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mjporterauthor's review against another edition
4.0
The Lion Shield by Conn Iggulden is an enjoyable and entertaining read, focusing perhaps more on the politics of Athens than the bloody fighting that must take place, for those who are 'in the know.'
The opening few chapters are quite stunning, as the battle of Marathon takes place, and the reader is introduced to Xanthippus, and then slowly, more of the main players come into focus. The threads of betrayal quickly make an appearance and will continue throughout the book, accounting for the actions and thoughts of the main characters.
The author does quite a slow reveal, lingering over some details, and ensuring even the most ignorant (me) understand how the governance of Athens worked. Xanthippus is a rigorous and unyielding man, Themistocles a 'man of the people.' Aristides is a calmer character, more assured of who he is and what he stands for, whereas Miltiades' son is the young counter to the 'older men,' a character to perhaps represent all the hot-heads within Athens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I had. a little chuckle at the name of Darius (the title of Iggulden's fantasy book) and might well have given this a 5/5 only for it to be lost in the last paragraph. I did not need that lingering imag . Too cruel!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.
The opening few chapters are quite stunning, as the battle of Marathon takes place, and the reader is introduced to Xanthippus, and then slowly, more of the main players come into focus. The threads of betrayal quickly make an appearance and will continue throughout the book, accounting for the actions and thoughts of the main characters.
The author does quite a slow reveal, lingering over some details, and ensuring even the most ignorant (me) understand how the governance of Athens worked. Xanthippus is a rigorous and unyielding man, Themistocles a 'man of the people.' Aristides is a calmer character, more assured of who he is and what he stands for, whereas Miltiades' son is the young counter to the 'older men,' a character to perhaps represent all the hot-heads within Athens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I had. a little chuckle at the name of Darius (the title of Iggulden's fantasy book) and might well have given this a 5/5 only for it to be lost in the last paragraph. I did not need that lingering imag . Too cruel!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.
tombombadilo's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was so delighted at how well-written, informative, and fascinating this book is that I’ve just bought the sequel. (I usually only read library books so that’s a statement of my enthusiasm.) This is a book for people who love ancient history and the history of warfare. The battle scenes are so clear that you know exactly what’s going on. That said, the book would benefit from having maps of troop and fleet movements.
The book opens and closes with battles between the attacking Persians and the defending Greeks. In between is character development as well as descriptions of everyday life in Athens between 490-480 BC. We learn how the newly formed democracy works - and doesn’t - and how votes are taken. We learn about family life, political rivalries, and the preparations for war.
The author fills in the broad outlines of what is known in the historical record about the main characters’ real lives. Considering this period was 2500 years ago, a surprising amount is known, not just speculated, about ancient Greece. Sparta, usually a deadly rival of Athens, participated in the defense in the second Persian invasion. The Battle of Thermopylae, known from the 2006 Gerard Butler movie “300,” is a large part of the last section.
I fear I’m not articulating how very, very good I found this book. Looking forward to what happens in the sequel.
The book opens and closes with battles between the attacking Persians and the defending Greeks. In between is character development as well as descriptions of everyday life in Athens between 490-480 BC. We learn how the newly formed democracy works - and doesn’t - and how votes are taken. We learn about family life, political rivalries, and the preparations for war.
The author fills in the broad outlines of what is known in the historical record about the main characters’ real lives. Considering this period was 2500 years ago, a surprising amount is known, not just speculated, about ancient Greece. Sparta, usually a deadly rival of Athens, participated in the defense in the second Persian invasion. The Battle of Thermopylae, known from the 2006 Gerard Butler movie “300,” is a large part of the last section.
I fear I’m not articulating how very, very good I found this book. Looking forward to what happens in the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Slavery, Blood, Grief, War, and Injury/Injury detail
gthompson511's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
1.0
I was so hyped to read this book when I saw it was available on my book app as I've read other series by Conn Iggulden and very heavily enjoyed those. The blurb and the time setting just sounded like a winning concept for me but sadly I was disappointed with the story. I couldn't for the life of me care anything about the characters or plot and most of the time I was bored and just wanted it to end. But I keept reading in hopes for me to finally start enjoying it but it never happened. Probebly had to high of expectations
ihavenouseforit's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
andrew_lamonte's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
shoulberg's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
stuckonamber's review against another edition
5.0
Another fantastic historical novel from Iggulden. This time we are in Athens, as the Greeks prepare for a huge invasion from Persia. Covering the battles of Marathon and Thermopylae, as well as battles at sea, as usual Iggulden focuses on individuals, telling personal stories in the midst of the action. Loved seeing a slice of Athenian life in the workings of the ancient democracy.