Gods & Emperors

Legionary #5

by Gordon Doherty, Simon Walpole (Illustrator)

The fate of the East rests on the edge of a sword as the legions and the Goths march to war…

378 AD: Fritigern’s Gothic horde tightens its iron grip on Thracia and all but a handful of well-walled imperial cities to the south elude him. The few tattered legions pinned in these cities can only watch on from the battlements as smoke rises across their lost lands and the Goths roam at will, pillaging and extorting. Every Roman – legionary or citizen – speaks of only one thing: the Emperors of East and West, Valens and Gratian, who are said to be closing swiftly on this war-stricken land, each bringing with them vast armies capable of vanquishing the horde.

Awaiting the relief armies in Constantinople, Centurion Pavo and the XI Claudia prepare as best they can. The Gothic War has taken much from each of them, and none more so than Pavo. But still he and his fellow officers cling to the chance that two lost to them might yet return: their leaders, Tribunus Gallus and Primus Pilus Dexion – Pavo’s brother – have not been seen or heard from since setting off on a mission to Emperor Gratian’s court in the West. Some are sure they must have fallen, yet Pavo refuses to give up hope, instead whetting his blade and praying that fate will guide the pair back in time for the clash that is to come: a clash that promises to end the Gothic War – for the empire’s finest legions are destined to meet Fritigern’s ferocious masses… on the plains of Adrianople.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Roman

446 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2015

About the author

I'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...

Reviews

[Jane]

4.5/5. I'm quite enthusiastic about this latest adventure of Pavo and his comrades of the XI Claudia. 378 AD: contention between Goths under Fritigern and the Roman Empire. The whole story engendered much excitement ranging from the escape of Tribunus Gallus from the dungeons of the Western Emperor, Gratian and his making his way through horrendous obstacles back to the forces of Valens, the Eastern Emperor to delaying tactics of Gratian and the final conflict at Adrianople between Goths and Romans, where Romans are betrayed by a subterfuge. Pavo personally discovers the evil of a person he has held dear but rises above it, though I'm sure it will always hurt him.

I enjoyed the battle sequences--Gratian against a Goth invasion that takes him off the road to the East, and the debacle that was Adrianople; the banter and interplay between Pavo and his friends; Pavo's recurring nightmare sequences, which might portend the future. They remind me of a similar prophetic dream shared by several people in The End of Sparta by Victor Davis Hanson but I liked Gordon's better, because of his including symbolism. I enjoyed reading Tribunus Gallus's Near Death Experiences, in which he sees his dead wife and son. Gordon's style has improved since his last novel; it was action-packed and tightly paced. He can convey the crudity of soldiers without being offensive. I wonder why a regular publisher has not snapped him up--unless there might be a greater amount of independence in self-publishing.

Very highly recommended.

[Paul Bennett]

it's a good one, boys and girls...full review on the way

Once more into the chaos of the Roman Empires in the late 4th Century. Thrace is overrun with the Gothic horde of Fritigern, threatening to wrest the area away from the Eastern Empire and Emperor Valens. Will the Western Empire and it's greedy boy emperor, Gratian, arrive in time to ensure a Roman victory or will nefarious doings doom Valens and the XI Claudia? In this, the fifth book of the series, Gordon Doherty, weaves a masterful tale of intrigue, persistence and soul damning obedience. By this time, we who have followed the exploits of the XI Claudia, know of the loyalty, love and fears of Pavo, Gallus, Sura and the rest (including the gastric outbursts of Quadratus). All of those things are put to the test in the dry, dusty and sweltering plains outside of Adrianople in a battle for the region. The lead up to the final outcome is a treat for the reader's eyes as the author conjures up gut wrenching turmoil, both in his characters and in the minds of his audience. As for the final battle, well I must admit that it was hard to get through, though I must also admit that the fault of that lies in the fact that I was doing childcare for my three year old granddaughter while reading it and not with Mr. Doherty. The author has demonstrated once more his prowess at describing a battle field and the sights and sounds of the terror, bravery and the dying. A stellar entry into the author's portfolio of exceptional historical fiction...5 stars.

[Justin Murphy]

I picked up God & Emperors to read something more fun after a lot of non fiction.

I enjoyed Doherty's build up to the Battle of Adrianople. He even made me like Emperor Valens! The text provided a cool spin on what 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 sixth book in the series at some point.

[peter eells]

Excellent reading

Thoroughly enjoyable series of books and this one doesn't disappoint. Good pace and well researched.
Look forward to the next in the series.

[Richard]

An absolute masterpiece and must read. Set in an era of change & confusion we follow the adventures of our heroes as they not only struggle against the invading hordes but also the innate corruption of the old empire. This episode ends at a point in history, where we could either leave the storyline ,or hopefully can continue the series with the key characters in place and us crying for more...

[Matt schmm]

Best I've read in a long time

Can't get enough of this series. I flew through each book staying up late at night , reading on breaks at work and whenever else I could . I haven't enjoyed a series as much as this since Bernard Cornwells archer series or Saxon tales. Very addicting. Exciting, gruesome battle details, excellent characters , plots and twists. Definitely won't regret buying this

[Hans Kerrinckx]

This is the last book (nr. 5) of the Legionary Series, and the climax of the series since it is centred on the campaign and the huge Roman military disaster of Adrianople in AD 378.
Gordon Doherty has once again written a great book and put his own fascinating spin on a story based on historical facts.

[David Baird]

Just when I thought there's no way this series could get better Doherty gives us Gods & Emperors, the most gut wrenching read I've ever came across.

I'm going to be honest from the start. The plot beautifully plays out but I had my heart in my mouth from the minute I opened the book...I've grown attached to the characters and in the latest installment the author takes an axe to many and some deaths hurt more than others. 

Some major truths were revealed towards the end of book 4 that will play out during this book so I don't want to spoil too much. THIS SERIES IS A MUST READ.

Pavo and the remains of the XI Claudia are without their leader Tribunus Gallus and Primus Pilus Dexion who set out on a mission to contact Emperor Gratian to petition him to bring his forces to bear on the Gothic horde..but why has it taken so long without any word..and if they did make it when will Gratian arrive?

There's plenty of twists in this tale but for me character development played a heavy part in how good this book truly is. The author manages to breathe life in to the men of the XI Claudia and after 4 previous installments you'd think the author would be running on fumes.. not so. 

While awaiting Gratian's arrival Emperor Valens must ready his army. He's quite a likable leader and seems to care about the true cost of war..He knows he's outnumbered so eager to reach a truce with the Goths but the speculators, loyal only to Emperor Gratian, are set are making sure war comes to Valens. Gratian is only after power and has set his pieces on the table well.

Eventually the battle we know would happen comes to pass but even I could not have guessed the ending Doherty gives us, just simply WOW.

Overall another masterpiece from Gordon Doherty. He broke my heart with this one but damn it was one hell of a ride!

[Erika Vernizzi]

Ho iniziato questa serie per caso, innamorandomi perdutamente della storia (finalmente qualcuno che parla dell'impero tardo antico) e di alcuni personaggi. Non Pavone, lo ammetto. E nemmeno Sura. Ho adorato davvero tanto il gruppo di veterani, da Quadrato a Zosimo, passando per lui, il "tribuno di ferro" Gallo. E questo libro (insieme al precedente) chiude un cerchio, quello dei veterani della Claudia e di Manio Azio Gallo (la sua storia è fantastica, un personaggio magnifico), con una conclusione triste. Forse leggerò anche i successivi, ma senza questo gruppo, per me non sarà più lo stesso.
Letti entrambi in meno di due giorni!

[jane harrell]

This will do.

I have read the first five books and I have this to say about the first five. Huzzah, Huzzah!
As a fan of any books about the Roman way of life I found these books to be imminently readable. Gordon Doherty books brings to life the sweat, the armour, the food and the history of Roman legionary experience. I'm quite ready to keep reading more of Gordon Doherty's books. I gave these books a five star rating because they have been well researched, well written and provided a glossary and maps.

[Steve Minnick]

Great Story!!

I look forward to the next chapter in this story of love, battle, bravery, and treachery and deception.

Gordon Doherty is a great reader's writer. Taking you into the hearts and minds of the story's main characters and with them in battle - right there beside the characters, weapon in hand!!

[Bob Rowley]

Absolutely brilliant and thrilling instalment of this series , Pavo’s world is yet again on the brink of victory or defeat from forces he cannot imagine or control ! Packed full of non stop action , twists , and shocks ! Cannot recommend this series enough .

[Mr Donald Anderson]

Legionary 5

Another excellent book within the Legionary series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book once I have read book 5 of the other book series I’m reading alternately.

[Michal Pilichowski]

Długo oczekiwana bitwa pod Adrianopolem w końcu miała miejsce, o dziwo była nawet dość krwawa, nie spodziewałem się tylu ofiar wśród ważniejszych postaci. Poza tym na tym etapie to już pozycja tylko dal fanów, także nikomu innemu jej nie polecam :).

[Lewis]

Brilliant really enjoyable read, never put the book down since I picked it up

[Bill]

Emperor Valens has his Eastern Army working for a stand-up fight with the Goths occupying Thracia and expects assistance from the West. Historical fiction at its best.

[Bill Mcquegge]

I had a hard time with this book for some reason. Not for sure why.

[Kurt Vanwezer]

Wauw book 5 of the series...can't wait to read the next one. I was not so familiar with this part of Roman history but thx to this series now I am. A truly great series...keep it coming.

[David H. Millar]

Another great book in the Legionary series by Gordon Doherty. Certainly worth buying.

[Luca Urbani]

Gli amanti della storia militare romana non dovrebbero farsi scappare questo libro, per me è stato una splendida sorpresa.

[dennis suttman]

Grew book

I hope this is not the end of this series.I enjoyed the history and the story of Pavo and the IX Claudia legion if you have read Scarrow or Gurney you will enjoy the books by the author.