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The Parthian Chronicles #1
The Parthian
When Rome transgresses upon his father's domain that lays between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Pacorus, a prince of the Parthian Empire, is sent to exact revenge. After a string of victories Pacorus and his men are captured in Cappadocia, clapped in chains and sent to Italy to live out the rest of their days as slaves. But fate intervenes and Pacorus and his companions are saved from a living hell by a renegade gladiator named Spartacus. In gratitude, Pacorus agrees to help Spartacus build his army as Rome musters its legions to crush the slave uprising. And so begins an epic adventure of glory and savagery played out across the length and breadth of Italy, as Spartacus defeats the armies of Rome and Pacorus leads his horsemen to victory after victory. But will Pacorous and the slave army escape from Italy, and will he win the love of the fierce and proud Gallia before the most powerful man in Rome, Marcus Licinius Crassus, takes the field against Spartacus? A map of the Parthian Empire at the time of Pacorus (the 1st Century BC) can be found on the maps page of my www.peterdarman.com "Darman has researched this novel extremely well, as one would expect with his military non-fiction background. This detail is meshed with great story telling which flows along with great gusto. Less for the fact that this book is about a Parthian rather than a Roman, I would describe it as a ‘Roman Sharpe’. Darman’s style is similar to and as good as Bernard Cornwell’s, one of my favourite authors." British Army Rumour Service review, June 2011
722 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2011
326 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Peter Darman
117 books92 followersI was raised in Grantham, Lincolnshire and attended the King's Grammar School after passing the Eleven Plus exam. In the latter I clearly remember writing an essay on Oliver Cromwell – my first piece of military writing.
Then came a BA in history and international relations at Nottingham followed by a Master of Philosophy course at the University of York. The subject was the generalship and cavalry of Prince Rupert of the Rhine, my boyhood hero, during the English Civil War. The year I spent researching and writing at York, Oxford and at the British Library in London was a truly wonderful time.
I moved to London and eventually joined a small publishing company as an editor. Thus began my writing career.
Then came a BA in history and international relations at Nottingham followed by a Master of Philosophy course at the University of York. The subject was the generalship and cavalry of Prince Rupert of the Rhine, my boyhood hero, during the English Civil War. The year I spent researching and writing at York, Oxford and at the British Library in London was a truly wonderful time.
I moved to London and eventually joined a small publishing company as an editor. Thus began my writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 6, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5
May 16, 2012
Let me preface this by saying I'm all for seeing more indie authors taking up the historical fiction mantle--I love the genre, but it remains one still largely in the realm of the traditional publishers. That said, I was quite excited when I happened upon Darman's work, particularly for the uniqueness of the setting. While Rome is certainly not unfamiliar to the genre, nor Spartacus (not now, anyway...), few take us to the sandy domains of the Parthian Empire.
What resulted, however, was a bit of a let-down. This one was a well-intentioned book, and one with a good deal of potential, but likewise one that nevertheless fails to dazzle. My major complaint is that the author let his work fall to the very problem too many indie authors allow: a lack of editing. It is riddled with grammatical and spelling issues, as well as outright missing strands and unfinished thoughts. I dare say one can scarcely go a page in many areas without encountering such things, and definitely detracts.
The story itself is a fairly typical young hero coming-of-age journey, with characters that can easily be shuffled into certain molds. Character development is...somewhat lax. The dialogue tends toward the more bland side of things, but the plot progresses at a good enough clip, and if you're more into the action end of things, Darman certainly does deliver. Additionally, the historical, geographical, and likewise information, when it comes through, is generally informative and interesting--it's apparent, certainly, that Darman did his homework there. The descriptive skill is there. I just can't help feeling the book should have had a bit more time with its author, and an editor, before it was released.
What resulted, however, was a bit of a let-down. This one was a well-intentioned book, and one with a good deal of potential, but likewise one that nevertheless fails to dazzle. My major complaint is that the author let his work fall to the very problem too many indie authors allow: a lack of editing. It is riddled with grammatical and spelling issues, as well as outright missing strands and unfinished thoughts. I dare say one can scarcely go a page in many areas without encountering such things, and definitely detracts.
The story itself is a fairly typical young hero coming-of-age journey, with characters that can easily be shuffled into certain molds. Character development is...somewhat lax. The dialogue tends toward the more bland side of things, but the plot progresses at a good enough clip, and if you're more into the action end of things, Darman certainly does deliver. Additionally, the historical, geographical, and likewise information, when it comes through, is generally informative and interesting--it's apparent, certainly, that Darman did his homework there. The descriptive skill is there. I just can't help feeling the book should have had a bit more time with its author, and an editor, before it was released.
May 17, 2023
Great historical fiction and quite an epic story. I love having the story told from the outside, and then from inside the slave rebellion. Unlike most books dealing with Spartacus, there is no gladiatorial combat here as the rebellion is already underway when we join the uprising. I read this about ten years ago and listened to it this time. It's nice to see Rome as the enemy for a change despite them being the ones who wrote history. But of course, who can't get behind a slavery revolt!
December 10, 2019
Here we have a historical fiction focused on the servile war led by Spartacus that includes a very slight element of fantasy (prophetic visions).
There was tremendous potential for a great story, but unfortunately this book had a lot of problems.
Michael Page did very well on the audiobook narration. His voices are distinct, varied, and well crafted. His vocal inflections are spot on and his tempo variations are effective.
The one negative to the narration is some of the accents were not accurate to the ethnic backgrounds of the characters (Spartacus, for example, who is Thracian, sounded Norwegian).
Now, the story.
Let's start with what this novel does well.
Despite my aversion to first person, Pacorus has a compelling voice that allowed me to get invested in the story.
In the scenes where details are given, the attention given them is well balanced, giving a wonderful sense of atmosphere while not being so excessive that they dominate the narrative.
Most of the characters are well developed with at least somewhat believable reactions.
The general plot line is straightforward and makes sense.
Now, if you don't want to know all things about this book that bothered me, this is your one chance to skip to my assessment of the climax at the bottom. I fear this is a rather long list of problems.
First, let's talk about historical accuracy for a minute.
There are several issues here.
Not the least of which being that Spain (and, ergo, Spaniards) did not exist until the 15th century AD/CE, but rather most of it was part of Gaul at the time of this story.
Similarly, Germany did not exist in any official way until the 19th century AD/CE, and unofficially its existence can only be charted back to the formation of the Holy Roman Empire in the 10th century, a millennium after this book takes place.
The Longsword did not exist anywhere in any capacity until the medieval period. And leather armor, contrary to popular belief, was never commonplace (it was used, it was just never a standard). Gambison, chain, scale, and banded armors were much more common, even in the pre-Christian days of the Servile Wars.
Now, while it is true that when viewed through the lens of a reasonably civilized society, the Gauls were certainly barbaric and violent, I don't for one second believe their depiction here as being nothing more than emotionless rapists and baby killers who enjoy nothing except drink and senseless butchery.
Now, my next major issue is with explanations.
At one point, Pacorus is told the story of how and why Spartacus broke free of the ludus, and it just smacks of utter nonsense. First, if he had so little self control he would have been killed very quickly. But also, if breaking free had been that easy (there was no planning involved, it was a spur of the moment decision) then they would have done it much sooner.
He's also told the story of how Spartacus was made a slave, and once again the thinness of the explanation defies belief. Why would he just decide, out of boredom and lack of loot, to abandon his post and become a fugitive? It makes no sense.
Likewise, the explanation for why Gallia was sold into slavery is nonsensical. Even in an environment such as she grew up in, it would take more than that.
Crixus. This one isn't so much that I can't believe the explanation but that there isn't one. The reason for Crixus and Pacorus's mutual enmity is barely there, and the explanation for why Crixus and the Gauls leave Spartacus is even thinner. I would have liked to see an actual reason that makes sense for both of these.
And finally, the event that leads to Spartacus's death left me utterly baffled. While it is made clear almost from his introduction that the man is emotionally unstable, this event suggests a level of emotional codependence and imbalance that would make other of his actions in the story utterly impossible.
Of only slightly less concern is the way the text blatantly contradicts itself repeatedly.
There are multiple occasions where Pacorus directly says, "I didn't know." or "I couldn't tell," or other similar wording that makes it clear he has no idea.
Then in the next breath he goes on to relate the very details he just said he doesn't know.
Lastly, let's talk about the writing itself for a minute.
At first blush, the writing seems good. It's clear. It's evocative. It's descriptive.
But as the story progresses, we end up with more and more passive voice, more and more telling rather than showing, more and more exposition, and more and more skipping over things and jumping through time.
By the halfway point, the book dissolves into just jumping from one major plot point to the next (each easily traceable in any historic text or film about Spartacus) with virtually no story between them.
This book felt rushed. The story of the Spartacus war is a long one that should include myriad details not available in any history, as there is so little that we know as fact.
I can't help thinking that this book should have been split into three (or more) books of this length to do justice to the story.
Moving on to the ending.
For all its issues, the ending actually comes together quite well, though there is still a suspicious lack of detail on just how Pacorus and his followers make it out of Rome.
The final conclusion is well presented and hit all the right emotional notes. Unfortunately, it fails to make up for all the problems earlier in the book.
There was tremendous potential for a great story, but unfortunately this book had a lot of problems.
Michael Page did very well on the audiobook narration. His voices are distinct, varied, and well crafted. His vocal inflections are spot on and his tempo variations are effective.
The one negative to the narration is some of the accents were not accurate to the ethnic backgrounds of the characters (Spartacus, for example, who is Thracian, sounded Norwegian).
Now, the story.
Let's start with what this novel does well.
Despite my aversion to first person, Pacorus has a compelling voice that allowed me to get invested in the story.
In the scenes where details are given, the attention given them is well balanced, giving a wonderful sense of atmosphere while not being so excessive that they dominate the narrative.
Most of the characters are well developed with at least somewhat believable reactions.
The general plot line is straightforward and makes sense.
Now, if you don't want to know all things about this book that bothered me, this is your one chance to skip to my assessment of the climax at the bottom. I fear this is a rather long list of problems.
First, let's talk about historical accuracy for a minute.
There are several issues here.
Not the least of which being that Spain (and, ergo, Spaniards) did not exist until the 15th century AD/CE, but rather most of it was part of Gaul at the time of this story.
Similarly, Germany did not exist in any official way until the 19th century AD/CE, and unofficially its existence can only be charted back to the formation of the Holy Roman Empire in the 10th century, a millennium after this book takes place.
The Longsword did not exist anywhere in any capacity until the medieval period. And leather armor, contrary to popular belief, was never commonplace (it was used, it was just never a standard). Gambison, chain, scale, and banded armors were much more common, even in the pre-Christian days of the Servile Wars.
Now, while it is true that when viewed through the lens of a reasonably civilized society, the Gauls were certainly barbaric and violent, I don't for one second believe their depiction here as being nothing more than emotionless rapists and baby killers who enjoy nothing except drink and senseless butchery.
Now, my next major issue is with explanations.
At one point, Pacorus is told the story of how and why Spartacus broke free of the ludus, and it just smacks of utter nonsense. First, if he had so little self control he would have been killed very quickly. But also, if breaking free had been that easy (there was no planning involved, it was a spur of the moment decision) then they would have done it much sooner.
He's also told the story of how Spartacus was made a slave, and once again the thinness of the explanation defies belief. Why would he just decide, out of boredom and lack of loot, to abandon his post and become a fugitive? It makes no sense.
Likewise, the explanation for why Gallia was sold into slavery is nonsensical. Even in an environment such as she grew up in, it would take more than that.
Crixus. This one isn't so much that I can't believe the explanation but that there isn't one. The reason for Crixus and Pacorus's mutual enmity is barely there, and the explanation for why Crixus and the Gauls leave Spartacus is even thinner. I would have liked to see an actual reason that makes sense for both of these.
And finally, the event that leads to Spartacus's death left me utterly baffled. While it is made clear almost from his introduction that the man is emotionally unstable, this event suggests a level of emotional codependence and imbalance that would make other of his actions in the story utterly impossible.
Of only slightly less concern is the way the text blatantly contradicts itself repeatedly.
There are multiple occasions where Pacorus directly says, "I didn't know." or "I couldn't tell," or other similar wording that makes it clear he has no idea.
Then in the next breath he goes on to relate the very details he just said he doesn't know.
Lastly, let's talk about the writing itself for a minute.
At first blush, the writing seems good. It's clear. It's evocative. It's descriptive.
But as the story progresses, we end up with more and more passive voice, more and more telling rather than showing, more and more exposition, and more and more skipping over things and jumping through time.
By the halfway point, the book dissolves into just jumping from one major plot point to the next (each easily traceable in any historic text or film about Spartacus) with virtually no story between them.
This book felt rushed. The story of the Spartacus war is a long one that should include myriad details not available in any history, as there is so little that we know as fact.
I can't help thinking that this book should have been split into three (or more) books of this length to do justice to the story.
Moving on to the ending.
For all its issues, the ending actually comes together quite well, though there is still a suspicious lack of detail on just how Pacorus and his followers make it out of Rome.
The final conclusion is well presented and hit all the right emotional notes. Unfortunately, it fails to make up for all the problems earlier in the book.
September 18, 2013
The people who rated this book poor must have had a different copy than me. Sure, there were about 100 or so proofing errors but this series was so good I read the 4 books in 4 days. Never have I read a David Gemmell-like historical fiction book about the Parthian empire and it's version of the wars with Rome. Maybe there is no history linking Parthia and Spartacus. But the whole point was to set up a reason for a hatred of Crassus. Pacorus and every major Parthian figure mentioned in the book independently acted as described in the books. Roman history writers want to blame it on miscalculations by Pompey and Crassus. How about they were a forerunner of tactics used by Genghis Khan centuries later. Darman is an expert on war, tactics, weaponry, and armor. His SAS (British Special Forces) books have won award after award and cited often. So those that didn't like the book spend the $3 apiece for Dawn, Vengeance, and Carrhae and learn what wikipedia hints at. At that time in history they were the biggest threat to Rome since Hannibal....shu
March 24, 2013
There were several issues with this book. For one thing, it was not proofread. There were plenty of simple grammatical errors and typos that could have easily of been avoided, like how some "the" words left out the beginning T and said "he" instead. It was full of simple mistakes like that which made reading it difficult.
The story was told well, but there was a lot of unnecessary scenes that dragged the book on much longer than it needed to be. This book could have easily of had 200 pages shaved off of it and it would have been much better for it.
Otherwise, it's a sign of promise. This book, despite its errors, shows this author is at least going in the right direction.
The story was told well, but there was a lot of unnecessary scenes that dragged the book on much longer than it needed to be. This book could have easily of had 200 pages shaved off of it and it would have been much better for it.
Otherwise, it's a sign of promise. This book, despite its errors, shows this author is at least going in the right direction.
June 8, 2017
This book was a refreshing change from the plethora of Anglo-Roman heroes and novels that seem to be never-ending. I had been searching for many years to read something from the "other side", so to speak - a book that tells the story from the perspective of the enemies of Rome or Western civilisation. In that regard this has been completely worth my time. I enjoyed reading a story of somebody from the East who faces off against the might of Rome. You will not be disappointed if you are looking for something that represents the other side. The first in the series, the story is fast paced and there is hardly a dull moment. I was completely engrossed in the book and am already looking forward to start the second chapter in the series.
There are tons of typos and proof-reading errors throughout the book which does diminish it's value. If you can overlook that then this will be an enjoyable read for history buffs. I look forward to the second part which delves into the politics and turmoil of Parthia as the empire battles through internal strife and also faces off the might of the Roman empire.
There are tons of typos and proof-reading errors throughout the book which does diminish it's value. If you can overlook that then this will be an enjoyable read for history buffs. I look forward to the second part which delves into the politics and turmoil of Parthia as the empire battles through internal strife and also faces off the might of the Roman empire.
January 10, 2021
Dense with details
I enjoyed this book and as a fast reader I made notes for accuracy and historical veracity. The smallest details are given about strategies, weapons, custom, and historical locations. That said I simply can't go any further in the series. I think long before I ever get through a second or any other volume I might just lose track of dynasties, and what will most certainly be developing casts of chi. Stopping by my choice is not to imply I dislike the series but it does mean I don't want to lose track of the entire body of work. I think if these times interest a reader by all means continue and enjoy. For me I am much happier reading about other historical events, people, and customs than these of the first few centuries in the Roman Empire. One book was great, more than that would be far too much for me.
I enjoyed this book and as a fast reader I made notes for accuracy and historical veracity. The smallest details are given about strategies, weapons, custom, and historical locations. That said I simply can't go any further in the series. I think long before I ever get through a second or any other volume I might just lose track of dynasties, and what will most certainly be developing casts of chi. Stopping by my choice is not to imply I dislike the series but it does mean I don't want to lose track of the entire body of work. I think if these times interest a reader by all means continue and enjoy. For me I am much happier reading about other historical events, people, and customs than these of the first few centuries in the Roman Empire. One book was great, more than that would be far too much for me.
September 11, 2025
This is one of those books that flow along and keeps you not wanting to put it down. It's eye-opening, and full of adventure. This book could rival the book The Art of War in military ideas, philosophy and strategies. War is not usually my genre, but the building love-story, close-relationships and philosophy of slavery and freedom made me glad I read it. Warning: there are too much gory descriptions, so I won't be continuing this series.
July 13, 2018
Thoroughly delightful
Solid points for storytelling and great depiction of the times and spaces - quite on par with Scarrow, Cornwell, Iggulden...
The perspectives are pretty diverse - both Roman and Parthian characters are strongly depicted and the depth of portrayal of Spartacus' generalship makes a very educative as well as entertaining read
Solid points for storytelling and great depiction of the times and spaces - quite on par with Scarrow, Cornwell, Iggulden...
The perspectives are pretty diverse - both Roman and Parthian characters are strongly depicted and the depth of portrayal of Spartacus' generalship makes a very educative as well as entertaining read
August 4, 2025
6 Using real life characters in a novel is always a dangerous thing and as the majority of people are aware of Spartacus and his eventual fate, I was already dithering about whether to try it or not. This is ultimately a coming of age story - another dislike of mine - and the writing style made it even more difficult. Ultimately, just not for me.
September 5, 2017
Excellent Story
The travails of the Parthian, as a young Prince, a slave, and a leader of horsemen is a great story. His association with Spartacus provides an historical connection. Well-written, with a good plot, good descriptions, and believable dialogue.
The travails of the Parthian, as a young Prince, a slave, and a leader of horsemen is a great story. His association with Spartacus provides an historical connection. Well-written, with a good plot, good descriptions, and believable dialogue.
July 21, 2018
Well written and very enjoyable. I learned a lot about Spartacus
Being able to read a fast paced fact based story, while being wrapped up in the characters, scenery and action is a rare pleasure.
Being able to read a fast paced fact based story, while being wrapped up in the characters, scenery and action is a rare pleasure.
November 16, 2021
Great ripping yarn. Peter Darmon weaves a great story with engaging characters. Appears to be a well researched historical novel. I wish I had maps at hand to see where they activities occurred in Roman Italy and I believe ancient Syria and Iraq.
June 25, 2025
This book is on the long side, but well worth the investment of time. This is a very exciting book, full of battles and strategies. There are times when the book gets slow, but that is only to set up the excitement to follow.
September 21, 2025
Interesting read
This was an enthralling book and a page-turner. I wasn't crazy about the in-depth descriptions of the battles but I do realize it had to be included.
I will patiently await the arrival of book two.
This was an enthralling book and a page-turner. I wasn't crazy about the in-depth descriptions of the battles but I do realize it had to be included.
I will patiently await the arrival of book two.
September 30, 2017
Loved it
This is the first book I have read by peter Darman and I loved it
More like this please !!!
This is the first book I have read by peter Darman and I loved it
More like this please !!!
July 29, 2018
Couldn't put it down.
Great read. Looking forward to the next installment. Something most avid readers of this time and such like will thoroughly enjoy.
Great read. Looking forward to the next installment. Something most avid readers of this time and such like will thoroughly enjoy.
August 12, 2018
Addictive
A read that I could not put down. A great way to cover this over written period from a different perspective.
A read that I could not put down. A great way to cover this over written period from a different perspective.
September 7, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed this. It was a thoroughly good read. I now look forward to reading book two in the series
I enjoyed this. It was a thoroughly good read. I now look forward to reading book two in the series
March 8, 2019
Slow to start, but then picks up. Main character is a little full of himself, but then he is a prince with his own personal slave. A good read.
May 27, 2019
Wow
Wow what a hard book to put down I love the way he writes in the first person it made me feel like I was right there with all the slaves and all the Romans what a wonderful book
Wow what a hard book to put down I love the way he writes in the first person it made me feel like I was right there with all the slaves and all the Romans what a wonderful book
September 16, 2019
Action packed through and through :-)
March 22, 2020
This story is more of a 3.5 out 5. Not quite good enough for a 4 but better than a 3.
April 24, 2022
This should be something I would like, but the writing is just amateur and dreadful. I don't know who said the research was good because it really, really isn't.
August 15, 2023
Spellbinding.
From first to last this book had me by the throat. What an author! Got to read much more from Peter Darman.
From first to last this book had me by the throat. What an author! Got to read much more from Peter Darman.
October 3, 2024
Fantastic read
Excellently crafted priece of work. A really great storyline from start to finish. Look forward to more from the same author.
Excellently crafted priece of work. A really great storyline from start to finish. Look forward to more from the same author.
May 22, 2025
I have never stopped reading a book because of the way one character was portrayed, but I did on this book. I believe the author brought along this character to gain more female readers. So be it.
August 8, 2025
Fair
Not bad, but much too long. The misuse of words and grammar didn’t improve the story. If there’s a Book 2, one can only hope that it’s shorter, with much better editing.
Not bad, but much too long. The misuse of words and grammar didn’t improve the story. If there’s a Book 2, one can only hope that it’s shorter, with much better editing.
October 27, 2025
excellent
Excellent read. I highly recommend it. A story blended well about Spartacus. Entertaining and fun. I look forward to reading the next book.
Excellent read. I highly recommend it. A story blended well about Spartacus. Entertaining and fun. I look forward to reading the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews