4 out of 4 stars
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The Last Shades of Scarlet: Wolves of Laconia written by William A. Lamon is a story that centers Adronikos, a spartan warrior from 420 BC. The book reflects the beliefs, culture, and life a spartan would lead in that period. A Spartan warrior is known for his strong mind and body, also for wanting a glorious death with honor on the battlefield. This is a historical fiction that will take you on a journey through the childhood and adolescence phases of Adronikos growth.
The book was a very enjoyable read, it was easy to be fully engrossed in it. The trials that Spartans faced at that time are very well described and the historical facts are very well detailed. The story is not only about Adronikos growth to becoming a full-fledged spartan warrior; it also reflects the people in his life, such as his love, his mentor, older brother, and others. The character development is tailored very well, with each character playing a key role in Adronikos’ life. Being a Spartan meant that everything you do, you do for Sparta, leaving no room for selfishness and egoism. If there was something that you did that was not to the benefit of Sparta, you would be shamed. The writer was able to weave this into the plot at just the right moments. This book reflects the importance of loyalty and honor to Sparta.
One of the negative aspects is the violence and the vulgarity that takes place throughout the story; however, if this book lacked the violence and vulgarity, then it would feel like there is something missing and the story would feel incomplete. In addition, there is some sexual intercourse that comes in the form of rape, the author did his best not to exaggerate or overdo it. In all the violence, vulgarity, and rape that is within this story, there is about the right amount of everything. Therefore, the author did a wonderful job incorporating those particular moments within Adronikos’ life.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I enjoy reading historical books and I am fascinated by spartan culture. The story teaches about the history and the conflicts that were in Greece. The author did not take the opportunity to exaggerate events, and the flow was seamless. Furthermore, I did not find a single error, this book has been professionally edited.
This book is for anyone who enjoys learning about spartan history and anything related to Sparta; and is not intended for those who can not stomach violence, rape, and/or vulgarity.
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Wolves of Laconia
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