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Gordon Doherty
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Legionary II: Viper of the North Kindle Edition

by Gordon Doherty (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,714 ratings

A tale of adventure and military brotherhood in the legions of Rome

The Danubian frontier is weaker than ever, and a storm is gathering in the north . . .

Deep winter, 376 AD: Emperor Valens has withdrawn the field armies from Moesia and Thracia to fight in the Persian War. The impoverished limitanei legions left behind to defend the banks of the River Danubius are now all that stand between the war-hungry Goths and heart of the Eastern Roman Empire.

For Numerius Vitellius Pavo and the men of the XI Claudia, the brief from Emperor Valens is simple: to avoid war with the Goths at all costs while the Roman defences are so weak. But in the frozen lands north of the Danubius a dark legend, thought long dead, has risen again. The name is on the lips of every warrior in Gutthiuda; the one who will unite the tribes, the one whose armies will march upon the empire, the one who will bathe in Roman blood . . . The Viper!

Epic Roman fiction, brimming with adventure, battles, blood and gore, from the pen of Gordon Doherty - bestselling author of Rise of Emperors, Strategos, Empires of Bronze and Assassin's Creed.

A perfect read for fans of Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series, Conn Iggulden's Emperor series, Simon Scarrow's Macro and Cato saga, Ben Kane's Forgotten Legion series and SJA Turney's Marius' Mules saga.

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  1. Book 2 of 10
    Legionary
  2. Print length
    449 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    August 14, 2012
  6. File size
    5.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 10 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gordon is a Scottish writer, addicted to reading and writing historical fiction. His Legionary and Strategos novels have been an Amazon smash-hit, and have gone on to be translated and published in Russia, Italy and Greece.

Gordon's love of history was first kindled by the ruins of Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall, and travelling around the ancient world has kept the fire burning brightly ever since. He finds the Late Roman Empire and Byzantine eras intriguing, particularly the metamorphosis from late antiquity into the 'dark ages' and the medieval period. Equally, the Bronze Age and Classical Greece are firm favourites of his.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008Y1L3LM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ www.gordondoherty.co.uk
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 14, 2012
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 449 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 10 ‏ : ‎ Legionary
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,714 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Gordon Doherty

Gordon Doherty

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

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.

For exciting news, extracts and exclusive content from Gordon:

Visit www.gordondoherty.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @GordonDoherty

Follow his author page on www.facebook.com/gordon.doherty

Subscribe to his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/GordonDohertyAuthor

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,714 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical novel engaging, with battle scenes that are particularly stirring and well-researched Gothic war details. The writing is easy to read, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced narrative that draws readers in. They appreciate the historical accuracy, with one customer noting the author's detailed portrayal of this time period.

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ReadabilityHistorical accuracyWriting qualityCharacter developmentStorylinePacingResearch quality
60 customers mention "Readability"55 positive5 negative

Customers find the book readable and entertaining, describing it as a fun page turner that draws readers into the story.

"...That is the main storyline and one that is riveting in its telling and imaginative in its scope...." Read more

"...ordinary lives of the legions, of the townspeople, their simple pleasures and tribulations...." Read more

"...characters are well developed and the story line is well done and captivating...." Read more

"I read a ton of Roman era fiction and non fiction. Found the book enjoyable, yet not as detailed as some of the other authors in the genre...." Read more

57 customers mention "Historical accuracy"48 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, describing it as a thrilling novel with stirring battle scenes and good details about the Gothic wars.

"...chaos and mayhem of battle, the author also gives us some very nice twists and turns along the way not the least of which is the identity of The..." Read more

"...He builds a graphic picture of the gothic invasions and makes history truly come to life...." Read more

"...Roman Empire in its declining years, as well as a good read in the genre of historical history." Read more

"...Indeed, his battle scenes are very stirring and his attention to the minor historical details, equipment and tactics of legion life are first class...." Read more

27 customers mention "Writing quality"25 positive2 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with one customer noting it is typo-free.

"...However, as good as that story is, it is the detailed characterizations making up this story that really sells the goods...." Read more

"...The beauty of the story is the detailed picture painted of the ordinary lives of the legions, of the townspeople, their simple pleasures and..." Read more

"...His writing also is creditable and pretty much typo free...." Read more

"...Excellent writingand vividly descriptions of battles and the daily nuances alike...." Read more

24 customers mention "Character development"24 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one mentioning the many likable rogues and another noting the top shelf villains.

"...Throughout the telling of this tale there are many likable rogues most especially in the XI Claudia, the core if you will of that depleted Border..." Read more

"A well written story with characters exhibiting the flaws of human nature...." Read more

"...The characters are well developed and the story line is well done and captivating...." Read more

"...I like the main characters and I found the book moved at a great pace. My problem? The sheer omnipotence of the principal bad guy, The Viper...." Read more

24 customers mention "Storyline"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, describing it as a terrific series that follows the narrative with the next installment.

"...That is the main storyline and one that is riveting in its telling and imaginative in its scope...." Read more

"...Though each story is complete unto its own, it is also a great series, building on each of the books before and following the story with the next,..." Read more

"...You will notbe disappointed. Extremely entertaining, with enough storyline to allow true history to take on a new image for the characters..." Read more

"I really, really enjoyed these Legionary Series...." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it fast-paced with non-stop action.

"...I like the main characters and I found the book moved at a great pace. My problem? The sheer omnipotence of the principal bad guy, The Viper...." Read more

"Another page turner from Gordon Doherty. Well written and fast paced as always, but in this, the second book of the Legionary series, you encounter..." Read more

"I like Doherty's writing style, it is not ponderous, action moves quickly, but not too fast...." Read more

"This one sped along with tremendous battles, top shelf villains, some interesting history, and a steadily growing main character...." Read more

8 customers mention "Research quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the research quality of the book, noting it is well-researched, and one customer mentions it contains comprehensive information.

"...The author has done great research, supplies a glossary at the end for all the words knot currently familiar in my very American/West Coast life...." Read more

"...opportunities, shifts seamlessly through his enemies ranks, knows absolutely everything and is generally an all-round super-villain...." Read more

"Mr Doherty has well researched, thought out and written his bokk...." Read more

"...Great to know and comfortable to be with." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Paul Bennett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Legionary Viper of the North by Gordon Doherty
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The decision to read Legionary 2 at this particular time was made despite the fact that I am currently in the process of reading many different series including Mr. Doherty's Stratego, Angus Donald's Outlaw, Giles Kristian's Raven, Robert Fabbri's Vespasian, Ben Kane's Hannibal and SJA Turney's Marius Mules & Ottoman Cycle. So as you can see there was a lot of excellent material to choose from. Having decided to go with either Legionary 2 or Stratego 2 next, I sent a tweet to Gordon Doherty asking him as to which I should choose. He re-tweeted asking if I preferred to be in the baking sun or a wintry blizzard. Well given the 95 degree temperatures and 100% humidity we have endured the last week, the wintry blizzard won out.
    The Goths are uniting under a mysterious shade from the past, The Viper, who has only the destruction of The Roman Empire on his mind. This part of The Empire is not well manned by The Legions and would seem to be ripe targets for the Gothic Invasion. That is the main storyline and one that is riveting in its telling and imaginative in its scope. However, as good as that story is, it is the detailed characterizations making up this story that really sells the goods. The main characters are each imbued with the secrets that make them tick, make them do the things they do, make them live and breathe despite their doubts and nightmares. Pavo and his search for truth, Avitus for atonement, Gallus for peace, these and many other torments and desires are hidden deep in each one's mind and draw the reader in to experience the turmoil.
    Throughout the telling of this tale there are many likable rogues most especially in the XI Claudia, the core if you will of that depleted Border Legion would fit in well with Vespasian's 2nd Legion with Macro and Cato or with Fronto's 10th Legion with Caesar in Marius Mules. Of course any tale worth telling has to have the not so likable and this tale has plenty to go around and not all of them are Gothic but even a couple of them find redemption of some sort.
    Along with the chaos and mayhem of battle, the author also gives us some very nice twists and turns along the way not the least of which is the identity of The Viper. That revelation is certainly a stunner and really adds to the drama. It is a well written and researched episode and I look forward to the next one in the series.
    I rate this at 4.5
    A note on Hoover Book Reviews new rating policy:
    In order to have a little more leeway in rating a book we at Hoover Book Reviews are adopting the following policy. The system will still be based on 1-5 stars but with tenth of a point intervals, so a book that we in the past have rated 5 stars can now be more accurately fixed at say 4.5 or 4.2...etc etc. Of course this will only be reflected in the review itself as I cannot change Amazon's restrictive, whole numbers only method.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ken Moxham
    4.0 out of 5 stars A well written story with characters exhibiting the flaws of ...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A well written story with characters exhibiting the flaws of human nature. The beauty of the story is the detailed picture painted of the ordinary lives of the legions, of the townspeople, their simple pleasures and tribulations. He builds a graphic picture of the gothic invasions and makes history truly come to life. Finally he has a chapter explaining how his story fits around the history.
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  • Therin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Legionary Series by Doherty
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I love historical fiction and have sought to widen my knowledge beyond the British Isles with this series. The author has done great research, supplies a glossary at the end for all the words knot currently familiar in my very American/West Coast life. The characters are well developed and the story line is well done and captivating. Though each story is complete unto its own, it is also a great series, building on each of the books before and following the story with the next, with still more to come. I highly recommend the series for those interested in the history of the Roman Empire in its declining years, as well as a good read in the genre of historical history.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • js
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fun read..yet story borders on fantasy
    Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I read a ton of Roman era fiction and non fiction.
    Found the book enjoyable, yet not as detailed as some of the other authors in the genre.
    There are many plot points in the story where the actions of the protagonists border on the magical...as if the story was written to be a fantasy novel but the author pulls back at the last minute from giving them non human powers. The Viper character seems to have almost superhuman powers. Sort of reminds me of Avshar in the great Misplaced Legion books by Harry Turtledove.
    Also, the main character gets chopped up and beaten up so badly in so many battles and confrontations that its sort of a stretch to believe that he survives through 2 novels.
    So as long as you are reading for fun and aren't picky about the story adhering to realism, pick it up.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Bob Jarvis
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good military history, if a little unbelievable.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I would like to get something straight from the outset; Gordon Doherty knows how to spin a yarn. His writing also is creditable and pretty much typo free. Indeed, his battle scenes are very stirring and his attention to the minor historical details, equipment and tactics of legion life are first class. I like the main characters and I found the book moved at a great pace.
    My problem? The sheer omnipotence of the principal bad guy, The Viper. He moves like a shadow, is alert to all dangers and opportunities, shifts seamlessly through his enemies ranks, knows absolutely everything and is generally an all-round super-villain. Some of his actions are quite simply unbelievable. Add to this the general invulnerability of the main heroes making them unable to become incapacitated for more than half a day, despite receiving wounds that would likely kill lesser human beings. They also constantly escape death from situations that are so dire as to beggar belief when the saving miracles occur. All this tends to bring a totally unlooked for element of "Captain Jack Sparrow" type fantasy to the story.
    Be that as it may, Mr. Doherty does have the ability to make me hang on his every word so, despite my "reality" misgivings, I will almost certainly be there for the next slice of high-jinks that he serves up so well.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Christian Anderson Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars SoGood
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    If you enjoy Simon Scarrow but are tired of hisbooks not being on Kindle give this series a TRY. You will notbe disappointed. Extremely entertaining, with enough storyline to allow true history to take on a new image for the characters introduced in this plot line to become real. Excellent writingand vividly descriptions of battles and the daily nuances alike. If you enjoy Scarrow,Cornwell and others within historical fiction you will love this!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Craigdarroch Goldens
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining
    Reviewed in Canada on September 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Love the detail and characters. Fast paced and exciting. Great read for plane rides, beaches or just sitting in your lazy boy. Highly recommend.
    Report
  • Je Salter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Legionary: Viper of the North
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I read the prequel to Legionary, the first in the series, a couple years ago after it was recommended to me by Simon Turney (author) and decided to give it a go as he highly recommended it. The late Roman period usually isn't my cup of tea but it is a history novel and it contains Roman soldiers so that was good enough for me.

    The Legionary in question in book one and Viper of the North is a young man called Vitellius Pavo who through misfortune was born into slavery but eventually joined the legions where to all intents and purposes he grows and develops into a man. In book two the Gothic hordes are gathering on the border and threatening to invade badly depleted forts and garrisons of the empire.

    In Viper of the North as a reader you get a real sense of the cold, snow and general awful sense of winter combined with ancient battles and war as the Viper appears and attempts to destroy the very people who tried to destroy him or should I say the very thought of him? I don't want to spoil it so won't say too much and give it away.

    The story contains strong characters that you will be able to relate with and there are those that you would enjoy being in the company of, Pavo for example who is honest, hard working yet humble and a warrior. Then there are others such as Senator Tarquitius who cares nothing for anyone else and is only out to get what he can for himself.

    There is also an incompetent, arrogant and quite despicable Roman officer, who you are just willing throughout to have the most awful and hideous death in the form of Lupicinius who tries his best to destroy the Claudia XI Legion whilst Tribune Gullus is elsewhere fighting for the cause as well as a whole host of other excellent characters.

    In summary, if you like good historic novels, with engaging personalties, a cracking storyline and an atmosphere that actually makes you shiver due to the cold that you are reading about, get yourself a copy of Viper of the North. It's packed full of historically accurate detail, lot's of action and is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
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  • ChasB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best in the sequence, but, great as a stand-alone too!
    Reviewed in Australia on June 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    For some reason I came to this story out of sequence, but, it still stood tall as a complete, compelling tale.
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  • Kindle-KundeLouis
    3.0 out of 5 stars Legisnary
    Reviewed in Germany on January 31, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Well written, plot. A bit transparent, it is practically immediately obvious that the main miscreant is the so-called ambassador alias the viper.. this book I would recommend for young or naiv readers.
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  • Brent Towns
    4.0 out of 5 stars Now for the third...
    Reviewed in Australia on October 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I don't think this was as good as the first one, But in saying that it was still pretty good.
    This one had a lot more mystery and intrigue about it with just a touch of fantasy surrounding one of the main characters.
    But the old salts are still there and a few newer ones standing in the shield wall.
    It flowed well and holds your attention.
    And after I read the first book I did buy the next two and for the price why not. It's a great story and recommend it without reservation.
    Now for the third installment!!
    Report

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