The Legions of the Mist

by Damion Hunter, Amanda Cockrell

An awe-inspiring account of the final days of Rome’s forgotten legion

The Ninth Hispana was once the pride of the Roman Army, wreathed in honour for numerous successful campaigns. But by the time it was joined by Centurion Justinius Corvus, it had clearly fallen on hard times.

Smarting from the sting of his recent demotion, and a transfer to Britain, a land he despises, Justinius nevertheless works hard to bring to his men some of the same pride he feels as a Roman soldier.

As their bond grows strong, with each other and with the occupied land, their skill in combat is tested to its limits against the forces of Vortrix, High King of the Britons. As the battle lines muster, the fate of an Army, and of a nation, will be decided...

The Legions of the Mist is an earth-shattering tale of loyalty, love and war, perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden and Ben Kane.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Roman

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2019

About the author

Damion Hunter also publishes under Amanda Cockrell.
See that page for more extensive and interesting information.

Reviews

[Helen Mccabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is certainly an adventure into a Britain ruled by the Romans. However, the enemy tribes are determined not to be overcome by Roman Britain and desire their freedom. This is the first book I have read of Damion Hunter's and I am impressed that he has brought almost a modern voice to the conflict. One is able to identify with the main character, Justinius who is in charge of the Ninth Legion which as history knows disappeared and was never found again. Without giving away the plot, the author has found a way to tell what happened to the Ninth and its Eagle standard. Justinian is a man with principles and I found myself wondering what would happen to him when he is put in charge of of a legion which are dissatisfied with their lot, not like the legionnaires he has commanded before, these are insubordinate, unruly and even murderous. It is not the way of Justinian to crucify them. Instead, he tries to break this lethargy and his own cohort into a truly fighting force again. For this he is feared by some, admired by others and also hated by a small band of officers under him. This is the story of his success, not his failure as he is a very brave and disclipined soldier. As an equal to him we are introduced to the High King of the Brigantes, Vortrix, who in spite of himself and his hatred of Roman rule and the wish to break from it,finds something in common with Justinian. They are two of a kind, but are fated never to be friends. The author has managed to divide the book in almost two halves to make readers understand what it was like for a free people, like the Brigantes to be ground down by the Roman heel. We see their ceremonies and their wisdom. These wild men are still great and enemies with all the humanity we do not find in the Legion of the Ninth. This is a good story of lovc, war and adventure, but also of sadness. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Alex Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wondered what happened to The Legio IX Hispana?

This is an engaging & eloquent story that deftly imagines what might have realistically transpired to cause its disappearance following the Roman invasion of Britain in the 1st Century AD.

I was interested to learn that Damion Hunter is the pen name of the authoress Amanda Cockrell.

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read though, at times, it felt as though it was intended for a Young Adult audience. Slightly cliche in parts, but entertaining.

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This book is about a young centurion named Justin being posted to a legion in Britain. The legion is the Ninth Legion. Justin faces challenges with new men and unfamiliar officers and is thrust into a war with the Picts and the Brigantes in a final battle.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Historical Novel of Roman Britain

The author found inspiration from Rosemary Sutcliff’s superb historical novels of pre-Roman, Roman, and post-Roman Britain. Sutcliff would be well pleased. Well-drawn characters, intertwining, complex plots, historical detail and depictions of military and British cultures. I enjoyed this very much.

[A.M. Swink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damion Hunter (Amanda Cockrell) is brilliant at creating vivid, fully realized worlds brimming with compelling characters, and 'The Legions of the Mist' is no different. I was gripped by the parallel tales of Justinius Corvus, a centurion recently transferred to the 9th Hispana in Eburacum, and Vortrix, the high king of the Brigantes. Their prophetic draw towards one another, with parallel companions in their respective lives (Licinius and Lepidus/Galt, Gwytha/Branwen, their sons, etc.) as the book hurtled towards its climax made it difficult to put down. The grounding of how the 9th came to be dissipated seems to be rooted in as much as contemporary historians have been able to uncover, making the action both plausible and desperately exciting. Having to also deal with traitors in their own midst also livens the character work that comprises much of the book.

The action is spread out, making this a slow read for some, but I find the character building to be the most interesting part of Cockrell's works - when the action does arrive, you really care about the respective characters, their motives, and their hopes/passions. I relished every page!

[GBL · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legions of the Mist tells the story of the end of the Ninth Legion in a battle against a combined force of native Celts, led by Vortrix, High King of the Brigantes.

The novel focuses on Justin, a centurion sent to the ends of the the Empire as punishment, but who discovers happiness and contentment in the fort at Eboracum. The legion is in a poor state and the author succeeds in conveying the gradual decline in discipline and order as the legion comes under threat. In a final collapse, under attack in Scotland, the legion breaks and is cut down. As a result the legion is struck from the records and disappears from history.

Hunter/ Cockerill creates a group of interesting characters and a real sense of tension as the Legion begins to fall apart. He/ she writes well about the Celts and we have a sense of the position of both sides as we come to the final conflict in the Roman Fort of Inchtuthil.

[Mike Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was a cracker. Really enjoyed the story of Justin the centurion and his English wife Gwytha and the King Vortrix. A sad story of the imagined fate of the 9th Legion who marched north and never returned. Sure I read a Rosemary Sutcliffe based on same story as a lad. Great characters. Battle scenes not as visceral as recent writers I have read. This book was published in 1979. The writer is in fact an American - Amanda Cockrell. I kept looking up the Roman fort names on google. Wishing there had been a map as most of the recent authors use. Only to find a name glossary at end of book. Will look out for more of her books.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about the imagined fate of the 9th Legion and its demise in Southern Scotland. As we will probably never know what happened to the Ninth, the Legions of the Mist account is as likely as the next.

While it lacks the descriptive violence of many authors, this book seems to hit the spot when describing life and politics in a legion, and indeed amongst the tribes in Northern Britain. With the main characters well drawn the story flows nicely and, while sad, the ending is nicely executed.

This was written, I believe, in the late 70s/early 80s, so I am looking forward to the new sequel which was published recently.

[Veljko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing, not what I expected from the books. I read first one, then the second because I was bored out of my mind, now I wish I hadn't.Prose and characterization is better than in most other books I guess , but there were too much unnecessary jumping around. Also there were ton of idiotic romance subplots through the books which did not do them any good.
All in all I will not read the final book, and looking back I would skip this series altogether.

[james kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

coming from the modern Eboracum ( York ) I found it interesting to read about the Ninth Legion Hispania. The tale or mystery of their disappearance is well known in the city and to read one interpretation of their fate was really interesting. If you are interested in learning more about the Ninth there is a lot of information on U Tube, especially the ghosts of the legion seen marching through the cellar of the Minster Treasurers house.

[Ian Bannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing Historical Fiction

The author writes such an authentic view of life in Britannia, during Roman occupation, that you feel like you're living it yourself. The characters of Roman heritage and the tribes they conquered are so well written, that you live and breathe the inherent conflicts that arise between them. I became so invested in the lives of the main protagonists that I didn't want it to end. I have no hesitation in rating this 5 stars.

[Richard Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legions of the Mist by Damion Hunter is a historical thriller about Roman Britain, and I picked it up because the back cover said it was perfect for fans of Simon scarrow, Ben Kane, and Conn Iggulden.

I was not disappointed. It is an excellent book with believable characters on the Roman and Briton side, with a plot that is exciting all the way through as the fate of Romans and Britons entwine, sometimes in love, but more often in war.

[Bob Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legions of the Mist

Well written historical fiction based on actual events. The author's ability to describe various battle scenes brings them to life. I wish I had read this book before I read "The Wall at the Edge of the World " by this author. It picks up some 20 years after this book ended. I recommend reading both books with this book being read second.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long been interested in the "lost" Ninth Legion, so I was thrilled when I found this book. And I really enjoyed it. While we obviously don't know what really happened, this was a completely plausible (and tragic) end to the Ninth. The characters (on both sides) were likeable and the writing easy to read.

[Barbara Lennox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a re-read. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it, and had also forgotten how it ended so it was like reading a completely new book. The language was very reminiscent of Rosemary Sutcliffe at her best and this added another level of enjoyment and for this reason is probably my favourite Damion Hunter book to date.

[Stuart Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

The book is full of action and gives an insight is how the ninth could have been removed from the north. After all it is your own imagination that helps the story as no one really knows what happened to the ninth.

[James Backus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good adventure about the Lost Legion in England

I found myself reading this novel of fiction feeling for the main two characters and their dedication to the Roman Eagle. Also the point of view from the native peoples of England are an important part of the story.

[Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagle

This is a first for me to read outside my box. I did enjoy the story. It is well wrote some good action. Didn't like the ending. Would of liked to seen the man character come home.

[john mcewan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lame start - but gets better

A bit too domesticated in some parts -especially if you're looking for the cut and thrust of most books of this genre.
However redeemed itself somewhat in the final quarter of the story.

[melvia mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Legion

Creative yarn about a far gone time ,and how the might of Rome reached to the lowlands of Scotland, for those who appreciate some reality in their tales ,this accomplishes that.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction of Rome in Britain... I enjoyed the Centurions Trilogy by the same author, seems to have Rome down pretty well. This is a story of what may have happened to the 9th Hispana that disappeared in Britain.

[Fiona Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent reconstruction of the lost Ninth Legion

The strength of this excellent novel lies in the characters who people the legion and town of Roman York. The local tribe is as well-drawn. A first rate read, and a terrific historical novel.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another version of the lost Ninth Legion story. Would have been improved with a map of the area. In fact I did not find the list of Roman town names until the end so did not realise that Roman Eburacum (the army base at centre of story) was modern York.

[John Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average

I read a lot of these type of books from different authors and I found this one average with a lot of filler that you can just skip. It wasn’t a don’t buy it as we are all different but for me it was a must read either.

[steven l schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story about the lost IX legion. Interesting characters with depth. I enjoyed the read.

[Mr Bill Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the tale

The story or legend of the ninth has been written about many times, this story works well, good characters and a well written tale. Thanks

[Rose Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

History

Though fictional there is a lot of truth to the story. Makes one wonder how the world was populated and kept going with all the slaughter.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in an earlier edition. Loved it. I'm so glad it has been reissued.

[Jordan Chetcuti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, really enjoyed this. Prompted me to look into the history of the legion.