Marathon and millions of other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more. Enter your . stars 41 customer reviews. Book 2 of 6 in the Long War Series.
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He is wed and tries once more to carve out a life in Plataea, but the world will not let him rest. Athens is under threat, and Plataea owes Athens its support. Elected as the military leader for Plataea, Arimnestos joins old friends and new and even a few enemies in a great bid to defy Persia — the greatest single power in the world. Persia is coming for Athens. And the focus of their meeting point will be the fields of Marathon. What happens in this book will finally make it clear to Arimnestos that he can no more settle into life as a village smith than a duck could hunt an eagle.
War is in his blood and the troubles of the world will leave him with nothing but the need to exercise his great abilities. There is a terrible danger for any writer in tackling a famous battle. Ben Kane has done so time and again in his works. Few people can do a great battle justice. And while this story is about far more than Marathon, that great battle is the climax.
Cameron has hit the sweet spot in this series where he can carry in his story the hubris, glory and almost mythical bravery of ancient Greek warfare. There are elements of the Iliad in here, it is that authentic. But despite that he is able to also make the reader aware of the base level of that war throughout, giving a realistic grounding to the scenes. The hero may be godlike and leaping from wall to wall with shining spearpoint, a hero in every way. But the ground beneath him squelches with blood and filth and shattered bone and crying boys and widows.
It is a gift as a writer to be able to carry off such a combination. It is what makes his battle scenes both glorious and horrific in equal measure. Arimnestos, the Killer of Men, has led you through one of the darkest hours in Greek history in this second volume. Where will he go next? Posted in Ancient Greece.
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You are commenting using your WordPress. You are commenting using your Twitter account. You are commenting using your Facebook account. Notify me of new comments via email. May 05, Robin Carter rated it it was amazing Shelves: Review Over the last few years I have become an admitted fan of Christian Cameron's writing. His first book in the Long War series "Killer of Men" was my book of the year when it was published. Since then we the readers have been fortunate enough to have been given the excellent "Tyrant King of the Bosporus", and each and every time Christan Cameron releases a book my expectation grows and my desire more just that bit more is met.
Now with Marathon I was almost drooling with anticipation at the th Review Over the last few years I have become an admitted fan of Christian Cameron's writing. Now with Marathon I was almost drooling with anticipation at the thought of where Chris could take Arimnestos next, how much more could be written, what could he be involved in, it might be the age of heroes but you want an element of reality something to keep the plot grounded, but that's something you never worry about too deeply with Christian Cameron's books, because his passion for the subject drives his research to a level that most authors just dream about, where most imagine he attempts, and its this knowledge that gives his books that extra edge that extra reality.
Marathon is a fitting sequel to Killer of Men and the release at a fitting time the anniversary of the battle. This is a series and book that will improve your knowledge of the period and the place, but it does not push itself to educate it educates in that subtle way that the words stay with you because the story is so well told. This like Killer of Men is one of those books that could easily be listed as "guaranteed to entertain or your money back" I'm that positive of its quality. The product description below will tell you the plot, I have no need or wish to add spoilers, just know that every character is alive, living and breathing on every page, just waiting for you to join them.
I have read it 3 times now and Marathon stills seems as fresh as the first time I read it. Killer of Men is also a must if you have not read it Parm Product Description The Battle of Marathon in BC was one of history's great turning points - the first time the Greeks managed to defeat the Persians in a pitched battle, it enabled the rise of classical Greek civilization.
Christian Cameron's epic retelling of the battle will bring it alive, with all of its human drama and tragedy, as never before. The Greeks do not always behave well - in fact, many readers may come to see them as ignorant and bigoted as compared to the multi-cultural Persians, who for some, actually bring greater freedom - at least for a while. The heroic Militiades, who led the Greeks at Marathon and then died in exile, a ruined man, was a fatally flawed character.
His opponent, The Persian King Darius, was guilty of vaulting ambition and hubris, but he combined it with personal integrity and vast generosity. And in the middle, torn between two cultures, one of which has already made him a slave, we find Arimnestos - ancestor of the Kineas of the Tyrant books - nicknamed 'Killer of Men', he will lead a decisive contingent of infantry in the thickest of the battle Jul 19, Liviu rated it it was amazing Shelves: By the way Marathon is slightly a misnomer since the novel is about two major battles, each taking about half the book including of course the period up to it.
After Lade, there is another stretch of passing time and while things happen, the tension is simply not there and Arimnestos becomes a pretty awkward narrator. Then there is the lead up to Marathon and the battle itself and here for some reason I felt the tension from Killer of Men or from the battle of Lade was somewhat lacking and a lot of the action read repetitive and a bit by the numbers.
Overall, Marathon is a very good book but fails to reach the power of Killer of Men outside the events of the battle of Lade I am still very interested in the series and look forward to following Arimnestos' tale Updated FBC review here: Aug 19, Paul Bennett rated it it was amazing. Where does the time go? My only excuse is that I have read some really good books in the interval.
I was continually amazed Oh my I was continually amazed with his knowledge of the era and the way that knowledge was used to not only enhance the story but to also teach the history of that time and place; much of which I already knew but it never hurts to relearn things that have lain dormant for decades. This is not only played out in the events of the war but also in the everyday lives of the peasants, farmers, craftsmen and aristocrats who make this story come alive.
One example that stands out for me is Arimnestos' forge and the work of the smiths as they turn bronze sheets into household items as well as armor and weapons. The lead up to the battle and the battle itself are both told with an incisive vividness that kept me turning the pages until the end.
Aug 24, Tudor Ciocarlie rated it it was amazing Shelves: I dare you to find a more powerful battle-scene in all the literature. Apr 29, Clemens Schoonderwoert rated it it was amazing. This 2nd volume of the "Killer of Men" series by Christian Cameron is an absolutely fantastic book. Again this book contains a lot of great historical details, along with a very informative glossary and a wonderful general note on Names and Personages, and not to forget maps.
The storytelling is bloody marvellous, and all the characters come vividly to life within this story, and the famous battle scenes a greatly pictured in this fantastic book. The book tells us the story of two great ancient bat This 2nd volume of the "Killer of Men" series by Christian Cameron is an absolutely fantastic book.
The book tells us the story of two great ancient battles between the Greeks and the Persians, and these battles are, the Battle of Lade of BC and of course the monumental and unforgettable Battle of Marathon of BC. Our main character Arimnestos of Plataea has to face these battles along with his fellow countrymen with the hope of defeating the Persians at Marathon, after the Greeks suffered defeat at Lade at the hands of these same Persians. I would like to recommend this book to anyone for this is truly a "Magnificent Mighty Marathon"! Nov 19, Bill Christoforou rated it really liked it.
Really great read, a real pleasure to read, greatly enjoyed reading about those ancient heroes. Who knows what the world would be like today if the Persian Empire wasn't pushed back. Maybe it wouldn't have been any worse or any better than what it is now, but certainly there would be influences of that world on our western culture. For anyone who enjoys history and wants an insight into what life and death was like before even the Roman Empire, read Christian Cameron's book, it won't disappoin Really great read, a real pleasure to read, greatly enjoyed reading about those ancient heroes.
For anyone who enjoys history and wants an insight into what life and death was like before even the Roman Empire, read Christian Cameron's book, it won't disappoint. Second book in the series and I found it an improvement on the first. Although I'm not sure there was any need for a character to drop the c-word I can handle f-words, but the c-word just seemed unnecessary.
Apart from that, it's an interesting read, engrossing and well-researched as far as it can be. As the author admits, it is difficult to reconstruct ancient battles from the few surviving Classical sources, but it all sounds plausible enough. Again, the psychological aspects are brought to Second book in the series and I found it an improvement on the first. Again, the psychological aspects are brought to the fore, which in turn helps you get to know the characters - and care about them. Dec 31, Martin Klekner rated it really liked it. The comment I have is really the same I gave to the first book in the series.
Terrible title and book cover. Awesome story that does the battle at Marathon justice. THIS should be made into a movie, not the peice of Jun 30, Anton rated it really liked it Shelves: I mean it's more of the same, and the same is good. The historical events it's based on are lit, Cameron paints a vivid picture, etc.
At the end I felt something was missing. Gonna read the other four to see if I find it. All in all, passable. Jun 14, Alan rated it it was amazing. Sep 08, Jeannie rated it really liked it. Brings ancient history to life - wonderful! Sep 08, Peter Klessens rated it it was amazing. Marathon Freedom or Death by Christian Cameron.
Marathon Freedom or Death by Christian Cameron is about a slave named Arimnestos of Plateau who won his freedom proving in he could fight and kill. He must now kill again because the mighty Persians are coming. They were sent to burn the city of Athens and destroy the rebellious Greeks. During this time Arimnestos lost many close friends and family members including his wife and mother.
The Persians had already destroyed Chios the richest city in Greece and were headed to Athens. Arimnestos already had been training a phalanx and were almost ready to fight. He then met the Persians at Marathon were the Athenian army alongside their Plataean allies were greatly out numbered by the Persians. With great military tactics the Athenian army smashed the Persians, but suffered heavy losses. During this fight Arimnestos and his comrades discovered the true price of freedom.
During Marathon Freedom or Death by Christian Cameron there is parts that are historically inaccurate and accurate. An inaccurate event was when the book said that the Greeks suffered heavy losses when it is estimated that 6, Persians died while only Greeks did. Another inaccurate event was when the book said Arimnestos was injured wile he was on the ground then got back up an kept fighting, but once on the ground in a fight you might never get up. An accurate event in the book was when they sacrificed to the gods, and talked a lot about how they praised the gods.
Another accurate event was when they were having events like they would have today in the Olympic Games. During Marathon Freedom or Death there was many accurate and many inaccurate events that happened. My opinion of the book was that it was really informative and real interesting. It was informative when the author started really getting into detail about how the Greeks fought and their strategies. The book was interesting when the fight was just about to start. The author made those situations intense so the reader stayed interested.
It also seemed like the author really put time and effort into the study of the Greek culture. My opinion of the book was that it was really interesting at parts and really informative with the culture. Other people may like to read this book if they are really into the Greek style of fighting and graphic fights. During this book there were many graphic scenes in the battles where Arimnestos is in hand to hand combat with the enemy. The Greek style of fighting is included when he is training his young solders and then uses them the same day against the Thebians.
Other people may like to read this book due to the action and excitement of the graphic fights and the Greek style of fighting they use in the phalanx. Apr 28, Joseph Luedde rated it it was amazing. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I think this book was very good. It follows the story of a man named Arimnestos.
He is telling this story to his children throughout the book. The book gives background on how Persia invaded Greece. The book continues to discuss a battle in which Arimnestos commands a ship against the Persian naval forces.
Marathon: Freedom or Death
He returns to Athens and, through a series of events, becomes intense enemies with Cleitus. Cleitus is an agent of the very powerful Alcmaeonids. A very rich and influential group. The story t I think this book was very good.
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The story then returns back to his hometown of Platea where Arimnestos catches word of the Persian Navy's approach to Athens. Arimnestos assembles a small army and runs off to aid his Athenian allies. Arimnestos then describes his experience of the battle of Marathon and their victory over the Persians. The book has a large amount of historical accuracy the Alcmaeonid family were a real family that existed in ancient Athens. Not only were they real, they were also just as powerful and rich as the book describes them to be.
They are said to have negotiated for an alliance with the Persians. Also, most all places described were real. Also, the way that Athenians viewed the people from Boeotia were correct. The Athenians in the book viewed the people of Boeotia as dull, just as they were viewed when they existed during Ancient Athenian times. I really enjoyed this book. It was extremely descriptive.
As each person was introduced into the storyline, either through direct or indirect characterization, are described extensively. Sometimes the other characters in the book describe them, or the narrator himself does. Sometimes it's a combination of both. These descriptions were very vivid and helped me to create a picture in my mind of what they look like, which aids in my understanding of the book.
For example, the character Styges is slowly described over the course of about five pages. I definitely think that most people would enjoy this, but I think that only kids in high school should read it. The battle scenes are very graphic and there is also coarse language used throughout the book. There are also many parts about sex throughout he novel. The combination of all the adult themed sections make me believe that only more mature people should read it.
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It does give a fairly accurate representation of the ancient Athenian world and the battle of Marathon. I wouldn't use it as a source for a history report, but it is very interesting. May 06, John Margaritsanakis rated it really liked it. Having been a fan of the author's later works I recently started reading his earliest novels. Killer Of Men, this series' first instalment, was only a decent book without much to make it special and carrying several flaws that made it less enjoyable to read. Marathon is a much better book in every way.
Once again the protagonist, Arimnestos of Plataea, is telling his story and thus, there's a consistent first-person account of his adventures throughout the chapters to his daughter and close fri Having been a fan of the author's later works I recently started reading his earliest novels.
Once again the protagonist, Arimnestos of Plataea, is telling his story and thus, there's a consistent first-person account of his adventures throughout the chapters to his daughter and close friends. A pirate and warrior, often troubled by his own violent urges which are barely held in check by the lessons he's received at the feet of the philosopher Heraclitus, he's never fought for anything other than personal gain, anger or his own survival until the eponymous battle of the novel's title.
Christian Cameron does a very good job of depicting the environment and circumstances leading to one of the most important battles in history; he describes the Persians and Medes not as monsters but often as noble and honorable and takes care to show the Greeks' triumphs and terrible failings as they - time after time - fail to unite over petty squabbles and city politics. And yet when it's time to go into the military aspects of the battle itself, that's where the book truly succeeds. The author does a tremendous job of placing the reader there, seeing the warriors' panic and doubt before fighting a seemingly unbeatable enemy when they could be compromising, running away or offering to negotiate rather than getting slaughtered.
He then goes through combat in the ranks of a phalanx explaining in great detail how it worked, what it would have felt to be part of a clash of arms such as this. If the book has disadvantages it's in the fixation on the main character. Arimnestos is a peerless warrior, brilliant tactician, good looking, generous and heroic enough to inspire unflinching loyalty by a number of followers - part of this can be reasoned to be because it's how he remembered events, or chose to tell them, but the lack of other points of view is sometimes very apparent.
A very enjoyable book. Feb 26, Ira Mickelson rated it it was ok. This book is of course about the battle of Marathon. It was a war filled with death and destruction fought between the Athenian army and the Persians. You start out by meeting Arimnestos of Plataea who was a slave but won his freedom.
After that he chooses to fight in Marathon. But first the Athenians had to get there act together. First they had to construct an army. So they did a small one. After that the Platean army, which was much stronger, came to help including Arimnestos. Next they had This book is of course about the battle of Marathon. Next they had to get to Marathon which is basically a lot of the book. In the last chapters there came the actual battle of Marathon and the books epilogue ending with "Wine! This book was pretty close to how I understand the battle of Marathon and the events leading up to it the only problem was the beginning it was soooo slow.
Finally it started to pick up though. It made sense how the whole thing happened and why. A historical inaccuracy was that the f word was used almost every other page. I'm no historian but I pretty sure that language wasn't around at the time. I didn't much care for the book myself but that's me.
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I didn't like it because of how gruesome the end was like "his leg gave I just don't understand why the guy had to go into so much detail. Honestly I could've done without. Also the use of the f word really offended me. I don't care for that language. Just because I didn't like it doesn't mean anyone won't like it. Some people like the gruesome stuff. I'd recommend this to people who don't have a vivid imagination and a weak stomach Oct 28, Kaden Bollingerm rated it really liked it. This book was about the story of a man named Arminestos.
It goes through his life as if he was telling it to his kids. It starts when he tells the reader about how Persia invaded the Greek world, it then goes into detail about the battle of Lade where Arminestos commands a ship agains the Persians. He is then brought back to Athens where he makes enemies with a man named Cleitus. He then goes to his hometown of Platea where he gets news of the Persian fleet going to attack Athens.
He then builds This book was about the story of a man named Arminestos. He then builds up a phalanx and goes out with Athens army to fight the Persians.