Give Me Back My Legions! by Harry Turtledove

As a result the climax seems rather abrupt. Although at the start of the novel Arminius’ hidden motives help to create an effective ominous tone, the middle of the novel drags from a lack of conflict. However, Arminius’ deception is too prolonged. Varus and Arminius are sympathetic but flawed: Varus is fair but foolish, Arminius is brave but lacks empathy. Turtledove also balances well the two main characters. Historical details are presented for the most part organically (for instance, Arminius studies Roman customs and military tactics to better fool Varus and defeat the Romans).

Harry Turtledove does an excellent job contrasting the cultural differences of the Romans and the Germans, in everything from their views on sexuality to their methods of farming.

Through guile, Arminius gains the confidence and friendship of Varus and leads him into an ambush that destroys three full Roman legions and ends Augustus’ hopes of a Romanized Germany. The difference is that Varus wants to accelerate this process, while Arminius secretly is determined to keep his people independent. Although the two sides seem to be at a stalemate, both Varus and Arminius, the cultured son of a German chieftain, realize that Germany is slowly but steadily becoming Romanized. In Germany, Roman and German soldiers alike view the other side with fear, hatred, and grudging respect. But no upper-class Roman can refuse the wishes of the Emperor Augustus, and so when the emperor sends Varus north to bring Germany under Roman control, Varus dutifully goes. Quinctilius Varus is not a natural soldier.

Give Me Back My Legions! by Harry Turtledove