Welcome to this week’s post about the books I have been reading. Today, I have two books that were written as part of a series…

These two books are part of a larger series about Ancient Greece, but they tell the story of one of the most important men of 5th century BC Athens: Pericles. The first book is called Lion, #01 The Golden Age.

Here is the blurb:

“Ancient Greece, 5th century BC

The age of myths and legends has given way to the world of men. In the front rank stands Pericles, Lion of Athens.

Behind Pericles lies the greatest city of the ancient world. Before him, on land and at sea, stands the merciless Persian army. Both sides are spoiling for war.

Though still a young man, Pericles knows one thing: to fight a war you must first win the peace.

It’s time for a hero to rise.

For his enemies to tremble.

And for Athens, a city of wisdom and warriors, to shine with glory . . .”

 

 

The book didn’t take long to read and I then wrote my response on Goodreads:

The Lion by Conn Iggulden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book and am going straight on to the sequel, however, it was not my favourite from this author. Having studied this period at university, I was interested to read a fictional account of these famous and noted men and the deeds that made them so. I felt that the female characters were shoehorned into the book just to avoid cries of sexism, but Ancient Greek society was incredibly restrictive towards women.

Anyway, I will read on despite the writing being rather dry.

View all my reviews

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On finishing the book, I went straight to the sequel, Empire, #02 The Golden Age…

First we have the blurb:

“Pericles returns home more than a hero: he’s the leader of Athens, the empire’s beacon of light in the dark.

But even during times of peace, the threat of Sparta – Athens’s legendary rival – looms large on the horizon. When a sudden catastrophe brings Sparta to its knees, Pericles sees a golden opportunity to forever shift the balance of power in his city’s favour.

For sometimes, the only way to win lasting peace is to wage war.

Sparta may be weak, but their power is far from extinguished. Soon a ruthless young boy steps forward to lead the Spartans back to greatness.

As the drums of battle draw closer, can Pericles rise once more or will the world’s greatest empire fall under his watch?”

And this is my short review on Goodreads:

Empire: Enter the battlefields of Ancient Greece in the epic new novel from the multi-million copy bestseller by Conn Iggulden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have now read both books about Pericles and thought that the second was slightly better than the first. Having studied this period, I realise that Iggulden simplified the complex events for the benefit of his readers. The ending to the tale was rather abrupt, but the whole book was well paced.

These have not been my favourite books by the author, but I did enjoy reading them and they are worth looking at if you are interested in the famous characters and events of this period of history.

View all my reviews

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Perhaps these books were just what I needed after a few days in hospital a fortnight ago! Anyway, I am now enjoying a totally different genre and will tell you about it next week.

Happy Reading to you all!

Love and best wishes,

Anne

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