- Hardcover: 400 pages
- Publisher: Orion (18 Aug 2011)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1409114082
- ISBN-13: 978-1409114086
- Product Dimensions: 15.3 x 3.3 x 23.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 88,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Marathon (Long War 2)
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Product Description
Book Description
The second volume in the Marathon series, featuring the battle of Marathon itself.
Product Description
The Battle of Marathon in 490 BC was one of history's great turning points - the first time the Greeks managed to defeat the Persians in a pitched battle, it enabled the rise of classical Greek civilization. As John Stuart Mill famously put it, 'The Battle of Marathon, even as an event in British history, is more important than the Battle of Hastings.' Without it, the modern world as we know it would not exist. Christian Cameron's epic retelling of the battle will bring it alive, with all of its human drama and tragedy, as never before. The Greeks do not always behave well - in fact, many readers may come to see them as ignorant and bigoted as compared to the multi-cultural Persians, who for some, actually bring greater freedom - at least for a while. The heroic Militiades, who led the Greeks at Marathon and then died in exile, a ruined man, was a fatally flawed character. His opponent, The Persian King Darius, was guilty of vaulting ambition and hubris, but he combined it with personal integrity and vast generosity. And in the middle, torn between two cultures, one of which has already made him a slave, we find Arimnestos - ancestor of the Kineas of the Tyrant books - nicknamed 'Killer of Men', he will lead a decisive contingent of infantry in the thickest of the battle...
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Review
Over the last few years I have become an admitted fan of Christian Cameron's writing. His first book in the Long War series "Killer of Men" was my book of the year when it was published. Since then we the readers have been fortunate enough to have been given the excellent "Tyrant King of the Bosporus", and each and every time Christan Cameron releases a book my expectation grows and my desire more just that bit more is met.
Now with Marathon I was almost drooling with anticipation at the thought of where Chris could take Arimnestos next, how much more could be written, what could he be involved in, it might be the age of heroes but you want an element of reality something to keep the plot grounded, but that's something you never worry about too deeply with Christian Cameron's books, because his passion for the subject drives his research to a level that most authors just dream about, where most imagine he attempts, and its this knowledge that gives his books that extra edge that extra reality.
Marathon is a fitting sequel to Killer of Men and the release at a fitting time the 2500 anniversary of the battle. This is a series and book that will improve your knowledge of the period and the place, but it does not push itself to educate it educates in that subtle way that the words stay with you because the story is so well told.
This like Killer of Men is one of those books that could easily be listed as "guaranteed to entertain or your money back" I'm that positive of its quality.
The product description below will tell you the plot, I have no need or wish to add spoilers, just know that every character is alive, living and breathing on every page, just waiting for you to join them. I have read it 3 times now and Marathon stills seems as fresh as the first time I read it. (Killer of Men is also a must if you have not read it)
(Parm)
Product Description
The Battle of Marathon in 490 BC was one of history's great turning points - the first time the Greeks managed to defeat the Persians in a pitched battle, it enabled the rise of classical Greek civilization. As John Stuart Mill famously put it, 'The Battle of Marathon, even as an event in British history, is more important than the Battle of Hastings.' Without it, the modern world as we know it would not exist. Christian Cameron's epic retelling of the battle will bring it alive, with all of its human drama and tragedy, as never before. The Greeks do not always behave well - in fact, many readers may come to see them as ignorant and bigoted as compared to the multi-cultural Persians, who for some, actually bring greater freedom - at least for a while. The heroic Militiades, who led the Greeks at Marathon and then died in exile, a ruined man, was a fatally flawed character. His opponent, The Persian King Darius, was guilty of vaulting ambition and hubris, but he combined it with personal integrity and vast generosity. And in the middle, torn between two cultures, one of which has already made him a slave, we find Arimnestos - ancestor of the Kineas of the Tyrant books - nicknamed 'Killer of Men', he will lead a decisive contingent of infantry in the thickest of the battle...
Over the last few years I have become an admitted fan of Christian Cameron's writing. His first book in the Long War series "Killer of Men" was my book of the year when it was published. Since then we the readers have been fortunate enough to have been given the excellent "Tyrant King of the Bosporus", and each and every time Christan Cameron releases a book my expectation grows and my desire more just that bit more is met.
Now with Marathon I was almost drooling with anticipation at the thought of where Chris could take Arimnestos next, how much more could be written, what could he be involved in, it might be the age of heroes but you want an element of reality something to keep the plot grounded, but that's something you never worry about too deeply with Christian Cameron's books, because his passion for the subject drives his research to a level that most authors just dream about, where most imagine he attempts, and its this knowledge that gives his books that extra edge that extra reality.
Marathon is a fitting sequel to Killer of Men and the release at a fitting time the 2500 anniversary of the battle. This is a series and book that will improve your knowledge of the period and the place, but it does not push itself to educate it educates in that subtle way that the words stay with you because the story is so well told.
This like Killer of Men is one of those books that could easily be listed as "guaranteed to entertain or your money back" I'm that positive of its quality.
The product description below will tell you the plot, I have no need or wish to add spoilers, just know that every character is alive, living and breathing on every page, just waiting for you to join them. I have read it 3 times now and Marathon stills seems as fresh as the first time I read it. (Killer of Men is also a must if you have not read it)
(Parm)
Product Description
The Battle of Marathon in 490 BC was one of history's great turning points - the first time the Greeks managed to defeat the Persians in a pitched battle, it enabled the rise of classical Greek civilization. As John Stuart Mill famously put it, 'The Battle of Marathon, even as an event in British history, is more important than the Battle of Hastings.' Without it, the modern world as we know it would not exist. Christian Cameron's epic retelling of the battle will bring it alive, with all of its human drama and tragedy, as never before. The Greeks do not always behave well - in fact, many readers may come to see them as ignorant and bigoted as compared to the multi-cultural Persians, who for some, actually bring greater freedom - at least for a while. The heroic Militiades, who led the Greeks at Marathon and then died in exile, a ruined man, was a fatally flawed character. His opponent, The Persian King Darius, was guilty of vaulting ambition and hubris, but he combined it with personal integrity and vast generosity. And in the middle, torn between two cultures, one of which has already made him a slave, we find Arimnestos - ancestor of the Kineas of the Tyrant books - nicknamed 'Killer of Men', he will lead a decisive contingent of infantry in the thickest of the battle...
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Err.....I'll have the Freedom please.
Well Cameron has now found his writing style and pace, and it is probably one his agent and bank manager thoroughly approve of. However it does give his series a certain 'off the peg' style that makes all his Greek books a bit inter-changeable in terms of story line and characterisation. Except for the first book in each series that is! Both 'Tyrant' and 'killer of men' had a bit more of the authors passion and soul in them I thought.
Moaning out of the way this still very much a book I enjoyed. I am obsessed with the Hoplite world and have been since I was a kid and was given a set of Trojan figures for my birthday and these Cameron historical adventures bring the world of ancient Greeks/ Persians/ Medes very much to life. The Grunt and gore of the shield wall, the terror of the trireme battles at sea and the storms of arrows are all here to be enjoyed.
Marathon despite the name is far more about the build up to the battle than the battle itself though it is obviously in there! Those who have read 'Killer of Men' (and you certainly should before attempting this) will find Arimnestos now back at his fathers forge and seeking a wife. Here is the 'however!'
However enemies from his past seek to undo him and spread poison which even tarnishes his formidable 'hero' status. Also the Greco- Persian wars are gathering in pace and fury and we know from book I, old Ari' does rather struggle to stay out of a fight!
So it's back to the helm of a trireme, off for a bit of rough house politics in Athens and of course ultimately, (once the more lightweight foes have been bested) it's time for an epic Battle with the Persians! Perhaps one problem with this story line is that Marathon is now of course so famous that everyone know's that the Greeks won and old Philiwotsit was sent off to run back to Athens with the news of the victory. Little did he know he had started a tradition that would later see a parade of giant foam based comedy figures running around in London every summer.
We also know the hero survives because the story is not being told directly to us but to an audience which includes his daughter and her very irritating blushing maid servant. Ihave to say this does detract from some of the potential drama for me anyway.
I did think the Battle of Marathon would mark the end of this series before I did what 'A customer' has done and wikipediad the Battle. Having done that as well as all the info he has already given you I also know that the story line is only 11 years away from the Battle of Plataea. A battle not only on Arimnesto's home ground but one also involving the Spartans, Corinthians, Athenians.... Well Greece United vs Persia really which promises a far more complex and interesting finale should Cameron decide to take us there! ( I am guessing he will!)
He is also bringing out an 'Alexander' book wich I will be first in the que for, if only to dispell the image of Colin Farrell poncing about in a leather mini skirt.
I do find Arimnestos much too perfect and heroic for my tastes but I enjoyed this book and if you have enjoyed anything by Cornwell, Sidebottem, Igulden et al you know what to expect and are likely to enjoy it too.
Well Cameron has now found his writing style and pace, and it is probably one his agent and bank manager thoroughly approve of. However it does give his series a certain 'off the peg' style that makes all his Greek books a bit inter-changeable in terms of story line and characterisation. Except for the first book in each series that is! Both 'Tyrant' and 'killer of men' had a bit more of the authors passion and soul in them I thought.
Moaning out of the way this still very much a book I enjoyed. I am obsessed with the Hoplite world and have been since I was a kid and was given a set of Trojan figures for my birthday and these Cameron historical adventures bring the world of ancient Greeks/ Persians/ Medes very much to life. The Grunt and gore of the shield wall, the terror of the trireme battles at sea and the storms of arrows are all here to be enjoyed.
Marathon despite the name is far more about the build up to the battle than the battle itself though it is obviously in there! Those who have read 'Killer of Men' (and you certainly should before attempting this) will find Arimnestos now back at his fathers forge and seeking a wife. Here is the 'however!'
However enemies from his past seek to undo him and spread poison which even tarnishes his formidable 'hero' status. Also the Greco- Persian wars are gathering in pace and fury and we know from book I, old Ari' does rather struggle to stay out of a fight!
So it's back to the helm of a trireme, off for a bit of rough house politics in Athens and of course ultimately, (once the more lightweight foes have been bested) it's time for an epic Battle with the Persians! Perhaps one problem with this story line is that Marathon is now of course so famous that everyone know's that the Greeks won and old Philiwotsit was sent off to run back to Athens with the news of the victory. Little did he know he had started a tradition that would later see a parade of giant foam based comedy figures running around in London every summer.
We also know the hero survives because the story is not being told directly to us but to an audience which includes his daughter and her very irritating blushing maid servant. Ihave to say this does detract from some of the potential drama for me anyway.
I did think the Battle of Marathon would mark the end of this series before I did what 'A customer' has done and wikipediad the Battle. Having done that as well as all the info he has already given you I also know that the story line is only 11 years away from the Battle of Plataea. A battle not only on Arimnesto's home ground but one also involving the Spartans, Corinthians, Athenians.... Well Greece United vs Persia really which promises a far more complex and interesting finale should Cameron decide to take us there! ( I am guessing he will!)
He is also bringing out an 'Alexander' book wich I will be first in the que for, if only to dispell the image of Colin Farrell poncing about in a leather mini skirt.
I do find Arimnestos much too perfect and heroic for my tastes but I enjoyed this book and if you have enjoyed anything by Cornwell, Sidebottem, Igulden et al you know what to expect and are likely to enjoy it too.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
having read all the authors previous work, i feel like i've been on a bit of a journey with mr cameron, each book being better than the last.
with 'marathon' the author has firmly established himself in the first rank of historical fiction authors. for my money he's well ahead of cornwall , igguldon or any of the other of the modern crop of blockbuster history writers.
i don't know if its his historical re-enactment activities but there's an authenticity about mr cameron's work, combined with quite a literary quality to his writing, which to my mind lifts his work head and shoulders above his contempories.
with 'marathon' the author has firmly established himself in the first rank of historical fiction authors. for my money he's well ahead of cornwall , igguldon or any of the other of the modern crop of blockbuster history writers.
i don't know if its his historical re-enactment activities but there's an authenticity about mr cameron's work, combined with quite a literary quality to his writing, which to my mind lifts his work head and shoulders above his contempories.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Simply Excellent
I am a big fan of Christian Camerons historical writing, he just seems to capture the feel of the periods so well and his books are very well written. Read more
Published 4 days ago by toberemembered
Marathon in title and also in tedious read
Was an admirer of Christian Cameron having read Tyrant etc but this was very tedious. The actual piece about the battle itself was interesting but is was like walking through... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jack Griffin
An Excellent Read.
I used to think that no one could write better about ancient Greece than the late Mary Renault - but Cameron has equalled if not surpassed her here! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Dalgety
Better and better
i was already a huge fan of Christian and his books get better and better!
i liked the first book in this series but Marathon is so much better. Read more
i liked the first book in this series but Marathon is so much better. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Francis D. Aitken
A Great Book Present at any time of year
I loved the original book in this series by Christian, so when I heard about the sequel I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Gareth Wilson - Falcata Times Blog
excellent !
Excellent story !
Almost as great as the first one.
Since some of the caracters are already known,the book is not as much of a revelation as the first one. Read more
Almost as great as the first one.
Since some of the caracters are already known,the book is not as much of a revelation as the first one. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Herman
Top notch sequel to "Killer of men"
If you want to read historical fiction set in the ancient world you can do no better than read Christian Cameron's books. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Titus Livius
Killer of Men / Marathon
Straight and to the point these books are superb! You really get drawn into Cameron,s world. There,s an Achilles in all of us and he comes to life in these books.
Published 8 months ago by rich-maurice
Another triumph
I recall a while ago (at a Bad Co. gig) being told that in the 1970's Paul Rodgers was the 'rock singers' rock singer' , in that all the others looked up to him as the master of... Read more
Published 8 months ago by A. C. Riches
A wonderful read with a couple of flaws
This book was a wonderful read that I finished in 48 hours. I was hardly able to let it go. It has all of the usual Christian Cameron ingredients. Read more
Published 8 months ago by JPS
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