Full disclosure: I did a beta read on this one. I loved it then and I love it now. The whole concept of the Scorpions is creative and alluring. The main characters--and there are many, because really, this is an ensemble cast orbiting around the bright star that is Kendras--are all vivid, unique individuals, and Aleks creates the sense that he knows the history and mythology for each of them down to how they lost their first baby tooth (without inundating us with details; it's all spare subtle brush strokes, well placed). Kendras is a wonderfully sympathetic character, tough as nails, mercilessly pragmatic, and in so far over his head at some points you can't help but want to gather all your friends around to cheer him on. 
 If you love fantasy, history, or even a good military novel--or, of course, Aleks himself :D--then you'll want to move this one to the top of your TBR pile.