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Long War #6
Rage of Ares
Arimnestos of Plataea was one of the heroes of the Battle of Marathon, in which the heroic Greeks halted the invading Persians in their tracks, and fought in the equally celebrated naval battle at Salamis.
But even these stunning victories only served to buy the Greeks time, as the Persians gathered a new army, returning with overwhelming force to strike the final killing blow.
For the Greeks, divided and outnumbered, there was only one possible strategy: attack. And so, in the blazing summer of 479 BC, Arimnestos took up his spear one final time at the Battle of Plataea.
But even these stunning victories only served to buy the Greeks time, as the Persians gathered a new army, returning with overwhelming force to strike the final killing blow.
For the Greeks, divided and outnumbered, there was only one possible strategy: attack. And so, in the blazing summer of 479 BC, Arimnestos took up his spear one final time at the Battle of Plataea.
416 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2017
190 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Christian Cameron
79 books1,111 followersAka Miles Cameron. Also publishes as Gordon Kent with his father Kenneth M. Cameron.
Christian Cameron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history.
After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.
Christian Cameron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history.
After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 19, 2024
This fantastic book by Christian Cameron is the 6th and final volume, or maybe not which is something I very much hope, of the very thrilling and exciting "Killer of Men/Long War" series.
At the beginning of the book it contains as usual a well documented expansive glossary, as well as an informative piece of Note on Names and Personages, and not to forget a well drawn map of the battlefield of the Battle of Plataea.
While at the end of the book you'll find a superb documented historical introduction of the Battle of Plataea of 479 BC, as well as an informative Author's Note and Acknowledgements to end this fascinating book.
Storytelling is as ever of a top-notch quality, for this author is one of the best or maybe the best in this genre of historical fiction at the moment, for he manages again to grip you with this tale from start to finish, and all his characters come again to life in a most fantastic fashion, whether they are real historical people or fictional ones.
This book is set mainly in the years 480-479 BC, with at its centre of course the great Battle of Plataea, followed by the final Battle of Mycale, and at the heart of the book once again our main real historical character and narrator of this series, Arimnestos of Plataea, who's also our main central fighter of this Greek fight for survival and freedom against the Persians, and the book ends with a warm reminiscing chapter that is situated in the year 477 BC.
The story itself is about the building-up towards and finally the great Battles of Plataea and Mycale themselves, as the main important features of this book, and these brutal battles will have to be fought to keep Greece save, and thus survival for it sons and daughters for the time to come, and all this pictured and told by the author in a most wonderful splendid way.
The Battle of Plataea as well as the Battle of Mycale are beautifully described in heroic words and superb actions, so much so that the blood and gore, destruction and survival, sacrifice and heroism come off the pages in a most enthralling and captivating fashion.
Very much recommended, for this is Greek historical fiction at its very best, and that's why I call this book, "A Fantastic Conclusion Of Great Series! Or Is There More To Come?!
At the beginning of the book it contains as usual a well documented expansive glossary, as well as an informative piece of Note on Names and Personages, and not to forget a well drawn map of the battlefield of the Battle of Plataea.
While at the end of the book you'll find a superb documented historical introduction of the Battle of Plataea of 479 BC, as well as an informative Author's Note and Acknowledgements to end this fascinating book.
Storytelling is as ever of a top-notch quality, for this author is one of the best or maybe the best in this genre of historical fiction at the moment, for he manages again to grip you with this tale from start to finish, and all his characters come again to life in a most fantastic fashion, whether they are real historical people or fictional ones.
This book is set mainly in the years 480-479 BC, with at its centre of course the great Battle of Plataea, followed by the final Battle of Mycale, and at the heart of the book once again our main real historical character and narrator of this series, Arimnestos of Plataea, who's also our main central fighter of this Greek fight for survival and freedom against the Persians, and the book ends with a warm reminiscing chapter that is situated in the year 477 BC.
The story itself is about the building-up towards and finally the great Battles of Plataea and Mycale themselves, as the main important features of this book, and these brutal battles will have to be fought to keep Greece save, and thus survival for it sons and daughters for the time to come, and all this pictured and told by the author in a most wonderful splendid way.
The Battle of Plataea as well as the Battle of Mycale are beautifully described in heroic words and superb actions, so much so that the blood and gore, destruction and survival, sacrifice and heroism come off the pages in a most enthralling and captivating fashion.
Very much recommended, for this is Greek historical fiction at its very best, and that's why I call this book, "A Fantastic Conclusion Of Great Series! Or Is There More To Come?!
October 26, 2016
One of the few (and sadly getting fewer) books that I had to get on release even though i was swamped by stuff so had little time to devote to it until a few days later; as usual the first person narrative of Arimnestos is so absorbing that once you start the book, you cannot put it down; we know how things turned out at Plataea and Mycale (and with Arimnestos as he tells the tale some 18 years later to his daughter and her friends) , but the author still makes it suspenseful, not to speak of highly atmospheric and educational
A great conclusion to the Long war series though of course the adventures are not finished and lots that could follow (India, Africa, back to the tin islands, not to speak of the tale of Arimnestos becoming a minor king in the Bosphorus when he is telling the tale) if things work out
Overall i would say that Long War is Christian Cameron's best series to date, worth rereading from book 1 again and highly recommended
A great conclusion to the Long war series though of course the adventures are not finished and lots that could follow (India, Africa, back to the tin islands, not to speak of the tale of Arimnestos becoming a minor king in the Bosphorus when he is telling the tale) if things work out
Overall i would say that Long War is Christian Cameron's best series to date, worth rereading from book 1 again and highly recommended
August 29, 2017
A much needed recap of the series so far starts us of & I’m amazed at how much our hero has “got about” in his 20 years so far, he’s 35 going on 36 at the start of this chapter of his life & has travelled much of the known world & taken part in the greatest battles of the age. It really was an epic time for heroes of battle & war, some may say an exciting period but that’s only reserved for the survivors & the yoof in the tales.
For those that have followed/read the series you’ll know its an historical retelling of the Greco-Persian conflicts C499-478BC with the renowned battles of Lade, Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis covered in glorious detail to date. Cameron being a re-enactor gives real insight into the combat of the time both on land & at sea with the battle at Marathon being my favourite by far to date; it’s simply breathtaking in its detail & ferocity.
We pick up the story in 479BC after the battle of Salamis, both sides wintering / licking their wounds & with as always the Greeks divided & all pulling in different directions to support their own positions or egos instead of working together to defeat the invaders. It always amazes me how the Greeks actually managed to unite their factions with all their petty squabbling & posturing. As you might expect the Spartans & Athenians are represented & a new addition that of the Ionians who previously sided with the Medes at Lade.
Politics of the Athenians & Spartans is covered in fine detail where in the end the Spartans are FORCED to fight alongside the Athenians which then brings everyone else to the fore. The infighting between the Greeks is incredulous at times & you wonder how they became great in this period, reminds me very much of how the Danes were when defeated by the Anglo-Saxons as they couldn’t get along/agree.
A main part of the story is given to the Battle of Plateau which is truly brilliant..... you sometimes imagine that battles are all aligned & ready to go & battle wont commence until that point but not here...... the Persian cavalry goes on the attack looking for weaknesses in the Greek line as they align their forces & the battle starts in this way with our hero A in the midst of it running his little part of the battlefield, the main strategos completely oblivious to the events as they unfold, the battlefield slowly breaking down into microcosm with individual generals making telling decisions with their command. Its breathtaking in its detail & was enthralled by it all, the author gives you a very vivid picture of what is happening & what both sides are trying to achieve. Then they part & that is only day 1 of a great battle in the bag, its really a war, one of attrition, one of tactics between two amassed armies. When the fighting for real starts on day 12, tens of thousands are brought to battle & it’s bloody..... by no means a gore fest in it’s telling but being hit in the flank by a phalanx is brutal stuff as the attackers simply slaughter those of the opposition that are pinned in place by the crush of their comrades, powerless to resist as they are scythed through like wheat. A horrific experience fighting a foe whose bloodlust is up & you have no-where to run......
Those that know there history will know the result but..... I shall refrain from saying anymore about the battle except it is simply breathtaking.
The epilogue contains the real history too which is good to read about.
Has to be one of my favourite historical fiction series, never disappoints & overall I would give the series a 4.5 with this final chapter scoring a five.
For those that have followed/read the series you’ll know its an historical retelling of the Greco-Persian conflicts C499-478BC with the renowned battles of Lade, Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis covered in glorious detail to date. Cameron being a re-enactor gives real insight into the combat of the time both on land & at sea with the battle at Marathon being my favourite by far to date; it’s simply breathtaking in its detail & ferocity.
We pick up the story in 479BC after the battle of Salamis, both sides wintering / licking their wounds & with as always the Greeks divided & all pulling in different directions to support their own positions or egos instead of working together to defeat the invaders. It always amazes me how the Greeks actually managed to unite their factions with all their petty squabbling & posturing. As you might expect the Spartans & Athenians are represented & a new addition that of the Ionians who previously sided with the Medes at Lade.
Politics of the Athenians & Spartans is covered in fine detail where in the end the Spartans are FORCED to fight alongside the Athenians which then brings everyone else to the fore. The infighting between the Greeks is incredulous at times & you wonder how they became great in this period, reminds me very much of how the Danes were when defeated by the Anglo-Saxons as they couldn’t get along/agree.
A main part of the story is given to the Battle of Plateau which is truly brilliant..... you sometimes imagine that battles are all aligned & ready to go & battle wont commence until that point but not here...... the Persian cavalry goes on the attack looking for weaknesses in the Greek line as they align their forces & the battle starts in this way with our hero A in the midst of it running his little part of the battlefield, the main strategos completely oblivious to the events as they unfold, the battlefield slowly breaking down into microcosm with individual generals making telling decisions with their command. Its breathtaking in its detail & was enthralled by it all, the author gives you a very vivid picture of what is happening & what both sides are trying to achieve. Then they part & that is only day 1 of a great battle in the bag, its really a war, one of attrition, one of tactics between two amassed armies. When the fighting for real starts on day 12, tens of thousands are brought to battle & it’s bloody..... by no means a gore fest in it’s telling but being hit in the flank by a phalanx is brutal stuff as the attackers simply slaughter those of the opposition that are pinned in place by the crush of their comrades, powerless to resist as they are scythed through like wheat. A horrific experience fighting a foe whose bloodlust is up & you have no-where to run......
Those that know there history will know the result but..... I shall refrain from saying anymore about the battle except it is simply breathtaking.
The epilogue contains the real history too which is good to read about.
Has to be one of my favourite historical fiction series, never disappoints & overall I would give the series a 4.5 with this final chapter scoring a five.
January 28, 2026
“Now as tonight’s story will be about war with the Persians, let me take a moment to remind you of the roots of the conflict. Because they are ignoble, and the Greeks were no better than the Persians, and perhaps a great deal worse.”
One of my top three favourite authors in the world, is someone who I’m only getting started at reading his body of work. That’s because Christian/Miles Cameron is an extremely prolific and diverse author, who writes in the sub-genres of historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction space opera, thrillers, and is so talented that he could likely write a grocery list so engaging that would become an international bestseller, should he so choose. And who knows, one day, he just might.
Cameron has written no less than ten series, of varying lengths – some trilogies, and some longer epic fantasy series such as perhaps his magnum opus ‘The Traitor Son Cycle’. Additionally, he’s penned several stand-alone books. Of the totality of his work, I’d only read twelve books thus far, until I read lucky number thirteen this past year.
Once more, forgive my propensity to do things backwards, as this thirteenth novel from Cameron I read, was none other than the sixth book in his seven-book ‘Long War’ historical fiction saga, ‘Rage of Ares’. I have not yet read the other books in this series, but believe me, I plan to.
Cameron is not merely one of my favourite overall authors, but after reading this novel, he’s ascended to the very pinnacle of my overall historical fiction author rankings, in the same rarified air as the illustrious Bernard Cornwell. That’s saying a lot; those who have read my reviews know how highly I regard Cornwell in the realm of hist fic.
Arimnestos of Plataea is the real-life hero who narrates the ‘Long War’ series, including ‘Rage of Ares’. This legendary leader fought during the Greco-Persian Wars occurring between 499 and 449 BC. This conflict features on one side the Persian Achaemenid Empire, and on the other side the Greek City-States such as Aegina, Athens, Corinth, Epidaurus, Megara, and of course the notorious Sparta, to name a few.
Arimnestos is perhaps best known for commanding the Plataeans in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, and later at the Battle of Plataea, and the lesser-known Battle of Mycale, both occurring in 479 BC. And it is this monumental battle of Plataea, which is the focal point of ‘Rage of Ares’. It is a battle where - according to the Greek philosopher and historian Plutarch – Arimnestos was the one who ultimately chose the site for the clash of armies. Plutarch claims that Zeus, King of the Olympian Gods, visited Arimnestos in a dream, counselling him about the location of where to fight. Then, in turn, Arimnestos divulged his dream to General Aristides of Athens. Aristides took Pausanias, Regent of Sparta, and supreme commander of the unified Greek military, to show him the spot told to him by Arimnestos.
In ‘Rage of Ares’, the narration takes the form of Arimnestos relating the events to his beloved daughter. The great Plataean general describes a tense time, fraught with not merely war and devastation, but the fragility of the Peloponnesian League, and the internal political machinations and quarrels among rival Greek states forced together by the common enmity against their Persian foes.
Ultimately, the Greeks do manage to band together to face the Persian existential threat, but very begrudgingly. It is only the defection of powerful city-states who were initially planning to sit out the war – such as Thebes, which can turn the tide of battle in favour of the Greeks. This aspect of “Medism” (essentially siding with the “Medes”, otherwise known as the Persians) where some of the Greek nations were subsumed by the Persians, sympathizing or cooperating with the enemy, was always a threat to break the alliance apart.
Brilliant characterization is a Cameron trademark, and it’s certainly present in ‘Rage of Ares’. There are plenty of worthy warriors of all levels of skill, ability, and prominence, plenty of heroism and camaraderie on full display, but Arimnestos is the undisputed heart of the story.
“When I was still a gangly boy – tall, and well-muscled, as I remember, but too young to fight in the phalanx – Athens called for little Plataea’s aid, and we marched over Cithaeron, the ancient mountain that is also our glowering god, and we rallied to the Athenians at Oinoe. We stood beside them against Sparta and Corinth and all the Peloponnesian cities – and we beat them. Well – Athens beat them. Plataea barely survived…”
Now as noted, I have not read the preceding five books in the series. Yet, picking up ‘Rage of Ares,’ and having read something of Arimnestos’ life, it is clear that he is mature at this point in the series, and one who feels the aches and pains of many battles, the weight of age, no longer as young, fit, and quick with the spear as before. Arimnestos role has changed – he is a strategos, relied more upon now for his brains than his sword. He is painted by Cameron a sympathetic, aging but still proud and fierce warlord (in a time where life expectancies have Arimnestos at middle-age in his late thirties).
“The old wound hurst, but a spring of fighting from ships had not prepared me for this kind of physical exertion. I was not weak, exactly, but I was not strong. I blessed Brasidas, though; we had run all winter, and without that, I would have been humiliated.”
The reader will see in his thoughtful care and concern for his family, his affection for the daughter he is narrating the story to, that he is prone to much reminiscing about past glories, dead war comrades, and worrying about the future should the Greeks lose the war. I loved his fatherly concern, and he is an easy character to root for, as he takes up arms again, hoping it’s for the last time, that the Persian threat can finally be vanquished, and he and his family can live in peace.
“May you never know how black the world can be. Women know that darkness sometimes after the birth of a child, and men after battle. Any peak of spirit has its price, and when a man or woman stands with the god, however briefly, they pay the price ten times.”
Yet, despite his age, Arimnestos is still a great fighter, and in the heat of battle, beware his wrath.
“And now, without a helmet, I fought better; I wasn’t taken by surprise, and I had my wits about me, and my people were in great danger, and I stared to kill.”
Trained and educated as a historian, Cameron brings all the authenticity you’d desire in a tale of murky ancient politics, and epic wars. In terms of the latter, besides his formal education in history, the author is a renown reenactor, who has travelled the world, participating in re-creations of ancient battles, including the Battle of Marathon. The man knows a doru from a kopis, no doubt about it.
Under Cameron’s expert touch, you will feel you’re right beside Arimnestos in the phalanx, feel the weight of his hoplon, his burning legs as he runs to formation, the moments of pure exhilaration and fear, smell the blood and gore, and witness the feats of sacrifice and triumph.
Cameron’s writing is utterly captivating and enthralls the reader from the first page to the last.
Five out of five stars for this wonderful historical fiction novel.
One of my top three favourite authors in the world, is someone who I’m only getting started at reading his body of work. That’s because Christian/Miles Cameron is an extremely prolific and diverse author, who writes in the sub-genres of historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction space opera, thrillers, and is so talented that he could likely write a grocery list so engaging that would become an international bestseller, should he so choose. And who knows, one day, he just might.
Cameron has written no less than ten series, of varying lengths – some trilogies, and some longer epic fantasy series such as perhaps his magnum opus ‘The Traitor Son Cycle’. Additionally, he’s penned several stand-alone books. Of the totality of his work, I’d only read twelve books thus far, until I read lucky number thirteen this past year.
Once more, forgive my propensity to do things backwards, as this thirteenth novel from Cameron I read, was none other than the sixth book in his seven-book ‘Long War’ historical fiction saga, ‘Rage of Ares’. I have not yet read the other books in this series, but believe me, I plan to.
Cameron is not merely one of my favourite overall authors, but after reading this novel, he’s ascended to the very pinnacle of my overall historical fiction author rankings, in the same rarified air as the illustrious Bernard Cornwell. That’s saying a lot; those who have read my reviews know how highly I regard Cornwell in the realm of hist fic.
Arimnestos of Plataea is the real-life hero who narrates the ‘Long War’ series, including ‘Rage of Ares’. This legendary leader fought during the Greco-Persian Wars occurring between 499 and 449 BC. This conflict features on one side the Persian Achaemenid Empire, and on the other side the Greek City-States such as Aegina, Athens, Corinth, Epidaurus, Megara, and of course the notorious Sparta, to name a few.
Arimnestos is perhaps best known for commanding the Plataeans in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, and later at the Battle of Plataea, and the lesser-known Battle of Mycale, both occurring in 479 BC. And it is this monumental battle of Plataea, which is the focal point of ‘Rage of Ares’. It is a battle where - according to the Greek philosopher and historian Plutarch – Arimnestos was the one who ultimately chose the site for the clash of armies. Plutarch claims that Zeus, King of the Olympian Gods, visited Arimnestos in a dream, counselling him about the location of where to fight. Then, in turn, Arimnestos divulged his dream to General Aristides of Athens. Aristides took Pausanias, Regent of Sparta, and supreme commander of the unified Greek military, to show him the spot told to him by Arimnestos.
In ‘Rage of Ares’, the narration takes the form of Arimnestos relating the events to his beloved daughter. The great Plataean general describes a tense time, fraught with not merely war and devastation, but the fragility of the Peloponnesian League, and the internal political machinations and quarrels among rival Greek states forced together by the common enmity against their Persian foes.
Ultimately, the Greeks do manage to band together to face the Persian existential threat, but very begrudgingly. It is only the defection of powerful city-states who were initially planning to sit out the war – such as Thebes, which can turn the tide of battle in favour of the Greeks. This aspect of “Medism” (essentially siding with the “Medes”, otherwise known as the Persians) where some of the Greek nations were subsumed by the Persians, sympathizing or cooperating with the enemy, was always a threat to break the alliance apart.
Brilliant characterization is a Cameron trademark, and it’s certainly present in ‘Rage of Ares’. There are plenty of worthy warriors of all levels of skill, ability, and prominence, plenty of heroism and camaraderie on full display, but Arimnestos is the undisputed heart of the story.
“When I was still a gangly boy – tall, and well-muscled, as I remember, but too young to fight in the phalanx – Athens called for little Plataea’s aid, and we marched over Cithaeron, the ancient mountain that is also our glowering god, and we rallied to the Athenians at Oinoe. We stood beside them against Sparta and Corinth and all the Peloponnesian cities – and we beat them. Well – Athens beat them. Plataea barely survived…”
Now as noted, I have not read the preceding five books in the series. Yet, picking up ‘Rage of Ares,’ and having read something of Arimnestos’ life, it is clear that he is mature at this point in the series, and one who feels the aches and pains of many battles, the weight of age, no longer as young, fit, and quick with the spear as before. Arimnestos role has changed – he is a strategos, relied more upon now for his brains than his sword. He is painted by Cameron a sympathetic, aging but still proud and fierce warlord (in a time where life expectancies have Arimnestos at middle-age in his late thirties).
“The old wound hurst, but a spring of fighting from ships had not prepared me for this kind of physical exertion. I was not weak, exactly, but I was not strong. I blessed Brasidas, though; we had run all winter, and without that, I would have been humiliated.”
The reader will see in his thoughtful care and concern for his family, his affection for the daughter he is narrating the story to, that he is prone to much reminiscing about past glories, dead war comrades, and worrying about the future should the Greeks lose the war. I loved his fatherly concern, and he is an easy character to root for, as he takes up arms again, hoping it’s for the last time, that the Persian threat can finally be vanquished, and he and his family can live in peace.
“May you never know how black the world can be. Women know that darkness sometimes after the birth of a child, and men after battle. Any peak of spirit has its price, and when a man or woman stands with the god, however briefly, they pay the price ten times.”
Yet, despite his age, Arimnestos is still a great fighter, and in the heat of battle, beware his wrath.
“And now, without a helmet, I fought better; I wasn’t taken by surprise, and I had my wits about me, and my people were in great danger, and I stared to kill.”
Trained and educated as a historian, Cameron brings all the authenticity you’d desire in a tale of murky ancient politics, and epic wars. In terms of the latter, besides his formal education in history, the author is a renown reenactor, who has travelled the world, participating in re-creations of ancient battles, including the Battle of Marathon. The man knows a doru from a kopis, no doubt about it.
Under Cameron’s expert touch, you will feel you’re right beside Arimnestos in the phalanx, feel the weight of his hoplon, his burning legs as he runs to formation, the moments of pure exhilaration and fear, smell the blood and gore, and witness the feats of sacrifice and triumph.
Cameron’s writing is utterly captivating and enthralls the reader from the first page to the last.
Five out of five stars for this wonderful historical fiction novel.
October 17, 2020
Very likely the best series I've read.
January 1, 2026
Mind-blowing ending to the series with the Battle of Plateae and Mycale in which (spoilers!) the combined Greek forces beat the Persians.
Gripping from beginning to end, although to be fair at times the non-stop fighting told from the same perspective got a bit repetitive. At times like this you feel a different POV at times would make it even better than it already is, if only to prevent the repetition.
Cameron is an accomplished and experienced reenactor of the Greek Battles and it shows in his retellings of these massive battles.
I enjoyed this series immensely and Cameron is hereby catapulted into my list of favorite (military) historical fiction writers and I cannot wait to read more of him. I think I will be reading his Chivalry books later this year in Fall.
Gripping from beginning to end, although to be fair at times the non-stop fighting told from the same perspective got a bit repetitive. At times like this you feel a different POV at times would make it even better than it already is, if only to prevent the repetition.
Cameron is an accomplished and experienced reenactor of the Greek Battles and it shows in his retellings of these massive battles.
I enjoyed this series immensely and Cameron is hereby catapulted into my list of favorite (military) historical fiction writers and I cannot wait to read more of him. I think I will be reading his Chivalry books later this year in Fall.
December 6, 2016
Nobody tops Cameron when it comes to writing about ancient Greece and especially its battles. Like his previous books this one is a perfect mix between action, great characters and history, bringing the story of Arimnestos of Plataea to a worthy end (for now).
October 26, 2023
"And to all the shades of all the men who died at Lade and Marathon. May they dine with Achilles and Hector and walk forever in the Elysian Fields."
Ari, Ari, my favourite Greek hero, well he did it, ladies and gentlemen! God-like Arimnestos Killer of men fought as if it was the last time and alongside his friends, they freed the Greeks!
The rage of Are, my friends. Bah. It should be the blackness of Ares, the sorrow of Ares, the emptiness of Ares
Ari, Ari, my favourite Greek hero, well he did it, ladies and gentlemen! God-like Arimnestos Killer of men fought as if it was the last time and alongside his friends, they freed the Greeks!
The rage of Are, my friends. Bah. It should be the blackness of Ares, the sorrow of Ares, the emptiness of Ares
March 18, 2023
This series was simply phenomenal. If you love historical fiction that takes you there and characters you grow to love (and despise) and a storyline that was simple breathtaking at times, look no further. This author is incredibly gifted. The effort is beyond impressive.
Before reading this series, I knew little to nothing of this time in history. Christian Cameron takes you into the hearts and minds of his characters giving me a whole new appreciation and understanding of what life may have been like during that time.
We all favor certain types of stories. Personally I’m drawn to “war stories” and any other way of portraying humans at their best.. and worst. This series covers that and more.
Before reading this series, I knew little to nothing of this time in history. Christian Cameron takes you into the hearts and minds of his characters giving me a whole new appreciation and understanding of what life may have been like during that time.
We all favor certain types of stories. Personally I’m drawn to “war stories” and any other way of portraying humans at their best.. and worst. This series covers that and more.
July 8, 2018
Amazing as usual.
This book was fantastic like all the previous ones. I really liked how it stayed open for more books in the future, if readers want it. Ari was one of my favorite characters I’ve ever read. If this is the end of his story it was beautifully done. I’m sad it’s over, though. Time for wine, neat.
This book was fantastic like all the previous ones. I really liked how it stayed open for more books in the future, if readers want it. Ari was one of my favorite characters I’ve ever read. If this is the end of his story it was beautifully done. I’m sad it’s over, though. Time for wine, neat.
February 4, 2017
This is the end of a fantastic series and it ended with a well written bang!
September 16, 2018
I can say with certainty that this has been the best ‘non-fantasy’ series I have ever read! The ending is ambiguous and suggests there may be more stories about my favourite Greek hero. Books (or series) like this cause you to feel pity for the next couple books you will read. Cameron is without a doubt - a master of storytelling.
December 27, 2018
Love this whole series and sad to come to the end. This book moved slower for me until the final battle parts, but I didn't want to leave the characters so the pacing was never a problem for me. Ancient Greece is brought to life by Cameron, in a way no other author can do it.
October 13, 2024
Peak historical fiction.
It took me some years and a two re-starts to finally finish this series, and I'm still not sure why as most of the books are great and even the worst one was still enjoyable
And now I just learned that maybe it was good that it took me so long because in the meantime a 7th book has come out 🥳
It took me some years and a two re-starts to finally finish this series, and I'm still not sure why as most of the books are great and even the worst one was still enjoyable
And now I just learned that maybe it was good that it took me so long because in the meantime a 7th book has come out 🥳
October 15, 2016
Review
I could apologise in advance for any fan boy nature that may follow in the rest of this review….. but i wont, the book is just excellent, so it deserves it.
This is the sixth and (for now) final book in the Long War series. The book is about the build up to the battle at Plataea, and also near Lade, but more it is about the people of Greece and how their way of life survived by the skin of its teeth. As always Christian provides a careful educational and entertaining approach to the battle, mixing daily life and frustrations with the machinations of power and the repeated points of near disaster for the Greeks. Highlighting just how balanced the whole war was, as he often states, the war is won by the side who makes the least mistakes.
Read the rest of the review here
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
August 8, 2019
Satisfying conclusion to this excellent series. The only low point in this one is the excessively long synopsis of the rest of the series at the beginning of the book. I can only assume that the publisher has pushed for this so readers can pick up the story without having to read the earlier books if they don't want to. My advice is skip it, it's tedious but the rest of the book is great.
August 9, 2017
Once more, the latest Christian Cameron book is full of intense battle scenes and a deep understanding of the way people thought and fought in Ancient Greece.
The book, and furthermore this series, is a must read for anyone interested on the subject.
The book, and furthermore this series, is a must read for anyone interested on the subject.
July 16, 2017
Hands down the best series I have ever read. Christian Cameron is a master and the best at what he does. I can not recommend this series enough. Please for the love of all that is holy continue this series. I want to know about Africa, India and Thrace!!!!
June 4, 2016
Can't fucking wait
January 27, 2017
Loved this series so much. The mix of history and fiction was perfect. The battles were amazing. Sad it's over, highly recommend.
February 4, 2017
no words to describe it, sad to see the series end
February 7, 2017
Fantastic end to the series, with the promise of more stories yet to unfold.
“No story is ever over.”
Excerpt From: Cameron, Christian. “The Rage of Ares.”
“No story is ever over.”
Excerpt From: Cameron, Christian. “The Rage of Ares.”
June 1, 2018
Sorry thugater, yet another half-read and abandoned novel from me.
This time the perpetrator of the offending article is dear ol' Christian Cameron. O.k this is not the sacriledge that I commited on the great Stephen Baxter's latest, but there will be fans of this author - and this series - who probably won't understand why I ditched this one in the briney at the halfway mark.
Well I'm not sure really. In my defence I have read all the others in this series and too a degree enjoyed them well enough.
But this is turgid stuff. Told in laconic style as usual by our old friend Arimnestos of Plataea this drones on along evidently heading towards the exciting battle of Plataea. There's a naval action in there somewhere which is just as dull as ditchwater and I never made it to the main event. And the map of the battle in the front of the book looked so exciting.
After yet another of Arimnestos' interminable thoughts on god-knows-what, the sheer volume and crushing weight of those unpronouncable names just got too much. I mean, a dozen or so, yes fair enough. Sure, it was a while ago I read this novel's predecessor but there are just names in here that could not have been in past books. It was just exasperating. I had neither the strength neither the inclination to grind on with this one, and should have heeded the advice of my brother (an expert in this field of history) to give this one a wide berth.
I didn't even read the author's 'hysterical' (historical) note at the end, if indeed there was one. If I want the history facts I'll look up the battle of Plataea on Wikipedia , it's a lot less hassle.
Nice map though, and the cover looked good.
This time the perpetrator of the offending article is dear ol' Christian Cameron. O.k this is not the sacriledge that I commited on the great Stephen Baxter's latest, but there will be fans of this author - and this series - who probably won't understand why I ditched this one in the briney at the halfway mark.
Well I'm not sure really. In my defence I have read all the others in this series and too a degree enjoyed them well enough.
But this is turgid stuff. Told in laconic style as usual by our old friend Arimnestos of Plataea this drones on along evidently heading towards the exciting battle of Plataea. There's a naval action in there somewhere which is just as dull as ditchwater and I never made it to the main event. And the map of the battle in the front of the book looked so exciting.
After yet another of Arimnestos' interminable thoughts on god-knows-what, the sheer volume and crushing weight of those unpronouncable names just got too much. I mean, a dozen or so, yes fair enough. Sure, it was a while ago I read this novel's predecessor but there are just names in here that could not have been in past books. It was just exasperating. I had neither the strength neither the inclination to grind on with this one, and should have heeded the advice of my brother (an expert in this field of history) to give this one a wide berth.
I didn't even read the author's 'hysterical' (historical) note at the end, if indeed there was one. If I want the history facts I'll look up the battle of Plataea on Wikipedia , it's a lot less hassle.
Nice map though, and the cover looked good.
September 5, 2017
The act of reading the final volume in any series is always a little bittersweet for me; I know I can go back and reread any of the books at my own pace, but this will be the last time I get to visit with these characters for the first time. As I've been working my way through a list of historic fiction set in Ancient Greece, I've since passed the Persian and the Peloponnesian Wars and am nearly onto books focusing on Alexander the Great. While working my way through the main list however, I've been able to return again and again to the life of Arimnestos in Christian Cameron's Long War series, returning to the Persian War for another look at just how a war lasting so long affects any group of people.
Rage of Ares takes the battlefield right back to Arimnestos' homeland Plataea, for the final battles of the war and does a really great job wrapping everything up. I'm still not a fan of the Glossary appearing at the front of the book, but the author's notes, and in this specific case, a technical look at the battle by a historian, added a number of really interesting details to the series which began back in Killer of Men.
Well worth the read and yes, I'll probably revisit the series again, but next up for me will be Cameron's books focusing on Alexander the Great.
Rage of Ares takes the battlefield right back to Arimnestos' homeland Plataea, for the final battles of the war and does a really great job wrapping everything up. I'm still not a fan of the Glossary appearing at the front of the book, but the author's notes, and in this specific case, a technical look at the battle by a historian, added a number of really interesting details to the series which began back in Killer of Men.
Well worth the read and yes, I'll probably revisit the series again, but next up for me will be Cameron's books focusing on Alexander the Great.
July 4, 2018
The final part of the Long War series brings things to a satisfying conclusion. Again, it is thoroughly researched to bring the era vividly to life and by now the regular characters feel like old friends. Given that he has been narrating the series, you know Arimnestos surivives and that takes away some of the tension, but of course you worry for the other regulars. I especially liked how it looks at the psychology of the war, both in personal terms and the wider ideologies and aims of the various Greek city-states compared to how the Persian Empire worked.
It's been a good series and I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and anyone with an interest in Classical Greek history. There are a few typos in this hardback edition, but I presume those are corrected in the paperback version.
It's been a good series and I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and anyone with an interest in Classical Greek history. There are a few typos in this hardback edition, but I presume those are corrected in the paperback version.
January 15, 2019
A suitably bombastic ending. The battle scenes are marvelous and the tension is on point. Only the finale felt a bit lacklustre and odd. Five books of this long war, a huge climactic battle, and then quickly another other one that awkwardly shoehorns the protagonist's girlfriend in and culminates in a lame standoff with some random guy the reader knows nothing about other than "he likes the colour red and was pretty polite the only other time he visited the narrative." It just bugs me a little. At least Cameron didn't take the chance to murder the shit out of half the supporting cast at the end.
The sequel hooks in the epilogue felt a bit cheap as well, didn't like that, even though a sequel series could be nice. The world of Arimnestos is extremely comfy when people aren't getting stabbed, and I want to visit it again.
The sequel hooks in the epilogue felt a bit cheap as well, didn't like that, even though a sequel series could be nice. The world of Arimnestos is extremely comfy when people aren't getting stabbed, and I want to visit it again.
September 5, 2017
What more can one say about a terrific writer of the Greek and Persian wars who makes you feel as if you are there. You feel you understand what it must have been like to fight in bronze armour, to run and march in it, to rely on your friends keeping close beside and behind you as you all manoeuvre in a phalanx. Cameron's descriptions are excellent not only of battle plans and confrontations but also of co-operation, manipulation and leadership. Through his characters you experience the jubilation of unexpected victories, the terror of hand to hand fighting and the devastation of war. Sadly, this is the end of the Long War series, so now on to the Ill Made Knight and the Green Count!
June 14, 2018
Another excellent book in the series, happily not the last? I'm looking forward to re- reading the lot as I found catching up on all the characters after several years interval between books to be, initially, a bit of a chore (is it something in the Greek language that gives every one such complex nomenclature?)
What amazes me is if this account is historically accurate, as I believe it is, the our whole Western civilisation and culture could have been so very different today had the Greeks failed to win battles which at best were knife edge and had the Great King prevailed?
Perhaps there's a lessen for us all in this with Western Civilisation again under threat?
What amazes me is if this account is historically accurate, as I believe it is, the our whole Western civilisation and culture could have been so very different today had the Greeks failed to win battles which at best were knife edge and had the Great King prevailed?
Perhaps there's a lessen for us all in this with Western Civilisation again under threat?
August 13, 2020
What a great and very epic conclusion to this series! Was gripping from front to back, and felt so in the story and so "close" to Arimnestos that I could feel his exhaustion, the loss, the joys, every shock or resignation to fate through each page. Its always something special when you feel like you're sharing a characters exhaustion and despair. What a great final book! Will be continuing to slowly make my way through Christian/Miles Cameron's other books.
April 27, 2021
What can I say, an absolutely amazing series, well done Christian, a master stroke full of colour and detail, so well written you can almost smell the sea, the land, the blood and the bronze, an epic of ancient Greece brought to life by a man who knows how to write a story. I really love the way the story is told by the hero himself at an older age and as I listened to this one on audio I have to give praise to Peter Noble who I have to say is a master of his own art, Thanks again and keep em coming ;)
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