Legionary

Roman Rebellion #1

by Griff Hosker

Through sacrifice a fighter is born.
When poverty strikes, an ageing farmer is forced to make a heartbreaking relinquish his oldest son in the hope of appeasing the gods or see his family face certain starvation. And so it follows that young Lucius Ulpia Porcianus is sacrificed to Rome.

Embarking on his new life, Lucius travels to Ancona to enlist in the legion. Accepted into the army of Pompey, the young recruit soon finds himself engulfed in the civil war between Sulla and the Marians. As a callow youth, torn from the land of Picenum, can Lucius put his days as a pig farmer behind him and embrace life as a legionary? Or will the brutality of war seal his fate?

In a sweeping tale of resilience and transformation, Legionary invites readers to journey alongside Lucius as he evolves from farmer's son to hardened warrior. Filled with rich historical detail, this novel explores the bonds of friendship, the pursuit of identity and the courage to stand tall in the face of adversity.

The first book in the captivating Roman Rebellion series by Griff Hosker. Perfect for fans of Ben Kane, Simon Scarrow and Bernard Cornwell.

Genres: Historical Fiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2025

About the author

I was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.

When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.

My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.

griff-signature-360x57

Reviews

[phillip]

As good as they come

Great story line, kept you guessing on what's next. Can't wait for the next one hopefully not to far off.

[A.M. Swink · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book!

Griff Hosker always delivers on the action, and ‘Legionary’ delivers this in spades. The story follows Lucius Porcianus from his recruitment into Pompey’s army to the conclusion of the Battle of Sucro. The action is well-paced, with Lucius close enough to Pompey to keep the reader informed of the civil war’s developments. But the characters! The characters keep you turning the pages as much as the action does! The men Lucius fights alongside all manage to develop unique personalities on the page. The family Lucius starts on his parents’ farm in Picenum was another nice touch. I especially loved Hephaestus, Pompey’s beloved horse. The book ends with Lucius making a daring bid to recover him. And when it comes to the way horses and their care are portrayed on the page, this book is Horse Girl approved.

Fantastic story, characters, pacing, and drama. I really cannot wait to read the next installment in this series!

[Sue Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent first installment of a new Griff Hosker series. The new central character is Lucius Ulpia Porcianus. We are shown what a family might face in the rural world prior to the advent of Julius Caesar in the Roman homeland of Italy. The young Lucius is propelled to a life in the Legions of Rome. His general is Pompey and what follows is a retelling of the days before the Roman Empire.
What has me addicted to Griff Hosker's writing is the character of his illustrious warrior's disposition.
There is an innate code of ethics that remains solid despite the less-than-sterling qualities of others with whom he interacts.
Roman history/historical fiction is not my first choice when I choose my books, however, I may have to revisit that after reading this book.
Enjoy!

[tony wallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

As to be expected, from me if no one else, a solidly crafted and engaging story line that echoes most every other novel that he has written. "If it ain't broke, then don't fix it." . The story includes most every situation recounted in previous novels. The writers strength lies in his ability to string together short pithy sentences that best reflect the urgency and immediacy of the changing situations that occur in his narrative. Perhaps this skill was honed during his teaching years with the need to hold the attention of a class of thought-wandering adolescents. Who knows?

[Dan Swaningson · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay but not real engaging

Lots of mundane and battle detail bit not a lot of intrigue. I couldn’t help the feeling that I would have enjoyed the story more when I was a teenager, and perhaps that is who it was written for…? Anyway, it was a good before bed read as it usually put me to sleep as they just hopped from detailed battle to detailed battle throughout. Kind of a feel good story actually.
If you want to know the details of a Roman soldiers’ day to day while on campaign, and not, than this is the book for you.

[Wayne Casa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mule Man to Equitatus

An entertaining read, Hosker has created another interesting young lead character with a supporting ensemble of sub characters.
during the Roman period of Sulla and the rise of Pompey the younger to the Great. The adventures of a pig farmer transitioning to a Legionary in the Pompeian army. Enjoyed this first read.

[neillcowans · Rating 5 out of 5]

great stuff

Yet again griff,I new adventure with a new character with great possibilities for a long series?
Keep them coming,I read this in two days and already wait in anticipation for the next instalment
Well done mate from a big fan
Neill

[Michael Annis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A start to a new great series.

Loved this, well written, lots of action and believable characters and rogues. Must admit the constant references to Roman legion formations etc became a bit wearing but worth putting up with.

[Walter Benotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very good read

You will enjoy this book as it is like all of Griff Hosker's books and draws you in to the life of the main character. Once you start it becomes hard to put it down Enjoy it and you will not regret buying it.

[Sandra DeLopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

a different look at life in Rome

A look at life for common people in Ancient Rome and at life in life in the Roman legion. Griff Hosker tells a great story and keeps one interested until the end and looking forward to the next book.

[Mr Mark F Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Another great book.
I hope the story continues as it was a very interesting read.
Thanks for another excellent book Griff

[John Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

As usual, another great book by a great author. The review is making me say another 11 words and I can’t come up with anything else so there you have it.

[Mr P L Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

The first book of this series and very enjoyable. The main difference to other similar books is that the supporting characters constantly change, killed in battle

[Arthur ashleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great descriptive action throughout

A great read that would capture the interest of readers who love action. Even when the book referred to life's details it was of interest

[Howard Riach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Never been disappointed with Griff Hosker.This story line kept me wanting more.
Can’t wait for the follow up.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, fun, action story with a Roman flare! Great escape.

[C J Myatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

Some great battle descriptions and an interesting story. Best Roman book I have read in a while.
I can recommend it.