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Legionary #4
The Scourge of Thracia
The legions are in tatters, and the Gothic hordes are gathering beyond the mountains . . .
377 AD: Thracia’s legions are few and broken in the wake of the Battle of Ad Salices. But the scattered centuries and cohorts rally in an effort to blockade the Haemus Mountain passes and hold back the relentless attacks of Fritigern’s swelling Gothic armies. These passes must endure until Eastern Emperor Valens and Western Emperor Gratian can muster and bring their Praesental Armies in relief.
Numerius Vitellius Pavo and the men of the XI Claudia return to Constantinople from their brutal Persian sortie to hear widespread tales of Thracia’s plight and the precarious mountain blockades. Each of them knows what is at stake should those passes fall: the heartland of the Eastern Empire would face the wrath of the barbarians and loved ones would be at the mercy of their savage blades. When the Claudia are despatched to aid the effort at the mountains, Pavo can think only of two souls wandering in the jaws of the Gothic threat: his beloved Felicia and his lost half-brother, Dexion. So he and his comrades march at haste, headlong into the storm that awaits them . . .
377 AD: Thracia’s legions are few and broken in the wake of the Battle of Ad Salices. But the scattered centuries and cohorts rally in an effort to blockade the Haemus Mountain passes and hold back the relentless attacks of Fritigern’s swelling Gothic armies. These passes must endure until Eastern Emperor Valens and Western Emperor Gratian can muster and bring their Praesental Armies in relief.
Numerius Vitellius Pavo and the men of the XI Claudia return to Constantinople from their brutal Persian sortie to hear widespread tales of Thracia’s plight and the precarious mountain blockades. Each of them knows what is at stake should those passes fall: the heartland of the Eastern Empire would face the wrath of the barbarians and loved ones would be at the mercy of their savage blades. When the Claudia are despatched to aid the effort at the mountains, Pavo can think only of two souls wandering in the jaws of the Gothic threat: his beloved Felicia and his lost half-brother, Dexion. So he and his comrades march at haste, headlong into the storm that awaits them . . .
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2015
162 people are currently reading
388 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 24, 2016
What a page-turner and excitement crackled on every page! Darker and more gruesome than earlier volumes, AND without profanity! From the sands of Persia we see Pavo and his buddies from the XI Claudia in Thracia, with the task of stemming a Goth and Hun invasion. Should the invasion be successful, it would mean the Eastern Roman Empire would be overrun by these barbarians. A strategic pass falls to them, and Pavo and confreres are sent to help defend another pass, Trajan's Gate, so that the Western Emperor and troops can bring their aid. The defenders of the fort face a horrendous winter and must deal with an ailing commander. Meanwhile, Tribune Gallus and Pavo's long-lost brother attempt to reach the Western Emperor, Gratian, to beg his help. The novel describes preparations for the siege and the final standoff during a blinding snowstorm. Some of the defense measures were certainly original! Also, we follow the two officers on their journey. Will they reach the emperor in time?
The author has crammed so much action and excitement on every page, but we still have the same engaging characters from earlier volumes in the series, plus new ones. A certain character proves treacherous and duplicitous, in a device similar to one the author has used before. Some resolution of incidents did seem almost miraculous. The "baddies" had NO redeeming qualities, whereas the "goodies" may have been flawed but were heroic.
I do see improvement in proofing and writing style, but I do ask one thing, Mr. Doherty. When one character is addressing another with the honorific of "Dominus": PLEASE use the correct vocative form: "Domine". That may be pedantic of me, but it is a peeve of mine in Roman-themed novels. Highly recommended for lovers of military fiction set in the later Roman Empire!
The author has crammed so much action and excitement on every page, but we still have the same engaging characters from earlier volumes in the series, plus new ones. A certain character proves treacherous and duplicitous, in a device similar to one the author has used before. Some resolution of incidents did seem almost miraculous. The "baddies" had NO redeeming qualities, whereas the "goodies" may have been flawed but were heroic.
I do see improvement in proofing and writing style, but I do ask one thing, Mr. Doherty. When one character is addressing another with the honorific of "Dominus": PLEASE use the correct vocative form: "Domine". That may be pedantic of me, but it is a peeve of mine in Roman-themed novels. Highly recommended for lovers of military fiction set in the later Roman Empire!
March 18, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better. Having not read anything about the Roman empire before starting this series, I'm now well and truly hooked. Each book is more exciting than the one before and the story lines continue to pull you in deeper and deeper.
I like to think myself quite good at reading between the lines and figuring out what's going to happen before it does but there is a shocking twist in this book which I never saw coming.
Book four literally left me with sore eyes as I read far too long into the night to reach the end. I know the phrase "I couldn't put it down" is a cliché but in this case, it's the absolute truth.
An excellent read from start to finish.
I like to think myself quite good at reading between the lines and figuring out what's going to happen before it does but there is a shocking twist in this book which I never saw coming.
Book four literally left me with sore eyes as I read far too long into the night to reach the end. I know the phrase "I couldn't put it down" is a cliché but in this case, it's the absolute truth.
An excellent read from start to finish.
April 2, 2015
I have always massively enjoyed Gordon Doherty's Legionary series, and he sure didn'tdisappoint me with the latest installment: The Scourge of Thracia. Again it is Pavo, Gallus and what is left of the XI Claudia to the rescue for the empire. This time they are back in the eye of the storm against the Goths during the invasion of Thracia. Put your faith not in emperors, but in your gods and your comrades. Another epic stand for the XI Claudia!
January 28, 2017
A teaser. The book ends immediately when something shocking is revealed. That means I am already hooked for book #5 in the series, if there will be a next one.
March 7, 2015
Another great story in the Legionary series by Author Gordon Doherty. I have come to expect well-written plot-lines and interesting characters from Gordon Doherty and he does not disappoint. Legionary: The Scourge of Thracia comes with the added bonus of an unexpected twist or sting in its tail that has me really looking forward to the next novel in the series.
February 6, 2015
Brilliant, best book of the series by far, great twist at the
End, roll on the
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End, roll on the
Next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2017
A teaser. The book ends immediately when something shocking is revealed. That means I am already hooked for book #5 in the series, if there will be a next one.
July 6, 2018
After the battle of Ad Salices the legions are in tatters but the Goth’s will be back soon..The forces of Emperor Valens and Emperor Gratian must combine if they have any chance of stopping the Gothic horde.
Pavo and the XI Claudia were assumed dead by most. Including Felicia who happens to Pavo’s beloved. He doesn’t have much time to rest as every man is needed to man the mountain passes. He gets his chance at a reunion with Felicia but also gets closer to his half-brother Dexion..it’s not going to be smooth sailing though that’s for sure!
Haunted by the past Pavo travels blindly on until he finds Dexion and no one could be happier for the pair than Gallus the fearless XI Claudia centurion. This book really made Gallus stand out and I couldn’t love the character more. His dealings with the speculatores are explored and it really adds to an already exciting plot.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the build up, it’s not just a simple tale of Roman’s vs Goth’s fighting to the death.. smash..smash..smash..there’s so much more, the plot goes deeper and when we get towards the end of the book the author hits you dead between the eyes with some revelations you just don’t see coming.
Gordon Doherty stands out for me as one of only a few authors I’ve read that truly know how to mix plot and descriptiveness. It’s too easy to add information that just isn’t needed for the reader to pad the word count out a bit but not with Gordon, every bit of detail feels important to the tale. I’ve read too many books that have paragraphs that leave me wondering why it was even included but not Gordon Doherty!
The author also stands out for me as one who can really engage a reader. Usually I find myself burning through a book or sometimes losing a little bit of interest (staring into space type of moment) but not with Gordon Doherty’s work. He makes me take my time.. Makes me truly appreciate the time and effort heput in to writing what I can only describe as a masterpiece! (That’s the first time I’ve ever used the word (“masterpiece” in a review)
Super plot, super twists and I’m just left with that excited/nervous feeling for more. So much so I’ve already finished books 5 & 6 ready for book 7 of the series which is released on July 10th!
Pavo and the XI Claudia were assumed dead by most. Including Felicia who happens to Pavo’s beloved. He doesn’t have much time to rest as every man is needed to man the mountain passes. He gets his chance at a reunion with Felicia but also gets closer to his half-brother Dexion..it’s not going to be smooth sailing though that’s for sure!
Haunted by the past Pavo travels blindly on until he finds Dexion and no one could be happier for the pair than Gallus the fearless XI Claudia centurion. This book really made Gallus stand out and I couldn’t love the character more. His dealings with the speculatores are explored and it really adds to an already exciting plot.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the build up, it’s not just a simple tale of Roman’s vs Goth’s fighting to the death.. smash..smash..smash..there’s so much more, the plot goes deeper and when we get towards the end of the book the author hits you dead between the eyes with some revelations you just don’t see coming.
Gordon Doherty stands out for me as one of only a few authors I’ve read that truly know how to mix plot and descriptiveness. It’s too easy to add information that just isn’t needed for the reader to pad the word count out a bit but not with Gordon, every bit of detail feels important to the tale. I’ve read too many books that have paragraphs that leave me wondering why it was even included but not Gordon Doherty!
The author also stands out for me as one who can really engage a reader. Usually I find myself burning through a book or sometimes losing a little bit of interest (staring into space type of moment) but not with Gordon Doherty’s work. He makes me take my time.. Makes me truly appreciate the time and effort heput in to writing what I can only describe as a masterpiece! (That’s the first time I’ve ever used the word (“masterpiece” in a review)
Super plot, super twists and I’m just left with that excited/nervous feeling for more. So much so I’ve already finished books 5 & 6 ready for book 7 of the series which is released on July 10th!
May 24, 2020
Excellent series
Cracking good read. Well paced, with strong characters
Been reading the whole series from the beginning and if anything it improves with each book.
Very interesting to try to cover the later Roman Empire when it's failing and falling.
If you like Simon Scarrow, Anthony Riches, etc you will enjoy this.
Cracking good read. Well paced, with strong characters
Been reading the whole series from the beginning and if anything it improves with each book.
Very interesting to try to cover the later Roman Empire when it's failing and falling.
If you like Simon Scarrow, Anthony Riches, etc you will enjoy this.
May 25, 2017
Great Read
Excellent adventure story. Well written and a fun adventure. I have really enjoyed the series. Historical fiction like this novel is so much fun.
Excellent adventure story. Well written and a fun adventure. I have really enjoyed the series. Historical fiction like this novel is so much fun.
March 24, 2021
Another great episode of this fast paced an well researched series, stands up very well alongside Ben Kane and Simon scarrow .
December 3, 2021
Enjoyable.
February 8, 2022
The Goths are loose in Thracia and a military union of East and West is needed. Historical fiction at its best.
December 16, 2018
Exciting stuff with lots of twists
I really enjoyed this book good build up lots of twists some areas of detail seem a little far fetched but add to the story
I really enjoyed this book good build up lots of twists some areas of detail seem a little far fetched but add to the story
April 14, 2015
Typically I look forward to the new releases from Gordon Doherty as he has been a favorite of mine for a few years now. Also typically, I race through the new release in the utter delight of being unable to put the book down. Finally, typically, I am devastated when I finish the book because now I have to wait for the next one. These three typical characterizations were in full force while reading the fourth installment of the Legionary series. In this edition, the XI Claudia, or what is left of them after book three, is given the task of rebuilding the Legion while defending a strategic mountain pass against the Gothic horde led by Fritigern. Unknown to the Romans, one of the Goth's leaders, a very, very nasty specimen, has recruited a troop of Huns and this has a devastating impact on the Roman forces. While all this is going on, the author gives us more insights into the minds of Pavo and even more so the mind of Tribune Gallus. These two main characters have been through a lot and Mr. Doherty does a superb job in allowing the reader see them wrestling with their troubled minds and souls.
Eventually Pavo and the rest end up at Trajan's Gate a mountain pass in modern day Bulgaria in another seemingly impossible situation. Farnobious, the very, very nasty Goth has broken away from Fritigern and leads his Goths and Huns on a mission to destroy the Romans at Trajan's Gate. The descriptive ability of the author stands out throughout the book but I found his blizzard scene the most compelling(maybe because I just went through a blizzard blitz this past winter.)
One more typical feature of any of the author's books is his penchant for intricate and intriguing plot twists...and boy, are there ever some of those in this book. Be forewarned...there is stuff happening that will make you glad book five is in the works. 5 stars and a hearty Hoover Book Reviews recommendation.
Eventually Pavo and the rest end up at Trajan's Gate a mountain pass in modern day Bulgaria in another seemingly impossible situation. Farnobious, the very, very nasty Goth has broken away from Fritigern and leads his Goths and Huns on a mission to destroy the Romans at Trajan's Gate. The descriptive ability of the author stands out throughout the book but I found his blizzard scene the most compelling(maybe because I just went through a blizzard blitz this past winter.)
One more typical feature of any of the author's books is his penchant for intricate and intriguing plot twists...and boy, are there ever some of those in this book. Be forewarned...there is stuff happening that will make you glad book five is in the works. 5 stars and a hearty Hoover Book Reviews recommendation.
February 27, 2016
Exciting, funny and very entertaining
I greatly enjoyed this book and the preceding books of the series. I cannot wait to read the next. This book has brought to life for me some of the Roman history. Also gothic and other Germanic tribes of history. I can't say enough you need to read this if you love historical fiction. I read a lot of Viking historical fiction and everything from bernard Cornwell. So if your like me you will love this series.
I greatly enjoyed this book and the preceding books of the series. I cannot wait to read the next. This book has brought to life for me some of the Roman history. Also gothic and other Germanic tribes of history. I can't say enough you need to read this if you love historical fiction. I read a lot of Viking historical fiction and everything from bernard Cornwell. So if your like me you will love this series.
January 30, 2023
I picked up The Scourge of Thracia to read something lighter after a long memoir.
Centered around the 4th century Eastern Roman Empire it was nice to return to the era I wrote my college senior thesis on.
An easy read for anyone who likes historical fiction, Roman history, or just wants a solid read. I will pick up the fifth book in the series at some point.
Centered around the 4th century Eastern Roman Empire it was nice to return to the era I wrote my college senior thesis on.
An easy read for anyone who likes historical fiction, Roman history, or just wants a solid read. I will pick up the fifth book in the series at some point.
January 27, 2025
“The air remained disagreeably hot and dry, carrying with it a tang of dung and vintage armpits.”
I would describe this novel as teenage-young adult. The historical research is Wikipedia-level.
Fans of Macro and Cato would probably enjoy. It’s shallow but harmless.
I would describe this novel as teenage-young adult. The historical research is Wikipedia-level.
Fans of Macro and Cato would probably enjoy. It’s shallow but harmless.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews