Both leaders address their troops and then the battle begins.

Viridovix is very proficient with his longsword. Yet Marcus has sharpened the tip of his sword so that it can be used as a thrusting weapon. When the two leaders meet, Marcus figures that he has almost an even chance of winning.

As the two swords near each other, the runes on the blades begin to glow. Then the blades clash together with a thunderous sound. A golden dome comes into existence around the weapons. After it dissipates, the Romans and Viridovix are gone from the clearing.

The dome takes the surviving Romans and Viridovix to another place. The stars are arranged differently. The Romans make camp and then the Videssians appear with the dawn.

This tale presents many difficulties and challenges to the Romans and the single Gaul. The Videssians are equipped similarly to the Romans, but have not yet learned to fight in formations. In that regard, they are more like the Gauls.

The Romans become mercenary troops for Videssos. Their style of fighting astounds the Videssians and earn the Romans a high reputation. Soon, the Videssian troops are imitating Roman ways.

This story combines several types of stories created by the author. It contains fantasy elements, but is also one type of alternate history. While his academic training was focused on Byzantine Rome, the author obviously knows quite a bit about the earlier Roman republic.

The author wrote two more subseries and a standalone novel in the Videssos series. This is the second subseries in internal chronology, following the Time of Troubles tetralogy by 150 years and preceeding the Tale of Krispos trilogy by 500 years.

This tale and subseries are among the first -- and best -- works by the author. The next volume in this subseries is An Emperor for the Legion. Read and enjoy!

Highly recommended for Turtledove fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of ancient battles, fantastic journeys, and alternate history.

-Arthur W. Jordin
The Roman detachment (part of a legion rather than a whole) is suddenly transported to another planet along with Viridovix the Gaul their commander is fighting. This new world contains magic and a various cultures transported from various points in our history (Byzantium being the most recognisable, but also Turks, Armenians, some Germanic tribe, and others I didn't know enough about to put my finger on).

There's lots about Videssos / Byzantium and its utterly recognisable Byzantine culture, slightly changed religion and religious arguments and riots, and social structure, but a complete lack of memory of how their predecessors ended up on this planet. Why don't they (and the other cultures) have a origin story at least?

I enjoyed the book, but as the Roman commander Scaurus and Greek physician Gorgidas both speak Greek, it bothered me that they don't understand Byzantine Greek which wouldn't have been very different; my father, a Classics scholar, could even make himself understood to his Greek friends. This bothered me all the way through with all those Greek titles and names they should have recognised right away. Frankly, those two should have understood the Videssians from the start - and asked lots of questions. Another reviewer, Arch Stanton, has also dealt with this in greater detail, so I'm glad I wasn't the only one this irritated.