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Legionary #8
Dark Eagle
What hope has one forgotten soldier of bringing an emperor to justice?
Winter, 382 AD. The Gothic War is over. After years of bloodshed, the Eastern Roman Empire and the Goths have struck a deal for peace. Imperial heralds crow about the treaty as if it were a triumph. Feasts and celebrations take place across the Eastern provinces. Every hero of the war is honoured and acclaimed... except one.
Tribunus Pavo languishes in exile, haunted by a dark truth: that it was Gratian, Emperor of the West – the most powerful man alive – who caused the war and manipulated its every turn. Tormented by memories of loved ones lost during the great conflict, one word tolls endlessly through Pavo’s mind: Justice!
But in this great game of empire, justice rarely comes without a grave cost…
Winter, 382 AD. The Gothic War is over. After years of bloodshed, the Eastern Roman Empire and the Goths have struck a deal for peace. Imperial heralds crow about the treaty as if it were a triumph. Feasts and celebrations take place across the Eastern provinces. Every hero of the war is honoured and acclaimed... except one.
Tribunus Pavo languishes in exile, haunted by a dark truth: that it was Gratian, Emperor of the West – the most powerful man alive – who caused the war and manipulated its every turn. Tormented by memories of loved ones lost during the great conflict, one word tolls endlessly through Pavo’s mind: Justice!
But in this great game of empire, justice rarely comes without a grave cost…
- GenresHistorical Fiction
413 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2020
171 people are currently reading
105 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
May 19, 2021
Kind of hokey with another slew of near-death experiences and miraculous escapes. And a bit inconsistent in places.
But just too good a tale to not get the full 5 stars.
There's some decent closure here. I hope Gordon leaves this as an end so I can enjoy a long-delayed dive back into his Hittite series.
But just too good a tale to not get the full 5 stars.
There's some decent closure here. I hope Gordon leaves this as an end so I can enjoy a long-delayed dive back into his Hittite series.
March 25, 2020
I'll admit it...I cried. (More than once.)
July 4, 2021
Just such a great read yet again !
Having always loved Historical fiction and read all on offer from Bernard Cornwall, Con Iggulden,Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow ect, I don't know how I missed the Gordon Doherty Legionary series. I was somewhat late to the party. But wow what a party, you know a good book when you are counting down the hours in the day to when you can pick it up again, and I was constantly clock watching from the first in the series. Like the previous 7 books Dark Eagle had me gripped from the first chapter, in the legion alongside Pavo and Sura at every twist and turn dodging the arrows, sucking the sword blows and hiding from the speculators ! For what my recommendation is worth to a stranger, if you love Historical Fiction this series will blow you away, so looking forward to picking my nearest from this great author
Having always loved Historical fiction and read all on offer from Bernard Cornwall, Con Iggulden,Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow ect, I don't know how I missed the Gordon Doherty Legionary series. I was somewhat late to the party. But wow what a party, you know a good book when you are counting down the hours in the day to when you can pick it up again, and I was constantly clock watching from the first in the series. Like the previous 7 books Dark Eagle had me gripped from the first chapter, in the legion alongside Pavo and Sura at every twist and turn dodging the arrows, sucking the sword blows and hiding from the speculators ! For what my recommendation is worth to a stranger, if you love Historical Fiction this series will blow you away, so looking forward to picking my nearest from this great author
February 8, 2020
We are back with Pavo and Sura.. or should I say Urbicus and Mucianus…after the events of the last book and Pavo’s brush with Emperor Gratian our lions are believed dead.. and they need to keep it that way.
While Pavo struggles to deal with being separated from his men of the Claudia they themselves are feeling his loss keenly.. and it’s about to get a hell of a lot worse.
The war with the Goths may be over but tension is bubbling and on top of that the tension between the Eastern and Western emperors that has been growing is about to boil over.
I’m used to Gordon’s work by now but he continues to amaze me with gripping plots and fascinating characters. As the title suggests this instalment is dark.. Probably Pavo’s darkest moment to date and once again not all our lions will live to tell the tale.
One chapter stands out for me as a bone crunching heart fluttering smack in the face.. Chapter 9.. it cemented just how far Gratian’s power can go and shows just how high the climb will be for Pavo to get to him.. it won’t be easy.
Along with way we get a wonderful new cheekiness from Darik..he bounces off Sura’s character brilliantly.. While Sura likes to think he’s the best at everything… to him Darik seems to have it all.. Including the looks.. there’s never animosity.. rather a budding friendship when you can tease but know when to draw the line… to see how they connected was refreshing to explore as I’m so used to it just being Pavo and Sura with a supporting cast.. Darik shines through.
Now to the nitty gritty without giving the game away.. yes there’s battle and Gordon did his usually with pure brilliance in describing the different units and how they are formed/where they are from.. for someone like me who likes the action this extra detail doesn’t distract at all but will really hit the mark for those who like authors going that little bit further. If anything it makes me want to learn more.. do my own research.. I’ve always known the Roman army encompassed many nationalities/groups but it’s amazing to see how far their reach was at one point.
With every chapter I smelt defeat on the cards… followed by hope..only to have it dashed again and again.. but wait.. hope arrives again.. Pavo is not the only one who want’s to see Gratian overthrown after all.. but as always all is not as it seems!
Damn you Gordon with all those marvellous twists!
Another little thing Gordon does that I really like is there’s always little titbits thrown in to remind the reader of those lost and fallen..the series may focus heavily on Pavo but he’s happy to share the limelight.
I felt Libo came into his own in this instalment too.. without Pavo he steps up and along with others like Pulcher show what the Claudia are all about.. they won’t go down without a fight.
I really don’t want to spoil anything but of course the Speculatores show their ugly faces again.. but Pavo is ready for them… if he can figure out who he can trust… one gets a rather gruesome death.. I can’t lie… I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I made one note when reading this book and it simply said… hard hitting gut hurting masterpiece.. and I stand by that.. 5*
While Pavo struggles to deal with being separated from his men of the Claudia they themselves are feeling his loss keenly.. and it’s about to get a hell of a lot worse.
The war with the Goths may be over but tension is bubbling and on top of that the tension between the Eastern and Western emperors that has been growing is about to boil over.
I’m used to Gordon’s work by now but he continues to amaze me with gripping plots and fascinating characters. As the title suggests this instalment is dark.. Probably Pavo’s darkest moment to date and once again not all our lions will live to tell the tale.
One chapter stands out for me as a bone crunching heart fluttering smack in the face.. Chapter 9.. it cemented just how far Gratian’s power can go and shows just how high the climb will be for Pavo to get to him.. it won’t be easy.
Along with way we get a wonderful new cheekiness from Darik..he bounces off Sura’s character brilliantly.. While Sura likes to think he’s the best at everything… to him Darik seems to have it all.. Including the looks.. there’s never animosity.. rather a budding friendship when you can tease but know when to draw the line… to see how they connected was refreshing to explore as I’m so used to it just being Pavo and Sura with a supporting cast.. Darik shines through.
Now to the nitty gritty without giving the game away.. yes there’s battle and Gordon did his usually with pure brilliance in describing the different units and how they are formed/where they are from.. for someone like me who likes the action this extra detail doesn’t distract at all but will really hit the mark for those who like authors going that little bit further. If anything it makes me want to learn more.. do my own research.. I’ve always known the Roman army encompassed many nationalities/groups but it’s amazing to see how far their reach was at one point.
With every chapter I smelt defeat on the cards… followed by hope..only to have it dashed again and again.. but wait.. hope arrives again.. Pavo is not the only one who want’s to see Gratian overthrown after all.. but as always all is not as it seems!
Damn you Gordon with all those marvellous twists!
Another little thing Gordon does that I really like is there’s always little titbits thrown in to remind the reader of those lost and fallen..the series may focus heavily on Pavo but he’s happy to share the limelight.
I felt Libo came into his own in this instalment too.. without Pavo he steps up and along with others like Pulcher show what the Claudia are all about.. they won’t go down without a fight.
I really don’t want to spoil anything but of course the Speculatores show their ugly faces again.. but Pavo is ready for them… if he can figure out who he can trust… one gets a rather gruesome death.. I can’t lie… I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I made one note when reading this book and it simply said… hard hitting gut hurting masterpiece.. and I stand by that.. 5*
March 30, 2020
BLURB
What hope has one forgotten soldier of bringing an emperor to justice?
Winter, 382 AD. The Gothic War is over. After years of bloodshed, the Eastern Roman Empire and the Goths have struck a deal for peace. Imperial heralds crow about the treaty as if it were a triumph. Feasts and celebrations take place across the Eastern provinces. Every hero of the war is honoured and acclaimed... except one.
Tribunus Pavo languishes in exile, haunted by a dark truth: that it was Gratian, Emperor of the West – the most powerful man alive – who caused the war and manipulated its every turn. Tormented by memories of loved ones lost during the great conflict, one word tolls endlessly through Pavo’s mind: Justice!
But in this great game of empire, justice rarely comes without a grave cost
REVIEW
With all of the strife the XI Claudia has faced in the previous episodes of the Legionary series, one might think that they could use a break. After all, there is now peace with The Goths, The Huns are being contained; a time to recoup and recover from their travails. However, that would be a rather dull story. Thankfully, the author feels the same way, though I did question him as to what the XI Claudia, and Pavo in particular, ever do to him as Dark Eagle sends them through hell and then some. What transpires is a page turning tale of courage, loyalty, and most of all, survival. A plot line that is rarely straight, is full of surprises, and beckons the reader to feel the pains, the agonies, and even the joys of this resilient group of dedicated legionaries. Indeed, my fellow readers, there were times I had to stop and wonder, "How are they gonna get out of this one?" An excellent addition to the Legionary series awaits you. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What hope has one forgotten soldier of bringing an emperor to justice?
Winter, 382 AD. The Gothic War is over. After years of bloodshed, the Eastern Roman Empire and the Goths have struck a deal for peace. Imperial heralds crow about the treaty as if it were a triumph. Feasts and celebrations take place across the Eastern provinces. Every hero of the war is honoured and acclaimed... except one.
Tribunus Pavo languishes in exile, haunted by a dark truth: that it was Gratian, Emperor of the West – the most powerful man alive – who caused the war and manipulated its every turn. Tormented by memories of loved ones lost during the great conflict, one word tolls endlessly through Pavo’s mind: Justice!
But in this great game of empire, justice rarely comes without a grave cost
REVIEW
With all of the strife the XI Claudia has faced in the previous episodes of the Legionary series, one might think that they could use a break. After all, there is now peace with The Goths, The Huns are being contained; a time to recoup and recover from their travails. However, that would be a rather dull story. Thankfully, the author feels the same way, though I did question him as to what the XI Claudia, and Pavo in particular, ever do to him as Dark Eagle sends them through hell and then some. What transpires is a page turning tale of courage, loyalty, and most of all, survival. A plot line that is rarely straight, is full of surprises, and beckons the reader to feel the pains, the agonies, and even the joys of this resilient group of dedicated legionaries. Indeed, my fellow readers, there were times I had to stop and wonder, "How are they gonna get out of this one?" An excellent addition to the Legionary series awaits you. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 19, 2023
legionary legendary
Once again Gordon has created a masterpiece. My only criticism is that we can’t binge read like TV series that all get released at the same time. Pavo’s journey has been brilliant. I have no idea how the author keeps things going. Epic storyline and narrative. Once again I am massively impressed with this series as I have been with all his work.
Once again Gordon has created a masterpiece. My only criticism is that we can’t binge read like TV series that all get released at the same time. Pavo’s journey has been brilliant. I have no idea how the author keeps things going. Epic storyline and narrative. Once again I am massively impressed with this series as I have been with all his work.
November 21, 2020
Another great story of PAVO
Loved this book and hope there is a follow up, but hope it ends well as my tissue box is getting low. Yes I enjoyed this book very much, great ending too.
Loved this book and hope there is a follow up, but hope it ends well as my tissue box is getting low. Yes I enjoyed this book very much, great ending too.
December 24, 2020
Serial mayhem
Not for a serious reader. Adolescent treatment of personal combat with emphasis on incredible prowess in armament given to principal characters.
Earlier books were better.
Not for a serious reader. Adolescent treatment of personal combat with emphasis on incredible prowess in armament given to principal characters.
Earlier books were better.
March 1, 2020
Fantastic read, don’t want to give to much away. Definitely not what I expected
March 2, 2020
Wonderful continuation of the adventures of Pavo
I have read the whole series and find they are all unputdownable I feel Pavo and the Claudia Barnaby more adventures to come.
I have read the whole series and find they are all unputdownable I feel Pavo and the Claudia Barnaby more adventures to come.
May 19, 2020
Excellent read
A excellent read by a truly accomplished writer of historical fiction, in keeping with his peers scarrow, kane turney etc
A excellent read by a truly accomplished writer of historical fiction, in keeping with his peers scarrow, kane turney etc
October 5, 2020
Great story, lots of twists and turns - looking forward to #9
April 11, 2021
I am geting a bit tired of all the sadism in this series, but the fast pace keeps the story engaging.
December 18, 2021
dark Eagle
Fantastic read keeps you on the edge all the way to the end just like all of the legionary books cant wait for the next one
Fantastic read keeps you on the edge all the way to the end just like all of the legionary books cant wait for the next one
May 21, 2022
The Claudia is caught in the meatgrinder the Western Empire is becoming. An outstanding finish to the series.
March 3, 2020
The only problem with Gordon Doherty's books are that I put off regular life things to read them. And my sleep suffers. Can't wait for the next one if he decides to make more.
December 25, 2024
I picked up Dark Eagle as my historical fun read ahead of Gladiator II releasing.
The introduction of Magnus Maximus adds another exciting moment to Pavo and the Claudia's journey.
An easy read for anyone who likes historical fiction, Roman history, or just wants a solid read. I will pick up the ninth book in the series at some point.
The introduction of Magnus Maximus adds another exciting moment to Pavo and the Claudia's journey.
An easy read for anyone who likes historical fiction, Roman history, or just wants a solid read. I will pick up the ninth book in the series at some point.
March 24, 2020
Pavo is back
How to create a delicious novel.
A believable and intriguing plot. Add strong characters, a smattering of intrigue and dark forces. Finally, lashings of action.
Seriously, a very enjoyable read.
Robert Southworth author of The Ripper Legacies and Spartacus Chronicles.
How to create a delicious novel.
A believable and intriguing plot. Add strong characters, a smattering of intrigue and dark forces. Finally, lashings of action.
Seriously, a very enjoyable read.
Robert Southworth author of The Ripper Legacies and Spartacus Chronicles.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews