Disclosure: I received this book to review through
, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

First, I want to share a few things before I delve into this book.

(A) 99% of the time, when I pick a book to read (or to review), I base it on the cover. I don’t typically read what the book is about and frankly, even when I do, by the time I read the book, I forget what it is about.

(B) I am a very picky reader. Growing up, I hated reading. Despised it. I just started reading in my “free” time within the last couple of years. No joke.

So with that, let me introduce you to

Guiamo

– book one of the

Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo

(there are 4 total and needless to say, I’m not pleased with myself that I didn’t realize that sooner! I am one who likes to read them all back to back so guarantee, I will be purchasing books 2-4 so I can finish the series!)

A historical fantasy series which starts in 60 B.C. and spans hundreds of years covering many of the historical legends, myths, battles and people of England, Scotland and Ireland. It is the story of young Guiamo Durmius Stolo, abandoned at the age of 10. Through the kindness and wisdom of others, his inventive and courageous spirit and a gift from the god Mars, Guiamo will change the world.

Guiamo Book One – In 60 B.C., ten-year-old GuiamoDurmius Stolo, an exceptionally gifted Roman orphan, is abandoned in Gaul . Left to fend for himself, Guiamois set onto a path of legend. Recognized by the gods as having world-changing talents, he is given a weapon that changes his destiny and the world’s forever.

Combining legitimate legends with actual historical events, Marshall Best weaves an epic story that portrays the ancient world as it might have been, a world which the ancient historians recorded as fact; a time when gods ruled the earth and strange creatures dominated the land. It is the era of civilized conquerors exploring distant and primitive new lands. Scant recordings left to us today by ancient writers only touch on the fringe of the fantastic and brutal reality that existed in those distant lands of the west. Into this age, young Guiamo enters the world stage as the great game-changer, and by his hand the gods and beasts become destined to disappear into myth and legend.

My Thoughts:

Okay, bare with me. This one is difficult. I need to find the right words.

I have to be honest.

The first few pages of this book? I hated it.

I couldn’t pronounce the words/names. I was frustrated. I put it down and walked away.

If I didn’t have to write this review, I don’t think I would have picked it back up to read. (Just being honest.)

THANKFULLY, I had to write this review so I had to pick it back up and finish it.

I really, really, really enjoyed reading this book. (Even though I still struggle with names and words!)

I cannot explain the story line. It isn’t romance. It isn’t suspense. It isn’t drama. It isn’t science fiction.

The best way for me to describe it to my husband was “historical fiction” that had some true historical parts intertwined with the fictional story.

Additionally, I felt that the book was riddled with little life lessons that were meant for the main character in the book, but really left me thinking about it for days after reading it.

I really truly enjoyed this book (and I hate history and never paid attention to it in school) and was actually upset with the ending because it just ended (fortunately, I can purchase the Kindle versions for the next three on Amazon so I’m okay now!)

I very much so would recommend this to others and will hopefully be getting hubby to read it because he enjoys history and I think he would very much enjoy this historical fiction that follows young Guiamo on his life lessons.

Buy the book from…

Other books in the Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo

Guiamo Durmius Stolo sails in 55 B.C. with Rome’s 7th Legion as Julius Caesar invades Britain. But Caesar has not before encountered the Fomori, a dominion of wicked creatures which wage war against the human inhabitants and dominate much of Britain. Armed with his god-made spear, Guiamo joins with the tribal kings against their Fomori foe when Caesar departs.

Having destroyed the Fomori in Britain , Guiamo Durmius Stolo decides in 51 B.C. to bring the Cruthin people, once slaves to the Fomori, to Ireland , but encounters the Fomori who reside there as well. Guiamo discovers that the gods venerated by the Druids are unworthy. The gods are displeased with him and begin to work against him.

In 50 B.C. Guiamo Durmius Stolo finds himself victor over the detested Fomori whose leader, Cichol, is slain and those few who survived are scattered. Guiamo explores the secret places where Cichol kept his most important secrets and

discovers there the treasures of Cichol’s master, the goddess Domnu.

About the Author


Marshall Best is an avid reader, father of six and business owner. In the past several years he has found his love of writing as well. What began as a desire to write a story for his children has evolved into a nine book series.

Marshall has done extensive research into the history behind the legends, people and places of England, Scotland and Ireland involved in his books. He loves being able to weave real people and legends into his stories making them come alive. He is definitely a writer that tends to the details often mapping out timetables, calendars, geneologies, etc. that pertain to his book to ensure that it is as realistic as possible.

Marshall also enjoys putting real life issues into his books, delving into a bit of philosophy while entertaining with orcs, dragons, magic and battles. He is someone who loves a grand adventure but makes sure it’s not a shallow one.