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. _____________________ Praise for Legionary: The Emperor's Shield ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Doherty once again proves himself a master of Roman fiction. His ability to weave detailed knowledge of the Roman world into a rip-roaring adventure is second to none. This novel is authentic, enthralling, and a must read for anyone in search of swords, adventure, or just to be transported to the ancient world." - Peter Gibbons, author of the hit 'Viking Blood and Blade' series & winner of the 2022 Kindle Storyteller Award "I loved this book. You are gripped from the moment you begin to read. Intrigue and treachery ooze from every word of the prologue, guaranteeing that you will read on. An epic story of life in a decaying and self-destructive empire, I can highly recommend the latest book from a master of his craft." - Griff Hosker, author of over 150 bestselling historical novels "A page-turning adventure in a meticulously detailed world, with a likeable hero in the weary ex-legionary Pavo, entwined once more - reluctantly - in the tangled and bloody politics of the late fourth century Roman Empire and the machinations of a mysterious saboteur." - Damion Hunter, bestselling author of Roman fiction, including 'Shadow of the Eagle' "The novel is thick with adventure, intrigue, and high drama. Doherty is a skillful author who draws the reader in with the force of his vision." - Historical Novel Society "I’ve found my book of 2023! I don’t think you’ll find any better storyteller out there!" - David's Book Blurg "What an adventure! Pavo is the perfect protagonist, and Gordon Doherty is one of the best storytellers around." - History, the Interesting Bits! "Action-packed, assured, thrilling" - WhatCathyReadNext