Soldier of the Legion
By Marshall S. Thomas 

      Beta 3, called “Thinker” because others see his capacity to reason even though he has been trained to react instantly as a part of a military team, is sent with his detachment to Andrion 2 to secure the planet. He is part of “The Legion,” an army sworn to protect to the death. And death is the price a soldier of the Legion must be willing to pay to defend the Confederation of Free Worlds against the “System.” Although an uneasy truce exists between “ConFree” and the System, unusual activity on Andrion 2 leads the Legion to speculate about possible illegal actions from the “Systies.” Thinker is part of a unit. Each soldier has a unique personality. Some, Thinker is convinced, are insane. But in the Legion, they are brothers. One mind--one heart--and one life.

      The planet is inhabited by a people the soldiers refer to rather derisively as “Scalers.” These people, actually called the “Taka,” attack the Legion. But, when they are saved by the soldiers from the disgusting exosegs--horrible, deadly creatures that aren’t supposed to be on Andrion 2--the Taka declare their loyalty to the Legion.

      What is happening on the planet? Are the Systies there? How did the exosegs get to Andrion 2? Nothing makes sense. Thinker’s sense of alarm is muted by his desire for another soldier, Priestess, and the conflict he feels when a past love from his training days on Planet Hell shows up and declares that she and Thinker are tied together for eternity. Where is his heart? Does it belong to Priestess or Valkyrie? Is this emotional battle compromising his ability to sense danger? Thinker needs all of his wits and training because there is a surprise on Andrion 2--one more diabolic and dangerous than any of the soldiers have prepared themselves for.

     Soldier of the Legion is a deep, rich story that captures the heart of Sci-fi while bringing the elements of suspense, mystery, horror, and romance together and blending them into a perfect story that everyone will enjoy. Thomas’s talent as a writer shines through the action, making the dialogue captivating, and in many passages, moving. His protagonist, Thinker, may be involved in a life that few of us have experienced, but Thomas keeps Thinker so human that we are able to experience the joy, the pain, and the fear that a soldier of the Legion endures while putting his or her life on the line without question.

     The audio version of the exciting first offering in this series doesn’t disappoint. The narrative is smooth and professional and the sound effects are extremely realistic. The richness of the story is effectively communicated through the first-rate job done by the actors and support staff.

     Highly recommended!