Lion of Macedon (Greek Series)

Gemmell's ambitious book takes an intimate look at a name that is associated with Alexander the Great, but not much else is known about him. He is Parmenion, called the Death of Nations. This is a very underrated book within David Gemmell's ever-increasing back catalouge. As guessed, it is situated in ancient Greece, several decades before the emergence of the great conqueror Alexander the Great. We get to meet the main character, Parmenion, when he is just a young boy. He is a half-Spartan who is victimised, bullied, and despised by the Spartans. The Spartans are a warrior race who value military skills above all others. Their prejudice towards outsiders is just as legendary as their prowess on the battlefield. Will Parmenion be able to rise above this, will he become bitter and twisted, will there be any joy in the life of this sorrowful, but brilliant boy? These are the kind of questions you will ask yourself as you read through the novel. I couldn't put it down! In the best of Greek tradition, the story is essentially a tragedy. Just when you thik good things will happen for our character, they will be just as quickly snatched away. I think anybody who had a rough childhood would really relate to Parmenion. David Gemmell gives him life through the pages without descending into maudlin sentimentality. The reader can appreciate the motives for his actions, you are swept into his world and will cheer his triumphs against the odds, and you may shed a tear or two when things just don't work out for him. I loved this book. Read it if you enjoyed the new Troy novel, or the films Alexander or Troy. Or just read it if you want to read about a boy rising past the abuse of his peers to become one of the greatest generals yet known.

Gemmell really makes the ancient world come alive. His characters are vibrant, realistic, and powerfully well written. His battle scenes are first rate and his plot is rich, turbulent, and fantastically entertaining. While this book is story of the great general Parmenion, even the minor characters like Attalus, Derae, Mothac, and Philip are outstandingly well done. It's a grand adventure; great fun. Highly recommended!

Here we have another masterpiece of the fantasy genre. This David Gemmell book is arguably his greatest to date. A book filled of action, passion, betrayal, and love, Lion of Macedon has become, without doubt, a jewel worth reading for all Gemmell, and fantasy fans. The book portraits the life of Parmenion "The Death of Nations", a man who is constantly manipulated by Fate and the seeress Tamis. Hated by all others because he is "mix-blooded"-half Spartan, and half Macedonian- who will raise among all the Spartiates, developing "strategos" capabilities never seeing before, showing the world no mercy in battle, and becoming the nightmares of his enemies. The book is breathtaking in its ambition; it is a marvelous precursor to the second novel of the series entitled Dark Prince. This is a splendid read and should not be missed. Pros: Very detailed and researched novel. Cons: Not for somebody who is new to David Gemmell's style of writing.

This is by far the best book that I have ever come across.Gemmell makes the reader feel so emotional and involved in the book that once you have finished the book you feel sad that you have to leave the beautiful world that he has created. An absolute masterpiece!

Maybe my title seems a little bit Greek to all of you but if you have studied ancient Greek as I did you wouldn't be so surprised ( In ancient Sparta the mothers when they were talking to their sons just before they left for war they were giving them their shield and they were saying to their sons the exact phrase that I used as my title which meant that they would prefer to see their sons dead than alive and beaten). The book is one of the best I' ve read for long time. The interesting notion that Parmenion was half Spartan and half Macedon is one of the Gemmell's innovations. I especially liked the mixing of the classic Greece with fantasy and of course I liked the idea of the Dark Childs identity... I won't say more because I will reveal the hole plot of the book and spoil all the fun.