Review by Tam_R0se -- Wolves of Laconia by William A. Lamon
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Tam_R0se
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Review by Tam_R0se -- Wolves of Laconia by William A. Lamon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Wolves of Laconia" by William A. Lamon.]
The Last Shade of Scarlet: Wolves of Laconia by William A. Lamon is a historical fiction novel set at the beginning of the Peloponnesian war. The book is prefaced by a brief history of the power struggles between Sparta and Athens after the Greco-Persian Wars. It uses Greek words such as helot and polis throughout the book with a brief translation in the text, so the reader is never at a loss of understanding. It includes a glossary at the end of the book.
Narrated by Andronikos (Nikos) as an old man, he recalls the day he was pulled from his bed by his mentor to begin training in the agoge. He admits to a forbidden first love with a helot girl and tells of his father and other warriors fatally stranded on an island. He names his companions, remembering the bonds they formed; and speaks of the socio-political atmosphere of the times that lead to his first mission and later battles.
Nikos is presented as a normal Spartan youth, strong, faithful, and ready to uphold the honor of Sparta against all aggressors. He is fierce and determined in battle, yet courteous and gentle with women. Three scenes stand out for me. One is when his helot woman is about to be revealed as his love interest which would cause her to be put to death, one is when he must choose between the life of a woman or his companions, and one is when he delivers the death blow to an opponent, then stands over his body to guard it from desecration, thievery, and scavengers. Lamon puts the reader into each scene with details like the feel of a companion‘s shield against your back when holding the line, the slithery slip of mud underfoot when it mixes with blood; and coming home tired but triumphant from a mission well done.
I would have enjoyed spending more time with these characters. Each has a unique personality and relatable traits. My one wish would be to know who the Lady and her companion are that await the ship with old Nikos. I believe I know. That will have to do.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars because it is well written and edited. It is clear the author did extensive research, and he brought the era to life through Nikos‘ personality. I learned the strength of Sparta was the young men and the heart of Sparta were the women who encouraged, supported, and mourned their men. They still raised their sons to fight like their fathers. This is a good choice for history buffs and fans of Sparta.
******
Wolves of Laconia
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
The Last Shade of Scarlet: Wolves of Laconia by William A. Lamon is a historical fiction novel set at the beginning of the Peloponnesian war. The book is prefaced by a brief history of the power struggles between Sparta and Athens after the Greco-Persian Wars. It uses Greek words such as helot and polis throughout the book with a brief translation in the text, so the reader is never at a loss of understanding. It includes a glossary at the end of the book.
Narrated by Andronikos (Nikos) as an old man, he recalls the day he was pulled from his bed by his mentor to begin training in the agoge. He admits to a forbidden first love with a helot girl and tells of his father and other warriors fatally stranded on an island. He names his companions, remembering the bonds they formed; and speaks of the socio-political atmosphere of the times that lead to his first mission and later battles.
Nikos is presented as a normal Spartan youth, strong, faithful, and ready to uphold the honor of Sparta against all aggressors. He is fierce and determined in battle, yet courteous and gentle with women. Three scenes stand out for me. One is when his helot woman is about to be revealed as his love interest which would cause her to be put to death, one is when he must choose between the life of a woman or his companions, and one is when he delivers the death blow to an opponent, then stands over his body to guard it from desecration, thievery, and scavengers. Lamon puts the reader into each scene with details like the feel of a companion‘s shield against your back when holding the line, the slithery slip of mud underfoot when it mixes with blood; and coming home tired but triumphant from a mission well done.
I would have enjoyed spending more time with these characters. Each has a unique personality and relatable traits. My one wish would be to know who the Lady and her companion are that await the ship with old Nikos. I believe I know. That will have to do.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars because it is well written and edited. It is clear the author did extensive research, and he brought the era to life through Nikos‘ personality. I learned the strength of Sparta was the young men and the heart of Sparta were the women who encouraged, supported, and mourned their men. They still raised their sons to fight like their fathers. This is a good choice for history buffs and fans of Sparta.
******
Wolves of Laconia
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson
