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The Hellennium #1
Athenian Steel
She is doom and madness. She is Thalassia.
In 425 BCE, the Athenian general Demosthenes comes into possession of a weapon from the stars. He fears to wield it against his city's bitter enemy Sparta, but he knows that he must, lest it be wielded by others. He knows, too, that it seeks to wield and possess him, for this weapon is human, or something like it, and as complex as the wider universe from which she fell. She is Thalassia. She is doom and madness. She has come for reasons all her own, and she did not come alone. Book II out 9/24!
ATHENIAN STEEL is bloody, twisted mayhem in the ancient world and Book I in a centuries-spanning epic that will appeal to readers of Gene Wolfe, David Gemmell, David Drake, Michael Moorcock, & other classic SF/Fantasy authors of the 1970's to 1990's. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Michael Curtis Ford, Steven Pressfield and similar will also find plenty to enjoy if they don't mind touches of cosmic SF, dark humor, and sex in their military historical fiction.
In 425 BCE, the Athenian general Demosthenes comes into possession of a weapon from the stars. He fears to wield it against his city's bitter enemy Sparta, but he knows that he must, lest it be wielded by others. He knows, too, that it seeks to wield and possess him, for this weapon is human, or something like it, and as complex as the wider universe from which she fell. She is Thalassia. She is doom and madness. She has come for reasons all her own, and she did not come alone. Book II out 9/24!
ATHENIAN STEEL is bloody, twisted mayhem in the ancient world and Book I in a centuries-spanning epic that will appeal to readers of Gene Wolfe, David Gemmell, David Drake, Michael Moorcock, & other classic SF/Fantasy authors of the 1970's to 1990's. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Michael Curtis Ford, Steven Pressfield and similar will also find plenty to enjoy if they don't mind touches of cosmic SF, dark humor, and sex in their military historical fiction.
442 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2015
295 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
P.K. Lentz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 8, 2016
I have heard a number of people wonder what it would be like to go back in time with high caliber automatic weapons and change the course of history, but it was not until I read Athenian Steel that I understood that P.K. Lentz had taken that same question of WHAT IF? to a much higher level than anyone has before.
Alternative history typically changes a single major outcome, like the victor of a strategic war, such as WWII and sets a story in that alternative setting. Lentz throws caution to the wind, having augmented meta-humans from thousands of years in our future, visit Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The meta-humans can pilot a ship through layers of reality. I want to do that too! Changing history in one layer does not translate to another, or does it?
One meta-human, named Geneva, purposefully strands herself in a layer, in ancient Athens on a mission. Two others are stranded somewhere on that world. Geneva, she is physically perfect, a living weapon, a computer, knows everything that will happen before the Greeks or the Spartans. She will get involved, muck with history, and change human technological advancements, but at what cost?
Lentz is such an intelligent author. The way he introduces Geneva and her abilities. The different acceptance of her by the Spartans and the Greeks. Her goals versus the goals of each city state. Her goals versus those of the other meta-humans. The fact that she IS fundamentally human, with emotional needs and wants resonates throughout the entire book.
His characters are human, complex and credible. Everyone is damaged, has problems, can't get out of their own way, or are nasty. You can understand them all.
Each change made in history will have downstream ramifications, some instrumental in creating a wholly new path for mankind. You can't predict the outcome of most of the choices made, and that is where Lentz starts having fun.
His knowledge of this area of history is prodigious. It is detailed, but doesn't get in the way of the plot. There are no big blocks of exposition, no info-dumps to define historical terms, culture or battle. This is a fast moving adventure.
You just have to read it to believe it...
Alternative history typically changes a single major outcome, like the victor of a strategic war, such as WWII and sets a story in that alternative setting. Lentz throws caution to the wind, having augmented meta-humans from thousands of years in our future, visit Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The meta-humans can pilot a ship through layers of reality. I want to do that too! Changing history in one layer does not translate to another, or does it?
One meta-human, named Geneva, purposefully strands herself in a layer, in ancient Athens on a mission. Two others are stranded somewhere on that world. Geneva, she is physically perfect, a living weapon, a computer, knows everything that will happen before the Greeks or the Spartans. She will get involved, muck with history, and change human technological advancements, but at what cost?
Lentz is such an intelligent author. The way he introduces Geneva and her abilities. The different acceptance of her by the Spartans and the Greeks. Her goals versus the goals of each city state. Her goals versus those of the other meta-humans. The fact that she IS fundamentally human, with emotional needs and wants resonates throughout the entire book.
His characters are human, complex and credible. Everyone is damaged, has problems, can't get out of their own way, or are nasty. You can understand them all.
Each change made in history will have downstream ramifications, some instrumental in creating a wholly new path for mankind. You can't predict the outcome of most of the choices made, and that is where Lentz starts having fun.
His knowledge of this area of history is prodigious. It is detailed, but doesn't get in the way of the plot. There are no big blocks of exposition, no info-dumps to define historical terms, culture or battle. This is a fast moving adventure.
You just have to read it to believe it...
November 23, 2015
Athenian Steel will resonate with all sword and sorcery lovers. It is heavy on the sword light in the sorcery. Mr. Lentz doesn't use magic to cover up holes in the plot. The use of magic enhances the story and makes the characters more workable instead of casting spells to change a course of action. Grab a seat it is a helluva ride with love hate betrayal death enough for a sequel.
February 15, 2016
No pebbles!
Yes, actually a book, one of the main characters of which is Demosthenes and not a word about pebbles. I enjoyed the book very much, and am eagerly awaiting the sequel. Can't say much more without tossing in spoilers, but the plot was unusual and quite twisty in a good way, and Ancient Greece comes to life yet again.
Yes, actually a book, one of the main characters of which is Demosthenes and not a word about pebbles. I enjoyed the book very much, and am eagerly awaiting the sequel. Can't say much more without tossing in spoilers, but the plot was unusual and quite twisty in a good way, and Ancient Greece comes to life yet again.
July 14, 2017
The author promised that fans of Bernard Cornwell, Michael Curtis Ford, Steven Pressfield and similar would find plenty to enjoy if they didn't mind touches of cosmic SF, dark humor, and sex in their military historical fiction. As far as i'm concerned, he delivered.
ATHENIAN STEEL is a great read.
ATHENIAN STEEL is a great read.
November 10, 2015
One of the best books i've ever read <3
December 1, 2021
I enjoy "displaced in time" stories, so I may finish this book. Right now I am 58% done and I can't take the MC any more. To be fair the author switches MCs but both are pretty pathetic. The story starts with Thalassia who pilots a ship between dimensions and times in an ongoing war against the "worm". Thalassia has decided that ancient Greece is her best chance to destroy the worm so she betrays her own crew and strands herself and two others in ancient Greece. Thalassia, it turns out, is deeply disturbed going from downright needy to vicious in an instant for little reason.
After crashing Thalassia is washed ashore and taken into a Spartan fort besieged by Athens. Athens overruns the fort and Thalassia is taken in by the athenian general Demosthenes. Demosthenes now becomes the MC but he is more pathetic than Thalassia, unable to cope with change and an actually competent female. I am forced to admit that Demosthenes is actually competent in battle, which is where the reader meets him. However that is short lived and only came up one other time in the portion of the book I read.
What prompted me to finally quit reading and review this book is Thalassia telling Demosthenes about Alexander's and Rome's empires. Demosthenes takes the fact that there will be empires greater than Athens as an insult. Note that this a character choice- Athens acknowledged the surpremacy of the Persian Empire at times to avoid war (see The Bronze Lie by Myke Cole) so the thought of empires greater than Athens should feel perfectly familiar to Demosthenes. Instead the author chooses to make his MC so pathetically insecure that the very thought of an empire greater than the city-state of Athens insults him.
It is not worth the time it would take to list all the instances of Demosthenes acting pathetic, although I would mention the Demosthenes nightmare the author chose to include was particularly awful. Basically at no point in the story (outside of battle) does Demosthenes come across as a truly competent or mature and why an author would want to do that to their MC I can't understand.
After crashing Thalassia is washed ashore and taken into a Spartan fort besieged by Athens. Athens overruns the fort and Thalassia is taken in by the athenian general Demosthenes. Demosthenes now becomes the MC but he is more pathetic than Thalassia, unable to cope with change and an actually competent female. I am forced to admit that Demosthenes is actually competent in battle, which is where the reader meets him. However that is short lived and only came up one other time in the portion of the book I read.
What prompted me to finally quit reading and review this book is Thalassia telling Demosthenes about Alexander's and Rome's empires. Demosthenes takes the fact that there will be empires greater than Athens as an insult. Note that this a character choice- Athens acknowledged the surpremacy of the Persian Empire at times to avoid war (see The Bronze Lie by Myke Cole) so the thought of empires greater than Athens should feel perfectly familiar to Demosthenes. Instead the author chooses to make his MC so pathetically insecure that the very thought of an empire greater than the city-state of Athens insults him.
It is not worth the time it would take to list all the instances of Demosthenes acting pathetic, although I would mention the Demosthenes nightmare the author chose to include was particularly awful. Basically at no point in the story (outside of battle) does Demosthenes come across as a truly competent or mature and why an author would want to do that to their MC I can't understand.
February 19, 2018
Ye gods, but this was a dreadful read.
But you see, it HAD to be read.
It's the first of three and it says ATHENIAN STEEL on the front, with a Greek attic helmet on the front cover. It's Spartans vs Athenians in the Peloponesian War dammit, with time travel thrown in as well, and a set of fit young fillies to boot.
What's not to like ?
Aha, well I'll tell ya.
We are introduced to the young fillies from the future as they crash-land in Ancient Greece as the Athenians are having a good ol' tosh with the old enemy, the Spartans. Hmm, this bodes well you think. Wonderwoman washes up on the Spartan side and soon defects to the Athenians.
Then it goes well, er, downhill. We are treated to endless soft porn titilation scenes between Wonderwoman and the Athenian junior general, Demosthenes. It continues in this mode until the plot, if there ever was one, just dissolves into something like a cross between a female Orion and a David Darke novel.
Just awful. And boring.
And P.K Lentz has the temerity to threaten us with two more in this series. I can hardly wait.
Let's hope my local Charity Shop can find the next one, cos I shan't be paying £2.75 postage and a penny to Amazon anytime soon.
Oxfam would love to have this book (naughty topical joke, sorry).
But you see, it HAD to be read.
It's the first of three and it says ATHENIAN STEEL on the front, with a Greek attic helmet on the front cover. It's Spartans vs Athenians in the Peloponesian War dammit, with time travel thrown in as well, and a set of fit young fillies to boot.
What's not to like ?
Aha, well I'll tell ya.
We are introduced to the young fillies from the future as they crash-land in Ancient Greece as the Athenians are having a good ol' tosh with the old enemy, the Spartans. Hmm, this bodes well you think. Wonderwoman washes up on the Spartan side and soon defects to the Athenians.
Then it goes well, er, downhill. We are treated to endless soft porn titilation scenes between Wonderwoman and the Athenian junior general, Demosthenes. It continues in this mode until the plot, if there ever was one, just dissolves into something like a cross between a female Orion and a David Darke novel.
Just awful. And boring.
And P.K Lentz has the temerity to threaten us with two more in this series. I can hardly wait.
Let's hope my local Charity Shop can find the next one, cos I shan't be paying £2.75 postage and a penny to Amazon anytime soon.
Oxfam would love to have this book (naughty topical joke, sorry).
November 12, 2016
Engrossing
If you're a fan of alternate history, give this book a try. I can't comment on the military strategy since that is not something I am knowledgable about. However it was enjoyable.
Note:if you are not a fan of curse words, these are spread liberally throughout this story.
The disfunctional relationship between the two lead characters is interesting to follow.
As with many alternate history novels, I feel that some lines of 'research' into future tech were left out to make the story follow a particular path, however not so much that it distracted from the read.
Overall - quite enjoyable. I will be purchasing the next in line.
David Moore
Author of The Shroud (available on Amazon)
If you're a fan of alternate history, give this book a try. I can't comment on the military strategy since that is not something I am knowledgable about. However it was enjoyable.
Note:if you are not a fan of curse words, these are spread liberally throughout this story.
The disfunctional relationship between the two lead characters is interesting to follow.
As with many alternate history novels, I feel that some lines of 'research' into future tech were left out to make the story follow a particular path, however not so much that it distracted from the read.
Overall - quite enjoyable. I will be purchasing the next in line.
David Moore
Author of The Shroud (available on Amazon)
March 15, 2018
This book is a masterpiece if you admire Ancient Greek/Spartan history. My only advice for this gem is to study up on the Peloponnesian War prior to reading this book as it will give you a better feel for the story. Truly brilliant author who makes the concept of changing ancient history realistic and immersive by really knowing his history. And yes, this book has it all: Action, Romance, etc. You name it, this book has it.
March 15, 2018
This book is a masterpiece if you admire Ancient Greek/Spartan history. My only advice for this gem is to study up on the Peloponnesian War prior to reading this book as it will give you a better feel for the story. Truly brilliant author who makes the concept of changing ancient history realistic and immersive by really knowing his history. And yes, this book has it all: Action, Romance, etc. You name it, this book has it.
May 6, 2018
This book is a masterpiece if you admire Ancient Greek/Spartan history. My only advice for this gem is to study up on the Peloponnesian War prior to reading this book as it will give you a better feel for the story. Truly brilliant author who makes the concept of changing ancient history realistic and immersive by really knowing his history. And yes, this book has it all: Action, Romance, etc. You name it, this book has it.
May 6, 2018
This book is a masterpiece if you admire Ancient Greek/Spartan history. My only advice for this gem is to study up on the Peloponnesian War prior to reading this book as it will give you a better feel for the story. Truly brilliant author who makes the concept of changing ancient history realistic and immersive by really knowing his history. And yes, this book has it all: Action, Romance, etc. You name it, this book has it.
April 15, 2020
I've never read any Alternate History before this. I consider this to be Sci Fi/Historical Fantasy. I wasn't sure what I was getting into. But I have to say I really enjoyed the story, and the ride!
The characters are well done, throw in some Action, Blood, a little Romance, and a few twists.
The Ending is a Cliffhanger.......and your ready to move onto Book 2.
But First Athenian Steel: Roman Annihilation, an ALTERNATE ENDING NOVELLA.
The characters are well done, throw in some Action, Blood, a little Romance, and a few twists.
The Ending is a Cliffhanger.......and your ready to move onto Book 2.
But First Athenian Steel: Roman Annihilation, an ALTERNATE ENDING NOVELLA.
August 2, 2019
Amazing!
When I first started reading this book I was a bit confused, but the further I got the better it became. By the end, I didn't want it to be over. I couldn't put this book down. I just had to keep reading and reading until I finished it and now I just want more. I am getting the next book as soon as I can!
When I first started reading this book I was a bit confused, but the further I got the better it became. By the end, I didn't want it to be over. I couldn't put this book down. I just had to keep reading and reading until I finished it and now I just want more. I am getting the next book as soon as I can!
November 5, 2016
Pretty good
Not much sex, but as I prefer none I'm a poor judge. Good characters and plot line. Complete enough to enjoy on it's own without feeling like it's half a story just so you'll read the next one.
Not much sex, but as I prefer none I'm a poor judge. Good characters and plot line. Complete enough to enjoy on it's own without feeling like it's half a story just so you'll read the next one.
July 27, 2017
I really didn't like this book. None of the characters were likable or interesting. I also thought everything they did seemed pointless. I have no idea why it has so many great reviews - I'm not usually so far on the other end of the spectrum from the norm.
March 13, 2018
Enlightening
A hugely well thought, well envisioned, well written jewel. Stay true, P.K.... You present Greek history in a way that is so completely engrossing and entertaining. Keep it up and keep it real!
A hugely well thought, well envisioned, well written jewel. Stay true, P.K.... You present Greek history in a way that is so completely engrossing and entertaining. Keep it up and keep it real!
November 24, 2018
Thought provoking stuff
A fabulously different storyline, history and fantasy sci-fi mixed up in a rodeo of master storytelling and the impossible...or was it the possible..........Five stars for this audacious tale! Bring on the next instalment.
A fabulously different storyline, history and fantasy sci-fi mixed up in a rodeo of master storytelling and the impossible...or was it the possible..........Five stars for this audacious tale! Bring on the next instalment.
May 18, 2019
This was a brilliant read. Alternate historical fiction at its finest. Great character and world building of Spartans vs Athenians in the Peloponesian war. This book is worth the read even if its just for the last few chapters.
August 18, 2019
Engrocing historical fiction
Very different view of historical fiction with good characters and excellent fictional characters , would have enjoyed more battle scenes but still a good enjoyable read .
Very different view of historical fiction with good characters and excellent fictional characters , would have enjoyed more battle scenes but still a good enjoyable read .
October 21, 2019
Excellent Alternate History
I have enjoyed alternate history novels ever since I read “The Man in the High Castle” by Philip K. Dick and “The Guns of the South” by Harry Turtledove. This is a well researched and worthy successor.
I have enjoyed alternate history novels ever since I read “The Man in the High Castle” by Philip K. Dick and “The Guns of the South” by Harry Turtledove. This is a well researched and worthy successor.
March 14, 2020
Hellenic scientific fiction
In 425 BC, the Greek general, Demosthenes, found a super weapon. The war tool was from the outer space and it looked human. She was called Thalasia.
This book contains many profanities and bloody. The war was against Sparta.
Caesar XIII
In 425 BC, the Greek general, Demosthenes, found a super weapon. The war tool was from the outer space and it looked human. She was called Thalasia.
This book contains many profanities and bloody. The war was against Sparta.
Caesar XIII
April 5, 2020
Good read
Great story line, in a beautifully dest back droop. The story is face paced. The characters grow through out the story. I started by hating characters at the beginning and loving at the end. I do recommend this book.
Great story line, in a beautifully dest back droop. The story is face paced. The characters grow through out the story. I started by hating characters at the beginning and loving at the end. I do recommend this book.
November 27, 2016
Nice!
Well thought out plot, excellent character development. Included historical references are a nice touch, story can be a bit emotional but moved along nicely.
Well thought out plot, excellent character development. Included historical references are a nice touch, story can be a bit emotional but moved along nicely.
January 5, 2017
A great fifth century BC alternative history with a rough touch of multiverse refugees. It reminds me of the Belisarius series from Drake and Flint. Looking forward to the sequels.
June 6, 2017
It was pretty graphic at times, both as far as violence and sexual content.
May 22, 2018
Intense and very addictive
The author makes you travel to Athens through deep research and entertaining story. Not for the faint of heart. Kudos to him.
The author makes you travel to Athens through deep research and entertaining story. Not for the faint of heart. Kudos to him.
June 25, 2019
An interesting premise. Parallel worlds and time travel with near immortal women from a future stranded in ancient Greece. I enjoyed the book and quickly ordered the sequel.
November 23, 2019
Great book.
I have been restless lately, hungering for a book that is different from the norm. This satisfied that hunger. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I have been restless lately, hungering for a book that is different from the norm. This satisfied that hunger. Looking forward to the next in the series.
December 21, 2019
What a fantastic read, couldn't put it down. A very clever retelling of history with creative licence. Loving the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews