Tag Archives: Gordon Doherty

Legionary X: Devotio by Gordon Doherty – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Devotio, the tenth and final instalment in the mesmerising Legionary series by Gordon Doherty!

Here’s the blurb.

AD 391: in the aftermath of civil war, the Roman Empire lies broken. The emperor is missing. Rumours fly that he has lost his mind. Sensing weakness, the Goths rise in revolt. All to the delight of the dark hand who orchestrated the civil war… and plots to stoke another.

Far out at sea, Pavo stands watchfully at the prow of the Justitia, running cargo between distant lands. At every port, he hears of the empire’s swelling troubles. Of fire and zeal and panic. Of legions, bristling for battle. But his days of protecting the provinces with sword and shield are over. He, his wife and his lad will soon have enough funds to make a home on a quiet island, far from the madness.

Yet the empire is an ever-hungry beast, and Pavo is about to sail straight into its jaws…

It is a journey that will take him to the brink, and throw down before him the question to which there is only one answer: what would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?

Review

After the events of Legionary IX: The Emperor’s Shield I honestly didn’t know if we would ever see Pavo again. That man has been through so much for the empire.. all he wants now is to live out his days with his wife and son.

You know Devotio is going to be an emotional read right from the start, the meaning behind the word, a vow of self sacrifice..

Little does Pavo know the threats he fought so hard against are still ever present.. and the enemies are knocking at the door..They have been plotting but now is the time to enact their plan… and even he isn’t safe.

When a visitor arrives with a gift from Emperor Valentinian himself Pavo can’t help but be reminded of all he has done, the battles, the friends he’s made.

The gift is a trojan horse that will start this most emotionally nerve racking adventure!

SPOILER ALERT. Please skip if you don’t want to know the detail but I’ll keep it as brief as possible without giving too much away.

Lets just say the gift is a poisoned chalice of sorts and Pavo is in need of a healer…but he also needs to know why his friend would have done this.

Things aren’t quite as they seem… they never are for Pavo.. the healer he needs has been captured by Alaric, the leader of the Vesi rebels.. Goths that still wish to live without Roman rule.

How the hell will he manage to find him?

When we get about 50% through the book it seems like everything has worked out.. Pavo has what he needs, and Alaric has been convinced to work with the Romans.. peace at last..

Yeah that’s never going to happen.

Peregrinus the Stranger, a dark hidden force from the past steps out from the shadows.

Do Pavo and his Claudian brothers have what it takes to foil this dastardly plan and save the empire once again from internal conflict?

The forces of the Eastern and Western empires will clash…but who will be the victor?

I’m deliberately leaving a lot of detail out so you can really enjoy this one yourself (Although if you want to compare thoughts after just hit me up).

Devotio gives us exactly what we expect from the author… and some! There’s betrayal of the worst kind, clever plots/twists and humorous moments a plenty along with the blood and gore for the fans..

So what’s different you ask? There’s raw emotion packed into this one from the very first page.. its intense and you can feel the energy.. there’s a meaning behind the journey Pavo is going on and you feel it.

Those last few chapters put ice in my veins, a lump in my throat and brought tears to my eyes.

You can really see how the author poured his personal emotion into the tale, how much the series meant to him and gives the series the send off it really deserved.. I can’t think of a more suitable ending.. there’s excitement throughout as we yearn for Pavo to succeed, and crushing devastation to really bring the story home.

One of the most moving bits is when Pavo remembers those lost along the way during battle.. it brought back so many memories.

One really beautiful thing the author did was finally answer the question.. who is the old crone who has followed Pavo throughout his life..I don’t know if this was always the plan but wow.. that was a lovely touching moment of realisation for the reader.

Pavo is real to me..

Pavo will always be a hero.

5/5 Stars – Do yourself a favour and grab a copy today.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

Legionary: The Emperor’s Shield by Gordon Doherty – REVIEW

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Today is release day for Legionary: The Emperor’s Shield, Book 9 in the Legionary by the awesome Gordon Doherty.

I’m very lucky to have received an ARC to allow me to help celebrate the release but rest assured my bank balance was still hit today with a charge… too right I had the book pre-ordered!!

The release of this instalment is even more important to me than you can imagine. After losing my dad last year I jumped at the chance to donate to charity and have my dads name added to the book, immortalised forever.

Here’s the blurb

Easier to split the sky, than part a soldier from his blade.

386 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire faces a trident of threats. The Gothic truce grows unstable. The standoff with Persia escalates. And the ambitions of the usurper on the Western throne grow dangerously unchecked.

Pavo, a broken veteran of the legions, cares for none of these things. His life is one of pastoral seclusion on his Thracian farm. A life of love, of peace. His wife and young son are his world. Still, every so often, things seen and done in his old life haunt him, like a cold and unwelcome breeze. But that is all they are, echoes of the past…

…until the past rises, like a shade, to rip his world and the Roman Empire apart.

Review

Oh Pavo, it feels like an eternity since we’ve seen you. After Pavo’s last adventure I had worried it was the last we would see of him.. that last battle left him with some serious wounds that mean he’s fought his last… or maybe not?

The Empire is on the brink of war again… the Goths have amassed and the Emperor want’s Pavo’s help.. he was instrumental in the last war with the Goths so hiss knowledge is invaluable.

The issue is he’s a shell of the man he was, weak and unable to help out on his farm for more than an hour or two..

But there’s one man who can help him, Frugilo! This is the first time we’ve met the man but instantly you are alert.. this man holds his cards tight to his chest but he knows what he’s doing and he’s a shining star of this instalment. He manages to give back to Pavo a little of what he thought lost… when you learn the truth about the man.. it’s an battle to control your emotions.

This was probably the most interesting part detail wise for me, Frugilo teaching Pavo to be the man he was again. I really enjoyed the use of a porpax shield to enable Pavo to fight once again for the Empire.. for his family!

Pavo races to the Emperors side and soon notices things aren’t right..there’s a dark force out there.. who wants only to see war… but why?

The issue with the Goths isnt the only trouble..a usurper wishes to see chaos so he may rule the Empire himself.

In these uncertain times the Emperor enlists Pavo to join his small band of elite protectors, he is to be a shield!

I’m never one for spoilers but things move quickly, there’s deception, tension and you really don’t know what will happen next. I’d say the last 30% of the book I demolished in the early hours while the family were fast asleep.. it’s not often I can really say that a book made it impossible for me to put down but The Emperor’s Shield did just that.

It was great to see Pavo back, and it was even sweeter when his old comrades show up including Sura..I love their relationship.. Sura still needs his old friend one last time as he tries to settle into the role previously held by Pavo’s.. big shoes to fill! Pavo need’s these men too.. needs to remember who he was.. what he is still capable of.

The twists in this book really make it special.. I thought I had things worked out.. but no…and it was really lovely to be reminded of those we’ve lost along the way, each have left their mark on Pavo.

A resounding 5 star without a shadow of a doubt.. we may only be in February but I can confidently say I’ve found my book of 2023!

What Doherty managed to do is keep the series fresh and give depth, more life to the characters.. he’s really found the balance between detail and plot to make the book come alive.

I hate to say it.. but I don’t think you’ll find any better storyteller out there! If you disagree, then unfortunately I’m sorry to say you are wrong! Ha

Final thought… this isnt the end.. there’s more to come..I don’t know when or what will happen but I’ll be there ready to immerse myself in Pavo’s next tale..his last journey? Time will tell. Regardless.. Pavo will live with me forever!

My thanks go to the author for allowing me the pleasure of an advance copy of the book.. I’m a lucky boy I know!

Grab a copy today.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

RELEASE DAY!! Empires of Bronze: The Dark Earth by Gordon Doherty

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Today I’m celebrating the release of Empires of Bronze: The Dark Earth, book 6 in the series by Gordon Doherty.

Here’s the blurb.

The time will come, as all times must, when the world will shake, and fall to dust…

1237 BC: It is an age of panic. The great empires are in disarray – ravaged by endless drought, shaken by ferocious earthquakes and starved of precious tin. Some say the Gods have abandoned mankind.
When Tudha ascends the Hittite throne, the burden of stabilising the realm falls upon his shoulders. Despite his valiant endeavours, things continue to disintegrate; allies become foes, lethal plots arise, and enemy battle horns echo across Hittite lands.

Yet this is nothing compared to the colossal, insidious shadow emerging from the west. Crawling unseen towards Tudha’s collapsing Hittite world comes a force unlike any ever witnessed; an immeasurable swarm of outlanders, driven by the cruel whip of nature, spreading fire and destruction: the Sea Peoples.

Every age must end. The measure of a man is how he chooses to face it.

Review

Ah..where to start. I’ve loved this series from the 1st page to the last.. The fate of the Hittites is sealed in history but what Gordon Doherty offers the reader is a masterful tale of hope, glory, blood and betrayal.

The time of King Hattu has sadly come to and end and it’s time for Tudha to take up the mantel in what will be the Hittite’s biggest battle.

After the events at Troy and the internal struggles faced by the Hittites Tudha hopes for peace… a peace that is shattered into a thousand pieces. The army of Agamemnon’s might be gone but there’s new foes on the horizon as well as a dark face from the past to contend with…on top of that the ground is shaking.. drought and famine are a daily struggle… but Tudha has hope!

Development wise as much as I’ll miss Hattu it was really enjoyable and fresh to see this instalment play out through the eyes of Tudha and Kurunta.. the faces of the past disappear to let the new blood shine through and some of those characters will stay with you, I loved the impact made on me by Ibiranu, Nerikkaili and particularly Zakuli.

Reading the The Dark Earth was tough.. it’s dark and brutal and the author broke me repeatedly with the events that play out.. dangling Tudha’s hope.. ahhh.

The Dark Earth is a masterclass in grabbing a reader’s attention, there’s pivotal moments, exciting characters, conflict and surprise..a real roller-coaster of emotions.

Is this the best yet from Gordon Doherty??? Perfection can’t top perfection! It just a joy to read!

No spoilers for me.. but it’s one to remember.. relish it!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon, or any good retailer 😊

The Shadow of Troy by Gordon Doherty (Empires of Bronze Book 5) – Review!

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is The Shadow of Troy, Book 5 in the Empires of Bronze series by Gordon Doherty.

Here’s the blurb

The war at Troy has raged for ten years. Its final throes will echo through eternity…

1258 BC: Surrounded and outnumbered by the army of Agamemnon, King Priam and his Trojan forces fight desperately to defend their city. In the lulls between battle, all talk inevitably turns to the mighty ally that has not yet arrived to their aid. Agamemnon will weep for mercy, the Trojans say, when the eastern horizons darken with the endless ranks of the Hittite Empire.

King Hattu has endured a miserable time since claiming the Hittite throne. Vassals distance themselves while rival empires circle, mocking him as an illegitimate king. Worst of all, the army of the Hittites is but a memory, destroyed in the civil war that won him the throne. Knowing that he must honour his empire’s oath to protect Troy, he sets off for Priam’s city with almost nothing, praying that the dreams he has endured since his youth – of Troy in ruins – can be thwarted. All the way, an ancient mantra rings in his head: Hittites should always heed their dreams.

Review

It’s been 10 long years but King Hattu has never forgotten the Hittite oath to Troy. One way or another Hattu will aid his friends.. the issue is the Hittite’s no longer have an army. He knows the danger.. not only to himself, but the struggling Hittite empire too. Hattu will do everything he can to uphold the oath his brother made to the people of Troy.

The journey to Troy doesn’t go quite as planned and there’s some wonderful interaction with Achilles, the champion within Agamemnon’s army. The early setup in the story describing the dynamic between Achilles and Agamemnon and the struggles they have in the army really worked well.

Hattu arrives at Troy thanks to an unlikely source, only to find things a little bit off. Troy have managed to stop Agamemnon at every step but it’s not been without loss… and the reason behind the losses is not clear cut.. there’s more at play here than we know and Hattu makes his own vow to get to the bottom of this.

The story of Troy’s fall is one most will have heard of, their fate is already sealed, but what Gordon Doherty offers is something new, something fresh, something god damn breath-taking! It felt like I was hearing the tale for the first time. It didn’t feel like a story I’d heard before, there’s so much more depth and emotion.

We see the tale from a different perspective woven expertly with the Hittite’s struggle. The Hittite empire has it’s own issues and I feel the author managed to capture both the struggles of Troy and the Hittites well, neither overshadowing the other.

What Gordon Doherty hit perfectly was the plot and character development, the story flows so naturally and we get depth added to a large number of characters in quick succession as he brings individuals such as Paris, Hector, Agamemnon and many others to life , it’s pure talent to give each character their own depth without moving too far away from the focus of the plot itself.

Doherty constantly brings history to life, uses his knowledge and storytelling skills in such a way that the story mesmerises you. I’m utter in awe of the author and what I’ve just read. The easiest 5* I’ll give this year!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Gods of Rome (Rise of Emperors Book 3) by Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney

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September is turning out to be a very good month indeed with the release of Gods of Rome, book 3 in the Rise of Emperors by Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney!

Happy publication day!!!!

What better way to celebrate than with a 5* review by yours truly!!!

Here’s the blurb

312 AD is a year of horrific and brutal warfare. Constantine’s northern army is a small force, plagued by religious rivalries, but seemingly unstoppable as they invade Maxentius’ Italian heartlands. These relentless clashes, incidents of treachery and twists of fortune see Maxentius’ armies driven back to Rome.

Constantine has his prize in sight, yet his army is diminished and on the verge of revolt. Maxentius meanwhile works to calm a restive and dissenting Roman populace. When the two forces clash in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, there are factors at work beyond their control and soon they are left with carnage.

There is only one way Constantine and Maxentius’ rivalry will end. With one on a bloodied sword and the other the sole ruler of Rome…

Review

When we last were with Constantine and Maxentius it looked like what could have been a lovely brotherhood had suffered irreparable damage that could only lead to war.

Maxentius still holds out hope but the die has been cast… Constantine will march on Rome.

Along the way the blood of many will be shed and the authors managed to wonderfully depict the toll this takes on both men.. it weighs heavy but neither are willing, or able to back down.

What I really find amazing about this series is how seamless each chapter flows into the next, these two authours’ styles blend perfectly together to give us one hell of a richly detailed and exhilarating tale! If you want to get excited about history you can’t go wrong with these two! Doherty and Turney make history come alive!

I also really loved how well the authors showed the discontent of the people, and the legions, with the growing religious tensions added its only a matter of time until the fists start flaying and the swords come out.

I think the most surprising thing is throughout the series I’ve never disliked either Constantine and Maxentius. You always expect to take a side.. but you can’t.. both actually seem to want to do right by Rome and truly believe they are the man to do it, in hindsight I don’t think either man would be able to reconcile the death toll and the pain this journey will cost. They both loose so much.

I’m a big fan of character development and Doherty and Turney are Gods themselves in this arena, not only do the main protagonists develop but they also manage not outshine the rest of the characters, there’s so much packed in it almost seems impossible.

This has been an amazing series to follow and I really hope to see more collaborations, Doherty and Turney bring the best out of each other and as a reader that makes me very lucky..it’s not often you get to read a true masterpiece.

For the lovers of detail and history this book ticks the boxes, for the plot driven lovers you get a detailed plot with beautiful twists along the way..everything flows naturally and damn is it good!

My thanks go to Netgalley and the publisher Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus for an advanced review copy. There’s no way I could pass up the chance to celebrate the release day with a review but as always I’ve bought my own copy too! There’s no free rides with David’s Book Blurg.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon! Of course please do check any local booksellers too! and do let me know of some good ones to follow 🙂

Publication Day!! – Empires of Bronze: Book 4 – The Crimson Throne by Gordon Doherty

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Today I’m celebrating the release of Empires of Bronze Book 4 – The Crimson Throne by Gordon Doherty, and what better way to do that then with a bloody good review 😊

Let’s get started!

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Historical Fiction

A story of bloody and world-shaking revenge

The King of the Hittites has been slain, and a reign of terror begins…

1272 BC: Prince Hattu returns home from the battlefield of Kadesh to find his nephew on the throne, the old king’s blood dripping from his hands. Under Urhi-Teshub’s reign, the Hittite realm has become a land of fear and violent reprisals. Ancient family lines and old ways are being wiped out as the young tyrant strengthens his bronze-fisted grip on power.

Hattu’s loved ones are spared only in return for his absolute obedience. Yet he knows he must choose between his family and his burning need for restitution. The Goddess Ishtar, ever-present in his dreams, assures him that there is only one future.

A war for the throne is coming… and blood will be let.

Review

When last we were with Hattu he had just returned home to find his brother dead and his nephew on the throne.. The truth only just becoming real..the evil that is Urhi-Teshub!

As we rejoin Hattu he’s subdued, his men are scattered and his loved ones used as tool to keep him in check.. meanwhile Ishtar continues to plague Hattu’s dreams with visions of blood.. but he’s stil quite reluctant to accept his fate.

Meanwhile the author transports us to Troy and explores the well-known story around Helen of Troy, Priam, Paris and Hector to name a few, but approaches this tale with his own style and direction, which I really enjoyed.

Praim, king of Troy is well liked by Hattu, and the Hittites have been Troy’s allies for a long time, each coming to the call of the other when in time of need. While on a visit Hattu confides in Praim and the path for both sides starts to become clear. Hattu cannot keep standby and let Urhi-Teshub continue his crimes but Troy is in no position to help him after losing many men at the battle of Kadesh.. Troy have their own trouble brewing. Hattu returns home and forces continue to urge him to act, to seize the throne.

Urhi-Teshub continues to torment his people and removes those he deems to have slighted him.. he’s wicked and evil, and his generals revel in the bloodshed.

How long with Hattu stand back and accept this? And what can he do to stop it? He knows the chances of success are slim…and many will die.. but each and everyone is loyal to Hattu… Urhi-Teshub must fall.

Urhi-Teshub is cunning and has lined many a pocket to buy loyalty, this earns most a slow death, even those who serve him well, but this tactic works for Urhi-Teshub  and we see Hattu banished to the Well of Silence.. In the Well time becomes meaningless and here he endures the worst tortures known.

The Well of Silence for me cemented this book as incomparable and I do not think there is anything that has been, or will be, written that will outshine these scenes!

Hattu battles to survive and sees freedom but there’s no respite.. it’s time for war! Allies make themselves known as they emerge from unlikely sources and together they will face Urhi-Teshub..he will fall..

Now, you may know or may not know the outcome for the Hittites already but the ending of The Crimson Throne is depicted so perfectly, Troy is on the verge of defeat…but where are the Hittites? I really enjoyed the author notes on this bit too linking back to well known sources and the lack of Hittite involvement, enabling the author to weave his tale in such a deliciously amazing way!

Gordon Doherty continues to shine in the historical fiction genre, his passion seeps through the pages and you cannot help but feel his energy in what has to be his best work to date. Fans of the author or the genre will not be disappointed!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

I received an ARC to allow me to have my review ready for release but as always I’ve bought my own copy and an ARC in no way ensures a good review, Gordon Doherty just knows what I like, if it was crap I’d tell you!

BLOG TOUR – Masters of Rome by Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Masters of Rome, book 2 in the Rise of Emperors series by Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney.

Let’s ger started!

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Historical Fiction

As competition for the imperial throne intensifies, Constantine and Maxentius realise their childhood friendship cannot last. Each man struggles to control their respective quadrant of empire, battered by currents of politics, religion and personal tragedy, threatened by barbarian forces and enemies within.

With their positions becoming at once stronger and more troubled, the strained threads of their friendship begin to unravel. Unfortunate words and misunderstandings finally sever their ties, leaving them as bitter opponents in the greatest game of all, with the throne of Rome the prize.

It is a matter that can only be settled by outright war…

Review

When last we were with Constantine and Maxentius their friendship was fractured, their childhood connection  and long standing respect hanging by a thread as they both struggle to gain power within the empire.

War is coming.. but neither side want to admit it or is ready to make the first move.

Doherty and Turney cowrite perfectly, each depicting the role of an emperor and the struggles they faced… money, religion, love, betrayal, murder.. its all there!

I’ve been a big fan of both authors since I caught the reading bug and Masters of Rome didn’t disappoint, it’s a real talent to make history come alive, to add passion..and the knowledge and talent of both authors shines through.

For the action fans there’s some brilliantly depicted military actions on Constantine’s part that I just loved..things could have turned out very differently.

The story really helped me as a reader see the fragility of those in power.. sometimes there is no right decision.. someone will always be unhappy.. but as Maxentius learns the hard way you can only run away from your troubles for so long, sooner or later it will come back to bite you in the arse and towards the end of the book you see the wolves biting at his heals leading to one of the worst decisions he could ever make.

The most interesting bit for me was the advisors both Constantine and Maxentius took guidance from.. They were so heavily relied upon and actually had more power/control than the emperors themselves really.. the trust they had in these individuals must have put a major strain on the relationship.

Both emperors suffer from grief, leading to some rash actions but you could really feel how the events could have played out this way. Mental health is a massive topic these days.. I can’t imagine the mental health of these rulers was all that good to be honest, you really feel for them. I don’t think either really wanted war.. but they are left with little option in order to take the power they truly believe is theirs.

For someone like me who loves the period but doesn’t know a lot of the history it’s great to have it come to life so majestically and what I always appreciate even more is the author notes which clarify where they may have deviated from facts, or made assumptions as there are things we just will never know for sure.. I think that’s why I love the genre.. there’s scope to weave a wonderful tale into history as we know it.

Wonderfully written, powerful, raw emotion. Simply WOW!

Looking forward to the next instalment in the series.

My thanks go to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy. I’ve purchased a copy myself too.. Had it pre-ordered.. I just couldn’t say no to being able to read the book early 😊

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

About the authors

Simon Turney is the author of the Marius’ Mules and Praetorian series, as well as The Damned Emperor series for Orion and Tales of the Empire series for Canelo. He is based in Yorkshire.

Follow Simon

Twitter: @SJATurney

Instagram: @simonturney_aka_sjaturney

Website: http://simonturney.com/

Gordon Doherty is the author of the Legionary and Strategos series, and wrote the Assassin’s Creed tie-in novel Odyssey. He is based in Scotland.

Follow Gordon

Twitter: @GordonDoherty

Instagram: @gordon.doherty

Website: https://www.gordondoherty.co.uk/

Follow Aries

Twitter: @AriesFiction

Facebook: Aries Fiction

Website: http://www.headofzeus.com

Blog tour – Sons of Rome by Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty – Review!

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Today its my turn on the blog tour for Sons of Rome by Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty, the 1st book in a new series!

Follow the tour!

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Here is the blurb –

Four Emperors. Two Friends. One Destiny.

 

As twilight descends on the 3rd century AD, the Roman Empire is but a shadow of its former self. Decades of usurping emperors, splinter kingdoms and savage wars have left the people beleaguered, the armies weary and the future uncertain. And into this chaos Emperor Diocletian steps, reforming the succession to allow for not one emperor to rule the world, but four.

Meanwhile, two boys share a chance meeting in the great city of Treverorum as Diocletian’s dream is announced to the imperial court. Throughout the years that follow, they share heartbreak and glory as that dream sours and the empire endures an era of tyranny and dread. Their lives are inextricably linked, their destinies ever-converging as they rise through Rome’s savage stations, to the zenith of empire. For Constantine and Maxentius, the purple robes beckon…

Review

Regular readers of my blog will no doubt recognise the names Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty, both have featured more than a few times and I must say they always know what I’m after as a reader. I’ve never read a jointly written book before but with these guys behind it I knew it would be a cracking read.

Sons of Rome follows the footsteps of Constantine and Maxentius as the grow from little boys into men fighting for the purple robe of the empire!

The prologue sets the scene for the series as we meet Constantine on the eve of battle against someone he once knew as friend.. how did they get here.. what happened to change those boys.

Power.. that’s what.. and paranoia.

As boys Maxentius and Constantine see Emperor Diocletian share his vision for the future, the empire is too big for one man to rule.. Diocletian wishes to create a new system to share power, A Tetrarchy, which will also inturn decide rightly who will rule when an Augustus dies.

The issue is both boys have fathers who are flawed and neither are really shown the love and affection a young boy needs.

As men both are overlooked and we see them navigate what can only be described as a nightmare of events for both of them..each always thinking of the other but never truly understanding the others motives..jealously and paranoia strike at every turn and while you hope for things to turn out ok nothing is going to stop the black events that are going to follow.

War and death stalk them…greed and the urge to show strength lead both men to do things they likely regret but can never admit.. to proud.. and scared to admit the truth…as they grow you see their hearts turn black, ever changed by the events that mould them into the men they are.

Knowing both authors styles I had no worries at all that the joint effort would be anything but a masterpiece, but they have surpassed all expectations and have given me a true highlight in what has been a pretty shitty year.. we’ve waited for this team up for sooooo long but it was worth the wait!

If you are a fan of the writers’ or just love the genre then I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s got the historic detail you won’t but mixed with a well woven and written plot that flowed almost effortlessly.

Oh, I loved it that much I pre-ordered a limtied editon signed copy from Parmenion Books (Parm was the 1st stop on the tour so do take a look and follow the tour)

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or you can Pre-Order on Amazon!

My thanks go to both Simon and Gordon along with the publisher for the exciting opportunity to be one of the first to read the book but to also be part of the blog tour to celebrate the release!

About the authors

Simon Turney is the author of the Marius’ Mules and Praetorian series, as well as The Damned Emperor series for Orion and Tales of the Empire series for Canelo. He is based in Yorkshire.

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Follow Simon

Twitter: @SJATurney

Website: http://simonturney.com/

Gordon Doherty is the author of the Legionary and Strategos series, and wrote the Assassin’s Creed tie-in novel Odyssey. He is based in Scotland.

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Follow Gordon

Twitter: @GordonDoherty

Website: https://www.gordondoherty.co.uk/

 

Follow Aries

Twitter: @AriesFiction

Facebook: Aries Fiction

Website: http://www.headofzeus.com

New Release! – Empires of Bronze: Thunder at Kadesh by Gordon Doherty – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Empires of Bronze: Thunder at Kadesh by Gordon Doherty, book 3 in the Empires of Bronze series.

Here is the blurb –

1275 BC: Tensions between the Hittite and Egyptian Empires erupt and the two great superpowers mobilise for all-out war. Horns blare across the Hittite northlands and the dunes of Egypt rumble with the din of drums as each gathers an army of unprecedented size. Both set their eyes upon the border between their domains, and the first and most important target: a desert city whose name will toll through history. Kadesh!

Prince Hattu has lived in torment for years, plagued by the memory of his wife’s murder. Thoughts of her poisoner, Volca the Sherden – for so long safe and distant by Pharaoh Ramesses’ side – have sullied his dreams, blackened his waking hours and driven him to commit the darkest of deeds. Now that war is here, he at last has the chance to confront his nemesis and have his vengeance.

But as the ancient world goes to war, Hattu will learn that the cold, sweet kiss of revenge comes at a terrible price.

Review

To say I’ve eagerly been awaiting this release would be an understatement.. I just needed to know if Hattu would get his revenge on Volca for the murder of his wife.

Volca isn’t the only threat Hattu and the Hittite’s face after a failed attempt at peace with the Egyptian empire.

The Pharaoh is amassing an army.. he blames Hattu for the death of his brother and his only goal is to do what his father could not.. kill Hattu and every single Hittite if he has too!

The size of the armies is mind boggling, around 50 thousand on each side.. this really is the battle to end all battles..

Each side has their setbacks in the race to Kadesh, the staging point for the war. The first there holding the advantage.

We see some very interesting subplots going on with Volca worming is way in at any chance.. he really is vile but god he’s the perfect bad guy..his luck will run out one day but will it end there for Hattu? Not likely.. some people were born for battle.

Hattu himself is blind with vengeance.. King Muwa his brother can see this but Hattu doesn’t care… He just wants to see Volca die by his hand. For this reason Muwa nearly leaves him behind but the men of the Hittite army admire Hattu and the King needs them to be confident..strong..and he will take any help he can get.

The goddess Ishtar still plagues Hattu’s dreams but we do see a glimmer of hope arrive… I’m not going to spoil that one 😊 let’s just say things get interesting.

There are some brilliant twists and turns but eventually war will catch-up to Hattu.. and it’s brutal..each side use their wits to trick the other but at the cost of thousands of lives.

When all is said and done many friends will be dead.. but Ishtar has other plans for Hattu.. and more pain and bloodshed await.

What I love about Gordon’s work is that he never fails to offer up something epic.. something flawless and beautifully prefect… you can tell how much time he must put into these books.. there’s no way you could rattle a tale off like this without devoting yourself fully, no matter how good of a storyteller you are.. The author continues to put everything he has into his work and it pays off..you are right there with them in those destroyers alongside the men of Troy basking in the sun..what a sight those armies must have been.

I loved the detail given too when describing the different cultures, the vassal King’s and the way each group dressed.. the weapons they used.. that detail just sucked me in and had my own imagination firing.

The climax of the book reveals secrets you felt were coming.. but god it’s good.. there’s deception all around and it’s a good job Hattu has a goddess watching his back.

I know the day will come soon when we must say goodbye to Hattu.. history is already written.. but I can’t wait to see Gordon Doherty weave his magic with it. Just take my money now!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Legionary: Eagles in the Desert by Gordon Doherty

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Today I’m reviewing Legionary: Eagles in the Desert by Gordon Doherty.

Eagles in the Desert is a short story and prequel to the Legionary series.

By trying this book you’ll also be making a difference – 100% of the proceeds from this short story will go to the blood cancer charity Myeloma UK https://www.myeloma.org.uk/

Here is the blurb –

360 AD: A Roman legion is trapped and surrounded in the blistering Persian desert… and a great saga begins.

Review

So we thought we had seen the last of Pavo but we were wrong.. Well he doesn’t play a big part in this short story but he’s never far from your thoughts as we follow Falco! Pavo’s Father.

The Persians are on the offensive and the legionaries must hold Bezabde.. they know they hold little chance of doing so.. but they must have hope.. courage!

For a fan of the series it’s quite a thrilling tale and it was great to see the similarities between father and son. In the main series Pavo dreams of his father daily… in Eagles in the Desert we see Falco thinking of his son often. The connection between the too has been there all along even though fate does not treat them kindly.

I love the Legionary series and this offering just cements my love of the authors work.. how can anyone make such a good story in 34 pages? Oh and it was bloody nice to seethe withered old crone appear.. A must for any book in the Legionary series!

I think this book works well as a little standalone to introduce you to the series but for anyone like me it just reminds me how good this series really is. There is a tonne of detail for those who love an author setting the scene but also plenty of action driven moments for the adrenaline junkies. What’s not to enjoy?

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Do look out for more from the author soon! 

Empires of Bronze: Thunder at Kadesh (Empires of Bronze 3) due for release 24th September 

Sons of Rome (Rise of Emperors Book 1) a joint effort with the awesome Simon Turney due for release 15th October.