Lion: Book 1 of The Golden Age: 'Brings war in the ancient world to vivid, gritty and bloody life' ANTHONY RICHES

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I liked it because it is nicely written in a style that only Conn Iggulden can employ. So, for some, especially if you are not passionate about history, Greek wars, battle description etc., you might find it a bit boring and long. To me, it sets the scene for what is coming, and it helps the main character (Pericles) grow for an in-depth re-creation of who this man was and what he did to remain a hero in Greek history. Lion focuses mainly on the Athenian front of things instead of the Persian. But there indeed were several points where we get to experience the war from Artabazus or even Xerxes' perspective. I was alright with that up till the death of Xerxes. We're shown the event from the Persian perspective, but I just don't feel connected. I know too little about Persian politics to even make sense of what's happening and why it's happening, let alone be emotionally connected to the scene. A better choice may be to tell Xerxes' death from the Athenian perspective, e.g. Cimon hearing about the death of Xerxes from some hoplites and that the king seemed to have died by his own guards' hands. That way Xerxes' death could be a bit more of a mystery and that could be pretty intriguing and realistic given how bemusing things can be during wartime. To make his own name [Pericles] must prove himself in the liar's den of Athenian politics: pitting wits against friends, sceptics, enemies. The master historical storyteller. This swords-and-sandals epic brings the ancient world to life' DAILY EXPRESS It was not that authority came without crushing weight, just that the alternative was living at another’s whim.”

Lion | Conn Iggulden | 9780241513125 | NetGalley Lion | Conn Iggulden | 9780241513125 | NetGalley

In this third book of Iggulden’s series, we follow the early career of Pericles, son of Xanthippus. Much of it is imagined as little is known of Pericles’ early life and many of the events of this period were unrecorded until much later. His generation followed in the footsteps of those who fought at Marathon, Thermopylae and Salamis and sought to emulate their heroes. This great book is the 1st part of a 2-set series featuring the Greeks of Athens and their allies in the Golden Age. This will be an enjoyable read for anyone with an interest in history, military strategy, and the ancient world! Surprisingly i found the chapters in Athens to be the least compelling as most of the time was focused on Pericles helping his friend with his play and dealing with his marriage to Thetis instead of exploring the politics and daily life of Athens. This is more the story of Pericles, his decisions and his thoughts as he makes the transition from a young man into an adult and all the responsibilities that come with it. His family, his personal life and made it a more character-based story. There are plenty of other characters but focusing on just one gave a brilliant insight into one of history's figures.That brings me to my other big problem with this book. I'm fairly sure it was written originally as two stories and glued together because they weren't long enough. The third in a series set during the Graeco-Persian wars, The Lion depicts the triumph of Cimon, the man most responsible for the defeat of Persian king, Xerxes. The story covers the formation of the Delian League (the alliance of Greek states set up to combat the Persian threat), the hostility of Sparta to Athenian leadership, and the first fracture in the alliance caused by the rebellion of Thasos. Cymon and Pericles are the characters to watch. The Greek City States did not ally themselves except when fighting a common enemy. They pooled resources to build war ships to fight and destroy Persians on the seas, but no Persian ships could be found. The sea was empty. Pericles finds the Persians hidden on a river. The ensuing battle is exciting; but afterwards the alliance, the League as it was called, is not in a healthy state.

Conn Iggulden - Wikipedia Conn Iggulden - Wikipedia

Pericles is a young man and isn't allowed a responsibility as he is deemed too young until he is 30 years old. But, his friendship with Cimon grants him access to meetings. The two form a formidable friendship and when needed they will support each other.My own reading of that time period ( Aeschylus, for instance, makes an appearance in The Lion) makes this book even more interesting, but simultaneously can render it a little dull. The characters have to be more compelling, and in this case not all of them were. There are some excellent moments, but I wish that they were followed through on just a little longer. While I understand where he chose to end the book, I think going just a little longer would have offered a more satisfying denouement. 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. If you're coming to Coles by car, why not take advantage of the 2 hours free parking at Sainsbury's Pioneer Square - just follow the signs for Pioneer Square as you drive into Bicester and park in the multi-storey car park above the supermarket. Come down the travelators, exit Sainsbury's, turn right and follow the pedestrianised walkway to Crown Walk and turn right - and Coles will be right in front of you. You don't need to shop in Sainsbury's to get the free parking! Where to Find Us Iggulden draws the Greek world convincingly and he is strongest writing battle scenes' THE TIMES on the Golden Age series Speaking of Attikos, why didn't anyone kill that old c*** already!? I absolutely adore how Iggulden create the villains in Lion. The worst kind of villains are wimps and fools who don't know their limitations. Never fail to get me frothing in the mouth. Nearly burst a vein or two at Attikos and Ephialtes. I'll be sure to read book 2 just to see them either get killed or redeem themselves (no hopes for Attikos, but Ephialtes might yet be saved, like Pericles - they're not entirely different, I think).

Lion by Conn Iggulden (Hardback) - Coles Books Lion by Conn Iggulden (Hardback) - Coles Books

But even during times of peace, the threat of Sparta - Athens's legendary rival - looms large on the horizon. When a sudden catastrophe brings Sparta to its knees, Pericles sees a golden opportunity to forever shift the balance of power in his city's favour. Lion covers the ten or so years following the withdrawal of the Persians from Greece. Its heroes are the young Athenian general Cimon and Xanthippus’ son Pericles, beginning to make his way in public life. It is a well written, generally exciting adventure story, achieved without major insult to the historical record. Behind Pericles lies the greatest city of the ancient world. Before him, on land and at sea, stands the merciless Persian army. Both sides are spoiling for war. This book follows, Pericles, who is also referred to “The First Citizen of Athens”, from a young man for the period of about a decade. Being eager to please and impress his father, Xanthippus, we see him grow into a reputable leader and strategist. He is a complex and flawed character, so to watch his development is exciting.The book opens to a map of the region, as well as a pronunciation guide – which I usually love. Who doesn’t love a book with a map?

Conn Iggulden - Book Series In Order Conn Iggulden - Book Series In Order

RRP refers to the Recommended Retail Price as set out by the original publisher at time of release. There is still some dual narration occurring, but The Lion primarily follows one character: Pericles. We’ve met him as a child, son of the great Xanthippus. But Pericles is grown now, a warrior in his own right determined to prove his worth – to his father, his friends, but especially to himself. Whether it’s due to getting to know the characters, the smoother pacing or just fewer confusing jumps between the narrators, I really enjoyed The Lion. It offers an insight into life as an Athenian at that time: not just war, but the more pleasurable aspects of life; friendships, laughter, the fun of putting on a new play and seeing a society coming together, united under a cause. The prologue starts in the point of view of Pausanias, so you'd think he'd be important to the story, right? Wrong. He turns up for some minor passages throughout the first act and then promptly goes home to die quietly. Historically true, but doesn't mean you have to structure the narrative around him.A second central character in this book is Cimon, also prominent in the Athenian series. Cimon is the Strategos of the Greek Alliance, which is shown being formed in this part under the leadership of Xanthippus. Much of the book involves the Pericles/Cimon relationship as Pericles both admires Cimon as a leader and person and is jealous of him, especially for his intimacy with Thetis, the captive concubine of a pirate from Scyros and the woman who becomes Pericles wife. From 1st July 2021, VAT will be applicable to those EU countries where VAT is applied to books - this additional charge will be collected by Fed Ex (or the Royal Mail) at the time of delivery. Shipments to the USA & Canada: The Lion is a historically based fictional story about Pericles the leader of Athens during the height of the Peloponnesian war and one of the most intriguing figures of antiquity. Storytelling is excellent, and where Christian Cameron excel in describing famous battles and picturing these landmarks, Conn Iggulden excels in describing human emotions interwoven with great dialogue, so that all characters come vividly to life within this amazing story. PRAISE FOR CONN IGGULDEN: 'Brings war in the ancient world to vivid, gritty and bloody life' ANTHONY RICHES