Chris Young reviewed Viper of the North by Gordon Doherty (Legionary, #2)
Review of 'Viper of the North' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This is probably the best Roman fiction I've read. Actually, I think it's the only Roman fiction I've read, but don't let that cloud my glowing opening statement.
This book tells the story of the Viper, a Gothic warrior who is killed long before Chapter 1 even starts. As a shade, he doesn't get much air-time for obvious reasons, which focuses on Pavo and the XI Claudia. However, nobody in this book is as they seem, and it is full of crossing, double-crossing, back-stabbing and shady pasts.
Although a work of fiction, like Sharpe it has a basis in real historic events with the usual caveats for artistic licence. Anybody who likes back-stabbing, Romans, battles and [a:Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1240500522p2/12542.jpg] should pick this up.
NB: I received this book via a Goodreads giveaway.