
Clash of Empires
Clash of Empires, Book 1
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Narrated by:
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Steven Pacey
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By:
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Ben Kane
About this listen
When a new empire rises, and old one must fall
After 16 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 preeminent 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 15-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.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio on our desktop site.
©2018 Ben Kane (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group LimitedCritic reviews
Promising book 1
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Brilliant story, characters of depth and expertly narrated.
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It’s an insight into a part of history of which l was previously unaware.
I look forward to the other parts of this series.
Great story
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Kane imbues each with their own feelings, hopes and dreams. He puts them all to the test and brings us victory and defeat alike. There are great action scenes including pitched battles, skirmishes and even drunken brawls. In reality it is four separate stories being woven into a much broader overall tapestry. There is a fair amount of thoroughly researched detail concerning the military organisation and tactics of the Macedonians as well as the overall period.
The narration is by the excellent Steven Pacey, the material is possibly not as perfectly suited to him as some of the other books I've heard him doing but being the master he is he delivers it superbly.
Just one point to mention, during the foreword it's strongly recommended that the listener consult a pdf that should have been included. It is said to contain maps that help understand the geography of the story with the nations being so different to what we know today. I contacted the author and he said he was unaware of the issue but he would ask the publisher about it. I also asked Audible who also said that the publisher hadn't provided it. It didn't feel like it spoiled the story for me but I do hope they add it to the package. In the meantime I did find what seemed like serviceable maps online to give me at least a broad overview.
That nit aside this is an excellent start to this series. As it's my first from the author I can't compare it to what he has done before but to me this flew by like a Javelin from a Roman legionary. Sometimes I find there is a certain amount of drag in multiple viewpoint stories but Kane has made each of his lead characters very human and compelling, albeit it in very different ways. Bring on Book 2!
Kane Is More Than Able!
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Another winner from Ben Kane
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Gripping stuff!!
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I love Ben Kane books, and this is no exception. It is also brought vividly to life by the narrator, Steven Pacey, who is a brilliant narrator. This is well worth anyone's credit.
Another Winner
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A real gripping tale from both groups
Romans and Greeks
Would recommend it
Fantastic
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Absolutely gripping historical military fiction
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Accents used by the narrator are amusing. Welsh accented Macedonians but still an good performance. Highly recommended.
Ben Kane does it again
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