Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.com
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The author of the acclaimed Alexander trilogy is back with another tale of the ancient world, this time set in a more unusual venue: Sparta. This is the story of two brothers separated at birth - one, Brithos is brought up as befits the son of a noble house, but his brother, Kleidemos is born lame. Spartan law decrees that be must be exposed on a mountainside to die. Instead he is raised by a shepherd and grows up believing himself to be one of the despised Helots, a servant class that was once a proud nation. The two brothers' lives are destined to entwine. At first they are bitter enemies, but events beyond their control soon suck them up into the whirlwind that is history.

Battles, earthquakes, prophecies, brave deeds and foul treachery--it's all here in this exciting book. You could imagine an epic film a la Ben Hur being made of this novel enthralling audiences back in the 1950's.

Particularly of note is the way in which this author seems to have succeeded in getting under the skin of these ancient folk. No character has an out-of-place modern outlook on life. These people believe in their deities, in fate and prophecies and magic, and in their warrior codes. A note at the back alludes to some of the more surprising aspects of Spartan life, such as the important role of women but little is made of this in the book, which is a pity. It would also have been fascinating to learn more about the rigorous training of boys and girls, but the story moves on swiftly and Manfredi's interesting portrayal of such historical events as Thermopylae more than makes up for any lack. If you like "sword and sandals" epics, then this book is for you. Great stuff!