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Strategos #3
Strategos: Island in the Storm
The storm is upon us, Haga. The answers you seek dance within its wrath . . .
1071 AD. Emperor Romanus Diogenes has rekindled the guttering flame of Byzantium. Yet in the eastern borderlands, two vital strongholds hang in the balance. Manzikert and Chliat must be won to secure the empire’s fragile frontiers and vanquish the would-be usurpers who covet the imperial throne. But Sultan Alp Arslan and his vast Seljuk armies look to those twin fortress-towns also, resolute on seizing them first.
Apion rides by the emperor’s side as they march east, marshalling Byzantium’s armies for the conflict that is to come. He knows only too well that the threat posed by the Sultan’s hordes is well-matched by malevolent forces within the Byzantine ranks. Thus, the road to war is a savage one, but one he cannot refuse. For at its end, Fate beckons, taunting him with a choice of two futures. On the plains of Manzikert, one great power will rise and another will fall.
On the plains of Manzikert, Apion will face the storm.
1071 AD. Emperor Romanus Diogenes has rekindled the guttering flame of Byzantium. Yet in the eastern borderlands, two vital strongholds hang in the balance. Manzikert and Chliat must be won to secure the empire’s fragile frontiers and vanquish the would-be usurpers who covet the imperial throne. But Sultan Alp Arslan and his vast Seljuk armies look to those twin fortress-towns also, resolute on seizing them first.
Apion rides by the emperor’s side as they march east, marshalling Byzantium’s armies for the conflict that is to come. He knows only too well that the threat posed by the Sultan’s hordes is well-matched by malevolent forces within the Byzantine ranks. Thus, the road to war is a savage one, but one he cannot refuse. For at its end, Fate beckons, taunting him with a choice of two futures. On the plains of Manzikert, one great power will rise and another will fall.
On the plains of Manzikert, Apion will face the storm.
380 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
32 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Doherty
41 books293 followersI'm a Scottish writer, addicted to reading and writing historical fiction.
My love of history was first kindled by visits to the misty Roman ruins of Britain and the sun-baked antiquities of Turkey and Greece. My expeditions since have taken me all over the world and back and forth through time (metaphorically, at least), allowing me to write tales of the later Roman Empire, Byzantium, Classical Greece and even the distant Bronze Age.
All of my novels are available from good online stores in paperback and eBook format.
Happy reading!
My website: www.gordondoherty.co.uk
My Twitter: @GordonDoherty
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonDohert...
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybC...
My love of history was first kindled by visits to the misty Roman ruins of Britain and the sun-baked antiquities of Turkey and Greece. My expeditions since have taken me all over the world and back and forth through time (metaphorically, at least), allowing me to write tales of the later Roman Empire, Byzantium, Classical Greece and even the distant Bronze Age.
All of my novels are available from good online stores in paperback and eBook format.
Happy reading!
My website: www.gordondoherty.co.uk
My Twitter: @GordonDoherty
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonDohert...
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybC...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 2, 2016
This is the conclusion to the story of Apion, the strategos of Chaldia Thema. The prologue shows us a somewhat older and battle-scarred Apion on the threshold of the Battle of Manzikert [1071], then with Chapter 1 the story conveys us to events two years earlier. The novel builds little by little to the big climax at Manzikert, one of the big turning points in history. Manzikert ushered in the beginning of the Byzantine Empire's decline. The last few chapters and epilogue were marvelous--bittersweet but perfect!! I had tears in my eyes at Apion's final confrontation and conversation with his son, Taylan, a bey in the Seljuk army and the touching reunion and time with his lifelong love, Maria. The meetings of Apion and of Emperor Romanos Diogenes, with Alp Arslan, the Seljuk sultan, after the battle showed the civility of all three peace-loving men. Alp Arslan was a complex Saladin-like figure in Doherty's portrayal.
I forced myself to read this novel slowly so I was able to savor it. I can see where this would be a page-turner, though. The author's writing has improved and is more mature. For the most part his choice of expressions and turns of phrase have become more sophisticated. Two word choices irritated me no end; over and over the author used the word 'grapple' where I think he meant 'grasp' or 'grip' and ' bar' for 'except' or 'except for'. He has kept history and fiction nicely balanced: political maneuvering, danger, treachery, exciting battles and a bit of non-maudlin romance. All the main characters, and even some of the minor ones, such as Kaspax the young soldier, are real flesh-and-blood people, with hopes and fears. We see loyalty and devotion in Apion's three soldier-colleagues. Well, the villains' evil was a bit exaggerated, as intended, by the author. I wondered at how a 15-year-old kid [Taylan] could become a high-ranking officer at such a young age; that didn't seem realistic although his authority and his hatred moved the plot along. I felt as though I were a part of the quieter scenes, such as in the hospital, off-duty with Apion and his comrades, or Apion's quiet personal conversation with Kaspax. The hippodrome scene with its attendant sabotage and the attempted assassination of Apion in the city of Trebizond were heart stopping. I also enjoyed observing the training in the Seljuk military camp and the battle in the gorge with Greek fire.
This whole trilogy has the potential to become a genre classic if Mr. Doherty would double check for the minimal proofing errors in in this Book and for those in the more immature but earnestly written Books I and II. He could revise layout in Book I, doing away with modernisms, modern slang, proofreading errors and tightening up somewhat in each. I was glad the author didn't rush his novel to publication, and was thoughtful in his writing. His historical research was impeccable. The supplementary material was a very happy addition; the cover art of all three volumes was extremely striking.
I thank Mr. Doherty for sending me a copy of this book; it was a fantastic reading experience!
I forced myself to read this novel slowly so I was able to savor it. I can see where this would be a page-turner, though. The author's writing has improved and is more mature. For the most part his choice of expressions and turns of phrase have become more sophisticated. Two word choices irritated me no end; over and over the author used the word 'grapple' where I think he meant 'grasp' or 'grip' and ' bar' for 'except' or 'except for'. He has kept history and fiction nicely balanced: political maneuvering, danger, treachery, exciting battles and a bit of non-maudlin romance. All the main characters, and even some of the minor ones, such as Kaspax the young soldier, are real flesh-and-blood people, with hopes and fears. We see loyalty and devotion in Apion's three soldier-colleagues. Well, the villains' evil was a bit exaggerated, as intended, by the author. I wondered at how a 15-year-old kid [Taylan] could become a high-ranking officer at such a young age; that didn't seem realistic although his authority and his hatred moved the plot along. I felt as though I were a part of the quieter scenes, such as in the hospital, off-duty with Apion and his comrades, or Apion's quiet personal conversation with Kaspax. The hippodrome scene with its attendant sabotage and the attempted assassination of Apion in the city of Trebizond were heart stopping. I also enjoyed observing the training in the Seljuk military camp and the battle in the gorge with Greek fire.
This whole trilogy has the potential to become a genre classic if Mr. Doherty would double check for the minimal proofing errors in in this Book and for those in the more immature but earnestly written Books I and II. He could revise layout in Book I, doing away with modernisms, modern slang, proofreading errors and tightening up somewhat in each. I was glad the author didn't rush his novel to publication, and was thoughtful in his writing. His historical research was impeccable. The supplementary material was a very happy addition; the cover art of all three volumes was extremely striking.
I thank Mr. Doherty for sending me a copy of this book; it was a fantastic reading experience!
September 7, 2015
After the battle that took place in book 2 we are left wondering what will become of the Haga after Nasir’s death.
Emperor Romanus sets out to secure his throne by securing his boarders from the Seljuks. After the build up to this point you know it’s going to be bloody!
Apion has a lot to deal with in this book, not only is he fighting a war while having some insight from the old crone who always seems to be with him but he’s also dealing with the fact Maria, the only good thing in his life left, is out there somewhere.
Nasir’s son plays a big part in this book too as he struggles to come to terms with the death of Nasir. I’ll admit Taylan wasn’t my favourite addition to this book, I struggled at times to like him.. mainly because I thought Nasir was brilliant.. in the end Taylan turned out to be a better addition to the series than I thought he would be.
Gordon manages to bring everything together in this book and we finally get to see an end in sight for the whole Apion/Maria story. Personally I loved how Gordon finished the story. I felt it was a fitting end.. although he had me saying “no no no no” a lot while a was reading.
So character development.. there’s loads. Gordon managed to give an ending to a lot of the characters though the chapters of this book and it’s not all happy endings. You see a lot of friendships grow and even though a character like Psellos isn’t likable you get a wonderful depth to the person in this one. Not to give anything away but the whole situation with Psellos and the old crone which plays out is brilliant.
We see additions such as Kaspax which I loved along with Vilyam. Vilyam was the star of the book for me.. :)
There’s a lot of bloodshed in this book but Gordon again manages to help the reader visualise the battlefield with his impressive knowledge. It gives a great feel to the book as you could imagine the clashes that took place and how many men must have died.
Gordon also uses his knowledge to give even more insight when you read the historical note. He clearly knows his stuff and it pays off well. He makes the subject interesting which isn’t always easy to do.
This series has to be the best I’ve ever read. Credit where credits due, Gordon managed to get me emotionally connected with his characters. For me that is a sign of a truly great author.
I can’t imagine a better end for the series but it’s sad that I won’t be able to read about Apion again. When I get the time I’ll definitely have to read this series again.
I hope Gordon has more books planned..
Emperor Romanus sets out to secure his throne by securing his boarders from the Seljuks. After the build up to this point you know it’s going to be bloody!
Apion has a lot to deal with in this book, not only is he fighting a war while having some insight from the old crone who always seems to be with him but he’s also dealing with the fact Maria, the only good thing in his life left, is out there somewhere.
Nasir’s son plays a big part in this book too as he struggles to come to terms with the death of Nasir. I’ll admit Taylan wasn’t my favourite addition to this book, I struggled at times to like him.. mainly because I thought Nasir was brilliant.. in the end Taylan turned out to be a better addition to the series than I thought he would be.
Gordon manages to bring everything together in this book and we finally get to see an end in sight for the whole Apion/Maria story. Personally I loved how Gordon finished the story. I felt it was a fitting end.. although he had me saying “no no no no” a lot while a was reading.
So character development.. there’s loads. Gordon managed to give an ending to a lot of the characters though the chapters of this book and it’s not all happy endings. You see a lot of friendships grow and even though a character like Psellos isn’t likable you get a wonderful depth to the person in this one. Not to give anything away but the whole situation with Psellos and the old crone which plays out is brilliant.
We see additions such as Kaspax which I loved along with Vilyam. Vilyam was the star of the book for me.. :)
There’s a lot of bloodshed in this book but Gordon again manages to help the reader visualise the battlefield with his impressive knowledge. It gives a great feel to the book as you could imagine the clashes that took place and how many men must have died.
Gordon also uses his knowledge to give even more insight when you read the historical note. He clearly knows his stuff and it pays off well. He makes the subject interesting which isn’t always easy to do.
This series has to be the best I’ve ever read. Credit where credits due, Gordon managed to get me emotionally connected with his characters. For me that is a sign of a truly great author.
I can’t imagine a better end for the series but it’s sad that I won’t be able to read about Apion again. When I get the time I’ll definitely have to read this series again.
I hope Gordon has more books planned..
October 30, 2014
First off let me say that I have a major beef with Mr. Doherty and I am sure that all of you who read the words of this humble scribe will agree once you finish Island in the Storm. This series has been among the best I've read and now it is over and that my friends is the cause of my discontent. However, the sheer brilliance in this third volume does tend to soften the blow. This is storytelling at it's finest, the drama, the emotion, the horrors of war, the loss of friends; in all these and more the author is at the top of his game. Throughout the book we are part of the struggle not only between Byzantium-Diogenes Romanus and the Seljuk Turk Alp Arslan but also to the powers seeking to supplant Romanus and too, Alp Arslan. The plots and twists are the ever present backdrop to the building climatic battle at Manzikert on August 26, 1071. As a describer of battle scenes Mr. Doherty has always brought the sights, sounds and smells to the readers senses but in this battle, one that covers so much time and space and has so many ebbs and flows coupled with the ferocity and emotional trauma, the author delivers a coup de grace. As expected Apion, The Haga, has a destiny to fulfill and is faced with making choices that will determine not only his future but the future of much more. The characters be they likable(Sha, Blastares, et. al.) or be they repulsive(Psellos, John Doukas, et. al.) are done beautifully and imbue the story with the realities of the time and situation. In short, this series may be over but it is certainly going out on a very high note. 5 stars
September 12, 2014
How are more people not reading Mr. Doherty's books? This third book in the Strategos series was excellent and it's convinced me to give his other series a try!
January 5, 2016
This final book in the author's Strategos series was a bit uneven although he redeemed himself with a solid description of the battle of Manzikert. The odd parts were things like a eunuch having a wife, too much foreshadowing, and his attributing everything that went wrong on Romanus Diogenes' campaign to a conspiracy for his defeat - that seemed a little over the top. I'm also not a big fan of pseudo-mystical characters, which this book includes. In the afterword, the author mentioned John Doukas dying in exile. He may have ended up dying on one of his country estates, but he was hardly exiled. At the end of his life, John Doukas was the paternal grandfather of Emperor Alexios I Comnenos' wife, Irene Doukaina and he provided key support to Alexios as he sought the throne. At that point, Doukas' two sons were dead and he had been tonsured. There would have been little point in him struggling to take the throne from his granddaughter's husband and his own great-grandchildren, so exiling him seems unlikely.
Doherty does a good job of bringing to life the political situation of the period and how it contributed to this pivotal time in world history.
Doherty does a good job of bringing to life the political situation of the period and how it contributed to this pivotal time in world history.
February 16, 2015
Strategos: Island in the Storm is the third and final novel in the Strategos series by Author Gordon Doherty. As with the previous books in the series, this is a well-written and researched book set around 1070 and based on the struggles of the Byzantine Empire, both internally and with the Seljuk Turks. It maps the story of Apion, the Strategos and his battles with his own personal demons as well as enemies of the Empire. Doherty makes a very plausible case that the actual battles fought between the Byzantines and the Turks were much less insidious than the internal faction plotting, betrayals and warring, on both sides, for power. A great read and easy to recommend.
September 29, 2014
Bloody wonderful conclusion to a bloody wonderful trilogy! One of the most decisive campaigns/battles in recorded history brought to life. Well done, Gordon!
December 1, 2022
It is tough to pull off a historical fiction story when you know everything is building up to a singular battle that "the good guys" lose. Manzikert is a huge inflection point in history for the Eastern Roman Empire. It is the direct cause of their loss of Anatolia and large scale military field maneuvers in Asia. That makes it an interesting story focus from the Byzantine point of view. The guiding theme of Apion's life is that hope is eternal and can sustain a people beyond what seems possible and that what seems like the end can really just be a beginning. The downfall of Romanus Diogenes and the rule of the Doukid family is really just the stepping stone for Alexios and the Komnenian dynasty in the near future. Which in a micro-level makes the bleak ending bittersweet, but knowing how long Alexios' descendants make it, even more bleak.
I enjoyed Doherty's depiction of the Battle of Manzikert. The last 25% of the entire book is fantastic actually. It saved the floundering story that took up the first half. It almost feels like you could have combined books 2 and 3 into one and it would have been stronger for it. There is just so much plodding monotony of life on campaign and political scheming that, while interesting and mostly historical, really wore down after doing it two books in a row. I was fine with book 2 having a slow pace to introduce our new chief characters, expand the world beyond the Chaldian Thema and have a fun battle at the end. But then we turn around in book three and basically do it all over again. Taylin took Nasir's place as frenemy in the other army with burning hatred for Apion that is a thorn in his side. John Doucas and Psellos sit there and do the exact same thing in both books. Just change the structure up a bit. It also doesn't help that Psellos' scheming was so prevalent in both books. It is very frustrating watching the main character's own team sabotage things consistently. I know it was to make sure things played out 'correctly' but as a reader some of them felt contrived. I'm glad at least one saboteur was killed immediately after his act of treason that resulted in an extremely predictable outcome (the guy who screamed and broke the organized retreat)
After reading three books in a row, there were a few things I noticed. Description got very repetitive. Egg-shell blue skies and the chirping of cicadas were extremely common. "His trusted three" felt like it could have benefited from a thesaurus. His officers, his friends, his brothers, his comrades. All would have given some variation from the same thing over and over. Sometimes I had trouble with ages. I thought John Doucas was a petulant child with Psellos whispering in his ear, but was surprised to learn he is old enough to have his own petulant kid. Changed how I viewed him. Taylin felt like he was given a staggering amount of power for a 15-year old. His death scene was almost laughable in how I picture it, though it finally fulfills my wish to see two characters try to have an emotional conflict in the middle of a battle and then get struck down from behind. In my mind it's a record scratch in the cinematic crescendo of the movie.
I enjoyed Doherty's depiction of the Battle of Manzikert. The last 25% of the entire book is fantastic actually. It saved the floundering story that took up the first half. It almost feels like you could have combined books 2 and 3 into one and it would have been stronger for it. There is just so much plodding monotony of life on campaign and political scheming that, while interesting and mostly historical, really wore down after doing it two books in a row. I was fine with book 2 having a slow pace to introduce our new chief characters, expand the world beyond the Chaldian Thema and have a fun battle at the end. But then we turn around in book three and basically do it all over again. Taylin took Nasir's place as frenemy in the other army with burning hatred for Apion that is a thorn in his side. John Doucas and Psellos sit there and do the exact same thing in both books. Just change the structure up a bit. It also doesn't help that Psellos' scheming was so prevalent in both books. It is very frustrating watching the main character's own team sabotage things consistently. I know it was to make sure things played out 'correctly' but as a reader some of them felt contrived. I'm glad at least one saboteur was killed immediately after his act of treason that resulted in an extremely predictable outcome (the guy who screamed and broke the organized retreat)
After reading three books in a row, there were a few things I noticed. Description got very repetitive. Egg-shell blue skies and the chirping of cicadas were extremely common. "His trusted three" felt like it could have benefited from a thesaurus. His officers, his friends, his brothers, his comrades. All would have given some variation from the same thing over and over. Sometimes I had trouble with ages. I thought John Doucas was a petulant child with Psellos whispering in his ear, but was surprised to learn he is old enough to have his own petulant kid. Changed how I viewed him. Taylin felt like he was given a staggering amount of power for a 15-year old. His death scene was almost laughable in how I picture it, though it finally fulfills my wish to see two characters try to have an emotional conflict in the middle of a battle and then get struck down from behind. In my mind it's a record scratch in the cinematic crescendo of the movie.
August 8, 2017
This is a bloody, bloody book, and I really liked it! Starting at book 3 of this series was probably not the best choice because I definitely felt like I missed some crucial backstory. Despite that, I was able to get wrapped up into this book pretty quickly. I love the narrator's voice - it is honey and gravel with a lovely accent that is so easy to listen to.
This has the flavor of historical fiction, but there are elements of fantasy, too. I am on the fence about how I feel about that aspect of the story. I usually enjoy a bit of fantasy in my novels, but setting it in a real place in history with real historical figures makes it difficult for me to fully accept. That small point aside, the character development was excellent. These felt like complete, multidimensional people living in a brutal world. I felt that much of the book was very true to the time period. There was also no lack of action. This is not a boring book by any stretch of the imagination. I liked it so much that I will likely go back and see what I missed with the first two books.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review.
This has the flavor of historical fiction, but there are elements of fantasy, too. I am on the fence about how I feel about that aspect of the story. I usually enjoy a bit of fantasy in my novels, but setting it in a real place in history with real historical figures makes it difficult for me to fully accept. That small point aside, the character development was excellent. These felt like complete, multidimensional people living in a brutal world. I felt that much of the book was very true to the time period. There was also no lack of action. This is not a boring book by any stretch of the imagination. I liked it so much that I will likely go back and see what I missed with the first two books.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review.
August 21, 2020
Betrayal and Collision of empires
Easy five stars for all three novels. Unmissable trilogy for all historical fiction lovers. The series has outstanding battle scenes, a gripping storyline of betrayal and the consequences of bitterness and choice plus unforgettable characters you will not forget.
Easy five stars for all three novels. Unmissable trilogy for all historical fiction lovers. The series has outstanding battle scenes, a gripping storyline of betrayal and the consequences of bitterness and choice plus unforgettable characters you will not forget.
April 24, 2022
An excellent ending to the trilogy!
March 22, 2023
I must admit that I kind of spoiled this book for myself before I even read it. I was so intrigued by the first two books’ plots that I looked up and read the historical background. This was a mistake because I then began the tale with full knowledge of how it all turned out!
Just as well that our hero was fictional. At least I could have some surprises at the end. The whole series was very well researched, although not so well written or edited. The books improved as the author honed his skills and I am sure that he will be more widely read in the future.
Just as well that our hero was fictional. At least I could have some surprises at the end. The whole series was very well researched, although not so well written or edited. The books improved as the author honed his skills and I am sure that he will be more widely read in the future.
November 3, 2016
Good book to finish the series off. The author played well with the readers emotions and did well to develop the plot as he did. it was full of suspense and excitement and I would recommend it, though the reality of the plot is a bit heartbreaking.
June 13, 2023
fast paced and easy reading
GD has delivered again. A great story. Well rehearsed and beautifully written. A pleasure to read. The Haga was all we expected from Apion. From cripple to the Byzantine equivalent of Druss the legend
GD has delivered again. A great story. Well rehearsed and beautifully written. A pleasure to read. The Haga was all we expected from Apion. From cripple to the Byzantine equivalent of Druss the legend
September 30, 2016
Good story
I didn't enjoy it as much as legionary series but it was very good. Not my usual style. The series as a whole was excellent. Well worth picking it up
I didn't enjoy it as much as legionary series but it was very good. Not my usual style. The series as a whole was excellent. Well worth picking it up
January 23, 2021
Apion, the strategos of Chaldia, joins the Byzantine Emperor on his campaign to secure the eastern frontier at Manzikert from the Seljuk Turks. A great series set in history we barely know.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews