Rise of the Golden Heart

Strategos, Book 2

By: Gordon Doherty

Narrated by: Rob Goll

Stay strong, Haga, for the Golden Heart will rise in the west. At dawn, he will wear the guise of a lion hunter. At noon, he will march to the east as if to conquer the sun itself. At dusk, you will stand with him in the final battle, like an island in the storm.

AD 1068: the armies of the Seljuk Sultanate tear at Byzantium's borders, poised to strike the death blow that will bring all Anatolia under their yoke. Alp Arslan's armies grow stronger with every passing season, while the beleaguered Byzantine soldiers defend for their lives, the hope in their hearts guttering its last.

This war has been Apion's mistress for many years, casting a dark shadow across his soul. When the mysterious crone comes to him, she can offer him only a glimmer of light. But at the darkest of moments, the smallest chink of light can be blinding. It will sweep Apion into the heart of the empire, Constantinople, and then onto the arid plains of Syria. It will taunt him with trust, betrayal, intrigue, love and brutal conflict. But, above all, it will offer him hope.

©2013 Gordon Doherty (P)2016 Gordon Doherty

Performance

Story okay although very predictable in some parts. Liked the book one narration better.
The book 2 narrator, in action parts especially, kept the same stilted dialogue voice.

I am grateful to Mr G Doherty. Another Great Story

I am grateful to the author and all great writers of historical fiction. It quiets a hunger.

Haga! Haga! Darker, though.

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an -->unbiased<-- review

This book just impressed me. I read book one, and I couldn't wait for this! I do enjoy battle, and blood in a book, so keep that in mind. Doherty weaves a perfect story around our beloved Haga, the bloody war hero. We meet new people, new challenges, new scenery, but still Doherty maintains the flavor of the era that was so RIGHT in book 1. I would say that if you enjoyed the first, the second is even better! We have plenty of action, some great character development, intrigue, some relationships, a sprinkling of magicky-mystery, and, of course, battle! I love the blend.

Furthermore, I've been a Roman history fan all my life. I love the *idea* of Rome and the military might it once brought to bear. The tactics too! Seeing this time frame depicted so thoroughly and believably is like a wish granted.

Great story but...

The author is wonderful and the characters are great. This narrater is not very good I am sorry to say. Bring back Nigel Carrington.

The Haga's Tale Continues

“Rise of The Golden Heart”, the second installment in Gordon Doherty ‘s Strategos trilogy delivers once again. Apion has now risen in the ranks to become the Strategos of Chaldia and his reputation as The Haga has spread throughout the lands. He is now one of the most feared among the Seljuk enemies. Once again, Doherty blends a well-researched history with a well written and enjoyable fictional plot. I sat back several times to take in his ability to make his characters fit into this historical period accurately, while I was still able to feel emotion for them, they are so well developed. I was further fascinated with the authors depiction of Constantinople, the seat of power, where Apion faces challenges even more difficult than the battles he has fought on the field. Still fighting the demons of his past, Apion, Maria, and Nazar’s story continues as a heart rending sub-plot. This book also introduces a cliffhanger twist (no spoilers). I listened to the audiobook presentation narrated by Rob Goll, as with all his narrations he is able to portray these characters’ emotions while giving a well-paced and exciting rendering of action. Goll’s vocal interpretations are perfect for the characterization Doherty writes so well. I have moved on to Book 3 and was happy to see Rob is continuing his narration. All formats of “Rise of The Golden Heart” can be found here:

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