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The Borderlands #1
Shadow of the Eagle
Will Britain take him in... or mark him as its enemy?
Faustus Valerianus is the son of a Roman father and a British mother, a captive sold among the spoils after Claudius’s invasion.
Now both parents have died within a month of each other, and so he sells the family farm and enlists, joining legendary general Agricola’s campaign to conquer the entirety of the British Isles culminating in a devastating battle amongst Caledonia's dark mountains.
But Faustus will have to contend with more than ferocious British warriors and whip-cracking elements. For the bonds of blood can weigh heavy on one’s soul. The call of his mother’s true people. His father’s restless shadow. Faustus must carry them with him…
Faustus Valerianus is the son of a Roman father and a British mother, a captive sold among the spoils after Claudius’s invasion.
Now both parents have died within a month of each other, and so he sells the family farm and enlists, joining legendary general Agricola’s campaign to conquer the entirety of the British Isles culminating in a devastating battle amongst Caledonia's dark mountains.
But Faustus will have to contend with more than ferocious British warriors and whip-cracking elements. For the bonds of blood can weigh heavy on one’s soul. The call of his mother’s true people. His father’s restless shadow. Faustus must carry them with him…
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2022
215 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Damion Hunter
28 books70 followersDamion Hunter also publishes under Amanda Cockrell.
See that page for more extensive and interesting information.
See that page for more extensive and interesting information.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 28, 2022
Shadow of the Eagle is both epic and intimate. Amanda Cockrell/Damion Hunter breathes vivid life into the rich cast of characters, giving Roman invaders and British defenders depth and warmth with a detailed yet light touch. A fabulous novel that easily stands shoulder-to-shoulder alongside Rosemary Sutcliff's classics of the genre.
May 11, 2022
Shadow of the Eagle follows Faustus Valerianus, son of a Roman father and British mother, as he joins legendary general Agricola's campaign to conquer the British Isles.
I have a love for all things ancient history and was really excited to read this. The book splits between the pov of Faustus, and Calgacos, leader of the Caledones - Roman v Britain - and it is masterfully done so that you find yourself conflicted about who you want to triumph (alas, why couldn't they all just get along !) This is a story less focused on battles (though there are several, and I found them to be actually nail-biting) and more on relationships - the intricacies and politics of both sides which I found particularly interesting when it came to the Highland clans. And whilst I expected this to be a male dominated book, I was pleasantly surprised to find the inclusion of several strong, independent (to the extent they could be in that time) females- in particular Aelwen, the wife of Calgacos.
Several myths are woven into this book, for example the hill people and selkies, but in such a way as to explain the origin of the myths in a believable (as opposed to outlandish) way.
There was an unexpected warmth and humour to this tale; it is well-researched, well-written and I would highly recommend. I actually have Amanda's Centurions series on my bookshelf and can't wait to dive into those!
I have a love for all things ancient history and was really excited to read this. The book splits between the pov of Faustus, and Calgacos, leader of the Caledones - Roman v Britain - and it is masterfully done so that you find yourself conflicted about who you want to triumph (alas, why couldn't they all just get along !) This is a story less focused on battles (though there are several, and I found them to be actually nail-biting) and more on relationships - the intricacies and politics of both sides which I found particularly interesting when it came to the Highland clans. And whilst I expected this to be a male dominated book, I was pleasantly surprised to find the inclusion of several strong, independent (to the extent they could be in that time) females- in particular Aelwen, the wife of Calgacos.
Several myths are woven into this book, for example the hill people and selkies, but in such a way as to explain the origin of the myths in a believable (as opposed to outlandish) way.
There was an unexpected warmth and humour to this tale; it is well-researched, well-written and I would highly recommend. I actually have Amanda's Centurions series on my bookshelf and can't wait to dive into those!
September 27, 2022
I love a bit of Roman Britain history and this was great! The historical research is impeccable, I really felt like I was seeing this ancient era through the eyes of a centurion and the various native tribes. A great mix of politics and action and folklore from a nuanced set of protagonists. The prose was wonderful, especially the nature and geographical descriptions, and I have a newfound fear of bogs! Great read :)
June 10, 2022
This is a fascinating novel exploring the Roman Conquests of Caledonia, and further exploring the mystifying mythology of the Celtic Isles complete with rip-roaring action, grand narrative, and excellent characters. This novel felt like I had time traveled into the past and was witnessing something epic. Something amazing. Mostly what is known about the relationship between Scottish History and Rome is that there were the Picts and they just kept on raiding Hadrian's wall, which assumes to be the most popular stereotype, when this novel fleshes out the fact that the Caledones (before the Irish Celtic Tribes I believe moved over to Scotland) used to rule much of old Scotland back then and they were more closely related to the Britannic Tribes. This is important to note, because the Caledones may have been one of the most powerful confederations that Rome often had to face in Britannia.
With Agricola being the newly appointed Governor of Britain during this era, he had been one of Rome's most famous generals; helping Vespasian assume power during the Year of the Four Emperors. He led his army to Scotland, and Wales and ventured deep into the far North of the Highlands. During this novel, we begin to see the journey of Faustus Valerianus and how he builds a disorganized legion into one of the best, as they campaign with General Agricola. There's a lot of insight from different points of view: The Celtic Tribes, and the Romans. There are many good characters in this novel that I don't want to spoil. Also, if there was any reason that the Romans were successful against their Germanic or Britannic counterparts, it was because they used divide and conquer. You will find that some Celtic tribes in this novel prefer to be on the cusp of Rome. And other tribes resent it. And therefore this infighting or the inability of the Celtic tribes to adopt Roman tactics, is what really led to their downfall. Studying Arminius and Teutoberg Forest is something I really recommend.
There's a far deeper story here; from Romans learning about the culture of this island, from Selkies and Celtic Mythology being explored; there's a fascinating insight into how the Romans perceived the world, and how their enemies perceived them. And Faustus is also ongoing a period of guilt and sadness from having to deal with the ghosts of his past. And that's a good clue you can take. That being said, there wasn't one central villain in this novel, and that was a good thing. This novel showed both the grey, the good, and the ugly. It showed that all people want is peace, but the desire to expand, to need and want more than what you already have, and never being content with what you have already, is the real reason. It's a really great novel, and it feels like the start of something epic. I really recommend this novel and give this a 10/10.
With Agricola being the newly appointed Governor of Britain during this era, he had been one of Rome's most famous generals; helping Vespasian assume power during the Year of the Four Emperors. He led his army to Scotland, and Wales and ventured deep into the far North of the Highlands. During this novel, we begin to see the journey of Faustus Valerianus and how he builds a disorganized legion into one of the best, as they campaign with General Agricola. There's a lot of insight from different points of view: The Celtic Tribes, and the Romans. There are many good characters in this novel that I don't want to spoil. Also, if there was any reason that the Romans were successful against their Germanic or Britannic counterparts, it was because they used divide and conquer. You will find that some Celtic tribes in this novel prefer to be on the cusp of Rome. And other tribes resent it. And therefore this infighting or the inability of the Celtic tribes to adopt Roman tactics, is what really led to their downfall. Studying Arminius and Teutoberg Forest is something I really recommend.
There's a far deeper story here; from Romans learning about the culture of this island, from Selkies and Celtic Mythology being explored; there's a fascinating insight into how the Romans perceived the world, and how their enemies perceived them. And Faustus is also ongoing a period of guilt and sadness from having to deal with the ghosts of his past. And that's a good clue you can take. That being said, there wasn't one central villain in this novel, and that was a good thing. This novel showed both the grey, the good, and the ugly. It showed that all people want is peace, but the desire to expand, to need and want more than what you already have, and never being content with what you have already, is the real reason. It's a really great novel, and it feels like the start of something epic. I really recommend this novel and give this a 10/10.
June 19, 2022
Had an absolutely stunning map before you even begin to read. I didn’t expect how big this book to be for a big book so it took me a bit longer to finish this one. But with perseverance we got there. I loved the introductions to the characters so you get curious about who is going to appear and feel like you know them a little bit already. If your anything like me I’d definitely write yourself a little mind map of who adds up to you and who are the romans and who are the Britons especially if you aren’t great with familiar names.
It’s extremely heavy with the action but I really loved that there was so much back story into the emotions too. For a historical series which I don’t know much about anyway this first book was eye opening, addictive and it really does make you reflect on the Roman era. The way the different characters shine through makes this a much quicker read. It was like knowing modern people acting a part with the flow of the narrative and the overall plot to the book. It’s very deep and very descriptive but that helps create the perfect scene.
For me it made me even more curious to how times were like with family relations. The divide making the blood line a mixture of both. I do have a confession at at times I did refer to my mind map to keep me up to speed and if you asked me who was involved with who I probably couldn’t tell you but I could most definitely tell you what the characters politics were. Not my usual go to read but one that I’m glad to experience and live in my mind.
It’s extremely heavy with the action but I really loved that there was so much back story into the emotions too. For a historical series which I don’t know much about anyway this first book was eye opening, addictive and it really does make you reflect on the Roman era. The way the different characters shine through makes this a much quicker read. It was like knowing modern people acting a part with the flow of the narrative and the overall plot to the book. It’s very deep and very descriptive but that helps create the perfect scene.
For me it made me even more curious to how times were like with family relations. The divide making the blood line a mixture of both. I do have a confession at at times I did refer to my mind map to keep me up to speed and if you asked me who was involved with who I probably couldn’t tell you but I could most definitely tell you what the characters politics were. Not my usual go to read but one that I’m glad to experience and live in my mind.
November 30, 2023
He had wondered, between meeting the Old One at Llanmelin and the little blue trail markers in the bog, whether this province that had bred his mother was going to take him in or spit him out. The bog had offered an unpleasant third possibility, a gruesome combination of both. [loc. 3193]
After my reread of Frontier Wolf, I found myself in the mood for more historical fiction set in Roman Britain. I'd bought this a year or so ago, but not read it: I might have been more inclined to do so if I'd realised that 'Damion Hunter' is a pen-name of Amanda Cockrell. I am, I freely admit, biased against historical novels by male writers: all too often they focus on the military aspects of a story, to the detriment of characterisation and atmosphere. This is not the case with Rosemary Sutcliff (despite the, I think, exclusively male protagonists of her Roman Britain novels) and it's not the case here.
Shadow of the Eagle is set in Britain, around 78-80AD. The central character is Faustus Silvius Valerianus, son of a Roman father and a British mother: after his father's death he sold the family farm and enlisted in the Army, and shortly thereafter he's posted to Britain. There -- besides being haunted by his father's ghost, who's unhappy about the farm being sold -- Faustus encounters several fascinating individuals, including the tomboyish Constantia; the scholarly Demetrius; and Tuathal Techtmar, an Irish prince in exile. They are all, in various ways, caught up in Agricola's campaign to (a) prove that Britain is an island and (b) conquer it.
There are many viewpoint characters (perhaps too many?) including Faustus and Agricola, the Britons Calgacos and his wife Aelwen, and a girl in the Orkneys, Eirian, who listens to the seals. Faustus also becomes involved with the little dark people, familiar from Sutcliff: the aborigines who inhabited Britain before the Picts, Celts et cetera. Perhaps, as one of their elders says, he's related to them via his mother... Though he's a loyal soldier, Faustus also has considerable sympathy for the outsiders, the conquered, the enemy: he's an intriguing and complex character.
Apart from the multiple viewpoints this novel is very much in the Sutcliff style (though sadly the author doesn't have Sutcliff's knack of capturing an ephemeral moment in a single image, such as reflected light on a boathouse roof or a lamp guttering as the rain approaches). I enjoyed it, and will read the rest of the series -- so far there's one further book, Empire's Edge.
January 18, 2026
The collection of historical fiction that addresses the Romans in Britain is a pretty crowded space with many excellent authors contributing. This book, while enjoyable enough, is nowhere near the best and for me is in some ways annoying. While I understand the author is American, I found the use of several words and phrases very grating especially ‘dove’ as in ‘he dove in…’, but maybe it’s just me, but yuck.
The story concerns a young Roman officer who leaves the family farm in Italy to join the legions in Britain. Interestingly, Faustus Valerianus has a Roman father and British mother. He joins Agricola's campaign to conquer the remaining bits of the British Isles not under Roman control – mainly northern England and Scotland. What follows is a regular account of training, battles and campaigns, told from the perspectives of both Faustus and Calgacos, leader of the Caledones tribe.
Perfectly readable, but there is much better about if you are interested in fictional accounts of the Romans in Britain.
The story concerns a young Roman officer who leaves the family farm in Italy to join the legions in Britain. Interestingly, Faustus Valerianus has a Roman father and British mother. He joins Agricola's campaign to conquer the remaining bits of the British Isles not under Roman control – mainly northern England and Scotland. What follows is a regular account of training, battles and campaigns, told from the perspectives of both Faustus and Calgacos, leader of the Caledones tribe.
Perfectly readable, but there is much better about if you are interested in fictional accounts of the Romans in Britain.
September 23, 2024
A longer book than I expected but that didn't detract from the story in any way. It came over as well researched, covering many aspects of the Roman invasion of Britain with points of view from both sides. The characters are well developed and given space by the author to play a part in the story. The invasion of what we now know as Scotland was interesting and makes one wonder: what if the Romans had stayed in the far north. Would England and Scotland have become two separate nations?
By coincidence, I was on the eastern coast of Scotland this summer and noticed in a museum a reference to the remains of Roman camps much further north than the Antonine Wall which came as a bit of a surprise and this novel has increased my curiosity to find out more about the Romans north of 'The Wall'.
By coincidence, I was on the eastern coast of Scotland this summer and noticed in a museum a reference to the remains of Roman camps much further north than the Antonine Wall which came as a bit of a surprise and this novel has increased my curiosity to find out more about the Romans north of 'The Wall'.
October 4, 2022
Shadow of the Eagle. An absolute page turner from start to finish and a really great read! We follow a young man on his journey up the ranks of the Roman army based in Britain. The story is a great insight in to the way in which Rome tried to conquer the whole of Britain, but also of the defence against her might.
The humour throughout was great and added a real personality to the different characters. The constant change of aims for the main character also kept me engaged throughout!
Can’t wait for the next instalment!
The humour throughout was great and added a real personality to the different characters. The constant change of aims for the main character also kept me engaged throughout!
Can’t wait for the next instalment!
March 29, 2023
Faustus, heir to the family farm, when his father dies, sells it and joins the army and becomes part of Agricola's Caledonian campaign. We get all points of view about the Roman invasion, even from tribesmen of the north. An enjoyable read, with likeable characters. There is a bit of magic realism in the person of Faustus's father's shade who appears to Faustus sometimes and also in the persons of the "Old Ones", the "Little dark people", a type of hobgoblin, who were allegedly of the people who lived in Britain before the current inhabitants.
January 17, 2026
I would have given it 4 stars if not for the rushed first 70 pages which almost made me put the book down and stop reading it. After that it picks up and is an entertaining read.
The characters are slightly shallow and underdeveloped for a large part of the book, but they come to life a bit more at the end.
It was refreshing to see a writer cover a rather large span of time in just one book. A Simon Scarrow or a Bernard Cornwell could easily have squeezed 6-7 books out of the plot for this one.
The characters are slightly shallow and underdeveloped for a large part of the book, but they come to life a bit more at the end.
It was refreshing to see a writer cover a rather large span of time in just one book. A Simon Scarrow or a Bernard Cornwell could easily have squeezed 6-7 books out of the plot for this one.
May 20, 2022
I haven't read much Roman historical fiction before and so I was so excited to be able to read this as part ofthe lovebookstours bookstagram tour.
It was well written with a compelling storyline, a fantastic narrative that was funny and told from different characters point of views, and well developed characters.
It was gripping all the way through, I couldn't put it down and it was full of vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I loved it.
It was well written with a compelling storyline, a fantastic narrative that was funny and told from different characters point of views, and well developed characters.
It was gripping all the way through, I couldn't put it down and it was full of vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I loved it.
May 13, 2022
This gripping and highly entertaining start of a new historical series. It's a well written page turner that kept me hooked and entertained till the end.
I liked the the different POVs, the humour, and the storytelling.
I can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I liked the the different POVs, the humour, and the storytelling.
I can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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January 10, 2023Journey
Certainly is a long read, value for your $. It cruises along mainly, put in a battle to add some excitement. Lots of detail and details. Seems pretty authentic of the times.
Certainly is a long read, value for your $. It cruises along mainly, put in a battle to add some excitement. Lots of detail and details. Seems pretty authentic of the times.
December 1, 2023
Well written adventure
I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the plot as well. I enjoyed the development of the main protagonist and the elements of myth and legend.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the plot as well. I enjoyed the development of the main protagonist and the elements of myth and legend.
September 16, 2024
Book 1 Borderlands Series
Very good read for me as part of the story involves Maryport, Carlisle and Penrith plus mentioning the remote forts in the lake district. Plenty of interesting characters and broad storylines.
Very good read for me as part of the story involves Maryport, Carlisle and Penrith plus mentioning the remote forts in the lake district. Plenty of interesting characters and broad storylines.
January 17, 2025
Having read Hunter's earlier novels in the 1980s(!), this feels similar, but it's still a fun read for all of that. This seems to be the first of a three book series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
June 2, 2022
A great story
Please keep writing you have a talent, That keeps people reading. I like your story and the main character. Start writing the next book.
Please keep writing you have a talent, That keeps people reading. I like your story and the main character. Start writing the next book.
July 22, 2022
Great read.
Excellent read from the start to the end. Twist and turns from chapter too chapter. Bring on the next instalment.
Excellent read from the start to the end. Twist and turns from chapter too chapter. Bring on the next instalment.
November 14, 2023
Definitely one of the dullest books I have ever read. Sure, the history has been well-researched, but there is no artistry to the writing. There is no character growth and the plot is boring.
January 23, 2024
this was just okay
April 28, 2024
Fantastic read loved this book can't wait to start book 2
October 8, 2024
Excellent,good characters, fast paced
Really good read. I loved all of the characters and the story line. It’s different to many of the historical novels.
Really good read. I loved all of the characters and the story line. It’s different to many of the historical novels.
May 31, 2022
This Roman fiction novel is very well written and enjoyable. Faustus Valerianus is the son of a British mother and Roman father. Shadow Of The Eagle follows Faustus as he joins Agricolas campaign to conquer the British Isles. This is a dual POV story, told from a British and Roman standpoint. This is a very enjoyable book that will keep you captivated until the end.
June 25, 2022
I can't wait for the next book! I could not put this down. It was terrifically well researched, and the characters really came to life. I loved the wry humor and imaginative descriptions that the author used.
Please publish the sequel(s) soon!
Please publish the sequel(s) soon!
May 16, 2023
My favorite genres are historical fiction and fantasy. This story establishes great detail about Roman life in Britain but also infuses the story with a wonderful touch of magic. The main character encounters ghosts and ancient Celtic influences, but none of these rob him of his choices. That balance is hard to do and this book did it perfectly. This is the beginning of a series.
April 27, 2023
"Hunter" is still turning out ripping yarns of Roman fiction with likable characters. This one's set in Britain -- Wales, Scotland, and the Orkneys.
June 8, 2023
I’ve enjoyed Damion Hunter’s (Amanda Cockrell’s) previous books, and this one didn’t disappoint. Faustus Valerianus, a man of both Roman and British background, is an extremely well-drawn character it is easy to care about as he negotiates the dangerous times of Agricola’s northern campaign and the ultimate battle of Mons Graupius. The novel ends rather abruptly, but it is the first part of a series, so I’m looking forward to continuing Faustus’ story in future volumes.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews