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Freaks and Greeks
KNOW THYSELF
The words are carved into the temple wall, but Miltiades of Athens doesn't need their advice. He already knows who he is... a dull man, a spectator, someone who reads about the heroes of the past, unlikely to ever be one himself.
Or is he?
Sent by the tyrants who killed his father to re-establish contact with a far flung colony near the Black Sea, Miltiades begins to find he may be more of a leader than he - or his family - expected.
The risks are great. From fractious Thracian neighbours to the growing power of the Persian Empire, and the knowledge that someone in his camp is acting as a spy.
And there is worse. A black flood is rising. A terrible sickness, spreading across the ancient world, that brings the dead back from the afterlife. And when they return, they are hungry. Unleashed by the Egyptians in their greed for immortality, and fanned by the Persians as a weapon in their hunger for empire, it threatens the existence of Miltiades' little city-state and all he holds dear.
And not just them - for the Persian's eyes are on the city of Athens itself, where a strange experiment is taking place: power is being held not by kings or the wealthy, but shared by all the citizens, together. They call it demos kratia. But this small flame of freedom will lost unless Miltiades can stand against the tide.
The forces are gathering. The battle is here. A race for survival.
At Marathon.
The words are carved into the temple wall, but Miltiades of Athens doesn't need their advice. He already knows who he is... a dull man, a spectator, someone who reads about the heroes of the past, unlikely to ever be one himself.
Or is he?
Sent by the tyrants who killed his father to re-establish contact with a far flung colony near the Black Sea, Miltiades begins to find he may be more of a leader than he - or his family - expected.
The risks are great. From fractious Thracian neighbours to the growing power of the Persian Empire, and the knowledge that someone in his camp is acting as a spy.
And there is worse. A black flood is rising. A terrible sickness, spreading across the ancient world, that brings the dead back from the afterlife. And when they return, they are hungry. Unleashed by the Egyptians in their greed for immortality, and fanned by the Persians as a weapon in their hunger for empire, it threatens the existence of Miltiades' little city-state and all he holds dear.
And not just them - for the Persian's eyes are on the city of Athens itself, where a strange experiment is taking place: power is being held not by kings or the wealthy, but shared by all the citizens, together. They call it demos kratia. But this small flame of freedom will lost unless Miltiades can stand against the tide.
The forces are gathering. The battle is here. A race for survival.
At Marathon.
- GenresHorrorAlternate History
438 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2017
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Bowden
6 books6 followersI was a high school English and History teacher for 14 years before retraining as a school counsellor.
I'm married and live on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. Other occupants of the house include two cats and a cheeky house rabbit.
I'm married and live on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. Other occupants of the house include two cats and a cheeky house rabbit.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 28, 2017
Freaks and Greeks
Timothy Bowden
Reading this was enjoyable and it isn’t till I got to the end and the author’s notes that actually except the Hadesmen a lot of this actually comes from historical accounts.
This is a reimagining with Hadesmen (zombies).
My favourite characters are Rabbit and Tresantes a Spartan who left Sparta as he lacked the need to follow orders that mean he had to slaughter animals unnecessarily. He is compassionate and caring to animals whereas with humans he can take them or leave them but he will save their lives if necessary.
There are many characters in this book but all have different personalities and it is well written to the point that they don’t blend into each other.
Timothy Bowden
Reading this was enjoyable and it isn’t till I got to the end and the author’s notes that actually except the Hadesmen a lot of this actually comes from historical accounts.
This is a reimagining with Hadesmen (zombies).
My favourite characters are Rabbit and Tresantes a Spartan who left Sparta as he lacked the need to follow orders that mean he had to slaughter animals unnecessarily. He is compassionate and caring to animals whereas with humans he can take them or leave them but he will save their lives if necessary.
There are many characters in this book but all have different personalities and it is well written to the point that they don’t blend into each other.
May 24, 2017
I found this, the second book by self-publishing author Tim Bowden to be very satisfying and, if I have one reservation, it was that i wanted more.
Zombies and Spartans, Egyptians and Thracians, Greeks and Zombies, Zombies and Egyptians, Thracians and Persians, Persians and Zombies, Persians vs everyone, and a Zombie-fest at its heart.
Take away your modern weapons and you are facing a Zombie apocalypse with what ? Sandals and shields, pikes and javelins, swords and stones. Selfishly, I want a more expanded version, a larger Universe of tales, what happens next ? Back to the laptop Mr Bowden !
On balance I wanted a stricter or more consistent tone but - author's prerogative.
The action was intense, the violence visceral, the zombies a fetid physical presences throughout. I was drawn in by the fate of the characters, i wanted to know how the book would be resolved and I wanted more. What more could you ask for ?
Disclosure: I know Tim
Zombies and Spartans, Egyptians and Thracians, Greeks and Zombies, Zombies and Egyptians, Thracians and Persians, Persians and Zombies, Persians vs everyone, and a Zombie-fest at its heart.
Take away your modern weapons and you are facing a Zombie apocalypse with what ? Sandals and shields, pikes and javelins, swords and stones. Selfishly, I want a more expanded version, a larger Universe of tales, what happens next ? Back to the laptop Mr Bowden !
On balance I wanted a stricter or more consistent tone but - author's prerogative.
The action was intense, the violence visceral, the zombies a fetid physical presences throughout. I was drawn in by the fate of the characters, i wanted to know how the book would be resolved and I wanted more. What more could you ask for ?
Disclosure: I know Tim
May 10, 2017
A wonderful ride! Perfectly combining ancient history (the most interesting bits) with zombie mayhem. The book is intelligent, entertaining and engaging. Loved every second of it and can't wait for more!
December 10, 2017
A zombie apocalypse in ancient Greek times. At time the author throws in humor to balance out the carnage.
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January 3, 2018Read for judging.
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March 12, 2018Read for Australian Shadows Awards judging.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews