LION OF MACEDON (REISSUE)

The book is so well written - keeps you wondering what’s next. I love historical fantasy as the characters existed and had their place in history. The fantasy makes the book more than just a history lesson. So good!

Lion of Macedon is the first in a two part epic ( Dark Prince  being the second part) of historical fantasy novels by one of my favorite authors David Gemmell. While not my favorite series of his, this pair of books still acomplishes Gemmell's typical easy writing style I find impossible to put down thanks to incredibly well realised and fleshed out characters in a superb world.This book revolves around the historical figure Parmenion, a Greek general of superb skill. Though Parmenion was a real figure in history this story is nearly entirely fiction of Gemmell's own creation following his life as a mixed blood Spartan and Macedonian living in Sparta. Though raised by the world's greatest soldiers Parmenion's mixed blood see's him hated and shunned as an outcast fueling his hatred and desire for vengence upon Sparta. After a series of unfortunate events force him to flee Sparta, Parmenion over the course of years establishes himself as a mercenary general of unparallelled skill unaware that many events of his life have been manipulated behind the scenes.I love the start of this book with Parmenion as a Spartan youth, it really builds his character and background as he grows. Gemmell establishes both the strength and weaknesses of Spartan culture vividly over the start of the book and I found that hugely engrossing. Parmenion is a likeable hero and like many of Gemmell's characters he is far from perfect making him feel really human, Gemmell is just a master at characterisation for me dealing with shades of grey. The supporting cast is just as well established, even small part characters, I have always loved his writing style. My one gripe with this novel is that though good, the second half feels weaker than the first half as it is fast forwarded several years and seems to shift focus a lot more. I know this is necessary to help set up for it's excellent sequel Dark Prince but always feels like a slight let down from the incredibly strong opening half.All in all though if you like any of Gemmell's other work then you will love Lion of Macedon. It has excellent action, superb characters and scenarios and is one of the best historical fantasy novels I have read (though Gemmell's own Troy trilogy tops it). Like pretty much every Gemmell book, I highly recommend it.+ First half of the book is superb.+ Excellent characters and development.+ Ancient Greece is well realised, especially Sparta. Dark Prince

To take this larger than life piece of history, and to mythologise it in the very finest manner there is, is no easy task. In fact: there’s only one Fantasy author that could have done this - Mr Gemmell.The last part of the book was mesmerising, quite literally. The characters he chose to perform the narrative were beyond perfect. They literally don’t write books like this anymore, I fear such writing is bygone stuff.To all readers who look for a great story: look no further than this author. Then, take the opportunity of a lifetime to read every single book he wrote in the relevant series orders - it’s so very, very worth it.

Good historica based fiction

If you enjoy historical fictions then this book is for you! Wonderful characters, great battle scenes, the level of detail for the horses, armor, buildings, and regions was amazing. True to other Gemmell books I have read there is a little magic with the historical facts. I just purchased the next book to see how the life of Alexander unfolds with Parmenion!I also must recommend Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow by Gemmell, this is one of the best books (it is actually a trilogy) I have ever read in my life, and I read about 1-2 books a week across all genres!