Men of Bronze

"Men of Bronze" is a story of betrayal, vengeance and finally love and redemption set during the fall of Egypt. One reviewer used the description of the writing as "Comic Book-like"; in the sense that the characters were larger than life, I would have to agree. But the story of Barca the Phoenician (Scott Oden's anti-hero/hero) is an archetypal story. Oden uses the metaphor of the "Beast" to describe the katoleptic, killing rage that Barca uses to defeat his enemies. There is no other way to write a piece like this without making it somewhat larger than life. Most people have experienced and been shocked by their own "beast" within and readers can relate to the feelings that well up from some seemingly otherworldy source during times of extreme stress(hopefully we don't hack people to pieces with a bronze scimitar...but you get my meaning). The message that we can change; that our lives are not out of control is an imporant one for our times. Barca has been damaged by love betrayed and paradoxically saved by love as well. Although this is an extremely violent book that pulls no punches in its descriptions of personal combat and brutal battles, ultimately the story is about the peace that can be found within. I loved this book and will be sure to read Memnon by Scott Oden. Hopefully this writer will continue to turn out exciting historical fiction for many more years.

This sensational action tale of the Persian conquest of Egypt, told from the viewpoint of a Phoenician mercenary serving Pharoh, is a most welcome adjunct to the established Greek historicasls of Steven Pressfield and the late Mary Renault. The characters are vividly portrayed, and the near continuous combat scenes are grasphic and realistic, with virtually palpable blood lust full of the taste and smell of deadly hand to hand combat. An effort was made to convey the flavors of the times and the strengths and weaknesses of each of the protagonists, especially the near Homeric hero Hasdrabal Barca. His Arabian slave girl companion is a bit too virtuous to believe, but the wily and venal priests of Egypt are right on. Well deserving of entry to the Lord Osiris" Garden of Amentis - the Egyptian Walhalla.

Scott Oden has done a fantastic job describing the climax of the ancient Egyptian civilization writing about the last couple of years of the last independent Pharaohs. Egypt in 6th century BCE was just free from Assyrians while keeping powerful enemies inside and outside using mercenaries, Greeks and so called Medjay (Phoenicians, Libyans and Canaanites). The peace cannot last long. First meddling regiments of Greeks are trying to usurp the power, and then the onset of the powerful Persian Empire endangers the existence of Nile civilization. Oden paints a ruthless picture of changing loyalties, honor and bravery. He intervenes into military story human feeling, rage, love, and betrayal. The book is very fast paced and it is true to its historical destiny. Egypt loses its antique identity and its heroes have to sacrifice everything they adore to complete the honorable death.

Mr. Oden has penned a very good historical fiction read. Although a little slow to start it eventually pulled this reader in with his vivid descriptions and details that place me directly into the time period. Mr. Oden has set his book Egypt borderlands in 520 B.C. It goes without say that this is not a time period, or location many choose to set their stories. As a result the fans of historical fiction have something new and fresh to pick up! Barca the Phonenician he is the leader of the Medjay who are the guardians of the Egyptian Frontier. Barca is a product of his past. Years earlier he caught his wife being unfaithful. His rage was such that in one moment he managed to kill both his wife and her lover. He is still gripped by this tragic event. As a result he is an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Will this hold him in good stead and offer Egypt the warrior that she needs, or will the love of a good woman tame that beast that rages within? Mr. Oden is a talented author and is a shining jewel in the Medallion Press crown. This book touched on all my emotions. Mr. Oden has a gift for storytelling and I truly felt transported back in time. I look forward to reading Mr. Oden in the future and I highly recommend "Men of Bronze." You won't look at historical fiction the same at the end of the read.