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pinguin's review against another edition
not bad, just don’t care enough to continue the story
xavierdragnesi's review against another edition
3.0
I read this as a bit of a palate cleanser between fantasy novels, and while it did scratch the historical itch (and also made me realise that I know less about the March of the Ten Thousand than I thought I did), I did feel as though this was not Conn Iggulden at the top of his game.
While the historical events are still thoughtfully and relatively faithfully converted into a fictional narrative, and the battle scenes remain vivid and captivating, the character-work is a little less engaging than in his other historical series. The two main characters are well fleshed out and the transitional development of Xenophon as a leader was natural and convincing, but many of the other secondary characters were a bit flat, and I felt that this was where a historical fiction author could have flexed their creative muscles. This was then not helped by romantic subplot that didn't really resolve, and a somewhat abrupt ending, so the final result was not altogether satisfying.
3* therefore for a good but otherwise not standout read.
While the historical events are still thoughtfully and relatively faithfully converted into a fictional narrative, and the battle scenes remain vivid and captivating, the character-work is a little less engaging than in his other historical series. The two main characters are well fleshed out and the transitional development of Xenophon as a leader was natural and convincing, but many of the other secondary characters were a bit flat, and I felt that this was where a historical fiction author could have flexed their creative muscles. This was then not helped by romantic subplot that didn't really resolve, and a somewhat abrupt ending, so the final result was not altogether satisfying.
3* therefore for a good but otherwise not standout read.
zach1100's review
4.0
Informative and exiting novel about the March of 10,000. Iggulden is at his best here and I hope he continues writing other stand alone novels.
“It will be our task to raise hopes once again, so that instead of saying, “What will happen to me?” they ask, “What action will I take?””
“It will be our task to raise hopes once again, so that instead of saying, “What will happen to me?” they ask, “What action will I take?””
tomgunner27's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dhensley002's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mattevans92's review
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
merlandre's review against another edition
5.0
Another excellent historical fiction by Igguldon. My only regret is that it's a standalone. The story is complete. I just enjoy his writing and always want the story to continue. An extraordinary tale of strategy, bravery, perseverance, daring, friendship, character... If you like historical fiction this is for you.
john_raine's review against another edition
2.0
I have to say this was disappointing. This is supposed to be a historical thriller based on Xenophon's Anabasis. But it is much less thrilling than just reading The March Up Country itself. Do yourself a favor and just read Xenophon. There is a reason it has been popular for millenia
elfie014's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25