The Wrath of Alexander the Great

by Terry McCarthy

Combat-trained down to his fingernails, the legendary Commander Barkane of Carthage is the world's first military commando. He and his highly-trained crew must break into the famed fortress-city of Tyre and retrieve secrets of the state so valuable that Alexander the Great himself will turn the continent upside-down to get his hands on them. One problem: Tyre is under siege by one hundred thousand of Alexander's men, each and every one of them hungering for Barkane's blood. The commandos must somehow break into the city, secure the secret, and then escape. It is impossible, of course, and Alexander knows it. But Carthage has sent Commander Barkane, and so Alexander is in for a surprise.

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. You've heard of Alexander the Great, and you may know that he was known as one of the world's best military strategists. Despite the title, this book is not about him. It takes place during his conquest of Persia, but it is the story of Barkane, a military commander from Carthage, who over the course of the story prooves himself to be even more brilliant of a military strategist and fighter than Alexander the Great.

The book was full of non stop action, though there was more than just adventure. The characters were well formed and over the course of the events in the book, the characters change and grow and learn things about themselves and each other. The backstory and history of the characters that reveals itself slowly and in pieces was also very interested and woven well into the story.

The biggest fault I had with the book is that it was hard to understand what was happening sometimes. I didn't always understand what character was fighting for what side or even, how many sides there were. Sometimes I didn't understand the action scenes. They would be fighting and then suddenly, they would be in a new location fighting and I somehow missed how it all happened.

In all, it was an enjoyable read, made all the better by the various twists in the plot. I was on the edge of my seat for the last 50 pages as the twists just kept on coming.

[Brian Morin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won The Wrath of Alexander the Great from goodreads and was very excited to read the book. I found the story compelling, the characters were well developed and easy to relate to. The main character, Barkane was especially developed with an origin story that I enjoyed. Due to the title, I expected Alexander the be a character in the story, which he was not. The foil to Barkane was a Greek general name Bousardis. I found as I read that, while I rooted against him, I did not dislike him either. The novel was packed with action. I actually could picture it being made into a feature film. While I did find some of the plot, especially the twists at the conclusion somewhat predictable, that did not take away from my enjoyment of the book. I like it so much that I found myself reading the last 150 pages in one evening. I would love to read a sequel (or prequel) to this book as one book about Barkane was simply not enough.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is filled with action. There is fighting, chases, prison escapes, and pig stampedes. There is hardly a moment of rest which keeps the characters, plot and book moving at a great pace. But the characters and the plot are not sacrificed to the action. In Barkane you get a likeable, if smug, hero who always manages to get himself into impossible situations and then think his way out. And he has a worthy advisory who is savvy, if brutal, and gives our hero a run for his money ensuring that things never get too easy. And things are seldom easy, leading to moments when you want to read faster to find out how he will get away this time. McCarthy adds to the sense of anticipation by foreshadowing things to come by using phases like “he was about to find out that…” that make you want to know how he will find out and what he is going to do about it. There is a lot of plotting and scheming and since you get to see the story from the perspective of several characters you hear the plans of both sides and what they think the enemy’s plans are and it becomes impossible to figure out who is outsmarting who until the plans are all played out. The descriptions of the fighting and injuries are real and vivid enough that you have no trouble imagining the pain and fear that the characters must have felt. It is interesting and exciting historical fiction but it not exactly about Alexander the Great. Although Alexander is in the book and is ultimately Barkane’s nemesis to his mission, most of the considerable action is focused elsewhere, Alexander takes a back seat to Barkane and his quest and all the unexpected, improbable, and death defying things that happen to him and everyone around him along the way. A very entertaining book that kept me avidly reading through all the twists and turns to a satisfying end.

[glitrbug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somebody call Spielberg! If ever a book called out to be made into a blockbuster, this is it. It starts with a daring commando rescue of Captain Sajan, climbing up and down high slick walls, creeping down scarey caves, rescuing a Persian princess, being rescued by a Persian princess, a double-cross, sword fights, a little flirting and falling in love. Whew! I am not even sure what you would call this book: a historical military, adventure,love story?

I received this book from a Member Giveaway with a note from Terry saying "I notice a lot of women signed up for my latest book....even though the publishing community considers this a 'guy' book." Shows what they know. I can't think of any readers on my Christmas list that wouldn't enjoy this book from the guys that mostly read history to the gals that like a little romance with their adventures.

Could this go on into a trilogy? I'd like to hear what happens when the slave girl catches up with Big Markatt and you know there would be some fireworks when the Princess tries to get Barkane to settle down and start a family. Keep writing, Terry.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will take you into the unexpected depths in a rare chapter of ancient Greece that features Commander Barkane of Carthage and his quest to foil Alexander the Great.

The story is so vividly realized you can practically feel the sun’s burn, the dry air and smell the sweat and blood. Cut across a broad swath of territory, THE WRATH OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, brings you into the world of Greek warriors, to see the fighting weapons they used and the incredible environmental challenges they faced.

I think what I enjoyed most about Barkane was his “Marty McFly” confidence that is fun, refreshing and often humorous. There’s something special about sitting back and watching a master, like Barkane, work to get his warriors out of tight spots and befuddle and frustrate his enemies time and again. Pick this one up if you are looking for a 300-type of experience with characters that sizzle and crack with wit and ingenuity.
The Wrath Of Alexander The GreatTerry McCarthy

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I won this book through Goodreads. As a fan of historical fiction, I was not disappointed by this story which educated me regarding an aspect of history with which I was unfamiliar. This was my bedtime reading and I found myself going to bed earlier and earlier just to find out what the main character was going to do next I'm not usually a fan of war strategy but this brought various tactics down to a personal level and I really enjoyed the psychology behind the various maneuvers. I was also inspired to research some of the history of this area. I've already recommended this book to friends and was able to speak knowledgeably with them regarding Alexander's siege of Tyre due to this novel. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was pretty good. Those that like military battles would probably like this book. How Barkane manages to out wit General Bousardis, whose troops out number Barkane and his group, is quite interesting. There were three parts I really liked. The first was when they came upon the fort and impersonated Bousardis troops and put on an impressive display at the gates. The second was when the small merchant ship they had took over a trireme. They shot numerous jars full of squirmy things on the deck among other things. The third was there escape from Tyre.

[Esther Iverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complementary copy of this book from Mr McCarthy but didnt get to read it until late this summer. It was a good thing I didn't start the book earlier because I would have put off everything that I had to do because once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. I immediately did what should be done to all good books....I shared it with friends who have passed it to others. A good story, very well written. I'm looking forward to reading more of McCarthy's books.....I only have to wait for some more free time.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started reading this book so my review wont be to thorough, but so far so good. I have always been fascinated by Alexander the Great, so when I had a chance to read this book, I was excited to say the least. So far the book has kept my attention and is a very easy book to read and to follow. As soon as I get more into it, I will add some more, but so far so good!

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the book, the title kind of throws you off, but I like storys from way back in history. I see by the book that theres another one out there by this author, I might have to buy. I like all that old time stories, long book but it was worth it.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received through Goodreads First Reads for free.

Amazingly well-done adventure story with a little history, a little romance and a ton of action. Barkane is a great character--here's to hoping there's a sequel!

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up front, not actually historical and not actually about Alexander the Great

Other than that though, a highly enjoyable, quick read

just for fun

[Natalie]

I enjoyed this - picked it up as a sample on Amazon for my Kindle - and decided to buy it after reading the sample. Imaginative - had me paging through till the end!