About the Book
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 what would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?
Format: eBook (407 pages) Publisher:
Publication date: 27th March 2025 Genre: Historical Fiction
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My Review
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 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.
I received a digital review copy courtesy of the author. For very personal reasons, Gordon supports the charity Myeloma UK and if you would like to make a donation follow this link to his JustGiving page.
In three words: Action-packed, emotional, gripping
Try something similar: Revenge of Rome (Eagles of the Empire #23) by Simon Scarrow
About the Author
Gordon is a Scottish writer, addicted to reading and writing historical fiction. His novels have been Amazon smash-hits, and have gone on to be translated and published in Russia, Italy and Greece. Gordon’s love of history was first kindled by visits to the misty Roman ruins of Britain and the sun-baked antiquities of Turkey and Greece. His expeditions since have taken him all over the world and back and forth through time (metaphorically, at least), allowing him to write tales of the later Roman Empire, Byzantium, Classical Greece and even the distant Bronze Age.
Connect with Gordon
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What Cathy Read Next... 
I think it is brave to finish a series these days. So often the readers just want the series to keep going. There are some series out there that should have been wrapped up years ago!
Thanks for sharing your review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
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The author said he found it difficult too. I know he’s had a personal loss recently and that probably added to it, perhaps also the feeling that he wanted to move on to something new. He has written other series and also collaborated with other authors of historical fiction.
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