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Satrap #1
Lion of Persia
Before the Romans. Before the Parthians. Before Alexander the Great. There were the Persians.
In the fertile land of ancient Persia a rising leader, Cyrus, challenges the power of the mighty Median Empire to forge a new world from the ashes of the old. Among the countless warriors who gather beneath the banner of Cyrus, one name would rise from obscurity to become both feared and revered across Persia and beyond: Kian Mihran.
The son of a slave born into a noble household, the brutal murder of his betrothed at the hands of wandering Sarmatians burns away the man he had been. What remains is a warrior driven by grief, hardened by vengeance and sharpened by ordeal. As Cyrus forges his army to elevate Persia above all others, Kian becomes the sword of his king, a leader who has an instinct for war, a ruthless courage and a loyalty that never wavers.
Set amid the sweeping rise of the Persian Empire in the sixth century BC, this epic tale of war, love and sorcery brings to life a forgotten world where history and myth collide, and where one man’s quest for revenge will change the fate of kings and empires.
‘Lion of Persia’ is the first volume in the Satrap series, which tells the story of Kian Mihran who rises in the ranks of the army of Cyrus the Great, the warrior king who founded the Persian Empire in the sixth century BC. A map of ancient Persia and the surrounding kingdoms and empires at this time is available to download for free from the maps page of my website.
In the fertile land of ancient Persia a rising leader, Cyrus, challenges the power of the mighty Median Empire to forge a new world from the ashes of the old. Among the countless warriors who gather beneath the banner of Cyrus, one name would rise from obscurity to become both feared and revered across Persia and beyond: Kian Mihran.
The son of a slave born into a noble household, the brutal murder of his betrothed at the hands of wandering Sarmatians burns away the man he had been. What remains is a warrior driven by grief, hardened by vengeance and sharpened by ordeal. As Cyrus forges his army to elevate Persia above all others, Kian becomes the sword of his king, a leader who has an instinct for war, a ruthless courage and a loyalty that never wavers.
Set amid the sweeping rise of the Persian Empire in the sixth century BC, this epic tale of war, love and sorcery brings to life a forgotten world where history and myth collide, and where one man’s quest for revenge will change the fate of kings and empires.
‘Lion of Persia’ is the first volume in the Satrap series, which tells the story of Kian Mihran who rises in the ranks of the army of Cyrus the Great, the warrior king who founded the Persian Empire in the sixth century BC. A map of ancient Persia and the surrounding kingdoms and empires at this time is available to download for free from the maps page of my website.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
About the author
Peter Darman
304 books98 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 28, 2026
Mildly enjoyable but a bit disappointing since I really haven’t read much of ancient Persia standalone and wanted to love it. Didn’t learn a great deal regarding culture. The search continues!
June 2, 2026
A gripping read for fans of epic historical fiction. The story has everything you want from this kind of book: warriors, kings, betrayal, family power, revenge, and a richly detailed ancient world. The author clearly understands how to blend history with drama in a way that feels cinematic and exciting.
May 16, 2026
A powerful and immersive historical novel. Lion of Persia brings ancient Persia to life with vivid descriptions, political tension, and emotional stakes. Kian’s story begins with tragedy, but that heartbreak gives the book a strong sense of purpose and keeps you invested in what happens next.
June 2, 2026
Detailed, dramatic, and full of atmosphere. The scenes feel carefully researched, from the customs and beliefs to the weapons, clothing, and political rivalries. Readers who enjoy being transported into another time and place will find a lot to admire here.
June 2, 2026
Kian is a memorable and sympathetic hero. His grief, loyalty, and search for justice make him easy to root for, while the world around him is full of danger and shifting alliances. The emotional opening gives the action real weight, making this more than just a battle-driven historical adventure.
July 6, 2026
An exciting start to what feels like a larger saga. Lion of Persia combines personal loss with the rise of great historical conflict, creating a story that feels both intimate and epic. It’s a strong choice for readers who enjoy ancient history, revenge-driven heroes, and sweeping adventure.
March 19, 2026
Great 1st in the series
I enjoyed this 1st in the series and can’t wait for the 2nd. The story moves at a good pace and I couldn’t stop reading it.
I enjoyed this 1st in the series and can’t wait for the 2nd. The story moves at a good pace and I couldn’t stop reading it.
May 5, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyable read
Thoroughly enjoyable tale of the rise of Persia,an often overlooked era,as most focus on later conquest by Alexander the great.
Thoroughly enjoyable tale of the rise of Persia,an often overlooked era,as most focus on later conquest by Alexander the great.
May 9, 2026
Good idea, poor execution
Clumsy writing and sloppy editing. But nice story. Why do many words needed in this review, eh eh eh eh?
Clumsy writing and sloppy editing. But nice story. Why do many words needed in this review, eh eh eh eh?
May 19, 2026
Great.book!
Have enjoyed your other books. Really loved the first book.of your new series and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Have enjoyed your other books. Really loved the first book.of your new series and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
August 13, 2026
I really enjoyed it. Loved your spin on that part of history considering the relatively limited primary evidence from that time period. Will read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews