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Legionary #6
Empire of Shades
379 AD: Thracia has fallen to the Gothic horde…
With the ashes of Adrianople still swirling in the air, the Eastern Roman Empire is in turmoil. The emperor is dead, the throne lies empty and the remaining fragments of the army are few and scattered. Numerius Vitellius Pavo, now Tribunus of the XI Claudia, tries to hold his patchwork ranks together amidst the storm. One of the few legions to have survived the disaster at Adrianople, the Claudia do what they can to keep alive the dying flame of hope.
When word spreads of a new Eastern Emperor, those hopes rise. But the coming of this leader will stir the Gothic War to new heights. And it will cast Pavo headlong into the sights of the one responsible for the East’s plight – a man mighty and seemingly untouchable, and one who will surely crush any who dares to challenge him.
From the ashes of Adrianople, new heroes will rise… with dark ghosts in close pursuit.
With the ashes of Adrianople still swirling in the air, the Eastern Roman Empire is in turmoil. The emperor is dead, the throne lies empty and the remaining fragments of the army are few and scattered. Numerius Vitellius Pavo, now Tribunus of the XI Claudia, tries to hold his patchwork ranks together amidst the storm. One of the few legions to have survived the disaster at Adrianople, the Claudia do what they can to keep alive the dying flame of hope.
When word spreads of a new Eastern Emperor, those hopes rise. But the coming of this leader will stir the Gothic War to new heights. And it will cast Pavo headlong into the sights of the one responsible for the East’s plight – a man mighty and seemingly untouchable, and one who will surely crush any who dares to challenge him.
From the ashes of Adrianople, new heroes will rise… with dark ghosts in close pursuit.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
479 pages, ebook
First published May 18, 2017
182 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Doherty
41 books293 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 20, 2017
Another exciting adventure of now-Tribunus Pavo and the XI Claudia, this time fighting Goths. In the aftermath of Adrianople, the huge defeat of the Eastern Roman Army and the deaths of Pavo's comrades and superior officer, Pavo is promoted to that position and now must learn leadership. The lads do defeat a warlord, an easy task as this Ortwin is no comparison to Fritigern, the Gothic leader. More excitement comes in the form of a botched assassination attempt on Gratian, Western Emperor, and the efforts of a Speculator [high level Agens in Rebus??] to discover the culprit. Pavo and his men are tasked with bringing a rag-tag group of Goths from beyond the Danubius to the Western Empire, not out of compassion, but because the men can swell Gratian's army. Gratian is painted here in this novel as a villainous person. We follow them and witness a group of Gothic malcontents and extremists among them roiling the waters, both figuratively and literally. Finally, Pavo and his men are a reserve force, swooping in when the battle is nearly lost against the so-called "Black Horde", a breakaway group of Goths led by two men who had been cheated by Gratian after Adrianople. Gratian had reneged on a solemn promise.
I can see the author's improvement in writing style and I feel if he keeps on this trajectory, he's on to triumph after triumph. This novel was filled with his same trademark gory battles and skirmishes, without neglecting character development, even that of minor figures. The novel brimmed with betrayal, double crosses, treachery, comradeship, even plausible love interest made poignant. I personally see the author's need for injecting some bawdiness to bring out certain individual personality traits and as being part of soldiers' lives, but that doesn't mean it didn't make me uneasy. At least it was rather mild. The bragging of Sura got old fast. "Off" as a verb was used several times; to me that is too modern a term for this setting and jarred my ear; why didn't the author use the synonyms "finish off", "murder", or even "kill"? I did like the author's use of the Aesop-like fable of the goose and wolf and how it fit into the novel.
Highly recommended.
I can see the author's improvement in writing style and I feel if he keeps on this trajectory, he's on to triumph after triumph. This novel was filled with his same trademark gory battles and skirmishes, without neglecting character development, even that of minor figures. The novel brimmed with betrayal, double crosses, treachery, comradeship, even plausible love interest made poignant. I personally see the author's need for injecting some bawdiness to bring out certain individual personality traits and as being part of soldiers' lives, but that doesn't mean it didn't make me uneasy. At least it was rather mild. The bragging of Sura got old fast. "Off" as a verb was used several times; to me that is too modern a term for this setting and jarred my ear; why didn't the author use the synonyms "finish off", "murder", or even "kill"? I did like the author's use of the Aesop-like fable of the goose and wolf and how it fit into the novel.
Highly recommended.
May 24, 2017
The Legionary series, has become one of my favorites over the years, and am happy to report that Empire of Shades carries on the tradition of crafty storytelling that we've grown to expect from Mr. Doherty. The masterful interweaving of the multiple plot lines throughout the tale are sure to keep the reader engaged and turning pages. Pavo and the rest of his gang are really put to the test in many ways and many times in this many layered thriller. Pavo reaches a new depth of character as he pursues a promise made to his friend and mentor, Gallus. He also finds love again and that experience leaves it's mark. Set against the backdrop of Theodosius taking the mantle of Emperor of the East and the unsettling shenanigans of Gratian, the Emperor of the West, Mr. Doherty leads us on a brutal adventure during a time of great migrations and a changing world. 4.7 stars
June 16, 2017
Gordon Doherty gets better and better with the Legionary series! This latest book is no exception and I highly recommend it. Although Legionary is a fictional series, it's based on historical events. I've really enjoyed reading about the exploits of the main characters, Pavo and his companions. There's lots of action which makes for some tense reading, but there's also lots of comical moments too. There's plenty of twists and unexpected turns, and the bad guys are really bad, so much so that you want to see them get their comeuppance! I can wait for the next book in the series.
July 10, 2018
After the events in the last book I wondered if the series had any life left in it.. I’m so glad to say YES IT DOES!
Shades torment Pavo during this tale. The faces from the past now walking by his side always. We see occasions when Pavo is urged on by these shades.
With Emperor Valens dead a new emperor must be crowned. Will this man be another puppet of Emperor Gratian?
Pavo is now Tribunus of the XI Claudia and while the faces from the past might be gone they are not forgotten. While I loved the old characters some of the new ones are just wonderful! Libo and Rectus I just loved! Stichus was by far the best addition to this tale. Pavo can see himself in Stichus and learns a lot about how to be a leader from guiding the young lad just like Gallus did with him many years back.
The war with the Goth’s intensifies as the horde splits its forces, each force might be separate but they have enough manpower to make the men of Rome shake and now Gratian is calling support to the West! this means one thing..a showdown between Pavo and Emperor Gratian. Pavo is on a mission of vengeance for Tribunus Gallus whose family were slayed on the orders of Gratian may years ago.
Now here’s an interesting thing..we’ve met Speculatores before..they are assassins loyal to only Emperor Gratian.. we hate them right? nah I’m starting to like them..well one of them at least! Scapula is his name and the relationships he forms in the story really ramped up the excitement level.
Overall another cracking plot and a storyline that just keeps getting stronger and more bloody.
The ending smashed the ball out of the park leaving me wondering just how much longer Pavo can last.. lets find out in book 7!
Shades torment Pavo during this tale. The faces from the past now walking by his side always. We see occasions when Pavo is urged on by these shades.
With Emperor Valens dead a new emperor must be crowned. Will this man be another puppet of Emperor Gratian?
Pavo is now Tribunus of the XI Claudia and while the faces from the past might be gone they are not forgotten. While I loved the old characters some of the new ones are just wonderful! Libo and Rectus I just loved! Stichus was by far the best addition to this tale. Pavo can see himself in Stichus and learns a lot about how to be a leader from guiding the young lad just like Gallus did with him many years back.
The war with the Goth’s intensifies as the horde splits its forces, each force might be separate but they have enough manpower to make the men of Rome shake and now Gratian is calling support to the West! this means one thing..a showdown between Pavo and Emperor Gratian. Pavo is on a mission of vengeance for Tribunus Gallus whose family were slayed on the orders of Gratian may years ago.
Now here’s an interesting thing..we’ve met Speculatores before..they are assassins loyal to only Emperor Gratian.. we hate them right? nah I’m starting to like them..well one of them at least! Scapula is his name and the relationships he forms in the story really ramped up the excitement level.
Overall another cracking plot and a storyline that just keeps getting stronger and more bloody.
The ending smashed the ball out of the park leaving me wondering just how much longer Pavo can last.. lets find out in book 7!
March 21, 2021
Cosa ci può essere di più epico delle battaglie in nome e per conto dell’Antica Roma?
Amo questa parte di storia, la grandiosità di Roma descritta nelle pagine di storia, nelle trame dei romanzi, negli occhi e nel cuore di noi lettori.
La legione Claudia, i tribuni, le battaglie sul campo, il nuovo imperatore, tranelli e segreti sempre in agguato.
Le descrizioni delle battaglie ti coinvolgono a tal punto che sentirai le lame penetrare nel costato, il sangue schizzare sul viso e le lodi della vittoria echeggiare tra le valli.
Gli studi dietro ad un romanzo storico sono sempre immensi e minuziosi e lo scrittore ne esalta i contenuti e le giuste referenze.
Ha amato il periodo storico descritto e la sua passione si evince in ogni capitolo e personaggio.
Curato nella parte storica, adrenalinico nella parte conflittuale, mozzafiato nell’intero romanzo.
- Cara Z.
Amo questa parte di storia, la grandiosità di Roma descritta nelle pagine di storia, nelle trame dei romanzi, negli occhi e nel cuore di noi lettori.
La legione Claudia, i tribuni, le battaglie sul campo, il nuovo imperatore, tranelli e segreti sempre in agguato.
Le descrizioni delle battaglie ti coinvolgono a tal punto che sentirai le lame penetrare nel costato, il sangue schizzare sul viso e le lodi della vittoria echeggiare tra le valli.
Gli studi dietro ad un romanzo storico sono sempre immensi e minuziosi e lo scrittore ne esalta i contenuti e le giuste referenze.
Ha amato il periodo storico descritto e la sua passione si evince in ogni capitolo e personaggio.
Curato nella parte storica, adrenalinico nella parte conflittuale, mozzafiato nell’intero romanzo.
- Cara Z.
August 11, 2017
So far, so good!!!
Starting a series always has a big question mark for me, but this series is easy...it's on the verge of awesome!!! I'm hopeful that Pavo and Sura have many more adventures to guide us through. Keep writing Gordon!!!
Starting a series always has a big question mark for me, but this series is easy...it's on the verge of awesome!!! I'm hopeful that Pavo and Sura have many more adventures to guide us through. Keep writing Gordon!!!
December 27, 2021
Does not make sense. The whole story is unbelievable.
The whole story does not make sense. It is really unbelievable. It is disgusting and historically wrong. I regret buying this book.
The whole story does not make sense. It is really unbelievable. It is disgusting and historically wrong. I regret buying this book.
July 14, 2017
Marching on with pride
I have read all of this series to date and have not been disappointed with any of them. I look forward to the next book. Keep up the good work Gordon.
I have read all of this series to date and have not been disappointed with any of them. I look forward to the next book. Keep up the good work Gordon.
September 11, 2018
Fantastic read!!! Couldn’t put it down. Can not wait for future books, hope Gordon Doherty does a series of new books set in the time of Attila. Just a thought...
January 24, 2019
I love Gordon Doherty's writing style and he is obviously very knowledgeable about the period of time and subject. But it.
March 27, 2021
Doherty is really on a roll with this series.
April 3, 2022
When the Huns are the only players 'focused' on the task at hand, you know the Romans and the Goths are the ones dying by each other's hands by the thousands. Outstanding historical fiction!!
January 17, 2025
Empire of Shades
Yet another excellent episode of this brilliant story of Pavo, Sura and the men of the Claudia. I am looking forward to the next episode.
Yet another excellent episode of this brilliant story of Pavo, Sura and the men of the Claudia. I am looking forward to the next episode.
June 10, 2024
I picked up Empire of Shades to read something lighter in between Soldaten and The Anatomy of Evil.
As always, Doherty does a good job weaving in the big hitters of the time. I am excited that Theodosius is in the picture and how Pavo's character has continued to develop.
An easy read for anyone who likes historical fiction, Roman history, or just wants a solid read. I will pick up the seventh book in the series at some point.
As always, Doherty does a good job weaving in the big hitters of the time. I am excited that Theodosius is in the picture and how Pavo's character has continued to develop.
An easy read for anyone who likes historical fiction, Roman history, or just wants a solid read. I will pick up the seventh book in the series at some point.
January 30, 2018
Wonderful tale! As always, Gordon Doherty has done it again!
Beautifully done! What a heart story of duke of the most important battles during the falling of the Roman Empire.
Beautifully done! What a heart story of duke of the most important battles during the falling of the Roman Empire.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews