Picture a storyteller who conjures the clash of Roman swords and the whispers of ancient empires—meet Damion Hunter! Behind this evocative pseudonym is Amanda Cockrell, a masterful historical fiction author whose gripping tales, especially the beloved Centurions series, have enthralled readers for decades. With a knack for weaving rich historical detail into pulse-pounding narratives, Hunter transports us to the heart of the Roman Empire.
Born in 1948 in the quirky, horse-friendly town of Ojai, California, Cockrell grew up surrounded by Hollywood’s creative buzz and a fascination with history. Her diverse career—from penning radio jingles to teaching at Hollins University—shapes her vibrant storytelling, blending academic rigor with a storyteller’s flair.
The Making of Damion Hunter
Amanda Cockrell’s journey to becoming Damion Hunter began in Ojai, where she rode horses down Main Street and soaked up the eclectic vibes of a town teeming with artists and dreamers. Her parents, both screenwriters, sparked her love for storytelling, though it was a college friend’s gift of Rosemary Sutcliff’s novels that ignited her passion for Roman history. After earning a master’s in creative writing from Hollins University, Cockrell taught children’s literature and creative writing, honing her craft. Writing as Damion Hunter, she embraced historical fiction, channeling her research into vivid tales of valor and intrigue.
Damion Hunter’s Unforgettable Stories
The Centurions series, Hunter’s crown jewel, follows half-brothers Correus and Flavius navigating the brutal Roman legions in 1st-century Britain. The first book, The Centurions (1981), sets the stage with their rivalry and battles against German tribes, praised for its historical depth and gripping action. Barbarian Princess shifts to Wales, exploring themes of loyalty and loss, while The Emperor’s Games and The Border Wolves (2021) wrap up the saga with political intrigue and epic warfare. Fans compare Hunter’s immersive style to Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow, noting her ability to humanize history’s chaos.
Beyond the Centurions, Hunter’s The Legions of the Mist (1979) and its sequel, The Wall at the Edge of the World, delve into Roman Britain’s mysteries, showcasing her versatility. As Amanda Cockrell, she also penned What We Keep Is Not Always What Will Stay, a young adult novel lauded by The Boston Globe, and trilogies like The Deer Dancers, set in pre-Columbian Americas, reflecting her broad historical curiosity.
Why Damion Hunter Matters
Damion Hunter’s work stands out for its meticulous research and vivid character arcs, bringing ancient worlds to life for modern readers. Her ability to balance action with emotional depth has earned her a loyal following among historical fiction fans. By completing the Centurions series after a 40-year gap, Cockrell showed her dedication to her craft and her characters, cementing her legacy as a storyteller who bridges past and present. Her influence extends to her students at Hollins, where she inspired a new generation of writers.
- Born: 1948, Ojai, California
- Key Works: The Centurions series, The Legions of the Mist, What We Keep Is Not Always What Will Stay
- Pseudonym: Damion Hunter (Amanda Cockrell)
- Awards: Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and Virginia Commission for the Arts
Ready to march with Roman legions or explore ancient Americas? Snag The Centurions and dive into Damion Hunter’s thrilling historical adventures!