WHEN A NEW EMPIRE RISES, AN OLD ONE MUST FALL
After sixteen years of bloody war against Rome, Hannibal Barca is on the verge of defeat. On the plains of Zama, Felix and his brother Antonius stand in the formidable Roman legions, ready to deliver the decisive blow. Victory will establish Rome as the pre-eminent power in the ancient world.
But in northern Greece, Philip V of Macedon is determined to restore Alexander the Great's kingdom to its former glory. Charismatic leader, ruthless general, he will use the unforgiving might of his phalanx to unite Greece and to fend off Rome's grasping fingers.
In Rome, young senator Flamininus is set on becoming one of the Republic's greatest military commanders. With Hannibal on the verge of defeat, the as-yet-unconquered Macedon and Greece are ripe for conquest. Strategist and spymaster, politician and general, Flamininus will stop at nothing to bring Philip V to heel.
Demetrios slumps on the rowing bench of his Macedonian ship. Thirsty, hungry, burnt by the unforgiving Mediterranean sun, dreams are his only sustenance. Dreams of the perfect thrust of a fifteen-foot sarissa spear, of the unyielding phalanx wall, of the glory of Macedon.
The Roman wolf has tasted blood, and it wants more. But the sun of Macedon will not set without a final blaze of glory.
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When it comes to historical fiction, Ben Kane is not exactly a household name, yet the quality of his writing should have him recognised along with Conn Iggulden.
The Rising Tide focuses on the Roman invasion of Greece, partly in response to the territorial ambition of Macedon's Philip V who seeks to emulate the empire building of his ancestor, Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Kane has told this story from the perspective of several characters, reflecting the interests of ordinary soldiers on both sides as well as those of Philip and Flamininus, an ambitious Roman Senator.
Fans of historical firmly based in fact will enjoy this one. - Ross (QBD)
Guest, 11/06/2018
