This is Conn Iggulden doing what he does best, combining historical fiction with heroic fiction. I found this novel a treat (especially after slating "Dunstan" and not being impressed with "The Sword Saint") it is great to see a fantastic "Historical fiction"writer back to his best. Here the focus is on Athens. Themistocles and Xanthippus and the sea battles to save Athens more than the land battles, Leonidas and the 300, though they appear (after all an important part of the tale) take second seat, Unusual in the extreme. Marathon is perfectly and bloodily portrayed. Another cracker from Mr Iggulden. If historical fiction is your thing then this is the real deal. A tad educational as well as a great read.
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