The Gates of Athens: Book One in the Athenian series

Product Information

The historical fiction author is known for his Emperor series as well as his Conqueror series. He also wrote The Dangerous Book for Boys with Hal Iggulden, his brother, which was adapted into a 2018 Prime Original television series. He also became the first person to reach the top of the non-fiction and the fiction charts in the United Kingdom at the same time.

Astonishing, convincing and compelling, with ferocious battles that bring the Ancient World of Greece alive' 5***** Reader ReviewThe sights, sounds and smells of Athens bring history to life with gripping brilliance' DAILY MIRROR

I never thought I would find these ancient Greek wars so immersive, but Iggulden has a talent for writing battle scenes and political intriges that will get you on the edge of your seat.

Publication Order of Conqueror Books

Through the perspectives of different characters, primarily Themistocles and Xanthippus, Mr Iggulden takes us into the battles. The battle at Plataea captured and held my attention: we alternate between Aristides and Mardonius, from one side to the other, as the advantage shifts between the opposing armies. And after the battle? Mr Iggulden takes us further. The time is 490 B.C., and two large empires are on the brink of going to war. Athens and Sparta are about to have a huge conflict, and the struggle between the rival powers and political systems is destined to last from 431 to 404 B.C. for a total of twenty-seven years. He has an Irish mother and says that from the time he as young he would tell him about stories and include dates from history. He says that he supposes that telling stories must be in the genes somewhere, since his great-grandfather was a Seannachie. Conn says that his father flew in World War II and taught math and science after. He says that his father loved telling good stories and poetry. The author recalls that when he started teaching, classes were told that girls were the only ones good at English. A gripping read from the master historical storyteller. This swords-and-sandals epic brings the clash of empires between Greece and Persia to life' DAILY EXPRESS

If Iggulden decides to tell that tale—of how the third Alexander from Macedonia’s royal family came to be known as “the Great”—I will absolutely devour it (top-down storytelling or not). Especially if Iggulden relates it with the same deft blend of pacing and politics he showcases in Protector. Together with his greatest rival, mark Antony, Octavian will stop at nothing to avenge his father’s death. The Conqueror Series Genghis: Birth of an Empire Temujin, the son of Khan, was raised in a clan of hunters who migrated across the rugged lands. Now under Genghis Khan, they unite and go against a common enemy, the mighty slumbering walled empire of the Chin. Bones of the Hills The boy who was abandoned by his tribe in the wilderness has now grown into one of the most powerful and feared leader in history. Genghis Khan has gone after tribes fighting against each other and unified them to exist under his rule. United, they battle against their oldest enemies. Te midden van de zeeslag van Salamis tegen de Perzen ziet het er niet goed uit voor de Grieken. Athene is in vlammen opgegaan en de inwoners schuilen op het eiland Salamis. Het is aan Themistocles om iets uit zijn mouw te toveren. Om de Perzen uit heel Griekenland te verdrijven zullen Themistocles, Aristides en Xantippus de hulp van Sparta moeten inroepen en daar ontbreekt leiding na de dood van Leonidas.I had some trouble with getting to know the different characters during the first novel, but this second part felt like a happy reunion with some favourite characters. I definitely prefer Protector over Gates of Athens because it offers more direct action and some interesting character building. The tale told here is massive in scope – you’re looking at armies numbering in hundreds of thousands! That’s quite a difference to many historical novels, especially my own which usually have warbands of a few hundred or even just a dozen. I think the author has made a choice in writing this book to make the whole thing feel BIG – there’s very little dialogue and we flit between characters without ever really seeing them as normal people. We’re TOLD about them, but there’s not many scenes of basic human interaction like men sitting drinking together, sharing jokes and songs, couples being intimate or the like. I can’t be sure, obviously, but I think Iggulden must have decided to avoid scenes like that – avoided making the people too minutely detailed – because he wanted to focus on the greater overall picture. These events were momentous and we do get a vivid sense of how incredibly powerful these nations were. Sparta’s incredible fighting prowess, Persia’s sheer numbers and ambition, and Greek cunning and resilience. Ten years later, Athens has betrayed its favourite son. When the Persians return, when they cross the Hellespont to take revenge on the Greeks, will Xanthippus come home to save his people? 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. The armies of Rome are forced to fight against each other lead by two greatest generals the empire has ever had. Julius will be closing on to his destiny which will be determined by two things; his best friend Marcus Brutus and Cleopatra, an Egyptian queen who will bear his son… The Blood of Gods