The Gates of Athens
The Gates of Athens book cover

The Gates of Athens

Hardcover – January 5, 2021

Price
$52.62
Format
Hardcover
Pages
464
Publisher
Pegasus Books
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1643136660
Dimensions
6 x 1.9 x 9 inches
Weight
1.4 pounds

Description

Praise for Conn Iggulden: “Conn Iggulden is a grand storyteller.” ― USA Today "A well-researched tale of heroism and hardship, honor and betrayal in which anyone's life can disappear. Exciting fare, a yarn well-spun." ― Kirkus Reviews "A rousing retelling of a singular event, as seen through the eyes of three leaders on a momentous trek, this latest historical novel by Iggulden will be of interest to both young and old readers of military and ancient history." ― Library Journal "Having already taken on Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, and the War of the Roses, Iggulden successfully dramatizes the life of Dunstan, Abbot of Glastonbury. Immerses the reader in tenth-century England." ― Publishers Weekly "Superbly plotted and paced. An absolutely cracking story. The pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent. Iggulden has created an intriguingly complex saint—flawed, spiteful, and unreliable as the teller of his own tale. Through his eyes we watch the story of the making of England." ― The Times (London) Conn Iggulden is one of the most acclaimed authors of historical fiction writing today. Among many other bestselling novels, he is the author of The Abbot’s Tale , The Falcon of Sparta , The Gates of Athens , Protector , and The Lion , all available from Pegasus Books. Conn lives in London.

Features & Highlights

  • Evoking two of the most famous battles of the Ancient World—the Battle of Marathon and the Last Stand at Thermopylae—
  • The Gates of Athens
  • is a bravura piece of storytelling by a well acclaimed master of the historical adventure novel.
  • In the new epic historical novel by
  • New York Times
  • bestselling author Conn Iggulden, in ancient Greece an army of slaves gathers on the plains of Marathon . . . Under Darius the Great, King of Kings, the mighty Persian army—swollen by 10,000 warriors known as The Immortals—have come to subjugate the Greeks. In their path, vastly outnumbered, stands an army of freeborn Athenians. Among them is a clever, fearsome, and cunning soldier-statesman, Xanthippus. Against all odds, the Athenians emerge victorious. Yet people soon forget that freedom is bought with blood. Ten years later, Xanthippus watches helplessly as Athens succumbs to the bitter politics of factionalism. Traitors and exiles abound. Trust is at a low ebb when the Persians cross the Hellespont in ever greater numbers in their second attempt to raze Athens to the ground. Facing overwhelming forces by land and sea, the Athenians call on their Spartan allies for assistance—to delay the Persians at the treacherous pass of Thermopylae . . .

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(3.3K)
★★★★
25%
(1.4K)
★★★
15%
(816)
★★
7%
(381)
-7%
(-381)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Athens the First True Democracy

I have read all of Conn's books and they are all top rated (5 Stars). This work is no exception. It introduces a whole new sphere of historical knowledge. That being Athens and the cradle of democracy and the fight to keep it. The conflict with Persia will bring readers into the history of such words as 'Marathon.' As many of Conn's books require a number of them to tell the whole story. This being one and I can't wait for the next to continue the story.

Conn is an artist that uses words to creates pictures in your mind and he is one of the World's best!
4 people found this helpful
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A good book, but sub par for this author.

A good read, but not up to what I have come to expect from Iggulden. Some passages leave one wondering which character is speaking, or conversely, whom one is speaking to. Historically accurate, and very macho, with little room for sentimentality. I am hoping that the promised sequels are redeeming.
2 people found this helpful
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Above average

Not his best book/ series…. Beginning and ending are good, however, the story drags… to much narrative. His history is accurate…. I will buy the next book in the series.
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good history lesson

well written book however some of the story went sideways about what was happening...such as the interaction between the characters and it could have told a bit more about the sacrifice of the king of Sparta which in itself a huge story...a good read and waiting for book 2 to come out
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Disappointed

Not as good as his other series
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good greek history great story

good greek history great story
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Engaging and Informative

A very well-written and informative novel, set in 5th Century, BC Athens.
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Disappointing

Not up to his usual standard - seemed hurriedly written and better suited to a highschool audience - maybe lockdown fatigue? His use of "pet" names (ie Xan for Xanthippus) just did not work for me.
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interesting read

A little slow with action in some parts but overall good. Have read more action packed books by this author. It arrived fast in great condition. thanks
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Great book

What a great book. I loved it and cannot wait for book 2 & 3.
Hope He releases them sooner than later...