Diomedes in Kyprios

by Gregory Michael Nixon

This is a historically-based novel with authentic, mythic, & fictional characters interacting across the extraordinary panorama after the Fall of Troy and the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. Diomedes leads his Akhaians (Achaeans) to the Isle of Kyprios (now Cyprus) to meet his lost love, Lieia, the ex-queen of the Hittites. Kyprios is where the Peoples of the Sea have gathered before their final assaults on Canaan and Aigyptos (Egypt). But Diomedes unexpectedly meets the avatar of the Goddess Aphrodite at her Temple in Paphos, the city of her birth. Will she take him from Lieia? Will his wanderings end, or will he head back to sea to seek redemption from the past in the further unknown? Aphrodite must also deal with the beautiful, impetuous youth, Adonis, who swears he will have her or die.

The Bronze Age Collapse was a time of such chaos that empires fell, royalty was overthrown, palaces and temples were destroyed, and the hierarchy of the gods was doubted, yet people’s self-reliance emerged like never before, and the ancient Great Goddess of the Cycles of Time, who had been suppressed, began to regain her former dominance. It was caused by similar crises to those we face today—climate change, the concentration of wealth & power in the hands of the few, and runaway migrations.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2024

Reviews

[Sienna Zini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this author's debut novel, the Diomedeia, but Diomedes in Kiprios got my heart in a different way.
The epic aspect is still there but it's more intimate and focused on the relationship between the main characters (no spoiler). And it speaks about love, passion, but also change and growth and how sometimes life leads you on different paths and you can only follow your heart, as much as it hurts.
The myriad of side characters is incredibly compelling. Each character has a well defined personality and you get attached to them as much as you do to the main characters.
I really can't wait to see what will come next for this author! Five stars because I cannot give more.

[Michael Saint-Just · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has the ability to sew myth, ancient history and his own story about Diomedes into a terrific tale for all Greek mythology readers. As with his first book Prof. Nixon knows his ancient history and the knowledge required to fill in or even create mythological historical events to match the actual history of the era. You feel like you are actually a part of the story and can't wait until a real Bronze Age event coincides with the author's story and leads onto new adventures.

[Fred Mensch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Superb Sequel to The Diomedeia

I'm deeply impressed by the meticulous detail and breadth of knowledge in so many different areas that author Gregory Nixon has brought to this current saga of Diomedes. After reading and reviewing the first book in the series, I expected accurate interpretations of myth and history, but the knowledge and skillful incorporation of the minute aspects of weaponry, trade, Bronze Age customs, sea-faring expertise, early chemistry components of bronze, tin, and copper, methods of warfare and commerce, brought further enrichment to my reading of the book. This exemplary novel comprises a comprehensive research project that vastly enhances the book's storyline. And, for readers who value additional information on names, history, and geography, the timeline provided in the Prologue is invaluable, as are the maps and the glossaries of people, gods, places, and culturally defining aspects of the time.

The storyline itself is fascinating, especially the imaginative and innovative narrative of Aphrodite emerging from the sea, leading to the dual personality of goddess and queen, which sets the scene for Diomedes' ultimate separation from his high-level, intense partnership with the Great Queen. This is all superbly accomplished.

I'm sure that readers of the first book, The Diomedeia: Diomedes, the Peoples of the Sea, and the Fall of the Hittite Empire, appreciate and value as much as I did the rich anecdotal flashbacks to the episodes from that first book, like Suppiliuma's humiliation and final victory in death, the subsequent earthquake, and the other allusions that subtly and succinctly connect Book I with Book II (and it’s evident that Book III is already in process as well).

A rather intriguing aspect that highlights the novel's ending is the adroit manner in which Nixon incorporates his protagonist's essential lover/warrior characteristics within a scene redolent with drama, romantic intrigue, and spellbinding action. This penultimate episode is superb drama while also seamlessly transitioning the work toward the hero's future adventures, which will presumably become the Diomedeia III.

Congratulations to the author for a work extremely well crafted.

Fred Mensch, PhD

[Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating historical novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous era following the Fall of Troy and the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. The narrative is rich with authentic, mythic, and fictional characters, weaving a tapestry of human experience against a backdrop of societal upheaval. At the heart of the story is Diomedes, a legendary Greek hero, who embarks on a quest to reunite with his lost love, Lieia, the ex-queen of the Hittites. This journey to the Isle of Kyprios serves as a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the search for redemption amidst chaos.

The author's portrayal of the Bronze Age Collapse is both vivid and thought-provoking. He skillfully captures the essence of a world in disarray, where empires crumble, and the very foundations of civilization are shaken. The narrative reflects the uncertainty of the times, as Diomedes and his Akhaians navigate a landscape filled with danger and intrigue. The gathering of the Peoples of the Sea, poised to launch their final assaults on Canaan and Aigyptos, adds a layer of tension and urgency to the plot.

The character of Diomedes is compelling and multifaceted. As a hero grappling with his past, he embodies the struggles of many who lived during this chaotic period. His longing for Lieia is palpable, yet his unexpected encounter with the avatar of the Goddess Aphrodite at her Temple in Paphos introduces a fascinating conflict. The tension between love and divine intervention raises questions about fate and free will.

The backdrop of the Bronze Age Collapse serves as a powerful metaphor for personal and societal transformation. As the old order crumbles, individuals are forced to confront their own identities and beliefs. The author deftly illustrates how the chaos of the times fosters a sense of self-reliance and resilience among the people.

The resurgence of the ancient Great Goddess, who had been suppressed, symbolizes a reclaiming of power and agency in a world that has been turned upside down.

[Stephen Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel focuses on the later life of Diomedes, one of Homer’s less-famous Greek heroes from his Iliad. The author envisions the destruction of Troy as one of the many cities that fell to the Peoples of the Sea during the Bronze Age Collapse. Nixon portrays the Sea Peoples not as bloodthirsty marauders but as refugees from their own homelands cast adrift because of drought and internal uprisings. Diomedes goes east from Troy’s destruction where he is present for the sacking and burning of Hattusa, the Hittite capital. He falls in love with the Hatti Queen, Lieia-Hepa, whom he agrees to meet in Paphos, Kyprios (what we now call Cyprus), after they become separated in the Underworld. This adventurous novel follows their quests to make it to Paphos and find each other again. To reach this destination, both parties must battle against pirates, mercenaries, evil high priests, and sorcery. Once there, they reunite in love and lust and become the rulers of Paphos, she the goddess-queen and he the military leader. However, they must defend their position from a jealous witch and her dangerous henchmen, as well as from a horny young man well-known in myth, beautiful Adonis. This novel seems to me well-researched both mythologically and historically, but it is also brought to life with dramatic battle scenes and sometimes with surprising humour. It allows us to understand the role played by gods, kings, high priests and ritual sacrifices in the processes needed to maintain peace and prosperity in an ordered civil society. Yet, in these brutal times, order was rapidly falling into chaos. Perhaps this is not a novel for everyone as the era is not familiar to many. There are many unusual names of people and places. Some background in ancient Cypriot myth, Bronze Age history or both would help, but the explanations are there for those willing to look. All in all, I highly recommend this well-written novel to the intelligent reader!
Dr. Steve Brewer

[Arnav · Rating 5 out of 5]

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**

**Diomedes in Kyprios: Second Edition** by Gregory Michael Nixon is a breathtaking historical novel that masterfully intertwines history, mythology, and fiction. Set in the chaotic period following the Fall of Troy and the collapse of the Hittite Empire, the story follows Diomedes, the legendary Achaean warrior, as he journeys to the Isle of Kyprios (modern-day Cyprus). His goal is to reunite with his lost love, Lieia, the former Hittite queen, but fate has other plans.

Kyprios serves as a gathering place for the enigmatic Peoples of the Sea, who are preparing to launch their final assaults on Canaan and Egypt. Amidst this turmoil, Diomedes encounters the Goddess Aphrodite at her temple in Paphos, her legendary birthplace. His meeting with the divine raises profound questions—will Aphrodite claim him for herself, pulling him away from Lieia? Will he find peace, or is he destined to continue his journey across the sea, seeking redemption for his past? Adding to the intrigue is the presence of Adonis, a passionate and impetuous youth who declares his devotion to the goddess.

Nixon’s prose is immersive and evocative, bringing the Bronze Age Collapse to life with incredible detail. The novel’s rich historical backdrop—where empires fall, gods are questioned, and self-reliance rises—adds depth and authenticity to an already captivating tale. Fans of historical fiction and mythological retellings will be enthralled by this compelling narrative filled with adventure, romance, and divine intervention.

With its beautifully crafted characters, intricate plot, and a setting that breathes with history and legend, **Diomedes in Kyprios** is an absolute must-read. A stunning fusion of myth and history, this novel earns a well-deserved **five stars!** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Meg Laidlaw]

Thoughtful yet Exciting Book!

To my surprise, I really enjoyed Diomedes in Kyprios once I got into it. I haven’t read the first book, The Diomedeia, but the Prologue provided a nice summary. Beyond hearing of the Trojan War and vaguely of the Hittites, the history and mythology were unknown to me, so I paid attention as the flashbacks put the previous tale and characters’ backgrounds back together. It was easy to follow and fun! I’m going to seek out the first book now too.

I should mention that I listened to the audiobook. The narrator has great vocal range and an English theatric voice that kept me spellbound. Really a good way to enjoy this story on walks or drives.

The narrator had a differerent voice for each character’s speech. He even did the women’s voices well, and that’s important because they are central to the novel. None of them are weak or silly or helpless—from Lieia the Queen, to Lilitu the High Priestess, to Henti the harem girl turned warrior, to the daughters of Kinyras who ran the sacred prostitution house, to Myrrha, the evil witch who seduced her own father.

Good book!

[Eleanor Kalinkski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book really came to life when it focussed on Lieia-Aphrodite, which was nearly half the time. This author is not afraid to delve into the dark soul of woman. Diomedes is great but he's just another bold & stubborn man-hero, isn't he? Lieia is unpredictable. She doesn't do what you expect her to do. She is drawn to erotic experimentation in spite of her love for Dio. Of course, Sexy Lilitu (whose name suggests the Babylonian demon, Lilith) is openly evil and dangerous, as is the witch, Myrrha, and they're very entertaining. But neither as Leia nor the avatar of Aphrodite is she evil. She's just her own complex character, transforming herself before our astonished eyes. I was utterly entranced by her.

[Matsonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This seasoned wordsmith’s pen sizzles with imagination, and the novel gives the reader fully-fleshed characters. I felt myself in the novel’s colourful, ancient locations, and the events sitrred me to the bone. It has humorous interludes that are all the more enjoyable because they’re unexpected. I loved nearly every page of this adventure even though I was also absorbing apparently well-reseached Bronze Age history. Highly recommended!”

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those books that feel less like you’re reading and more like you’ve been dropped into another century, salt wind in your hair, bronze gleam of a spear catching the sun? That’s exactly what happened when I picked up Diomedes in Kyprios, Gregory Michael Nixon’s second volume in his Diomedeia series. I’d read enough about the Trojan War in dusty myth anthologies to think I knew the players, but Nixon doesn’t just retell — he resurrects. And he’s not shy about weaving his own thread into the ancient tapestry. Having already proven his mettle with Diomedeia, he returns here with even more emotional weight, letting us see the hero after the dust of Troy has settled and the world — quite literally — is collapsing.

The premise is irresistible. Diomedes, that battle-scarred Achaean, is no longer simply charging into war — he’s chasing something far more elusive: his lost love, Lieia, former queen of the Hittites. The setting? The Isle of Kyprios, where the so-called Peoples of the Sea gather like storm clouds before their final assaults on Canaan and Egypt. But love stories in the Bronze Age are never straightforward. Enter Aphrodite, the goddess herself, in her birthplace of Paphos — radiant, dangerous, and capable of upending everything. And hovering at the edges, Adonis, all youth and reckless devotion. The stakes aren’t just about survival or conquest; they’re about the very course of a man’s heart.

Nixon’s prose is rich without being overwrought — a kind of lyrical muscularity that suits the age of bronze and blood. He has a historian’s eye for accuracy and a storyteller’s instinct for when to let the poetry breathe. I noticed how the pacing shifts: moments of quiet reflection in the temple’s incense-thick air, then bursts of tense dialogue as alliances strain and betrayals simmer. It’s immersive, the kind of writing that makes you slow down to savor a turn of phrase, then speed up because you have to know what happens next.

The heart of this novel, though, beats in its characters. Diomedes is not just the archetypal warrior — he’s wounded in ways no spear could cause, haunted by choices and losses. Lieia, while seen through his longing, holds her own as a figure of resilience. Aphrodite is a revelation here; Nixon refuses to flatten her into a one-note goddess of beauty, instead giving her layers — divine authority mingled with human-like yearning. And Adonis… well, let’s just say he’s the kind of character who would be insufferable if he weren’t so charmingly earnest.

Structurally, the book is a straight path through uncertain terrain. It doesn’t fracture into timelines or overly experimental devices, but there’s a sense of ebb and flow, like the sea that keeps pulling Diomedes onward. Twists are handled with a quiet inevitability — you may suspect a turn, but the satisfaction is in how it lands.

Themes hum beneath the action: the collision of love and duty, the ache of exile, the slow work of self-forgiveness. The fall of empires isn’t just a historical backdrop; it mirrors the collapse and rebuilding within the characters themselves. I found myself thinking about how myth has always been a way to talk about survival — not just of people, but of hope.

There are moments that stayed with me. A tense exchange between Diomedes and Aphrodite in the temple courtyard — moonlight on marble, every word a blade and a balm. A quiet scene by the shore where Diomedes admits, if only to himself, that redemption may never come. These are the kinds of beats that make you linger on a page.

If Nixon nails anything, it’s the sense of place — the heat, the salt air, the press of a crowd in a marketplace. His secondary characters, too, aren’t just names in a glossary; they have edges, quirks, loyalties. And while the historical scaffolding is meticulous (maps, glossaries, context galore), the humanity is what holds it up. My only gripe? The opening is a little dense, especially if you’re new to the series — it takes a few chapters to find your sea legs. But once you do, the voyage is worth it.

Personally, this book scratched an itch I didn’t know I had: the need for myth to feel lived-in. If you’ve ever been swept away by Mary Renault’s The King Must Die or Madeline Miller’s Song of Achilles, this belongs on your shelf. It’s for history lovers, mythology buffs, and anyone who believes that the human heart is the most unpredictable battleground of all.

When I closed the book, I felt that strange mix of satisfaction and sadness — the story was complete for now, but I wasn’t ready to leave Kyprios. I’ll be first in line for the third volume. Let’s call it a solid 4.5 out of 5, with the extra half-star just for making Aphrodite feel like someone I could meet — and maybe fear — in real life.

[John Martini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pretty damn good book. Engaging. Good storyline. Compelling characters. And it all takes place in a setting that the gifted author is obviously very comfortable unveiling to a readership that may include mere mortals (like me) who are not well-versed in that particular historical era. The setting I am referring to involves the fall of the Hittite empire, the collapse of the Bronze Age, the rising apex of the Peoples of the Sea, the questioning of the roles of the gods - all of which contributed to the chaos of the time and which ultimately resulted in people taking charge, like never before, of their own lives.
Mr. Nixon’s first book in this series, The Diomedeia, sets up the plot line for this sequel. Do you have to read these books in order to make sense out of them? Probably a good idea, but I have to say that the author, Gregory Nixon, takes the time and effort to seamlessly provide a number of plot line segues from Book I to Book II so that the reader would not be left in a confused state. Do you need to be mentally articulate with the era in question? I’m certainly not. In fact I was a Bronze Age neophyte when I began reading Book I, The Diomedeia. Through Mr. Nixon’s adept tutelage via storytelling, I no longer consider myself a neophyte and have, surprisingly, become quite interested in learning more about that particular time period and especially about Greek mythology and lore. I mean who knew warships of the time had underwater battering rams as weapons, or that running a brothel was a way of paying tribute to the gods, or that Sardinia was once called Ichnussa? Well, I guess a lot of people knew those things, but I digress.
Bottom line . . . this is a pretty damn good book. Looking forward to the next one in this series. And speaking of series, I believe Netflix or Hulu or Paramount should pay attention to this author. The time is ripe for them to leapfrog over the tired trend of Marvel action movies and TV series and replace them with a hero that is clearly more substantive. Diomedes is a beast of a man, well spoken, well hung, brutal yet compassionate - a natural leader. Hell, he even delves into a post-modern explanation of the notion of ‘truth’. Truly a man ahead of his time. He’s a rock star worthy of bingeing from the couch.
A worthwhile read.

[Douglas Kingsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is what historical fiction should be: first and foremost truly based in actual history with sensible extrapolations. The author has most certainly done his research. But it's also based in various characters from mythology, but the mythic figures Nixon conjures engage in revisioned and realistic lives. It is the Bronze Age Collapse when myth runs headlong into history.

But it is also a helluva tale, compact and intense. Diomedes is sundered from his ladylove, Lieia, the ex-Queen of the fallen Hittite Empire, so he has them swear to meet again in Paphos, city of the Goddess, in Kyprios (one ancient name for Cyprus). The tale follows their parallel adventures from the Underworld to Paphos. Lieia is accompanied by her loyal bodyguard, and Diomedes is accompanied by a youth, Saba, he meets along the way. Without giving too much away, they finally arrive, and Lieia finds herself mistaken for the Goddess Aphrodite, who is declared ruler of Paphos. Diomedes then arrives and becomes successful military commander, still recognized by the local Achaians from Troy. He unites with his long-lost love, but can he distinguish the woman, Lieia, from the Goddess Aphrodite, whom she seems to be becoming? This is complicated when the beautiful youth Adonis enters the picture desperately in love with the Goddess and demanding her attention.

But this colourful novel is as much a military adventure as a romantic one. I loved that Egypt is here revealed to have attacked the Sea Peoples in Kyprios first. This is about ten years before the vengeance attack of the same Sea Peoples on Egypt, as famously illustrated by Ramses III in the Medinet Habu Temple. Perhaps Egypt wasn't just an innocent victim.

Finally, it is also a tale of personal growth and transformation. Diomedes, the ferocious warrior, finds himself taking an interest in rebuilding cities rather than destroying them. Surely this presages another, final book in this series, for I am aware that in mythology, founding cities in southern Italy is precisely what Diomedes ends up doing.

This was a read that will stay with me a long time. The author handles prose like no one else.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Diomedes in Kyprios: Second Edition
By Gregory Michael Nixon

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Prepare to be swept away into a richly imagined world where myth, history, and fiction collide! Diomedes in Kyprios is a brilliant and immersive historical novel that takes us deep into the aftermath of the Bronze Age Collapse, following the legendary Achaean hero Diomedes as he seeks not only a lost love—but redemption.

👉After the Fall of Troy and the dissolution of the Hittite Empire, Diomedes sets sail with his warriors to the Isle of Kyprios (modern-day Cyprus), hoping to reunite with Lieia, the former Hittite queen. But this isn’t just a story of love—it's a tale of destiny, gods, and the profound reshaping of civilization.

👉On the sacred island, where the mysterious Peoples of the Sea gather before their final assaults on Egypt and Canaan, Diomedes meets none other than the radiant Goddess Aphrodite at her birthplace in Paphos. The encounter stirs deep emotions and spiritual dilemmas. Will the goddess take him for herself, turning his path away from Lieia and toward a divine fate? Or will Diomedes continue his journey across the sea, searching for peace and atonement? 🌊💔

👉Enter Adonis—young, beautiful, reckless—who vows to die for Aphrodite. Their storyline runs parallel to Diomedes’s, creating a tapestry of love, loyalty, and divine longing. Nixon captures these ancient figures with stunning emotional depth, breathing life into gods and mortals alike.

👉What sets this novel apart is its vivid backdrop. Nixon doesn’t just tell a story—he reconstructs an era of crumbling empires, shifting beliefs, and awakening self-reliance. The gods are doubted, temples fall, royalty flees—but amidst the chaos, the ancient Great Goddess of the Cycles of Time begins to rise again, reclaiming her power and place.

👉The prose is lush and poetic, the pacing immersive, and the themes timeless. Diomedes in Kyprios is a work of beauty and brilliance—a novel that speaks to the heart while engaging the intellect. If you love mythological retellings steeped in historical authenticity, this book is a must-read.

Happy reading 😁😁

#bookreview

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was a powerful and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of infusing great detail into the narrative, exploring the ancient cities and states of the old world before they became what we know today, from Kyprios being Cyprus to Aigyptos becoming Egypt. The imagery in the author’s writing style brought these ancient cities and their peoples to life perfectly, and the evolution of Diomedes and Lieia as characters really took off, giving them each new role and path to explore. Seeing Diomedes adjusting to life after the first book's events and trying to become a creator more than a destroyer was such a great story, and the compelling journey of Lieia as Aphrodite’s avatar was mesmerizing.

The balance of genres in this book was really what brought the whole story together. The emotional connection and story between Diomedes and Lieia were great uses of romance, while the military action and adventure of the narrative added depth to the fantastic historical fiction storytelling of the book, allowing readers to feel embedded into the conflicts that would follow, including an attack on the Sea People from what would be the Ancient Egyptians.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and thrilling author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “Diomedes in Kyprios” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns that follow and the rich infusion of mythos capture what makes history and mythology so vibrant and exhilarating to many people worldwide.

[Dexter Troyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique. Compelling. Engaging. The writing was different, I admit. I had to adjust to it, but soon was totally hooked. Told in a classic "Homeresque" (often using epithets, etc.) voice w/o overdoing it. Really great writing.

Complex yet not confusing plot with lovely twists and turns. The tale covers a large patch of geography in SE Anatolia that I knew nothing about. Bronze Age Cyprus/Kyprios (just after the Trojan War) was a discovery and was so meticulously & accurately described I felt I was there.

The author takes better known material from myth and history and goes in his own direction with it. He produces a story never told before yet it complements history and myth perfectly. Diomedes is a warrior in the process of adjusting his values during the chaos of the Bronze Age Collapse. Lieia, his lover, is a beautiful queen who is tempted to become a goddess. Will they stay together or go their own ways? Will Kyprios fall to the raiding Peoples of the Sea, or will it absorb them to organize for a further attack on Egypt? Will Adonis get his heart's desire or will the wild boar have something to say about that?

I should mention that the book has some good pervy parts with Myrrha the witch. She is pretty damned nasty but I enjoyed her with guilty pleasure.

Highly recommended for the intelligent, openminded reader.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best way. I thought I was walking into just another myth inspired tale, but it’s actually a full experience, a mix of history, gods, chaos, love, and the whole Bronze Age world falling apart while two people try to hold on to something real.

What I loved most is how human Diomedes feels. He’s not treated like some untouchable legend. He bleeds, doubts, remembers, regrets. And Lieia-Hepa? She’s not written like the usual “queen in distress” stereotype, she has her own strength, her own story, her own heartbreak. Their journeys feel personal, even while the world around them is burning.

The writer did something clever: he didn’t just retell history, he made you feel its weight, the broken empires, the fear, the migrations, the storms, the gods losing their power. You can almost smell the smoke of fallen cities and feel the tension of people trying to rebuild themselves in the middle of chaos.

If you like stories where mythology and reality blend in a way that feels both ancient and strangely familiar, this book is worth it. It’s not a quick, forgettable read, it’s the kind of story you sit with. The kind that stays in your mind after you’re done.

I’d recommend it to anyone who loves ancient history, gods who act too much like humans, intense character journeys, or just a book that makes you stop and think.

[Mr L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story that takes you places you've never been before, immerses you in a fictional factual world and at its end lingers with you and evokes a nostalgia for the adventure read and a sadness at the end of the story. That it's finished. This is just that. Written by an author who is authoritative in their knowledge of ancient history and Bronze age myth and who pumps fresh vigor and life into the great historical and romantic epic with a wonderful archetypal but flawed hero at its heart set in the birthplace of Aphrodite. The pace is different in this excellent original sequel to Nixon's first high Bronze age adventure. Whereas the first book was full of the dry heat of battle and high adventure this sequal follows a ‘reborn’ Diomedes on his travels to Kyprios where the ‘Peoples of the Sea’ are gathering along with Queen Lieia the woman he adores. The story has a warmer breeze and is full of twists, turns, intrigue and treachery. Wonderfully told with an attention to period detail. Nixon in both books delivers a new story whilst putting flesh on the bones of the mythic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern worlds set during a period of cultural tectonic upheavals of legendary proportions amongst the established power sources. Enjoy. I did.

[G. W .Bookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Diomedes in Kyprios felt like taking a trip back to a world I had only heard about in old stories. It’s about a brave warrior named Diomedes, who leaves everything behind to find the woman he loves. But life isn’t that simple. He ends up meeting the Goddess Aphrodite herself, and things get really complicated. I loved how the story mixed history, gods, love, and choices in such a smooth, interesting way. It made me want to keep turning the pages to know what would happen next.

I liked how the book wasn’t just about war and fighting, but also about people’s feelings. Diomedes was strong, but he was also broken inside, and I could feel his pain. Aphrodite wasn’t just a goddess here — she felt real, with her own troubles and emotions. Even Adonis, a young boy crazy in love, made me smile with his bold promises. The book made me feel like these old legends weren’t so different from us today. People then loved, hurt, and hoped just like we do now.

For me, this story touched a personal space. I sometimes think about the past and the stories we forget, and this book reminded me that behind every war and king’s name, there was someone with a heart. I could picture the sea, the temples, and the restless nights Diomedes spent thinking about his lost love. It made me feel grateful for the small things in my own life and how important it is to forgive yourself for your past mistakes.

I would surely tell others to read this book if they enjoy stories about ancient times, gods, and human feelings. It’s not a boring history lesson but a story full of heart, love, and decisions we all can understand. Trust me, you’ll enjoy this journey with Diomedes. It’s simple, beautiful, and stays with you even after you finish it. A must-read for history and mythology lovers!

[Alex Norgard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel like I was walking through an ancient world where everything was breaking, and yet people were still trying to hold on to love, loyalty, and hope. Diomedes doesn’t feel like some big hero from a storybook, he feels like a man who has carried too much pain and still pushes forward. Lieia Hepa isn’t written as some soft figure either; she has strength, fear, and heart all mixed together.

What really caught my attention was how real the world felt. The storms, the ruins, the fear people had when the gods stopped answering, it all felt believable. The author didn’t just write history; he made me feel it. You see people trying to rebuild themselves while everything familiar collapses.
If you enjoy a book that mixes myth, human struggle, and emotional depth, this one really stays with you. It’s the kind of story that makes you think about how people survive change, even when everything they know is gone.

[Christine Halvorson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like most about this book is how it mixes gods and humans in a way that feels natural. The gods are not distant; they’re confused, losing power, unsure of their place. And the humans aren’t just characters, they’re people dealing with hunger, loss, and fear. Diomedes carries both pride and regret, and Lieia Hepa carries both beauty and responsibility.

The book shows the Bronze Age not as some shiny, perfect era, but as a time when everything was falling apart. Cities burn, kingdoms fall, and people cling to whatever hope they can find. The writing makes you feel the dust, the smoke, the uncertainty.
It’s not just a story about the past; it’s about how people react when their world changes faster than they can understand. If you like mythology that feels grounded and human, this book hits the right balance.

[Mathew Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out because of the characters. Diomedes is written with so much depth, he’s strong but tired, confident but guilty, powerful but painfully human. Lieia Hepa has her own path, her own pain, her own strength. Their connection feels earned, not forced.

There are scenes that really stay with you, moments of loss, moments of decision, moments where Diomedes must choose between what he wants and what is expected. The author doesn’t shy away from showing the emotional cost of leadership.
The story is rich, thoughtful, and full of heart. It’s one of those books where you don’t just read about the characters, you carry them with you. If you enjoy stories where the characters feel alive and real, this book won’t disappoint.

[Delphine Oona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like watching a movie in your mind. The storms, the battles, the sea journeys, everything is described in a way that pulls you in. You can almost hear the waves, smell the smoke from destroyed temples, and feel the tension when old beliefs start collapsing.

Diomedes moves through this world like someone who knows life is bigger than him but still chooses to fight for his own truth. Lieia Hepa’s scenes are just as powerful. The book balances action and emotion so well.
It’s the kind of story that feels big, big world, big stakes, big feelings, but still stays personal. If you like immersive settings and dramatic scenes, this is your kind of book.

[Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn’t rushed. It takes its time, letting you walk beside Diomedes, letting you feel his confusion, his memories, his longing. The pace allows the world to unfold naturally, the ancient politics, the migration waves, the fall of empires, the doubt in the gods.

What makes it powerful is how relatable it feels. Even though it’s ancient history, the emotions are modern, fear of change, search for meaning, trying to hold on to the people you love.
It’s the kind of book you sit with. You don’t read it fast; you absorb it. And when you finish, you feel something lasting.

[Zelda Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love story in this book surprised me. It’s not a soft romance; it’s a difficult, painful, hopeful kind of love. Diomedes and Lieia Hepa are separated by war, fate, and the world collapsing around them, but their connection still drives the story.

Their reunion isn’t just romantic, it feels like the world finally giving them a moment to breathe. The danger, the longing, the sacrifices… everything feels earned.
If you like romance that’s woven into danger, history, and myth, this book delivers in a powerful, mature way.

[Jane Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The Bronze Age Collapse is shown as harsh, chaotic, and unpredictable. People die, cities burn, power shifts overnight. And through all of this, Diomedes must become more than a soldier, he must become a leader.

The writing shows the cost of war, the weight of decisions, and the fear of losing everything. But it also shows courage, loyalty, and the small sparks of hope that keep people moving.
It’s a gritty story, but a meaningful one. If you like books that show the dark and the light together, you’ll appreciate this.

[Brigitte Kirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building in this book is impressive. The cultures, the battles, the gods, the rituals everything feels researched and alive. You don’t just read about the Bronze Age; you feel like. you’re standing inside it.

Every location feels memorable, every scene feels detailed. The author paints the world with emotion, not just description.
If you enjoy novels with rich world-building and deep lore, this book is definitely worth your time.

[Mamie Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the start. The opening sets the tone fast, a man trying to make sense of his past, a queen fighting for her future, and a world that’s breaking faster than anyone can fix it.

You don’t have to be a historian to enjoy it. The writing makes everything clear enough for a simple reader but deep enough for someone who loves ancient history.
It’s exciting, emotional, and thought-provoking. Exactly the kind of story that keeps you turning pages.

[K.A. Masters]

This book reads like an ancient Greek novel, with Diomedes and Leia having a series of adventures and misadventures leading up to their reunion and reconciliation.