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Spartan Warrior #2
Birth of a Warrior
Lysander had to leave his roots as a Helot slave far behind him, when he discovered his true identity as the descendant of a Spartan warrior. The training is ruthless and now he faces his toughest challenge. Sent to the mountains with nothing but a goatskin flask, he and two other boys must prove their ability to survive before they can return. Facing starvation, wild animals and the elements, Lysander discovers that his real enemy is in fact one of the other boys, sent to sabotage his trial. From his vantage point in the mountains, Lysander can see another threat on the horizon - the Persians are invading. He must prove his worth as a Spartan and return to the village as soon as possible in order to warn of the attack. But who is Lysander fighting for - to save Spartan honour, or to protect the Helot slaves, whom he used to live among?
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2008
39 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ford
13 books48 followersMichael Ford was born in 1980 in the north of England, and studied Classics and English at Oxford University.
He worked in a variety of publishing roles before becoming an editor of adult fiction. He has written several novels and non-fiction books for children, including the SPARTAN series for Bloomsbury UK.
He lives with his wife in London.
Librarian's Note: This author is Michael^^Ford. There are authors with similar names on Goodreads:
Michael Ford - general, catch-all profile
Michael Ford - Religion and Spirituality
Michael Thomas Ford - Gay & Lesbian, Humor, Young Adult
Michael Curtis Ford - Historical Fiction
He worked in a variety of publishing roles before becoming an editor of adult fiction. He has written several novels and non-fiction books for children, including the SPARTAN series for Bloomsbury UK.
He lives with his wife in London.
Librarian's Note: This author is Michael^^Ford. There are authors with similar names on Goodreads:
Michael Ford - general, catch-all profile
Michael Ford - Religion and Spirituality
Michael Thomas Ford - Gay & Lesbian, Humor, Young Adult
Michael Curtis Ford - Historical Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 20, 2023
Official rating: 3.75
It surprises me how much more I enjoyed this book when compared to the first. Where the first had terrible pacing and nothing of interest until 3/4ths of the way through, this book had fantastic pacing and was able to hold my interest from the start. If you can make it through the first novel just to learn the backstory and character development, I would recommend giving this novel a try.
It surprises me how much more I enjoyed this book when compared to the first. Where the first had terrible pacing and nothing of interest until 3/4ths of the way through, this book had fantastic pacing and was able to hold my interest from the start. If you can make it through the first novel just to learn the backstory and character development, I would recommend giving this novel a try.
April 14, 2016
This is a seamless continuation of the story of Lysander--the half-helot/half Spartiate or mothax, begun in The Fire of Ares. Still among his classmates in the agoge, Lysander is a victim of prejudice as well as having faithful friends. Several days in the wilderness in harsh conditions with a boy who dislikes him, show the two that they can more easily overcome hardship by working together. Then, discovering a Persian attack being readied , he fights for Sparta. Written for young people in a clear and fast-moving style, this novel had a moral, as well as teaching about the Spartan lifestyle.
Of course, the historical Leonidas and Lysander lived nearly 100 years apart from each other, but I wonder if the author chose these names intentionally. We know Leonidas from Thermopylae fame, and the historical Lysander, the admiral who won the Peloponnesian War, was a mothax.
Of course, the historical Leonidas and Lysander lived nearly 100 years apart from each other, but I wonder if the author chose these names intentionally. We know Leonidas from Thermopylae fame, and the historical Lysander, the admiral who won the Peloponnesian War, was a mothax.
March 4, 2021
My name is Lysander, and I should have been honored when I was one of the first two Spartan trainees chosen to complete the Ordeal. However, I couldn't get excited about the prospect of surviving for five days in the mountains with Demaratos, my worst enemy, and an ephehos whose main purpose was to make sure things weren't too easy. We couldn't carry weapons, food, or blankets, but we could bring a canteen of water. The only way we could survive was by working together. However, the ephehos ordered us to complete life-threatening challenges, and he seemed to be especially hard on me. During the quiet times, I couldn't forget the memory of being forced to whip my best friend, Timeon, but I couldn't imagine how much worse things in Sparta would get.
The essence of this story was Lysander's difficult position of being a former Spartan slave learning to become a Spartan warrior. He managed to survive and made a couple of friends in the first book, but he antagonized others. This created conflict with Diokles, the Spartan in charge of his training, and the bully Demaratos. Demaratos was an intriguing character, as he held animosity toward Lysander but realized he needed to work with his rival. The injustice shown toward Timeon lingered throughout the book, as Lysander continued to keep his friend in his thoughts. Timeon's demise represented the epitome of the relationship between arrogant, entitled Spartans and all non-Spartans in the world. This series was full of fighting, complete with blood and gore, so you should be forewarned. The prejudice and violence seemed to represent the culture of ancient Sparta, as they felt superior to everyone else. Their attitude was to force others into submission and resolve conflicts by fighting. The plot of this book was much different from The Fire of Ares, as most of the events occurred outside of Sparta. The first half described the Ordeal, while the second half dealt with an imminent threat to the city. Lots of fighting and death. Overall, I'm enjoying the series but realize it won't appeal to everyone. Give it a shot?
The essence of this story was Lysander's difficult position of being a former Spartan slave learning to become a Spartan warrior. He managed to survive and made a couple of friends in the first book, but he antagonized others. This created conflict with Diokles, the Spartan in charge of his training, and the bully Demaratos. Demaratos was an intriguing character, as he held animosity toward Lysander but realized he needed to work with his rival. The injustice shown toward Timeon lingered throughout the book, as Lysander continued to keep his friend in his thoughts. Timeon's demise represented the epitome of the relationship between arrogant, entitled Spartans and all non-Spartans in the world. This series was full of fighting, complete with blood and gore, so you should be forewarned. The prejudice and violence seemed to represent the culture of ancient Sparta, as they felt superior to everyone else. Their attitude was to force others into submission and resolve conflicts by fighting. The plot of this book was much different from The Fire of Ares, as most of the events occurred outside of Sparta. The first half described the Ordeal, while the second half dealt with an imminent threat to the city. Lots of fighting and death. Overall, I'm enjoying the series but realize it won't appeal to everyone. Give it a shot?
May 15, 2017
I liked this book even more than the first one, and I didn't really think that was possible.
Most of the characters from the first book aren't actually in this one much. From a harrowing trial to the front lines of a war, this book highly keeps your attention from start to finish. There wasn't a single slow part.
I'm definitely looking forward to continuing this series.
Most of the characters from the first book aren't actually in this one much. From a harrowing trial to the front lines of a war, this book highly keeps your attention from start to finish. There wasn't a single slow part.
I'm definitely looking forward to continuing this series.
November 18, 2016
Have you guys ever wondered what it would be like to be a spartan?The genre of the book is fiction. My opinion on the book is its amazing you feel what the character is feeling.
The book Birth of a Warrior is about a boy named Lysander he started as a helot in the fields of great Sparta but Lysander wasn't just a helot but he was also half spartan his dad Tharokis was a great spartan warrior and known through out Sparta but he died in a war Lysander's mom was a simple helot women. Until his grandfather notice him and recognized him because he looks like his dad so he was sent to the agoge where he would train to be a spartan warrior master of the spear and short sword.The setting of this story is in great Sparta. Lysander was sent to the mountains where he had to survive a number of days. The conflict is person vs nature Lysander goes up to the mountains with two other Spartans and had to survive there they had to hunt for their own food and work as a team to survive the days to come.
Lysander is a great spartan warrior some examples of my analysis is that when the big spartan boy told Lysander to walk further up the mountain Lysander was able to think of a way to keep himself from freezing from the cold mountain top he was also able to think of a way to save Demratos from falling off of the waterfall . Thats why I think he is a great spartan he is able to think and not just do without thinking.
Lysander has some faults in my opinion he has alot on his mind sometimes and it just overwhelms him at sometimes some examples he gets overwhelmed because his mother died of a very harmful sickness. He also thinks about his father and how he never knew his father so he also thinks about how his father was like.
My rating on this book is 5 out of 5 because this has alot of action and its just that you are able to feel what Lysander is feeling. I would recommend this to my ELA teacher Mrs. Parker if she likes action book that is. This book would make you be on the edge of your chair
The book Birth of a Warrior is about a boy named Lysander he started as a helot in the fields of great Sparta but Lysander wasn't just a helot but he was also half spartan his dad Tharokis was a great spartan warrior and known through out Sparta but he died in a war Lysander's mom was a simple helot women. Until his grandfather notice him and recognized him because he looks like his dad so he was sent to the agoge where he would train to be a spartan warrior master of the spear and short sword.The setting of this story is in great Sparta. Lysander was sent to the mountains where he had to survive a number of days. The conflict is person vs nature Lysander goes up to the mountains with two other Spartans and had to survive there they had to hunt for their own food and work as a team to survive the days to come.
Lysander is a great spartan warrior some examples of my analysis is that when the big spartan boy told Lysander to walk further up the mountain Lysander was able to think of a way to keep himself from freezing from the cold mountain top he was also able to think of a way to save Demratos from falling off of the waterfall . Thats why I think he is a great spartan he is able to think and not just do without thinking.
Lysander has some faults in my opinion he has alot on his mind sometimes and it just overwhelms him at sometimes some examples he gets overwhelmed because his mother died of a very harmful sickness. He also thinks about his father and how he never knew his father so he also thinks about how his father was like.
My rating on this book is 5 out of 5 because this has alot of action and its just that you are able to feel what Lysander is feeling. I would recommend this to my ELA teacher Mrs. Parker if she likes action book that is. This book would make you be on the edge of your chair
October 26, 2016
Exposition: Lysander is having nightmares and is forced to whip is best friend Timeon. Lysander gets called to do is ordeal.
Rising Action: Agesilaus makes Lysander climb down an cliff and he almost dies. Lysander is also force to hike up a mountain then try and survive the night in a blizzard.
Rising Action: Lysander finds out the Timeon got stabbed and died. Demortoes tries to catch a fish but falls in the river. He almost went down a waterfall. They all saw ships that had Persians that had an army. Lysander wanted to get back Agesilaus would not let him
Rising Action: Lysander figures out that Agesilaus was trying to kill him the whole time with all of his challenges. Lysander takes Agesilaus knife and kills a wolf. More wolf come and Agesilaus gets killed
Climax: Lysanders cousin gets taken by the Persians Lysander goes after them and has to get on there boat. He gets Cassandra back but his grandfather gets killed
falling action: Lysander finds some horses and goes back to sparta
Resolution: gets back to sparta and remember that he has now one left
The person that changes the most is Lysander. He went from hating Demortoes to liking him being able to work with him. Lysander was also scared of Agesilaus because Agesilaus trying to kill Lysander the whole book but towards the end Lysander was not scared of him and actually tried to still his knife.
This book has taught me no matter the age you can make a difference. If you short you can steel make difference. It could be saving some ones live or just making someone happy. That is what I learned from the book.
I like this book because it has constant action. It was all about survival during the ordeal and always a problem that some one died or almost died. There was really no boring parts. Even in the parts that were some what boring it was still very intense.
Rising Action: Agesilaus makes Lysander climb down an cliff and he almost dies. Lysander is also force to hike up a mountain then try and survive the night in a blizzard.
Rising Action: Lysander finds out the Timeon got stabbed and died. Demortoes tries to catch a fish but falls in the river. He almost went down a waterfall. They all saw ships that had Persians that had an army. Lysander wanted to get back Agesilaus would not let him
Rising Action: Lysander figures out that Agesilaus was trying to kill him the whole time with all of his challenges. Lysander takes Agesilaus knife and kills a wolf. More wolf come and Agesilaus gets killed
Climax: Lysanders cousin gets taken by the Persians Lysander goes after them and has to get on there boat. He gets Cassandra back but his grandfather gets killed
falling action: Lysander finds some horses and goes back to sparta
Resolution: gets back to sparta and remember that he has now one left
The person that changes the most is Lysander. He went from hating Demortoes to liking him being able to work with him. Lysander was also scared of Agesilaus because Agesilaus trying to kill Lysander the whole book but towards the end Lysander was not scared of him and actually tried to still his knife.
This book has taught me no matter the age you can make a difference. If you short you can steel make difference. It could be saving some ones live or just making someone happy. That is what I learned from the book.
I like this book because it has constant action. It was all about survival during the ordeal and always a problem that some one died or almost died. There was really no boring parts. Even in the parts that were some what boring it was still very intense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2012
Birth of a Warrior
Michael Ford
261 pages
In Birth of a Warrior a teen spartan named Lysander is brought out side to whip his friend Timeon. Timeon is a slave. Lysander used to be a slave but he ended up being a son of a spartan. After that Lysander has to take the Ordeal. The Ordeal is a great test where boys have to live on a mountain for a week. After Lysander does the Ordeal he makes a friend that used to be his enemy. When Lysander is coming back from the Ordeal he spots a Persian battalion. The main persian fleet is attacking but the spartans are completely vulnerable because they don't know a persian battalion is coming from the south. When Lysander tells his grandfather about the battalion, he sends the boys to fend them off. Lysander's grandfather is a spartan ephor and ends up killing himself to save Lysander. Sparta wins the war and everything goes back to normal.
Birth of a Warrior was a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone. It kept me guessing and was really intense. One time when it kept me guessing was if Lysander would survive the Ordeal. A time when it was intense was when they were in the middle of the battle. I rated it a five because it was really action packed. Birth of a Warrior is a really good book.
Michael Ford
261 pages
In Birth of a Warrior a teen spartan named Lysander is brought out side to whip his friend Timeon. Timeon is a slave. Lysander used to be a slave but he ended up being a son of a spartan. After that Lysander has to take the Ordeal. The Ordeal is a great test where boys have to live on a mountain for a week. After Lysander does the Ordeal he makes a friend that used to be his enemy. When Lysander is coming back from the Ordeal he spots a Persian battalion. The main persian fleet is attacking but the spartans are completely vulnerable because they don't know a persian battalion is coming from the south. When Lysander tells his grandfather about the battalion, he sends the boys to fend them off. Lysander's grandfather is a spartan ephor and ends up killing himself to save Lysander. Sparta wins the war and everything goes back to normal.
Birth of a Warrior was a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone. It kept me guessing and was really intense. One time when it kept me guessing was if Lysander would survive the Ordeal. A time when it was intense was when they were in the middle of the battle. I rated it a five because it was really action packed. Birth of a Warrior is a really good book.
May 9, 2019
I bought this book thinking that it was either the first in the series or a standalone. As I began to read through the first few chapters, I discovered that I had missed out on the first book. However, without even reading the first book, I think Ford did a fantastic job a recapping what had happened in the previous book. Although, I was a little disappointed in myself for picking up a book with an awesome cover without looking anything up to about it. I did get a sense that Lysander and Timeon were really good friends despite the difference in class. Also, the hatred between Lysander and Demaratos hinted towards the Games that had occurred in the first book. Everything was explained thoroughly and created a perfect picture inside my mind. The only thing I wish was explained a little bit more was the Fire of Ares. I understood that it was a necklace that Lysander carried around, but what was its purpose?
I originally picked up this book for a quick, light read. I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth and creativity was poured into this book. I found myself not wanting to put it down, reading chapter after chapter. The characters are well developed, each struggling with their own beliefs and wants. I really enjoyed the mythology thrown in throughout the book.
I originally picked up this book for a quick, light read. I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth and creativity was poured into this book. I found myself not wanting to put it down, reading chapter after chapter. The characters are well developed, each struggling with their own beliefs and wants. I really enjoyed the mythology thrown in throughout the book.
January 19, 2010
This is my favorite book ever! Its soooooo good. Birth of a Warrior is the second book in the series. Book one is The Fire of Ares and book three is Legacy of Blood. This series is about a boy named Lysander. Lysander is a helot ( a slave to the spartans). He grew up without a father and his mother was very ill so he had to take care of her. Then he finds out that his father was a son of an ephor ( one of the most powerful men in all of sparta). Since his father was a spartan that makes him a half breed so he is legally allowed to go to the barracks ( a place where a spartan boy goes to train until he is 30 years old). After a while small groups of boys are sent into the mountains with nothing but their tunics and they have to survive five days in the mountains to prove themselves Spartans. Its a great series and you would like it if you were into action-adventure books.
August 23, 2015
The character development for Demaratos was nice, I mean it's cool that he was able to place himself with Lysander. Especially since half of his minions perished in that battle. I wonder who will take care of the recruits from now on. Will it be someone else? Who will take care of Kassandra from now on? What about that other one dude who was Mothax who disappeared in his trial? Is he going to get found or is it completely true that he died? He might just have run off and left his cloak there, no?
I'm glad Orpheus is still here, and same for Leonidas too. I wonder what is going to happen in the third installment of the series.
Why is it that every time Lysander loses the Fire of Ares, nothing really happens and its 100% certain that he'll get it back almost without even trying? Is it because he's righteous or is it because for real, he's just lucky that way?
I'm glad Orpheus is still here, and same for Leonidas too. I wonder what is going to happen in the third installment of the series.
Why is it that every time Lysander loses the Fire of Ares, nothing really happens and its 100% certain that he'll get it back almost without even trying? Is it because he's righteous or is it because for real, he's just lucky that way?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2020
The second of Michael Ford's series following Lysander in the Sparta of 510 BC. This is a fast moving and engaging novel that picks up nicely from where "The Fire of Ares" left off, developing the characters and seeing Lysander grow from boyhood to take his place amongst the Spartan warriors.
There is some wonderful conflict as Lysander starts to find friendship in unexpected places. Plenty of historical detail too, that will transport the reader back in time to the glory days of Sparta.
As an adult I very much enjoyed this book, but it will also be ideal for younger readers from about 9+ being fast paced, action packed and with good characters that you can really identify with.
There is some wonderful conflict as Lysander starts to find friendship in unexpected places. Plenty of historical detail too, that will transport the reader back in time to the glory days of Sparta.
As an adult I very much enjoyed this book, but it will also be ideal for younger readers from about 9+ being fast paced, action packed and with good characters that you can really identify with.
July 28, 2009
I liked the first 3/4 better than the last 1/4. I started to lose interest, not because of the plot (the action was great) but because the characters and their dialogue felt stiff. (I mean, what 13-year-old boy tells his friend, "You know what she means to me" (about a girl) and was it really necessary for one of the Spartan kings to introduce himself by saying (to a Spartan soldier, who would know!) "I am one of the two kings of Sparta"?) Otherwise, it was a good story, and I will definitely be reading the third in the series!
April 13, 2011
Still unraveling, Lysander discovers that he has a great future as a Spartan warrior. His rival and him are chosen to go on a crusade to the great mountains (I forget the names) His greatest rival, Damaratos, becomes his best, most trusted friend, as they embark on a perilous mission to survive 5 days and 5 nights, no food, no water. Nothing but a thin cloak. They have to learn how to survive. Together.
April 7, 2009
I must say, this book was extremely tence, had me bouncing with anticipation. Other than some not so real discription of characters that get well quickly. It is a quick read and I loved it. However, it is very gory, if you don't mind that, I highly recomend it.
December 28, 2013
This tackles hard issues of group identity, standing up for oneself, and valuing both one's family and other cultures. I think boys in particular would find it a good read. I wouldn't say it was preachy.
January 5, 2015
I thought that this book was great. The plot in the story was also. The fact that the book was action-packed, made me want to read more. The problem was in the battles, it was very descriptive. So it was gory. All in all it was a really good book.
September 17, 2009
a great second part of the Spartan's Quest series. this story begins with survival training and ends with a battle for the ages. great for boys grades 5/6
January 8, 2010
Awesome
August 31, 2010
Great book. I like the historic aspect of it and I think that it is one of my favorites.
March 10, 2013
better than the first. better character and plot development. fun read
January 29, 2014
It was a good book with a good meaning and a lot of action.
September 5, 2016
This book was ok but i'm not sure I liked it. It had a little to much violence and not a good enough plot to catch me up.
September 4, 2014
Really really good book. Filled with adventure, and once you get the characters names down, it's awesome
June 2, 2016
This was even better then the first. It was way more exciting and had a few surprising twists. Looking forward to the third one
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews