The Ancient Order: Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thrillers, Book 0, is a historical/supernatural thriller novella written by J.B. Michaels. Britannia was a hostile land, a most inhospitable climate for the Roman legionnaires sent out to subdue the tribes, who understandably resented the invasion and were doing their best to dissuade the invaders from continuing with their mission. Magnus Vicillius was assigned to assist Governor Gricola in discovering the whereabouts of the legionnaires and the priest sent to convert the tribes to the religion of Constantine. They seemed to have disappeared without a trace. The mission was based on the request of a tribal leader who wanted more information on Iehova. Gricola was still determined to fulfill his obligation while also locating the missing men. Nothing in all his years of combat could have prepared Magnus for what he would find.

The Ancient Order is a well-written and welcome addition to the author’s Order of St. Michael paranormal thriller series. I loved learning more about the genesis of the order and experiencing Britannia through the eyes of Vicillius and the other legionaries under siege and doing battle against unknown forces in a strange and hostile environment. Michaels’s characters are credible and well-defined, and his story is richly atmospheric and suspenseful. The Ancient Order works as well as religious/historical fiction as it does as the precursor to the author’s supernatural thriller series. The Ancient Order: Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thrillers, Book 0 is most highly recommended.

When thirty legionaries and a priest go missing following a request for information on the Christian God and this new religion, what is to be done? Simple; you send Magnus, a proven and respected warrior, to investigate. His journey leads him to an unsettling discovery where an impossible show of brute force is just the start of more unsettling discoveries. With the introduction of the new religion by the Romans, there are those who hold the old ways close, so close there is nothing they won't resort to in order to ensure their ways continue, even if that means a brutal killing spree of not only those embracing the new ways but the innocent as well. Something needs to be done not only to protect those of this time but to aid the generations who will follow.

The Ancient Order is the prequel to the Bud Hutchins Supernatural Thrillers Series. JB Michaels has created this short novella as a means to explain how the Order began and is integral to the later books in the series. It fills in the background history while providing an interesting adventure you can't help but be pulled into. Conflict, suspicion, and mistrust fill the air as ancient threats rise and a clash between the old ways and the new seems the only means to obtain victory. It was great watching the forming of this union, the foundation of what becomes a cornerstone of supernatural protection in the future. I liked the main characters, who were enhanced by those playing a more supporting role. JB Michaels has certainly added another perspective to his later books in the series, and his writing style continues to hold its audience captive.

In The Ancient Order, J.B. Michaels creates a visual picture of spiritual warfare during the rule of Roman Britain. Magnus has received one of his last missions as a centurion before his service is complete. He comes to the aid of the mysterious disappearance of Roman soldiers escorting a missionary to a Pict tribe outside the bordering wall. Governor Gricola gives what little information he has, but Magnus must discover what has become of his fellow soldiers by visiting the village. He soon discovers a land where evil spirits once ruled, spirits that now feel threatened by the teachings of the one true Yeshua. Somehow, supernatural forces of mayhem are unleashed upon the land. As an unbeliever and a proud man, Magnus struggles to align with the female tribal chief, Michaela.
 
The Ancient Order is engaging and to the point, as J.B. Michaels creates an invisible and spiritual enemy in these dark days. With enough history about the time period, the reader feels as if this short novella is just a record of another place that the supernatural forces held captive. Centurion Magnus is the epitome of pride and arrogance, but he had a friend, Tiberius. This friend challenged his beliefs in a way that reminds and connects the characters to the reader. The storyline is full and descriptive, making this book seem thrice its size in action. The anticipation of how, and if, Magnus and Michaela could work together in this thriller will pique your interest as you see the skill of the author. Highly recommended for a historical horror read that will appeal to teens and adults alike.

When thirty Roman soldiers fail to return from an assignment to escort a Christian missionary to Governor Gricola, it is left to one brave centurion to solve the mystery. Magnus Vicillius has just five years left of his long service to the Roman Empire and he seems the obvious choice to investigate what happened. What awaits him beyond Hadrian's Wall could never have been imagined. When he finds the mutilated remains of the priest and the legionaries, he believes the tribe in the nearby village is responsible. Tribe chief Michaela protests their innocence but it takes a savage massacre for Magnus to realize the truth. He encounters a force brutally against the introduction of a new religion by the Romans and they will stop at nothing to punish those who follow it. Magnus faces his toughest battle yet to eliminate this evil army and restore peace and freedom, not just for the present day but for the generations who will follow.

The Ancient Order by JB Michaels is a fast-paced adventure story which has been very well researched and written. The characters were believable because they all had their own personality flaws and weaknesses. The plot had many twists and turns which kept me engaged throughout. The author's writing style transports you completely into the era of the Roman empire; the battle scenes were brutal and spine-chilling. The conflicts within the plot are perfectly placed and kept me guessing how on earth Magnus could triumph. The relationship between Micheala and Magnus developed gradually which I loved and the dialogue perfectly suited their personalities. This historical plot of good versus evil will captivate you until the very final page.