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Legionary #10
Devotio
AD 391: in the aftermath of civil war, the Roman Empire lies broken. The emperor is missing. Rumours fly that he has lost his mind. Sensing weakness, the Goths rise in revolt. All to the delight of the dark hand who orchestrated the civil war… and plots to stoke another.
Far out at sea, Pavo stands watchfully at the prow of the Justitia, running cargo between distant lands. At every port, he hears of the empire's swelling troubles. Of fire and zeal and panic. Of legions, bristling for battle. But his days of protecting the provinces with sword and shield are over. He, his wife and his lad will soon have enough funds to make a home on a quiet island, far from the madness.
Yet the empire is an ever-hungry beast, and Pavo is about to sail straight into its jaws…
It is a journey that will take him to the brink, and throw down before him the question to which there is only one what would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?
Blood, treachery, reckless heroism, justice, honour. This story has it all.
Praise for Devotio ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"What a great read!" - author Griff Hosker
"Heart-wrenching and adventurous." - author Damion Hunter
"This book reminds me why I started reading Roman historical adventures in the first place" - author Alex Gough
"A deep and thoughtful novel, portraying the devotio(n) that holds families together in the face of disaster, and brings the reader full-tilt into a world in which the empire is crumbling fast" - author Simon Turney
Far out at sea, Pavo stands watchfully at the prow of the Justitia, running cargo between distant lands. At every port, he hears of the empire's swelling troubles. Of fire and zeal and panic. Of legions, bristling for battle. But his days of protecting the provinces with sword and shield are over. He, his wife and his lad will soon have enough funds to make a home on a quiet island, far from the madness.
Yet the empire is an ever-hungry beast, and Pavo is about to sail straight into its jaws…
It is a journey that will take him to the brink, and throw down before him the question to which there is only one what would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?
Blood, treachery, reckless heroism, justice, honour. This story has it all.
Praise for Devotio ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"What a great read!" - author Griff Hosker
"Heart-wrenching and adventurous." - author Damion Hunter
"This book reminds me why I started reading Roman historical adventures in the first place" - author Alex Gough
"A deep and thoughtful novel, portraying the devotio(n) that holds families together in the face of disaster, and brings the reader full-tilt into a world in which the empire is crumbling fast" - author Simon Turney
- GenresHistorical Fiction
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
83 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Doherty
41 books291 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 23, 2025
Writing the last book in a series must be a difficult challenge for an author. Apart from the fact you’re saying farewell to characters you created and have ‘lived with’ for possibly years, how do you deliver a compelling story whilst bringing events to a close in a way that doesn’t feel like an anticlimax. Well, you do it just like Gordon Doherty has in Devotio.
Pavo’s service in the Roman army has taken him across the Empire and involved many adventures, many battles and the loss of many comrades. It has also taken him away from his family. He knows he’s been lucky to survive as long as he has and now spending time with them is all he wants to do. After all, who knows what will happen tomorrow? He believes he has found the perfect place, away from the turbulence that threatens to tear apart the failing Roman Empire. But Pavo’s devotion to his family is also his vulnerability. ‘No monster is more terrifying than the invisible hand that threatens to take away from you the ones you love.’
A shocking event sees Pavo forced to leave his sanctuary in a desperate search for the only man he believes can come to his rescue. But finding him means Pavo once again becoming caught up in the conflict between rival factions attempting to gain control of an empire currently riven in two by ruthless ambition and religious differences. However, Pavo doesn’t care about the risks. He’d happily gives his own life in exchange for the lives of his wife and son. Taking the oath of Devotio is his formal declaration of this. He’s not alone in his quest though because he has comrades who owe their lives to him and would follow him anywhere. One in particular, has his own special reason for wanting to help.
Safe to say as events unfold you’ll get thrilling battle scenes, daring missions against seemingly impossible odds and narrow escapes. As usual, Pavo’s tactical nous and ingenuity often saves the day. In fact, when it comes to the latter, you could say he’s the GOAT. (You’ll have to read the book to understand that one.)
Along with the clashing of swords and spears, there’s treachery, conspiracy and betrayal but also retribution, including a particularly satisfying one delivered personally by Pavo. The saying ‘a taste of your own medicine’ springs to mind.
But all things must come to an end although the author is generous in making that as long as everything we’ve learned allows. I found the closing chapters deeply moving and a really fitting way to end the series. The epilogue is sheer genius and had me in tears all over again.
If you’re a fan of the Roman age novels of Simon Scarrow, Simon Turney, Adrian Goldsworthy and others, you will love the Legionary series. If you’ve not read any of the previous books, do yourself a favour and start from the beginning because you have an incredible journey ahead of you.
I think you will have guessed by now that I absolutely loved this book. I’ll leave you with the observation of Pavo’s comrade, Sura: ‘Good people on this flawed land of the living could not stop evil; what mattered was that they never stopped trying’. Vale, Pavo.
Pavo’s service in the Roman army has taken him across the Empire and involved many adventures, many battles and the loss of many comrades. It has also taken him away from his family. He knows he’s been lucky to survive as long as he has and now spending time with them is all he wants to do. After all, who knows what will happen tomorrow? He believes he has found the perfect place, away from the turbulence that threatens to tear apart the failing Roman Empire. But Pavo’s devotion to his family is also his vulnerability. ‘No monster is more terrifying than the invisible hand that threatens to take away from you the ones you love.’
A shocking event sees Pavo forced to leave his sanctuary in a desperate search for the only man he believes can come to his rescue. But finding him means Pavo once again becoming caught up in the conflict between rival factions attempting to gain control of an empire currently riven in two by ruthless ambition and religious differences. However, Pavo doesn’t care about the risks. He’d happily gives his own life in exchange for the lives of his wife and son. Taking the oath of Devotio is his formal declaration of this. He’s not alone in his quest though because he has comrades who owe their lives to him and would follow him anywhere. One in particular, has his own special reason for wanting to help.
Safe to say as events unfold you’ll get thrilling battle scenes, daring missions against seemingly impossible odds and narrow escapes. As usual, Pavo’s tactical nous and ingenuity often saves the day. In fact, when it comes to the latter, you could say he’s the GOAT. (You’ll have to read the book to understand that one.)
Along with the clashing of swords and spears, there’s treachery, conspiracy and betrayal but also retribution, including a particularly satisfying one delivered personally by Pavo. The saying ‘a taste of your own medicine’ springs to mind.
But all things must come to an end although the author is generous in making that as long as everything we’ve learned allows. I found the closing chapters deeply moving and a really fitting way to end the series. The epilogue is sheer genius and had me in tears all over again.
If you’re a fan of the Roman age novels of Simon Scarrow, Simon Turney, Adrian Goldsworthy and others, you will love the Legionary series. If you’ve not read any of the previous books, do yourself a favour and start from the beginning because you have an incredible journey ahead of you.
I think you will have guessed by now that I absolutely loved this book. I’ll leave you with the observation of Pavo’s comrade, Sura: ‘Good people on this flawed land of the living could not stop evil; what mattered was that they never stopped trying’. Vale, Pavo.
March 10, 2025
Legionary: Devotio by Gordon Doherty
What a great read. A book that is hard to put down. The last book in any series is always a hard read. The readers of the Legionary series have come to know characters like Pavo, Sura, Pulcher, Indus and Durio. When I reached the end of this magnificent book it felt like I was saying goodbye to an old friend.
Gordon Doherty has this knack for combining history with engaging characters who leap off the page. The whole series but, particularly this book, is filled with well researched details that make the story all the more believable. The unbelievable parts are the treacherous events of the men who, effectively, destroyed the Roman Empire.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and even if you have not read the rest of the series it stands alone as a well written book that grabs your attention from the first page. You are thrust into a world where treachery and honour sit side by side and every character has to be analysed and inspected to find their true motives. Having reached the end, I shall re-read it to savour the moments once more.
What a great read. A book that is hard to put down. The last book in any series is always a hard read. The readers of the Legionary series have come to know characters like Pavo, Sura, Pulcher, Indus and Durio. When I reached the end of this magnificent book it felt like I was saying goodbye to an old friend.
Gordon Doherty has this knack for combining history with engaging characters who leap off the page. The whole series but, particularly this book, is filled with well researched details that make the story all the more believable. The unbelievable parts are the treacherous events of the men who, effectively, destroyed the Roman Empire.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and even if you have not read the rest of the series it stands alone as a well written book that grabs your attention from the first page. You are thrust into a world where treachery and honour sit side by side and every character has to be analysed and inspected to find their true motives. Having reached the end, I shall re-read it to savour the moments once more.
March 28, 2025
BLURB
AD 391: in the aftermath of civil war, the Roman Empire lies broken. The emperor is missing. Rumours fly that he has lost his mind. Sensing weakness, the Goths rise in revolt. All to the delight of the dark hand who orchestrated the civil war… and plots to stoke another.
Far out at sea, Pavo stands watchfully at the prow of the Justitia, running cargo between distant lands. At every port, he hears of the empire's swelling troubles. Of fire and zeal and panic. Of legions, bristling for battle. But his days of protecting the provinces with sword and shield are over. He, his wife and his lad will soon have enough funds to make a home on a quiet island, far from the madness.
Yet the empire is an ever-hungry beast, and Pavo is about to sail straight into its jaws…
It is a journey that will take him to the brink, and throw down before him the question to which there is only one what would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?
Blood, treachery, reckless heroism, justice, honour. This story has it all.
Praise for Devotio ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"What a great read!" - author Griff Hosker
"Heart-wrenching and adventurous." - author Damion Hunter
"this book reminds me why I started reading Roman historical adventures in the first place" - author Alex Gough
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 27, 2025
REVIEW
I’ve enjoyed this author’s novels for many years now. They never fail to excite, to bring out the primal emotions, to enmesh the readers into the lives and actions of the characters, to immerse the reader in the culture and environment, whether it’s in the Hittite Empire, Constantinople, or the Roman world. Devotio, the 10th and final episode of this series, is a superb combination of all those items I listed, and yet it is so much more. You can feel the author’s emotional attachment to Pavo, the depth of anguish coupled with the strength to face life’s turmoils. Without spoiling anything, I can honestly say that the conclusion of this epic, creative series brought me to tears. That’s what happens when the author wears his heart on his sleeve and transfers that passion into his work. 5 Stars
AD 391: in the aftermath of civil war, the Roman Empire lies broken. The emperor is missing. Rumours fly that he has lost his mind. Sensing weakness, the Goths rise in revolt. All to the delight of the dark hand who orchestrated the civil war… and plots to stoke another.
Far out at sea, Pavo stands watchfully at the prow of the Justitia, running cargo between distant lands. At every port, he hears of the empire's swelling troubles. Of fire and zeal and panic. Of legions, bristling for battle. But his days of protecting the provinces with sword and shield are over. He, his wife and his lad will soon have enough funds to make a home on a quiet island, far from the madness.
Yet the empire is an ever-hungry beast, and Pavo is about to sail straight into its jaws…
It is a journey that will take him to the brink, and throw down before him the question to which there is only one what would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?
Blood, treachery, reckless heroism, justice, honour. This story has it all.
Praise for Devotio ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"What a great read!" - author Griff Hosker
"Heart-wrenching and adventurous." - author Damion Hunter
"this book reminds me why I started reading Roman historical adventures in the first place" - author Alex Gough
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 27, 2025
REVIEW
I’ve enjoyed this author’s novels for many years now. They never fail to excite, to bring out the primal emotions, to enmesh the readers into the lives and actions of the characters, to immerse the reader in the culture and environment, whether it’s in the Hittite Empire, Constantinople, or the Roman world. Devotio, the 10th and final episode of this series, is a superb combination of all those items I listed, and yet it is so much more. You can feel the author’s emotional attachment to Pavo, the depth of anguish coupled with the strength to face life’s turmoils. Without spoiling anything, I can honestly say that the conclusion of this epic, creative series brought me to tears. That’s what happens when the author wears his heart on his sleeve and transfers that passion into his work. 5 Stars
March 28, 2025
ARC provided by author - all views are my own.
This book reminds me why I started reading Roman historical adventures in the first place. I have less time than I used to to read Roman fiction, and because writing Roman fiction is my day job, it can feel a little like work. This was not the case at all with Legionary:Devotio, and I devoured it in short order. I’ve read some but not all of the Legionary series, which follows Pavo from his time as a new recruit in the legions, through various adventures and historical battles.
The series is set in the late Roman Empire, when it was split into eastern and western halves, and was beset by seemingly insoluble internal and external problems. This last book, book 10, includes such well-known characters as Emperor Theodosius, Bishop Ambrose, Stilicho and Alaric the Visigoth, all of whom are beautifully realised. The plot, involving Pavo and his friends in the legions attempting to save his family from the evil Abrogastes, races along. It is full of brutal battle scenes and thrilling adventure. But most of all, this is a highly poignant and emotional end to the series, and for anyone who knows Gordon’s recent personal circumstances, the finale and author’s note will bring a tear to the eye.
In summary, Legionary:Devotio is a thrilling but well-rounded book, and a fitting end to Pavo’s adventures.
This book reminds me why I started reading Roman historical adventures in the first place. I have less time than I used to to read Roman fiction, and because writing Roman fiction is my day job, it can feel a little like work. This was not the case at all with Legionary:Devotio, and I devoured it in short order. I’ve read some but not all of the Legionary series, which follows Pavo from his time as a new recruit in the legions, through various adventures and historical battles.
The series is set in the late Roman Empire, when it was split into eastern and western halves, and was beset by seemingly insoluble internal and external problems. This last book, book 10, includes such well-known characters as Emperor Theodosius, Bishop Ambrose, Stilicho and Alaric the Visigoth, all of whom are beautifully realised. The plot, involving Pavo and his friends in the legions attempting to save his family from the evil Abrogastes, races along. It is full of brutal battle scenes and thrilling adventure. But most of all, this is a highly poignant and emotional end to the series, and for anyone who knows Gordon’s recent personal circumstances, the finale and author’s note will bring a tear to the eye.
In summary, Legionary:Devotio is a thrilling but well-rounded book, and a fitting end to Pavo’s adventures.
June 9, 2025
It was a very good read and good historical fiction based on a lot of historical battles that I did not know about. It seems to me that the largest penetration of Europe was the Visigoths. The goths came all the way down the Greek peninsula and stopped by the Isthmos of Corinth.
April 12, 2025
A Fitting End
A fine conclusion to a story I've been following for so long. Gordon has a knack for writing with his heart on his sleeve and conveying his passion for the era and as a storyteller, so I found this a more than fitting end to Pavo and the Claudia's journey. Brilliant. One that will stay in the mind long past the end.
A fine conclusion to a story I've been following for so long. Gordon has a knack for writing with his heart on his sleeve and conveying his passion for the era and as a storyteller, so I found this a more than fitting end to Pavo and the Claudia's journey. Brilliant. One that will stay in the mind long past the end.
May 18, 2025
A wonderful, heartbreaking finish to Legionary Pavo’s story. A fantastic series from start to finish.
May 11, 2025
A true masterpiece...but sad to say goodbye to Pavo and the Claudia
April 28, 2025
Legions book 10
Well, that's the last in the series. Really enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns and plenty of action, thanks for the journey!
Well, that's the last in the series. Really enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns and plenty of action, thanks for the journey!
June 27, 2025
This is superbly written! Always one of my favourite authors.It’s such a shame that Pavo and the Claudians’ fantastic series has come to an end. The book kept at a good, strong pace throughout and was always suspenseful. I got whiplash from the twists and turns, haha.
August 29, 2025
Awesome.
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. A brilliant series. Gordon is a master storyteller. 10 out of 10.
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. A brilliant series. Gordon is a master storyteller. 10 out of 10.
May 31, 2025
After the events of Legionary IX: The Emperor’s Shield I honestly didn’t know if we would ever see Pavo again. That man has been through so much for the empire.. all he wants now is to live out his days with his wife and son.
You know Devotio is going to be an emotional read right from the start, the meaning behind the word, a vow of self sacrifice..
Little does Pavo know the threats he fought so hard against are still ever present.. and the enemies are knocking at the door..They have been plotting but now is the time to enact their plan… and even he isn’t safe.
When a visitor arrives with a gift from Emperor Valentinian himself Pavo can’t help but be reminded of all he has done, the battles, the friends he’s made.
The gift is a trojan horse that will start this most emotionally nerve racking adventure!
SPOILER ALERT. Please skip if you don’t want to know the detail but I’ll keep it as brief as possible without giving too much away.
Lets just say the gift is a poisoned chalice of sorts and Pavo is in need of a healer…but he also needs to know why his friend would have done this.
Things aren’t quite as they seem… they never are for Pavo.. the healer he needs has been captured by Alaric, the leader of the Vesi rebels.. Goths that still wish to live without Roman rule.
How the hell will he manage to find him?
When we get about 50% through the book it seems like everything has worked out.. Pavo has what he needs, and Alaric has been convinced to work with the Romans.. peace at last..
Yeah that’s never going to happen.
Peregrinus the Stranger, a dark hidden force from the past steps out from the shadows.
Do Pavo and his Claudian brothers have what it takes to foil this dastardly plan and save the empire once again from internal conflict?
The forces of the Eastern and Western empires will clash…but who will be the victor?
I’m deliberately leaving a lot of detail out so you can really enjoy this one yourself (Although if you want to compare thoughts after just hit me up).
Devotio gives us exactly what we expect from the author… and some! There’s betrayal of the worst kind, clever plots/twists and humorous moments a plenty along with the blood and gore for the fans..
So what’s different you ask? There’s raw emotion packed into this one from the very first page.. its intense and you can feel the energy.. there’s a meaning behind the journey Pavo is going on and you feel it.
Those last few chapters put ice in my veins, a lump in my throat and brought tears to my eyes.
You can really see how the author poured his personal emotion into the tale, how much the series meant to him and gives the series the send off it really deserved.. I can’t think of a more suitable ending.. there’s excitement throughout as we yearn for Pavo to succeed, and crushing devastation to really bring the story home.
One of the most moving bits is when Pavo remembers those lost along the way during battle.. it brought back so many memories.
One really beautiful thing the author did was finally answer the question.. who is the old crone who has followed Pavo throughout his life..I don’t know if this was always the plan but wow.. that was a lovely touching moment of realisation for the reader.
Pavo is real to me..
Pavo will always be a hero.
You know Devotio is going to be an emotional read right from the start, the meaning behind the word, a vow of self sacrifice..
Little does Pavo know the threats he fought so hard against are still ever present.. and the enemies are knocking at the door..They have been plotting but now is the time to enact their plan… and even he isn’t safe.
When a visitor arrives with a gift from Emperor Valentinian himself Pavo can’t help but be reminded of all he has done, the battles, the friends he’s made.
The gift is a trojan horse that will start this most emotionally nerve racking adventure!
SPOILER ALERT. Please skip if you don’t want to know the detail but I’ll keep it as brief as possible without giving too much away.
Lets just say the gift is a poisoned chalice of sorts and Pavo is in need of a healer…but he also needs to know why his friend would have done this.
Things aren’t quite as they seem… they never are for Pavo.. the healer he needs has been captured by Alaric, the leader of the Vesi rebels.. Goths that still wish to live without Roman rule.
How the hell will he manage to find him?
When we get about 50% through the book it seems like everything has worked out.. Pavo has what he needs, and Alaric has been convinced to work with the Romans.. peace at last..
Yeah that’s never going to happen.
Peregrinus the Stranger, a dark hidden force from the past steps out from the shadows.
Do Pavo and his Claudian brothers have what it takes to foil this dastardly plan and save the empire once again from internal conflict?
The forces of the Eastern and Western empires will clash…but who will be the victor?
I’m deliberately leaving a lot of detail out so you can really enjoy this one yourself (Although if you want to compare thoughts after just hit me up).
Devotio gives us exactly what we expect from the author… and some! There’s betrayal of the worst kind, clever plots/twists and humorous moments a plenty along with the blood and gore for the fans..
So what’s different you ask? There’s raw emotion packed into this one from the very first page.. its intense and you can feel the energy.. there’s a meaning behind the journey Pavo is going on and you feel it.
Those last few chapters put ice in my veins, a lump in my throat and brought tears to my eyes.
You can really see how the author poured his personal emotion into the tale, how much the series meant to him and gives the series the send off it really deserved.. I can’t think of a more suitable ending.. there’s excitement throughout as we yearn for Pavo to succeed, and crushing devastation to really bring the story home.
One of the most moving bits is when Pavo remembers those lost along the way during battle.. it brought back so many memories.
One really beautiful thing the author did was finally answer the question.. who is the old crone who has followed Pavo throughout his life..I don’t know if this was always the plan but wow.. that was a lovely touching moment of realisation for the reader.
Pavo is real to me..
Pavo will always be a hero.
July 16, 2025
Well, Doherty's done it again. To be honest halfway through the book I wasn't sure. Part 1 seemed like a complete novel. So I was a bit disoriented. However, he eventually made all clear and complete.
This novel is very dark. And very sad. Gordon's word is nuanced and I suppose it is. But after reading, in order, all 10 books in this series, this book, knowing it to be the last, engendered a real sense of loss. Gordon played on that and gave us a grand ending that was as fulfilling as it was tragic.
And Gordon finished the novel by giving us the identity of Pavo's hag thereby tying up in a tight knot a plot thread that had run throughout the series from the very beginning.
Well done Gordon. First rate. Your best work.
This novel is very dark. And very sad. Gordon's word is nuanced and I suppose it is. But after reading, in order, all 10 books in this series, this book, knowing it to be the last, engendered a real sense of loss. Gordon played on that and gave us a grand ending that was as fulfilling as it was tragic.
And Gordon finished the novel by giving us the identity of Pavo's hag thereby tying up in a tight knot a plot thread that had run throughout the series from the very beginning.
Well done Gordon. First rate. Your best work.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews