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The Falcon of Sparta
In the Ancient World, one army was feared above all others. This is their story.
When Cyrus, brother to the Great King of Persia, attempts to overthrow his reckless sibling, he employs a Greek mercenary army of 10,000 soldiers. When this army becomes stranded as a result of the unexpected death of Cyrus, and then witnesses the treacherous murder of its entire officer corps, despair over takes them.
One man, Xenophon, rallies the Greeks. As he attempts to lead them to freedom across 1,500 miles of hostile territory seething with adversaries, 10,000 men set off on the long way home.
When Cyrus, brother to the Great King of Persia, attempts to overthrow his reckless sibling, he employs a Greek mercenary army of 10,000 soldiers. When this army becomes stranded as a result of the unexpected death of Cyrus, and then witnesses the treacherous murder of its entire officer corps, despair over takes them.
One man, Xenophon, rallies the Greeks. As he attempts to lead them to freedom across 1,500 miles of hostile territory seething with adversaries, 10,000 men set off on the long way home.
448 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2018
881 people are currently reading
5268 people want to read
About the author
Conn Iggulden
145 books6,049 followersAlso publishes under author name C.F. Iggulden.
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
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July 27, 2021
I now have a YouTube channel that I run with my brother, called 'The Brothers Gwynne'. Check it out - The Brothers Gwynne
My extended review is now on BookNest!
BookNest - The Falcon of Sparta
“Your gold buys my service, pleasure of seeing Spartans in battle. It is a rare gift and worth more than mere coins. After all, most men see it only once and never again.”
I have finished The Falcon of Sparta after two weeks. It took me a lot longer than expected due to a complete lack of free time and events.
This was a great book with an interesting historical retelling of a great adventure set in around 400BC. It is based in the heart of the Persian Empire, with the reign of a new King and the conflicts that arise with his brother because of that.
Every aspect of this novel was well executed, from the characters, to the plot, to the concepts, particularly the Spartans who were so epic! But the magical touch that makes a book 5-stars wasn't there, and I cannot put my finger on what was slightly lacking. But it was still a great read that was written with Iggulden's usual smooth prose, and filled with his historical knowledge that brought the story to life.
The battles varied from small skirmishes to huge scale of one-million combatants, and each one was written brilliantly and vividly, with it being both simple enough for the reader to understand, and chaotic as all battles truly are.
I would recommend to any who enjoy historical fiction, or those who have enjoyed this authors other works, or if you have an interest in Persian or Ancient Greek history and culture.
My extended review is now on BookNest!
BookNest - The Falcon of Sparta
“Your gold buys my service, pleasure of seeing Spartans in battle. It is a rare gift and worth more than mere coins. After all, most men see it only once and never again.”
I have finished The Falcon of Sparta after two weeks. It took me a lot longer than expected due to a complete lack of free time and events.
This was a great book with an interesting historical retelling of a great adventure set in around 400BC. It is based in the heart of the Persian Empire, with the reign of a new King and the conflicts that arise with his brother because of that.
Every aspect of this novel was well executed, from the characters, to the plot, to the concepts, particularly the Spartans who were so epic! But the magical touch that makes a book 5-stars wasn't there, and I cannot put my finger on what was slightly lacking. But it was still a great read that was written with Iggulden's usual smooth prose, and filled with his historical knowledge that brought the story to life.
The battles varied from small skirmishes to huge scale of one-million combatants, and each one was written brilliantly and vividly, with it being both simple enough for the reader to understand, and chaotic as all battles truly are.
I would recommend to any who enjoy historical fiction, or those who have enjoyed this authors other works, or if you have an interest in Persian or Ancient Greek history and culture.
February 3, 2022
Año 401 a. C.
El rey persa Artajerjes rige un imperio que parece no tener fin. Su dominio se extiende desde el mar Egeo hasta la India. Gobierna a más de cincuenta millones de súbditos. Pero la traición siempre acecha. Reclamados por Ciro, el hermano del rey, y ahí los hijos de Esparta entrarán en el tablero de juego. Pero ahora no están en su tierra. Sus sandalias pisan suelo enemigo y no tienen apoyos, comida ni agua. El joven soldado Jenofonte asume el mando y lidera a los supervivientes espartanos en una travesía que los llevará por el desierto hasta el mar, hasta su patria.
Libro que está basado en una de las aventuras históricas más épicas, "El Halcón de Esparta" intenta representar la ferocidad, el heroísmo y el salvaje derramamiento de sangre que fue el mundo antiguo y este momento de la historia que se convirtió en leyenda, una atemporal y una apopeya memorable.
Reinterpretación de la Anábasis de Jenofonte que cuenta de una forma más o menos libre la historia de los diez mil mercenarios a sueldo por el encargo de Ciro el joven, hijo de Darío II de Persia en su intento por derrocar a su hermano Artajerjes II del trono de Persia, iniciando un camino de sangre y acero.
La muerte de Ciro pone fin a la aventura, a pesar de la gran victoria en la batalla contra Artajerjes y desde ese momento comienza la huida de los supervivientes a un lugar seguro fuera del territorio de Persia. La fuga tiene éxito bajo el liderazgo de Jenofonte, quien se convirtió en comandante lider del grupo.
El autor intenta reflejar la tensión, el miedo y las esperanzas de los soldados en una aventura donde lucharon minuto a minuto por sus vidas en un territorio desconocido y hostil. Pero los personajes aún con este intento del autor y dada la situación que vivían, estaban vacíos no noté mucho trabajo en ellos, no conectas aún con todo lo que viven y me dieron igual.
Se me ha quedado flojo porque para mí la lectura de la primera mitad del libro es un poco aburrida, y solo pasando de dicho punto, cambia. También he de decir que tengo la sensación de que si el autor hubiera contado todo desde el punto de vista de los soldados, la historia habría sido mucho más emocionante y no con las palabras vacías de lideres, reyes y generales.
Conn trató de contar una historia emocionante de una manera algo desequilibrada. La primera mitad del libro tiene un ritmo muy lento hasta el enfrentamiento entre ambos hermanos, esto hace que su lectura llegue a ser incluso un poco aburrida ya que no pasa ni aporta nada. Luego lo malo, es que la historia a partir de este punto se apresuró demasiado en lo más interesante.
Como segundo defecto en el que flojea, es que me faltó profundidad en los personajes. No se centra en el punto de vista de los soldados, que para mi sería lo más interesante y acertado a la hora de contar o reinterpretar esta historia, aunque no solo se centrase en los soldados, vale, acepto que cuente las cosas desde otros puntos de vista, pero aquí me falló. En los diferentes puntos de vista noté una falta de equilibrio al igual que en el ritmo, pasándole factura. Así que como resultado ha sido algo decepcionante.
El rey persa Artajerjes rige un imperio que parece no tener fin. Su dominio se extiende desde el mar Egeo hasta la India. Gobierna a más de cincuenta millones de súbditos. Pero la traición siempre acecha. Reclamados por Ciro, el hermano del rey, y ahí los hijos de Esparta entrarán en el tablero de juego. Pero ahora no están en su tierra. Sus sandalias pisan suelo enemigo y no tienen apoyos, comida ni agua. El joven soldado Jenofonte asume el mando y lidera a los supervivientes espartanos en una travesía que los llevará por el desierto hasta el mar, hasta su patria.
Libro que está basado en una de las aventuras históricas más épicas, "El Halcón de Esparta" intenta representar la ferocidad, el heroísmo y el salvaje derramamiento de sangre que fue el mundo antiguo y este momento de la historia que se convirtió en leyenda, una atemporal y una apopeya memorable.
Reinterpretación de la Anábasis de Jenofonte que cuenta de una forma más o menos libre la historia de los diez mil mercenarios a sueldo por el encargo de Ciro el joven, hijo de Darío II de Persia en su intento por derrocar a su hermano Artajerjes II del trono de Persia, iniciando un camino de sangre y acero.
La muerte de Ciro pone fin a la aventura, a pesar de la gran victoria en la batalla contra Artajerjes y desde ese momento comienza la huida de los supervivientes a un lugar seguro fuera del territorio de Persia. La fuga tiene éxito bajo el liderazgo de Jenofonte, quien se convirtió en comandante lider del grupo.
El autor intenta reflejar la tensión, el miedo y las esperanzas de los soldados en una aventura donde lucharon minuto a minuto por sus vidas en un territorio desconocido y hostil. Pero los personajes aún con este intento del autor y dada la situación que vivían, estaban vacíos no noté mucho trabajo en ellos, no conectas aún con todo lo que viven y me dieron igual.
Se me ha quedado flojo porque para mí la lectura de la primera mitad del libro es un poco aburrida, y solo pasando de dicho punto, cambia. También he de decir que tengo la sensación de que si el autor hubiera contado todo desde el punto de vista de los soldados, la historia habría sido mucho más emocionante y no con las palabras vacías de lideres, reyes y generales.
Conn trató de contar una historia emocionante de una manera algo desequilibrada. La primera mitad del libro tiene un ritmo muy lento hasta el enfrentamiento entre ambos hermanos, esto hace que su lectura llegue a ser incluso un poco aburrida ya que no pasa ni aporta nada. Luego lo malo, es que la historia a partir de este punto se apresuró demasiado en lo más interesante.
Como segundo defecto en el que flojea, es que me faltó profundidad en los personajes. No se centra en el punto de vista de los soldados, que para mi sería lo más interesante y acertado a la hora de contar o reinterpretar esta historia, aunque no solo se centrase en los soldados, vale, acepto que cuente las cosas desde otros puntos de vista, pero aquí me falló. En los diferentes puntos de vista noté una falta de equilibrio al igual que en el ritmo, pasándole factura. Así que como resultado ha sido algo decepcionante.
June 17, 2018
The Persian Expedition is an outstanding adventure and by far one of my favourite ancient sources. It's an entirely readable chronicle of war and bravery, clashing princes and thrilling escape that's as stunning today as it has ever been. In this novel, Conn Iggulden follows Xenophon's tale pretty closely, adding a bit of emotional drama but not much embellishment to the original story. His notes at the end of the book give a handy overview of the facts as Xenophon saw them and the extent to which they were altered for the book, an effective and honest addition that makes clear the line between fact and fiction in this modern offering, as well as providing a few pointers for readers about the relative historical reliability of Xenophon's first hand account.
The first part focuses on Cyrus and his feud with his brother Artaxerxes following the death of their father, Darius II. For me, this was a problem because even if you don't know the history, you've probably read the blurb, and what that tells you is that Cyrus is going to die. Yet here we are getting to know him, the author using every trick in the book to draw you into liking him- his intelligence, his friendship with the Spartans, his fight against his murderous brother. And I didn't want that emotional connection to happen because I know he's going to fail. Perhaps this knowledge is supposed to be a kind of bittersweet 'what if', but it gives a feeling of hopelessness and pointlessness to the story right from the beginning. This isn't helped by the book being incredibly slow at the outset, to the extent where I thought it might be a DNF. I couldn't connect to the characters, not much happens, the language is simplistic, and Iggulden has this thing where he follows one main perspective then jumps to another POV for a few sentences or paragraphs to add a bit of flavour before going back to the original; it's frustrating and prevents any of the secondary characters achieving any real depth. Most that do get significant page time are going to die. Just a heads up there. Sometimes following history is very bloody inconvenient.
The second part is on steadier ground as we switch perspectives to Xenophon himself. At this point, you have to get over the fact that despite your best intentions, you'd formed attachments to the doomed heroes in the first bit, that against your better judgement, you'd started to hope for them, so now have to quickly get over their brutal ends.... well, once that's done, Xenophon is an immediately engaging and vibrant character to spend time with. There's plenty of action and lots of tension as the host makes it's arduous way towards home, all the time hounded by Persian forces and hill tribes. The sheer torture of the long journey is so successfully rendered that it makes you wonder how the hell they actually made it.
This was fun in parts, but has too many flaws to be truly worthy. I do, of course, highly recommend the original-give it a try, you'll be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
ARC via Netgalley
The first part focuses on Cyrus and his feud with his brother Artaxerxes following the death of their father, Darius II. For me, this was a problem because even if you don't know the history, you've probably read the blurb, and what that tells you is that Cyrus is going to die. Yet here we are getting to know him, the author using every trick in the book to draw you into liking him- his intelligence, his friendship with the Spartans, his fight against his murderous brother. And I didn't want that emotional connection to happen because I know he's going to fail. Perhaps this knowledge is supposed to be a kind of bittersweet 'what if', but it gives a feeling of hopelessness and pointlessness to the story right from the beginning. This isn't helped by the book being incredibly slow at the outset, to the extent where I thought it might be a DNF. I couldn't connect to the characters, not much happens, the language is simplistic, and Iggulden has this thing where he follows one main perspective then jumps to another POV for a few sentences or paragraphs to add a bit of flavour before going back to the original; it's frustrating and prevents any of the secondary characters achieving any real depth. Most that do get significant page time are going to die. Just a heads up there. Sometimes following history is very bloody inconvenient.
The second part is on steadier ground as we switch perspectives to Xenophon himself. At this point, you have to get over the fact that despite your best intentions, you'd formed attachments to the doomed heroes in the first bit, that against your better judgement, you'd started to hope for them, so now have to quickly get over their brutal ends.... well, once that's done, Xenophon is an immediately engaging and vibrant character to spend time with. There's plenty of action and lots of tension as the host makes it's arduous way towards home, all the time hounded by Persian forces and hill tribes. The sheer torture of the long journey is so successfully rendered that it makes you wonder how the hell they actually made it.
This was fun in parts, but has too many flaws to be truly worthy. I do, of course, highly recommend the original-give it a try, you'll be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
ARC via Netgalley
February 20, 2020
5-stars
This is available on Amazon UK today for 99 pence!
Truly fabulous. I know very little about the ancient Greek and Persian conflicts, but they were quite astounding and bloody. This book is Iggulden's fine re-telling of Xenophon "The Persian Expedition".
Iggulden notes:
For the details I could not fit in here, I recommend The Persian Expedition, particularly to any reader interested in how the Greeks thought and acted. It deserves to have survived over two thousand years. The Persian Expedition by Xenophon
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
ARC courtesy NetGalley.com, Thank you!
Beautiful prose again throughout from Iggulden. I had read several of his Caesar books 10-15 years ago and was impressed. He’s truly a master of prose and pacing.
This is an extraordinary living history, dramatised but based on Xenophones' actual witness of the events. 120,000 soldiers (12,000 extraordinary Spartans) march over 1,000 miles into the desert to fight, but many don't realise that the charismatic and strong leader, Cyrus, is really set to try to overthrow his brother, King Artaxerxes II, who tried to assassinate Cyrus earlier.
There is a completely (for me) surprising twist in the middle of the book, and then the whole direction of the book changes. Very well presented, and matching true history.
Truly a fabulous tale, superbly told by Iggulden.
Artaxerxes II of Persia
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Hoplites
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The March of the 10,000
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The Spartan sword, the Kopis
Full size image
Spartan helmet
Full size image
Cyrus and Xenophon
Full size image
.
This is available on Amazon UK today for 99 pence!
Truly fabulous. I know very little about the ancient Greek and Persian conflicts, but they were quite astounding and bloody. This book is Iggulden's fine re-telling of Xenophon "The Persian Expedition".
Iggulden notes:
For the details I could not fit in here, I recommend The Persian Expedition, particularly to any reader interested in how the Greeks thought and acted. It deserves to have survived over two thousand years. The Persian Expedition by Xenophon
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
ARC courtesy NetGalley.com, Thank you!
Beautiful prose again throughout from Iggulden. I had read several of his Caesar books 10-15 years ago and was impressed. He’s truly a master of prose and pacing.
This is an extraordinary living history, dramatised but based on Xenophones' actual witness of the events. 120,000 soldiers (12,000 extraordinary Spartans) march over 1,000 miles into the desert to fight, but many don't realise that the charismatic and strong leader, Cyrus, is really set to try to overthrow his brother, King Artaxerxes II, who tried to assassinate Cyrus earlier.
There is a completely (for me) surprising twist in the middle of the book, and then the whole direction of the book changes. Very well presented, and matching true history.
Truly a fabulous tale, superbly told by Iggulden.
Artaxerxes II of Persia
Full size image
Hoplites
Full size image
The March of the 10,000
Full size image
The Spartan sword, the Kopis
Full size image
Spartan helmet
Full size image
Cyrus and Xenophon
Full size image
.
May 12, 2020
يقول الكاتب كون غولدن، قال إي. إل. دوكتورو:”سيخبرك المؤرخ بما حدث، والروائي كيف تشعر بالحدث، وشخصيًا سعيت في هذا العمل لتحقيق الأمرين”. بالفعل شعرت وقت قراءتي للرواية بالأمرين. ملحمة تاريخية عظيمة تستحق أن تُقرأ.
.
.
.
“جميع الشباب حمقى ، وإن كانوا محضوضين كفاية وعاشوا ليبلغوا الأربعين أو الخمسين من عمرهم، سيتمنون لو أن باستطاعتهم مقايضة خبرتهم وحكمتهم في الحياة مقابل يوم واحد من أيام الشباب العظيمة”.
“حكاية يونانية قديمة عن رجل وجد ثعبانًا متجمدًا في الثلج. شعر الرجل بالأسى على الثعبان المحتضر وضمّه إلى صدره لتدفئته، لكن عندما استعاد الثعبان حيويته، غرز أنيابه في صدر الرجل وأزهق روحه”.
“قيل أن ناسك اشتُهر بلطفه وتدريبه على التحكم بغضبه، فلم يُشاهد غاضبًا على الإطلاق. عند موته، اشتُبه بأنه قد تعرض للتسميم لذا تم تشريح جثته لاكتشاف سبب وفاته، عندها وجدوا أن عضلاته كانت ملتفة ومعقودة بعضها ببعض، بعد سنوات طويلة من كبح غضبه وعدم السماح لأحد برؤيته”.
“لقد علمه سقراط أن يبحث عن جوهر السؤال، أن يستبعد كل الأفكار الكاذبة والمغرورة التي يحاول الرجال إقناع أنفسهم بها. في النهاية عندما تظهر الحقيقة، يمكن للرجل أن يتصرف وفق ما تعلم”.
كون غولدن.
.
.
.
“جميع الشباب حمقى ، وإن كانوا محضوضين كفاية وعاشوا ليبلغوا الأربعين أو الخمسين من عمرهم، سيتمنون لو أن باستطاعتهم مقايضة خبرتهم وحكمتهم في الحياة مقابل يوم واحد من أيام الشباب العظيمة”.
“حكاية يونانية قديمة عن رجل وجد ثعبانًا متجمدًا في الثلج. شعر الرجل بالأسى على الثعبان المحتضر وضمّه إلى صدره لتدفئته، لكن عندما استعاد الثعبان حيويته، غرز أنيابه في صدر الرجل وأزهق روحه”.
“قيل أن ناسك اشتُهر بلطفه وتدريبه على التحكم بغضبه، فلم يُشاهد غاضبًا على الإطلاق. عند موته، اشتُبه بأنه قد تعرض للتسميم لذا تم تشريح جثته لاكتشاف سبب وفاته، عندها وجدوا أن عضلاته كانت ملتفة ومعقودة بعضها ببعض، بعد سنوات طويلة من كبح غضبه وعدم السماح لأحد برؤيته”.
“لقد علمه سقراط أن يبحث عن جوهر السؤال، أن يستبعد كل الأفكار الكاذبة والمغرورة التي يحاول الرجال إقناع أنفسهم بها. في النهاية عندما تظهر الحقيقة، يمكن للرجل أن يتصرف وفق ما تعلم”.
كون غولدن.
April 12, 2018
I don't yet have the words to describe how magnificent this new standalone novel by Conn Iggulden is. The March of the Ten Thousand is an extraordinary tale and Iggulden breathes life into every step of it - he had me hooked by the end of the very first page. This could well be the finest book that this author has written, which would make it very special indeed. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights. A potential top novel of the year for me.
May 10, 2025
One of my favourite historical action authors. I’ve read many Iggulden books, all five stars, and this one is as good if not better.
The backstory built high stakes: a dying king of Persia and a low act between brothers. The insecure heir vs the loyal second-in-line. The parents were interesting. The king gave some brutal dying advice. But mother knows best.
Cyrus forms an army to dethrone his brother using Greek forces. The lead characters were fun to follow. Cyrus felt like a little brother who needed someone to reassure him. That was his vulnerability. Aside from that, sheer brawn. This combination made him an interesting character.
A turncoat on the new king’s payroll tries to outmanouvre Cyrus on the way to the capital where an epic battle ensues. This is the beginning of A Game of Thrones moment. I was shocked at the turn of events. I thought surely this can’t be right. Or it’s an author’s ploy to deceive as part of the mystery. But Iggulden did far better than that. I barely anticipated anything, despite the map at the beginning showing the battle course.
I think I may have fallen into the trap as I made a history fail. I thought Cyrus was Cyrus the Great when actually he was Cyrus the Younger (I am trying to read one book about every Civilization IV leader). Nevertheless, my ignorance made for fresher reading.
It was also hilarious on many occasions. The vocabulary is strong too. Had to get out the good ol’ dictionary.
I’d suggest to potential readers to go into this blind.
I’ve shelved this as Türkiye (over 50% setting) but Iraq features a lot and a fraction in Syria.
The backstory built high stakes: a dying king of Persia and a low act between brothers. The insecure heir vs the loyal second-in-line. The parents were interesting. The king gave some brutal dying advice. But mother knows best.
Cyrus forms an army to dethrone his brother using Greek forces. The lead characters were fun to follow. Cyrus felt like a little brother who needed someone to reassure him. That was his vulnerability. Aside from that, sheer brawn. This combination made him an interesting character.
A turncoat on the new king’s payroll tries to outmanouvre Cyrus on the way to the capital where an epic battle ensues. This is the beginning of A Game of Thrones moment. I was shocked at the turn of events. I thought surely this can’t be right. Or it’s an author’s ploy to deceive as part of the mystery. But Iggulden did far better than that. I barely anticipated anything, despite the map at the beginning showing the battle course.
I think I may have fallen into the trap as I made a history fail. I thought Cyrus was Cyrus the Great when actually he was Cyrus the Younger (I am trying to read one book about every Civilization IV leader). Nevertheless, my ignorance made for fresher reading.
It was also hilarious on many occasions. The vocabulary is strong too. Had to get out the good ol’ dictionary.
I’d suggest to potential readers to go into this blind.
I’ve shelved this as Türkiye (over 50% setting) but Iraq features a lot and a fraction in Syria.
May 9, 2024
Absolutely superb book. I really didn’t want it to end. Being stronger on Roman rather than Spartan history my only memory of this story is from the old film of my youth - 1979 The Warriors. That is set in the Bronx. But features the small group of thugs trying to get back to their turf after Cyrus is killed.
Great twists in the book and I have to say I did not want it to end. I was hoping for a follow up book as I saw the pages receding. All characters rich and great battle scenes. I have to say I like this author.
Great twists in the book and I have to say I did not want it to end. I was hoping for a follow up book as I saw the pages receding. All characters rich and great battle scenes. I have to say I like this author.
September 12, 2018
7/10
A tale in 3 parts based on a historical tale of a determined and stranded group of mercenaries trying to flea hostile lands after a rebellion goes south. I didn’t realise that it was based on truth and actually thought it was going to be a retelling of Thermopylae but this is a number of years after that so there was no Gerard Butler shouting “This is SPARTA!!!”
I quickly read the summary on goodreads to get up to speed and it gives away massive plot points throughout the book which makes the first part (over 50%) less tense as you know what will happen. The second part was more interesting as I didn’t know what was going to happen but never trust a Persian bearing gifts…wait, that doesn’t sound right. The last part is the tale of Xenophon doing his heroics and leading people home. If anything I felt this part was rushed especially near the end when it just sort of finished and hit a historical note. I thought the book could have been more focused on this aspect but I guess the author might not have wanted to tread on the classic story written by the man himself.
I like the authors books and am always keen to read them but this wasn’t one of my favourites of his but it was still an enjoyable read and glad I read it. Now, to hit the gym and get a red cape! Or just shove on 300 and pretend.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy
A tale in 3 parts based on a historical tale of a determined and stranded group of mercenaries trying to flea hostile lands after a rebellion goes south. I didn’t realise that it was based on truth and actually thought it was going to be a retelling of Thermopylae but this is a number of years after that so there was no Gerard Butler shouting “This is SPARTA!!!”
I quickly read the summary on goodreads to get up to speed and it gives away massive plot points throughout the book which makes the first part (over 50%) less tense as you know what will happen. The second part was more interesting as I didn’t know what was going to happen but never trust a Persian bearing gifts…wait, that doesn’t sound right. The last part is the tale of Xenophon doing his heroics and leading people home. If anything I felt this part was rushed especially near the end when it just sort of finished and hit a historical note. I thought the book could have been more focused on this aspect but I guess the author might not have wanted to tread on the classic story written by the man himself.
I like the authors books and am always keen to read them but this wasn’t one of my favourites of his but it was still an enjoyable read and glad I read it. Now, to hit the gym and get a red cape! Or just shove on 300 and pretend.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy
June 12, 2018
This stunning and amazing book by Conn Iggulden is about the exploits of the Athenian nobleman Xenophon, with also a very main part for Prince Cyrus, and important parts for Hephaestus, King Artaxerxes and not to forget the Spartans Clearchus and Chrisophus.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a couple of wonderful maps, one of the Persian Empire, and the other of the length of the March of Xenophon and the Ten Thousand.
This book has been very well researched and documented with great care within the author's Historical Note which you can find at the end of the book, and its there where you can take notice that a very important part is destined for Xenophon's historical book "Anabasis", because that's been used as the basis for this great book.
Story-telling is as ever of a top-notch quality, all the characters featuring in this story come superbly to life, whether they are Greek or Persian, and the atmosphere of the ancient world comes very much alive in a most convincing and gripping fashion.
Its all about the ancient world, the Greek/Persian wars, but mainly this time about the Persian brother war between Prince Cyrus and King Artaxerxes.
The first part of the book is mainly about Prince Cyrus and his near death when his father, King Darius II, is dying but thanks to his mother he remains alive to live for another day, but finally at the Battle of Cunaxa where he will fight with his Greek mercenaries and native Persian army against the army of his brother King Artaxerxes, Prince Cyrus in the end will fall, and its there where the Greek mercenaries are left alone and isolated on the battlefield.
After Tissaphernes commits treachery against Clearchus and other Greek Generals by having them murdered for King Artaxerxes, the second part of the book is about the escape of Xenophon and the Ten Thousand that will start after the Battle of Cunaxa and especially after that treachery, and although they have hardly any food or water and enemies all the time at their heels, he will take them, with the help from Chrisophus and his Spartans in particular, to the Sea and freedom and so on into Greek territory.
Very much recommended, because if you're into the Ancient World and you like the Greek/Persian wars then this book is a must read to each and everyone of you, and that's why I call it myself: "A Compelling Heroic Flight & Epic Greek Deeds"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a couple of wonderful maps, one of the Persian Empire, and the other of the length of the March of Xenophon and the Ten Thousand.
This book has been very well researched and documented with great care within the author's Historical Note which you can find at the end of the book, and its there where you can take notice that a very important part is destined for Xenophon's historical book "Anabasis", because that's been used as the basis for this great book.
Story-telling is as ever of a top-notch quality, all the characters featuring in this story come superbly to life, whether they are Greek or Persian, and the atmosphere of the ancient world comes very much alive in a most convincing and gripping fashion.
Its all about the ancient world, the Greek/Persian wars, but mainly this time about the Persian brother war between Prince Cyrus and King Artaxerxes.
The first part of the book is mainly about Prince Cyrus and his near death when his father, King Darius II, is dying but thanks to his mother he remains alive to live for another day, but finally at the Battle of Cunaxa where he will fight with his Greek mercenaries and native Persian army against the army of his brother King Artaxerxes, Prince Cyrus in the end will fall, and its there where the Greek mercenaries are left alone and isolated on the battlefield.
After Tissaphernes commits treachery against Clearchus and other Greek Generals by having them murdered for King Artaxerxes, the second part of the book is about the escape of Xenophon and the Ten Thousand that will start after the Battle of Cunaxa and especially after that treachery, and although they have hardly any food or water and enemies all the time at their heels, he will take them, with the help from Chrisophus and his Spartans in particular, to the Sea and freedom and so on into Greek territory.
Very much recommended, because if you're into the Ancient World and you like the Greek/Persian wars then this book is a must read to each and everyone of you, and that's why I call it myself: "A Compelling Heroic Flight & Epic Greek Deeds"!
February 14, 2019
A superbly written account of an amazing series of historical events. Starting with Prince Cyrus, brother to King Artaxerxes': rallying a force a soldier's to claim the throne of Persia from his brother. At his side Prince Cyrus has an elite army of Spartans. From the ashes of defeat, (Prince Cyrus is killed), rises another great event. The remaining armies, lead by quickly elected Xenophon, a brilliant strategist, retreat and escape Persia. Unputdownable, a very compelling read, highlighting the ferocity, savagery, bloodshed and low value of most human life in the ancient world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2020
I'm a long-standing Conn Iggulden fan, but this book didn't live up to his other works somehow. Having said that, if you like swords and violence it's definitely worth a read.
February 11, 2019
4.5 stars
Another fascinating historical fiction novel by Conn Iggulden. He had me glued to my seat reading the Genghis series and this stand alone certainly did not disappoint. Let me state that I know next to nothing about the history of Persia and Greece so the opportunity to read a book set in the 300's was a gift. It even had Socrates.
It is the story of the 10,000 Men March where the Greeks lost resoundingly to the Persians. The Greeks, Spartans, Athenians and Corinthians were hired by the brother of the new King of Persia to overthrow him. Cyrus, the brother, was truly a charismatic leader who you truly rooted for. Unfortunately it's history not fiction so no spoilers and Cyrus dies horribly in battle. This is a real problem for the Greeks. They are stuck in Persia thousands of miles from home surrounded by a savage army that wants to kill them. They don't see them as mercenaries but adversaries.
Luckily there are several gifted leaders who start their retreat and their long trek home pursued by a vicious army. They are hampered by thousands of camp followers carrying their personal possessions. One man bizarrely carried a door. They have no food or money.
They are betrayed. They cross deserts and mountains all the time being pursued. They must change and adapt. It's an amazing story of struggle and survival. It was so hard to put down. Iggulden is a master of making historical fiction come alive.
I highly recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a fair review.
Another fascinating historical fiction novel by Conn Iggulden. He had me glued to my seat reading the Genghis series and this stand alone certainly did not disappoint. Let me state that I know next to nothing about the history of Persia and Greece so the opportunity to read a book set in the 300's was a gift. It even had Socrates.
It is the story of the 10,000 Men March where the Greeks lost resoundingly to the Persians. The Greeks, Spartans, Athenians and Corinthians were hired by the brother of the new King of Persia to overthrow him. Cyrus, the brother, was truly a charismatic leader who you truly rooted for. Unfortunately it's history not fiction so no spoilers and Cyrus dies horribly in battle. This is a real problem for the Greeks. They are stuck in Persia thousands of miles from home surrounded by a savage army that wants to kill them. They don't see them as mercenaries but adversaries.
Luckily there are several gifted leaders who start their retreat and their long trek home pursued by a vicious army. They are hampered by thousands of camp followers carrying their personal possessions. One man bizarrely carried a door. They have no food or money.
They are betrayed. They cross deserts and mountains all the time being pursued. They must change and adapt. It's an amazing story of struggle and survival. It was so hard to put down. Iggulden is a master of making historical fiction come alive.
I highly recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a fair review.
September 2, 2018
I was mesmerized from the outset by this loose construction of the Battle of Cunaxa and the journey to the Black Sea with Xenophon leading Greek mercenaries and baggage train. The Anabasis is still the best recounting of this, in Xenophon's own words. The story first covers the author's interpretation of WHY Cyrus is rebelling against his brother, the Great King, Artaxerxes; details of Xenophon's background in Athens; and the muster of Greeks in Sardis. After the battle in which Cyrus is slain and the betrayal of all the Greek generals where they are murdered in cold blood, the novel slows its pace until Xenophon is chosen to lead everyone. He displays a natural leadership ability. With this trek, the story picks up again. Xenophon and his unofficial second-in-command, the Spartan, Chrisophus, chivvy the people along towards their goal, overcoming many obstacles along the way--Persian army tailing them to the end of their empire, extreme weather, exciting fight with one of the mountain tribes.
Author's style has improved a thousand fold since his clunky Roman trilogy! Thinking about the title, I opined the "Falcon of Sparta" most likely was the Spartan, Clearchus, chief general from Sardis through Cunaxa to his demise. Cyrus' banner had been marked with a falcon. I thought the backstories fit in nicely and gave some background and rounding out of Cyrus' and Xenophon's characters.
Highly recommended.
Author's style has improved a thousand fold since his clunky Roman trilogy! Thinking about the title, I opined the "Falcon of Sparta" most likely was the Spartan, Clearchus, chief general from Sardis through Cunaxa to his demise. Cyrus' banner had been marked with a falcon. I thought the backstories fit in nicely and gave some background and rounding out of Cyrus' and Xenophon's characters.
Highly recommended.
June 21, 2019
Conn Iggulden chooses a great topic for this superb historical fiction. He "retells" Xenophon's famous work "Anabasis" which entails the story of Greek Mercenaries stranded in the Persian Empire and their epic match home.
Before we begin, since the names can be confusing, let's briefly look at the Achaemenids. The conflict with the Greeks starts with Cyrus the Great (550-530 BCE) who is actually Cyrus II. Cyrus hugely expanded the Empire by conquest and ran into conflict with the Greeks (Lydia). His son, Cambyses (actually Cambyses II), conquered Egypt and also fought against the Greeks in Lybia. Then comes Darius I (Darius the Great) who wished to subjugate Macedonia. His son Xerxes I fought the Spartans at Thermopylae. His son, Artaxerxes I, funded the enemies of Greece for proxy warfare. His successor Darius II is the father of the Artaxerxes II, the instigator of the story.
Darius II teaches his son that in order to rule, he must dispose of his brother Cyrus. Cyrus is the commander in chief of the military and, ironically, loyal. It's his brother's boneheaded actions that cause him to rebel. Cyrus used Greek mercenaries, including Spartans, and fought his brother. But upon his death the mercenaries were stranded. Xenophon takes charge and leads them home through an epic journey.
That's the gist of this superb novel. If you have heard of Anabasis or enjoy reading about the Greek-Persian conflict, this is a wonderful book.
Before we begin, since the names can be confusing, let's briefly look at the Achaemenids. The conflict with the Greeks starts with Cyrus the Great (550-530 BCE) who is actually Cyrus II. Cyrus hugely expanded the Empire by conquest and ran into conflict with the Greeks (Lydia). His son, Cambyses (actually Cambyses II), conquered Egypt and also fought against the Greeks in Lybia. Then comes Darius I (Darius the Great) who wished to subjugate Macedonia. His son Xerxes I fought the Spartans at Thermopylae. His son, Artaxerxes I, funded the enemies of Greece for proxy warfare. His successor Darius II is the father of the Artaxerxes II, the instigator of the story.
Darius II teaches his son that in order to rule, he must dispose of his brother Cyrus. Cyrus is the commander in chief of the military and, ironically, loyal. It's his brother's boneheaded actions that cause him to rebel. Cyrus used Greek mercenaries, including Spartans, and fought his brother. But upon his death the mercenaries were stranded. Xenophon takes charge and leads them home through an epic journey.
That's the gist of this superb novel. If you have heard of Anabasis or enjoy reading about the Greek-Persian conflict, this is a wonderful book.
March 4, 2024
Кон Игълдън има отличен талант да хваща действителни исторически събития и да ги пресъздава художествено, с елементи на художествена измислица така, че да станат по-интересни. Този път не му се е получило особено добре.
Книгата разказва за съдбата на около 10 хил. гръцки наемници, които участват на губещата страна в играта на тронове в Персия и после трябва да оцелеят и да се върнат в Гърция. Историята оригинално е описана в седем тома от Ксенофон, който е ученик на Сократ и подозирам, че така си е по-интересна.
Игълдън я е преразказал през пръсти, като първата половина от книгата е съвършено безинтересна и чак после има някакво действие. Имам силното чувство, че ако авторът беше разказал всичко от гледна точка на обикновените войници, разказът щеше да е много по-вълнуващ, вместо да се занимава само с кухите образи на разни царе и пълководци.
Честно, най-интересната част от книгата са историческите бележки накрая.
Книгата разказва за съдбата на около 10 хил. гръцки наемници, които участват на губещата страна в играта на тронове в Персия и после трябва да оцелеят и да се върнат в Гърция. Историята оригинално е описана в седем тома от Ксенофон, който е ученик на Сократ и подозирам, че така си е по-интересна.
Игълдън я е преразказал през пръсти, като първата половина от книгата е съвършено безинтересна и чак после има някакво действие. Имам силното чувство, че ако авторът беше разказал всичко от гледна точка на обикновените войници, разказът щеше да е много по-вълнуващ, вместо да се занимава само с кухите образи на разни царе и пълководци.
Честно, най-интересната част от книгата са историческите бележки накрая.
December 2, 2024
Another good one from Conn Iggulden, who's proving to be one of our best and most reliable historical authors.
The events surrounding the Ten Thousand are vividly brought to life and with characters that you become invested in.
Recommended.
The events surrounding the Ten Thousand are vividly brought to life and with characters that you become invested in.
Recommended.
March 12, 2019
Conn Iggulden is one of my favorite authors of Historical Fiction. With the novel, he breaks new ground. He tells the story of approximately 10,000 Greek Mercenaries and their camp followers who get caught up in a Persian Civil War. Set in the time between the Persian defeats at Marathon and Thermopylae and Alexander the Greats conquest of Persia, about 400 BCE.
The main characters of the novel are all historical figures. They include the Persian Emperor Artaxerxes, his brother Cyrus, the Spartan General Clearchus and the other Greek leaders/generals and the philosopher/soldier Xenophon. The villain, who is also an actual historical figure is definitely the advisor to the Persian Emperor – Tissaphermes.
Roughly the first 2/3s of the novel is laying the ground work for Cyrus revolt, the recruitment of the Greek Mercenaries (a little over 1100 were Spartans) and the march to and fighting of the Battle of Cunaxa. With Cyrus’ defeat, the Greeks are 1000 miles from home with no friends, no employer, no food and no way home. They refuse to surrender and start the march out of Persia. If that is not enough, Tissaphermes invites the leaders of the mercenaries to dinner and has them all killed.
This is the point of the story where Xenophon comes to the fore. He is an Athenian, student of Socrates and in charge of the few horses the Greeks have. He is elected leader/general and holds the Greek column together and manages to get the survivors out of Persia. Instead of retracing their route to Cunaxa, he takes the column north to the Greek colonies on the Black Sea, shadowed all the way by the Tissaphermes and his army.
As others have mentioned the story is bit slow getting going, but when it does, it is well worth the read. Socrates has a cameo in the beginning of the novel as Xenophon is asking his advice on whether or not to join the Greek mercenaries.
I personally don’t know enough about this period of history and had never heard of Xenophon before this book, so I can’t vouch for its historical accuracy. The author states in his historical note that it is based on Xenophon’s writings. A quick look at Wikipedia (I know not the best source – but, it was quick check), told me the novel follows what we know about the campaign and Greek escape.
I’ve been impressed with Iggulden’s growth as writer over the years and with the last few novels his staying basically true to the historical record (His Caesar series has some problems with that)
As for the characters, the Greeks for the most part are heroic, likable and the best soldiers on the planet, The Persians, with the exception of Cyrus, a rule are none of those. The battle sequences are not particularly outstanding and a bit of a disappointment. Overall, I would rate this one a bit below his best work, but still a solid 4 star read.
The main characters of the novel are all historical figures. They include the Persian Emperor Artaxerxes, his brother Cyrus, the Spartan General Clearchus and the other Greek leaders/generals and the philosopher/soldier Xenophon. The villain, who is also an actual historical figure is definitely the advisor to the Persian Emperor – Tissaphermes.
Roughly the first 2/3s of the novel is laying the ground work for Cyrus revolt, the recruitment of the Greek Mercenaries (a little over 1100 were Spartans) and the march to and fighting of the Battle of Cunaxa. With Cyrus’ defeat, the Greeks are 1000 miles from home with no friends, no employer, no food and no way home. They refuse to surrender and start the march out of Persia. If that is not enough, Tissaphermes invites the leaders of the mercenaries to dinner and has them all killed.
This is the point of the story where Xenophon comes to the fore. He is an Athenian, student of Socrates and in charge of the few horses the Greeks have. He is elected leader/general and holds the Greek column together and manages to get the survivors out of Persia. Instead of retracing their route to Cunaxa, he takes the column north to the Greek colonies on the Black Sea, shadowed all the way by the Tissaphermes and his army.
As others have mentioned the story is bit slow getting going, but when it does, it is well worth the read. Socrates has a cameo in the beginning of the novel as Xenophon is asking his advice on whether or not to join the Greek mercenaries.
I personally don’t know enough about this period of history and had never heard of Xenophon before this book, so I can’t vouch for its historical accuracy. The author states in his historical note that it is based on Xenophon’s writings. A quick look at Wikipedia (I know not the best source – but, it was quick check), told me the novel follows what we know about the campaign and Greek escape.
I’ve been impressed with Iggulden’s growth as writer over the years and with the last few novels his staying basically true to the historical record (His Caesar series has some problems with that)
As for the characters, the Greeks for the most part are heroic, likable and the best soldiers on the planet, The Persians, with the exception of Cyrus, a rule are none of those. The battle sequences are not particularly outstanding and a bit of a disappointment. Overall, I would rate this one a bit below his best work, but still a solid 4 star read.
May 18, 2018
Disappointed
Conn Iggulden is one of my favourite authors. However, I found it really difficult to engage with this book. Not the author's usual standard , it felt like his heart wasn't in it.
Conn Iggulden is one of my favourite authors. However, I found it really difficult to engage with this book. Not the author's usual standard , it felt like his heart wasn't in it.
September 18, 2019
The style of writing is drawn out and that’s not a style of writing I like to read. Therefore, I’m not the right reviewer for this book.
May 7, 2018
‘The historian will tell you what happened. The novelist will tell you what it felt like.’
Conn Igguilden quotes EL Doctorow in his notes at the end of the book, saying it was his intention to do both in this fictional account of The Ten Thousand, a force of Greek and Persian mercenaries who marched with Prince Cyrus against his brother Artaxerxes, King of Persia. Xenophon, student of Socrates and on whose account this retelling is based, is a minor character for the first half of the book but becomes central when the defeated soldiers and their camp followers have to march twice as far as they’d already come to find their way home, harried most of the way by the Persian army and later tribal warriors in the mountains.
Igguilden succeeds in bringing this story to life. We feel the pain of defeat, the joy of battles won, the exhaustion and hunger of the retreating force. Xenophon is appointed leader, strategos, with the responsibility of leading the survivors back to safety. It’s a long and arduous journey which held my interest for most of the way. The ending, however, is a damp squib. In the last few pages, the story just fizzles out and that was disappointing.
I knew very little about these events prior to reading this book but a quick bit of research led me to discover that Igguilden has reshaped history to suit his needs as an author. I really enjoy historical fiction. I like to learn as I’m reading so it doesn’t sit well with me when I find out that I’ve been misinformed, misled even, by poetic license on a significant scale. Also, I’d rather find out that this is the case in a prologue than in historical notes at the end.
Overall, this is a good read. It’s often exciting, the characters have emotional depth, and the sheer logistics of moving such a large force across diffficult terrain is captured well. 4 stars for all the reasons above.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for a free review copy.
Conn Igguilden quotes EL Doctorow in his notes at the end of the book, saying it was his intention to do both in this fictional account of The Ten Thousand, a force of Greek and Persian mercenaries who marched with Prince Cyrus against his brother Artaxerxes, King of Persia. Xenophon, student of Socrates and on whose account this retelling is based, is a minor character for the first half of the book but becomes central when the defeated soldiers and their camp followers have to march twice as far as they’d already come to find their way home, harried most of the way by the Persian army and later tribal warriors in the mountains.
Igguilden succeeds in bringing this story to life. We feel the pain of defeat, the joy of battles won, the exhaustion and hunger of the retreating force. Xenophon is appointed leader, strategos, with the responsibility of leading the survivors back to safety. It’s a long and arduous journey which held my interest for most of the way. The ending, however, is a damp squib. In the last few pages, the story just fizzles out and that was disappointing.
I knew very little about these events prior to reading this book but a quick bit of research led me to discover that Igguilden has reshaped history to suit his needs as an author. I really enjoy historical fiction. I like to learn as I’m reading so it doesn’t sit well with me when I find out that I’ve been misinformed, misled even, by poetic license on a significant scale. Also, I’d rather find out that this is the case in a prologue than in historical notes at the end.
Overall, this is a good read. It’s often exciting, the characters have emotional depth, and the sheer logistics of moving such a large force across diffficult terrain is captured well. 4 stars for all the reasons above.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for a free review copy.
May 13, 2021
E' una rivisitazione dell'Anabasi di Senofonte e narra - in forma più o meno libera - la vicenda dei "diecimila", mercenari al soldo di Ciro il Giovane che cerca di rovesciare il fratello Artaserse II dal trono di Persia. La morte di Ciro mette fine all'avventura, nonostante la vittoria in battaglia contro Artaserse e da quel momento comincia la fuga dei superstiti verso la salvezza fuori dal territorio della Persia. La fuga riesce sotto la guida di Senofonte, ritrovatosi comandante del gruppo. Il libro è piacevole e si legge bene e con tranquillità. Si percepiscono la tensione, la paura e le speranze dei soldati in un'avventura in cui si combatte per la vita in territori sconosciuti.
June 2, 2024
This is one of the best historical novels I have ever read. For the first third of the book I wasn't sure if it really was fiction and after "googling" several characters realized that much of the book is historically accurate and yet is very compelling. The story never lags and kept me hooked throughout.
The battles are described in some depth and are truly impressive in the telling. In fact, the details throughout really struck me. And, unless you already know the basic story (which I did not), there were some jolting surprises along the way.
Highly recommended, and a shoutout to Mike whose review prompted me to add this to my WTR. Excellent!
The battles are described in some depth and are truly impressive in the telling. In fact, the details throughout really struck me. And, unless you already know the basic story (which I did not), there were some jolting surprises along the way.
Highly recommended, and a shoutout to Mike whose review prompted me to add this to my WTR. Excellent!
April 24, 2019
The Falcon of Sparta is based on a historical event, where hired Greek soldiers by Prince Cyrus of Persia were going to help him overthrow his brother for the crown. Things didn't work out the way they were initially planned and these soldiers had to fight their way back to Greece. Mr. Iggulden does a very good job in relating this historic event. Lots of action and it makes we want to look at other books about The Ten Thousand.
January 23, 2021
Enjoyable, unpredictable and very entertaining. I did not fall in love with any of the characters but i really enjoyed the book and wanted to see what comes next
December 9, 2020
This is a tough one to review without giving too much away as the blurb is deliberately light on information so beware spoilers ahead.
First things first I adored Iggulden’s series about Ghengis Kahn and Caesar and count the author as my absolute favourite for historical fiction.
The great King Xerxes has two sons. He advises his elder boy Darius that one day he will need to kill his younger brother Cyrus to stop him from taking the crown. Many years later Cyrus is summoned back as his father is dying. As the commander of the armies he desires nothing more than to pledge his loyalty to his brother so that he may continue living, training and fighting with his men. Despite being a Persian Prince Cyrus often uses Greek mercenaries, openly acknowledging they are superior in fighting skill and discipline and because of this he takes a personal honor guard of Spartans home with him to bend the knee.
Betrayed by his brother his guard is trapped and overwhelmed and it is only the actions and daring of his mother that sees him escape with his heart still beating. Fleeing for his life and knowing his options he quickly determines that he must raise his own army and take the crown from his brother if he is ever to know peace. What better men to start an army with than Greeks and who better to help lead them than Spartans. The skills and strategies of the Greeks make them almost impossible to overwhelm except through sheer weight of numbers...which the Persians have.
Cyrus takes on a the general Clearchus, a wise and respected Spartan who takes on the huge job or leading the various groups of Greeks as one against the Persians and Xenophon a young Greek with an affinity for horses who has been learning from Socrates and wishes to take his teachings out into the world.
The story is really told in three parts through the eyes of these three men and it’s fantastic. The battle’s are, as always, exceptionally well written, exciting, action packed and full of moments that make the reader feel like they have just dodged a sword or been pierced by an arrow.
I loved this stand alone adventure from Conn Iggulden. It’s fucking brutal yet has more heart than I could have hoped for. 9/10
First things first I adored Iggulden’s series about Ghengis Kahn and Caesar and count the author as my absolute favourite for historical fiction.
The great King Xerxes has two sons. He advises his elder boy Darius that one day he will need to kill his younger brother Cyrus to stop him from taking the crown. Many years later Cyrus is summoned back as his father is dying. As the commander of the armies he desires nothing more than to pledge his loyalty to his brother so that he may continue living, training and fighting with his men. Despite being a Persian Prince Cyrus often uses Greek mercenaries, openly acknowledging they are superior in fighting skill and discipline and because of this he takes a personal honor guard of Spartans home with him to bend the knee.
Betrayed by his brother his guard is trapped and overwhelmed and it is only the actions and daring of his mother that sees him escape with his heart still beating. Fleeing for his life and knowing his options he quickly determines that he must raise his own army and take the crown from his brother if he is ever to know peace. What better men to start an army with than Greeks and who better to help lead them than Spartans. The skills and strategies of the Greeks make them almost impossible to overwhelm except through sheer weight of numbers...which the Persians have.
Cyrus takes on a the general Clearchus, a wise and respected Spartan who takes on the huge job or leading the various groups of Greeks as one against the Persians and Xenophon a young Greek with an affinity for horses who has been learning from Socrates and wishes to take his teachings out into the world.
The story is really told in three parts through the eyes of these three men and it’s fantastic. The battle’s are, as always, exceptionally well written, exciting, action packed and full of moments that make the reader feel like they have just dodged a sword or been pierced by an arrow.
I loved this stand alone adventure from Conn Iggulden. It’s fucking brutal yet has more heart than I could have hoped for. 9/10
March 25, 2020
Comenzamos la historia con el rey Darío II aleccionando a un joven e ingenuo Artajerjes. La conversación que mantiene su padre con él es primordial para el desarrollo de lo que ocurrió. Seguramente si no se hubiera producido no habría pasado todos los acontecimientos posteriores. Así pues, nos encontraremos ante la traición de un hermano a otro, para después reclamar venganza. La novela es ágil, como otras que he leído del autor, haciendo que te metas en la historia, sintiendo las emociones y ansias de Ciro por vengarse, sintiéndose traicionado por su padre y su hermano. Veremos cómo Ciro, experto en batallas, planifica derrocar a su hermano en una batalla entre persas, griegos y espartanos.
La primera mitad de la trama me ha gustado bastante, el alzamiento del ejército de Ciro, la estrategia de batalla hasta llegar a ella con los pormenores de camino a encontrarse los ejércitos es un sinfín de movimientos políticos, estrategias de unos y de otros para mantener el secreto lo máximo posible. Las descripciones son claras y ágiles, yo, que no conocía la historia, no sabía qué iba a ocurrir, manteniéndome en vilo la segunda mitad de la novela, tras la batalla decisiva y un giro a los acontecimientos que no esperaba de esa manera.
¡La reseña completa en el blog!
https://tintaliteratura.blogspot.com/...
La primera mitad de la trama me ha gustado bastante, el alzamiento del ejército de Ciro, la estrategia de batalla hasta llegar a ella con los pormenores de camino a encontrarse los ejércitos es un sinfín de movimientos políticos, estrategias de unos y de otros para mantener el secreto lo máximo posible. Las descripciones son claras y ágiles, yo, que no conocía la historia, no sabía qué iba a ocurrir, manteniéndome en vilo la segunda mitad de la novela, tras la batalla decisiva y un giro a los acontecimientos que no esperaba de esa manera.
¡La reseña completa en el blog!
https://tintaliteratura.blogspot.com/...
August 30, 2020
Игълдън доста е полирал прозата си, в сравнение с книгите за Цезар, които започват кариерата му. Все пак е много далече от така любимата ми поредица за Чингиз хан. Имам чувството, че точно тази книга е леко поръчкова тип - абе, намери някой като Леонид и Темистокъл, който ломи иранците, че ни трябва още политическа пропаганда.
Книжката е занимателна, аз. така и така съм си нарочил историческите романи за плажно четиво (не че успя да стигне до плажа точно тази книга, щото не можа и моя милост).
Любопитното тук беше претупването. Чел съм Анабазис и смятам, че вътре има зверски интересни факти за военното изкуство, които Игълдън просто е изпуснал и произведението страда - как гръцките коне са подивявали от рева и миризмата на камилите, халюциногенния мед от рододендроновите гори в Армения, наистина зверски тегавия поход на измъкване от Персия... Ала тези неща щяха да изкарат гърците/европейците/белите не такива герои, каквито са представени в книгата. Персийците също са само щриховани, защото иначе ще разберем, че са цивилизация, не по-лоша от античната по онова време.
Като цяло книгата става, дори само за да накара някой да прочете класиката. А аз ще трябва да погледна поредицата за Войната на розите.
Книжката е занимателна, аз. така и така съм си нарочил историческите романи за плажно четиво (не че успя да стигне до плажа точно тази книга, щото не можа и моя милост).
Любопитното тук беше претупването. Чел съм Анабазис и смятам, че вътре има зверски интересни факти за военното изкуство, които Игълдън просто е изпуснал и произведението страда - как гръцките коне са подивявали от рева и миризмата на камилите, халюциногенния мед от рододендроновите гори в Армения, наистина зверски тегавия поход на измъкване от Персия... Ала тези неща щяха да изкарат гърците/европейците/белите не такива герои, каквито са представени в книгата. Персийците също са само щриховани, защото иначе ще разберем, че са цивилизация, не по-лоша от античната по онова време.
Като цяло книгата става, дори само за да накара някой да прочете класиката. А аз ще трябва да погледна поредицата за Войната на розите.
April 27, 2025
Con Iggulden doesnt disappoint.
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