Battle For Empire

Eskkar Saga #4

by Sam Barone

Battle For Empire is the latest novel in Sam Barone’s six part series, a bronze age historical saga in the tradition of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell, and Jean Auel. In Dawn of Empire, Eskkar the warrior and Trella the slave girl come together in a mighty struggle to survive a barbarian invasion and build mankind’s first walled city. Fifteen years have passed, and under Trella’s guidance, Akkad has become the most prosperous and powerful city in the Land Between the Rivers. Now Eskkar and Trella face new menaces to their growing empire – an invasion from the north, the return of the hostile steppes horsemen, and their rebellious son, Sargon, who threatens to destroy everything his parents have worked so hard to create. Eskkar must face his former clan in a battle that only one side can survive. Meanwhile, his son Sargon, instead of preparing for his role as heir to the throne, falls deeper into idleness and disrepute. In desperation, his parents banish Sargon, sending him to the barbarian warriors of the steppes to learn honor or die. But even as he dreams of taking power from his parents, Sargon encounters Tashanella, the beautiful and gifted daughter of the clan’s chief. She shows Sargon a different path to the future. When he is suddenly thrust into battle, Sargon discovers that he must learn the way of the warrior not only to survive, but to save Tashanella’s life, and the city of Akkad. As Eskkar and Trella deal with the northern invasion, Bracca, Eskkar’s companion from the old days, risks his life to bring warning of yet another danger. The mighty Elamite Empire, the near mythical land beyond the mountains, has cast its eyes on the riches of the Land Between the Rivers. The Elamites must expand to survive, and they, too, plan to invade the Land Between the Rivers and reduce its people to slavery. Eskkar and Trella must find some way to defeat this vastly superior force, not of untrained barbarian hordes, but skilled soldiers led by experienced conquerors. All of Eskkar’s battle skills will be put to the test. And Sargon becomes the reluctant warrior who holds the key not only to Akkad salvation, but to his parents’ survival.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Fantasy, Epic, Ancient History

490 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2012

Reviews

[Cristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this series to anyone with an interest in historical fiction, especially the early history of Mesopotamia. This is book 5 of 6. Can't wait for book 6!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good concept to breathe more life into the series.

[Dor G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it's a simple story I've found this series to be engaging, interesting as it's set in 3000BC, and a real pleasure to read. Book 5 of 6 and well worth reading if you're a fan of historical fiction with plenty of action.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. It puts you in the clan with the characters in the time. This was a different perspective being from the errant son but it was well put together with convincing scenes making this believable in its authenticity. One more book to go (sadly) but looking forward to the conclusion.

[Shawkat Kamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read

It was refreshing to go through the early life of young Sargon. The romance of youth was portrayed really nicely as well.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Sam Barone. As with all the other books in the series this one has the quality to transport the reader back in time to a world that probably never really existed and yet it feels as though it did. Can't wait to get my hands on the two titles I've not read yet.

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's entertaining, it's a reasonable storyline and I enjoyed it... but I also felt that perhaps, just perhaps, it was losing the vitality of the first two books in the series...
I still enjoyed it and would recommend it as exactly what it is, entertainment.

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this genre of novel as they are nearly always fast-paced and exciting. This is certainly both of these things and is also well-written. Would highly recommend this series.

[66yoguy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Sam Barone great read. This is one of the best historical fiction I've read. Empire Rising is a great adventure with great characters.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction at its best - book 5 of 6. Love how the series advances over the years and we get to see some characters later in life.

READ THIS!

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sargon, the son of Eskkar and Trella, comes of age with a nomadic clan and Akkad prepares for a new threat from the east.

[Paul Rajkumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Purchased Kindle edition on Amazon