A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love and Peace

Skrutskie (The Salvation Gambit) puts the Roman in romantasy with this well-crafted tale of soldiers struggling to live in peace after preparing their whole lives for war. Spear-carrier Kat and shield-bearer Emory are the hinge pair of their decade, or 10 soldier unit. Before their final battle against the king of hell, where they expect to die, they break the strict no fraternization order to hook up. Unexpectedly, they survive, saved by the sudden reveal of long-hidden prince Adrien Augustine, who destroys the Demon Lord. Adrien offers to release every soldier from service after they help construct his road home. Career soldier Emory can’t envision another life, while Kat juggles the possibilities of a romance with Emory; training as a magic-using centurion; or, in a comic subplot, advising Adrien as he’s targeted by both the three Lesser Lords of Hell, out for revenge, and marriage-minded social climbers. Down-to-earth Kat makes a refreshing narrator, giving a foot soldier’s perspective on a typical chosen one fantasy plot. Readers who come for the friends-to-lovers arc will enjoy watching Kat and Emory learn new ways to care for each other, and fantasy fans will find much to appreciate in the unique magic system and ancient Rome–inspired worldbuilding. It’s good fun. (June)