‘Parthian Vengeance’ is the third instalment in the Parthian Chronicles, the adventures of King Pacorus of Dura, and follows on from ‘Parthian Dawn’. The brooding peace that hangs over Parthia is shattered by a murder that triggers the final confrontation that will decide who rules the empire. Pacorus leads his veteran army east to destroy once and for all the forces of his implacable enemies, Mithridates and Narses. But his foes have been waiting for this moment and what Pacorus believes will be a short campaign will turn into a long war that will culminate in the bloodiest battle in the history of the Parthian Empire. Once again Pacorus gathers his faithful companions around him for the life-or-death struggle with the treacherous Mithridates and the ambitious Narses – Domitus, the ex-Roman centurion and now general of Dura’s army; Gallia, his fierce warrior queen; Orodes, the landless prince; Prince Malik of the Agraci; and Surena, destined to become one of the greatest Parthian commanders of all time. 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
I 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.
This series really enjoyable. Think Utred against Roman instead of Vikings. I feel the historical backdrop is far more believable then the first story. Either way, if you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell, then you will enjoy Peter Darmen and his Parthian series.
As with the other two books I had a hard time putting it down. The last battle with it's twist and turns was great. I was concerned by some lack of editing. Some instances of words missing, or placed out of order, causing me to pause to add or move the displaced word. Other than that I loved the book and have already purchases book four.
A great book of history, sweeping battles and characters
This is the 3rd book of this series and does a really good job of continuing the story of Parthia. I love to read about times in history that are new to me. You won’t be bored and the story is so well written you won’t want to put it down.
This third volume of the Parthian series tells of Pacorus' temporary victory over Mithridates and a shaky peace in Parthia. It also sets up the plot for volume four. Well-written with only a few typos, it is not easy to put it down!
Fast paced series about the eastern edge of Roman empire. Well researched with lots of info on ancient cities and culture along with details of weapons and tactics used in battle.
This is steadily becoming one of my most favorite series' I've ever read. The length, characters, pacing, action...all amazing.
I don't know what else I can say, its up there with anything I've read by David Gemmell or Bernard Cornwell.
I love how not every battle is an easy victory for Pacorus and his army, its always a grinding battle with strategy that wins out in the end. Strategy and training - "training is bloodless drills, and battles are bloody drills."
Honestly though, Dobbai is becoming one of my favorites as well, she reminds me of Moiraine from Wheel of Time. Able to dominate a room with her prophecies...love it.
The Epilogue was a nice touch as well, Mark Antony!!
Peter Darman has left enough room to complete his series in fine fashion of blood, steel and historical glimpses of a possible past. His alternative perspective on Rome as the bully, rather than the Rome touted by other authors is a refreshing approach.
The action scenes he creates are life-like and present insight into aspects of heated battle that have clearly stemmed from good research.
Any reader who enjoys historical fiction, along with a great adventure in a well-written novel will enjoy this offering from Darman.
I loved this - possibly the best of the tree books in the 'Parthian Chronicles' to date. The story flies along, taking some unexpected turns and with plenty of action. I am now trying to find a map of the region in the period of the book to get a better understanding of who is where.
I can only hope that more is yet to come in this series as Marcus Lucinius Crassus has not arrived yet! bernard Cornwell, eat your heart out.
excellent battle sequences and a fast paced read blends fact and imagined personalities well, loved the characters. can't wait for the next instalment.
Another book about King Pacorus and his friends as they continue their struggle against Mithridates Too much battle detail for me, but I still enjoy the series