Writing the last book in a series must be a difficult challenge for an author. Apart from the fact you’re saying farewell to characters you created anWriting the last book in a series must be a difficult challenge for an author. Apart from the fact you’re saying farewell to characters you created and have ‘lived with� for possibly years, how do you deliver a compelling story whilst bringing events to a close in a way that doesn’t feel like an anticlimax. Well, you do it just like Gordon Doherty has in Devotio.
Pavo’s service in the Roman army has taken him across the Empire and involved many adventures, many battles and the loss of many comrades. It has also taken him away from his family. He knows he’s been lucky to survive as long as he has and now spending time with them is all he wants to do. After all, who knows what will happen tomorrow? He believes he has found the perfect place, away from the turbulence that threatens to tear apart the failing Roman Empire. But Pavo’s devotion to his family is also his vulnerability. ‘No monster is more terrifying than the invisible hand that threatens to take away from you the ones you love.�
A shocking event sees Pavo forced to leave his sanctuary in a desperate search for the only man he believes can come to his rescue. But finding him means Pavo once again becoming caught up in the conflict between rival factions attempting to gain control of an empire currently riven in two by ruthless ambition and religious differences. However, Pavo doesn’t care about the risks. He’d happily gives his own life in exchange for the lives of his wife and son. Taking the oath of Devotio is his formal declaration of this. He’s not alone in his quest though because he has comrades who owe their lives to him and would follow him anywhere. One in particular, has his own special reason for wanting to help.
Safe to say as events unfold you’ll get thrilling battle scenes, daring missions against seemingly impossible odds and narrow escapes. As usual, Pavo’s tactical nous and ingenuity often saves the day. In fact, when it comes to the latter, you could say he’s the GOAT. (You’ll have to read the book to understand that one.)
Along with the clashing of swords and spears, there’s treachery, conspiracy and betrayal but also retribution, including a particularly satisfying one delivered personally by Pavo. The saying ‘a taste of your own medicine� springs to mind.
But all things must come to an end although the author is generous in making that as long as everything we’ve learned allows. I found the closing chapters deeply moving and a really fitting way to end the series. The epilogue is sheer genius and had me in tears all over again.
If you’re a fan of the Roman age novels of Simon Scarrow, Simon Turney, Adrian Goldsworthy and others, you will love the Legionary series. If you’ve not read any of the previous books, do yourself a favour and start from the beginning because you have an incredible journey ahead of you.
I think you will have guessed by now that I absolutely loved this book. I’ll leave you with the observation of Pavo’s comrade, Sura: ‘Good people on this flawed land of the living could not stop evil; what mattered was that they never stopped trying�. Vale, Pavo....more
I haven’t read either of the previous books in the series – Death and the Harlot and The Corpse Played Dead � which puts me in the perfect position toI haven’t read either of the previous books in the series – Death and the Harlot and The Corpse Played Dead � which puts me in the perfect position to assure you Viper in the Nest can definitely be read as a standalone.
You can’t help but become engaged in the story from the start with the sudden and seemingly inexplicable suicide of a man who seemed to have everything. But was it all built on sand? Just how did a clerk working in a government office acquire the wealth to afford a large house and a mistress? As Lizzie observes, ‘Mr Merrick, the dullest man in London, was beginning to intrigue me.�
At one point a character says to Lizzie, ‘I think you’re like a terrier with a bone, agitating people until you find answers� and there was never a truer word said because Lizzie can’t stop herself trying to find out the truth. She’s a brilliant character: resourceful, clever, witty and a loyal friend. She’s used to dissembling, pretending attraction where there is none. But her insatiable curiosity brings her dangerous enemies.
Always at the back of Lizzie’s mind are the circumstances that brought about such a change in her life and social status. She’s determined that will change one day but a new arrival at the Berwick Street brothel threatens her plans.
I liked the way the story demonstrated the divisions in society with many citizens of London living in abject poverty whilst the rich (mostly men) while away the hours gambling, whoring and seeking preferment in whatever way they can. The epitome of this excess is the bizarre personal bets, often involving thousands of pounds, placed on events such as what the weather will be on a particular day.
I enjoyed the simmering relationship between Lizzie and magistrate’s assistant, William Davenport. Despite signs of mutual attraction, Lizzie’s mindful that a harlot doesn’t make an ideal wife for a man in William’s position.
Viper in the Nest is a really entertaining historical mystery with a skilfully crafted plot and great period atmosphere. I hope there will be more adventures to come for Lizzie....more
Defender of the Wall is the first book in the ‘Dragon of the North� trilogy telling the story of the legendary King Cunedag who went on to build the KDefender of the Wall is the first book in the ‘Dragon of the North� trilogy telling the story of the legendary King Cunedag who went on to build the Kingdom of Gwynedd from the ashes of post-Roman Britain. Although a fan of Roman age fiction, I confess I’d never heard of Cunedag before reading this book but that didn’t stop me from becoming completely enthralled in the events described in the story.
The book opens with Cunedag, now an aged warrior with a clutch of sons, looking ahead to what may be his final battle. Soon though we’re travelling back in time to his youth as a prince of the Votadini, one of the tribes who struck an alliance with the Roman Empire following the defeat of the uprising known as the Great Conspiracy. The alliance comes at a price though as the King of the Votadini is forced to give up one of his sons to be fostered by a Roman commander. Effectively, Cunedag becomes a hostage to ensure the Votadini do not participate in any future uprising. Not everyone agrees with this compliant approach, even within the Votadini. They along with other tribes sense the Roman Empire’s focus is increasingly on protecting its borders elsewhere and this may be the chance to drive them from their territory.
Fast forward some years and Cunedag has benefited from Roman military training and is in charge of an elite cavalry unit. But when signs appear the long feared tribal uprising is beginning, Cunedag finds himself in a difficult position. He believes any attempt to defeat the Roman army will end in disaster with thousands killed needlessly and at the same time does not relish the prospect of fighting his own people, now led by someone with a very different attitude towards Rome. Even more worryingly, the tribes of the area have new allies who are utterly ruthless, whipped up by a fanatical religious leader. Yet he’s also an asset to Rome, someone who might be able to dissuade other tribes from joining the rebellion or even persuade them to ally themselves with the Roman army, itself a mixed bag of people from across the Empire.
But less about the history, you want to know about the action, don’t you? Well there’s plenty of it with some exciting battle scenes during which Cunedag needs all his military prowess. And on more than one occasion he puts himself in the front line on some dangerous missions requiring subterfuge, bravado and not a little luck. Hey, let’s go creep into the enemy’s camp tonight. He’s someone who leads by example, earning loyalty and respect from those he commands.
Defender of the Wall is a thrilling combination of action and historical detail. If you’re a fan of the Roman age novels of Simon Scarrow, Simon Turney, Gordon Doherty or Adrian Goldsworthy, I’m pretty sure you will enjoy this....more
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