The Falling Sword (CLASH OF EMPIRES)
The Falling Sword (CLASH OF EMPIRES) book cover

The Falling Sword (CLASH OF EMPIRES)

Paperback – August 11, 2020

Price
$12.79
Format
Paperback
Pages
400
Publisher
Orion
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1409173441
Dimensions
5 x 1 x 7.75 inches
Weight
9.9 ounces

Description

To read one of Ben Kane's astonishingly well-researched, bestselling novels is to know that you are, historically speaking, in safe hands.― Elizabeth Buchan , DAILY MAIL Fascinating.― Antonia Senior , THE TIMES This is a stunningly visual and powerful read: Kane's power of description is second to none... Perfect for anyone who is suffering from Game of Thrones withdrawal symptoms.― Helena Gumley-Mason , THE LADY Kenya born, Irish by blood and UK resident, Ben Kane's passion for history has seen him change career from veterinary medicine to writing, and taken him to more than 60 countries, and all 7 continents. During his travels and subsequent research, including walking hundreds of miles in complete Roman military gear, he has learned much about the Romans and the way they lived. Ten of his thirteen novels have been Sunday Times top ten bestsellers, and his books are published in twelve languages; a million copies have sold worldwide. In 2016, his research was recognised by Bristol University with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Kane lives in Somerset, where he writes full time.

Features & Highlights

  • ONE FINAL CLASH
  • Reeling from his defeat at the hands of the Macedonians, Rome's furious General Flamininus gathers his legions for the final strike on King Philip's mighty phalanx.
  • AN EMPIRE ON THE EDGE
  • Both leaders know the victor will rule Greece, and both armies will do everything in their power to claim the ultimate prize.
  • TWO HEROES PREPARED TO DIE
  • Fighting on opposing sides, Felix and Demetrios think they have survived the worst of the campaign. But between vicious infighting, unruly locals, and intense battle, both will be tested as the final showdown between two great civilisations begins . . .

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(1.1K)
★★★★
25%
(474)
★★★
15%
(284)
★★
7%
(133)
-7%
(-133)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Here's A Problem with Kane's Clash of Empires

Plutarch gives a different portrait of Titus Flaminius than Kane. With Kane, Flaminius is extremely ambitious but often quite petty and ruthlessly punitive in his thought and action. In Plutarch, Flaminius is very ambitious but is not given to being punitive nor petty as he deals with the Greeks. In fact in Plutarch Flaminius is seen as someone noble and admirable in Greek eyes partly because to Plutarch there was some truth to Flaminius' nobility and humanity.

Kane reserves most of his positive comments on real historical figures to Philip V and his son Perseus. Perseus who was later conquered by Aemilius Paulus at the Battle of Pydna in 168 B.C., is shown to be avaricious, craven, and cowardly in Plutarch's characterization of Perseus in his Life of Aemilius Paulus. Perseus, as a young man, in Kane's imaginative retelling, is a noble warrior in the making. This might be because Kane is setting up his trilogy in the series. If so, Kane will need to show what made Perseus so avaricious and cowardly as a last king of the Macedonian line.

The Kane book will keep your interest, and I can't fault the author there. It is somewhat predictable in the setup of fictional characters, but nonetheless he can write a good story that's appealing to people interested in a soap opera historical fiction. Unfortunately, I believe his portrayal of actual historical figures is quite lacking. I recommend readers to examine Plutarch's Lives which is available free on line. You will come out with a different impression.
1 people found this helpful
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Great book!!!

Amazing story!!! This book has me hooked