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Empires of Bronze #1
Son of Ishtar
Four sons. One throne. A world on the precipice.
1315 BC: Tensions soar between the great powers of the Late Bronze Age. The Hittites stand toe-to-toe with Egypt, Assyria and Mycenaean Ahhiyawa, and war seems inevitable. More, the fierce Kaskan tribes – age-old enemies of the Hittites – amass at the northern borders.
When Prince Hattu is born, it should be a rare joyous moment for all the Hittite people. But when the Goddess Ishtar comes to King Mursili in a dream, she warns that the boy is no blessing, telling of a dark future where he will stain Mursili’s throne with blood and bring destruction upon the world.
Thus, Hattu endures a solitary boyhood in the shadow of his siblings, spurned by his father and shunned by the Hittite people. But when the Kaskans invade, Hattu is drawn into the fray. It is a savage journey in which he strives to show his worth and valour. Yet with his every step, the shadow of Ishtar’s prophecy darkens…
About the Hittites & the Bronze Age:
Over three thousand years ago, before iron had been tamed, before Rome had risen, before the ashes from which Classical Greece would emerge had even been scattered, the world was forged in bronze. It was an age when Great Kings ruled, when vast armies clashed for glory, riches and the favour of their strange gods.
Until the late 19th century, historians thought that they had identified the major powers who held sway in the last stretch of the Bronze Age: Egypt, Assyria… Ahhiyawa (Homer’s Achaean Greece) even. But there was another – a fourth great power, all but lost to the dust of history: the Hittites.
Hardy, fierce masters of Anatolia, utterly devout to their myriad gods, the scale and wonder of their world is only now shedding its dusty cloak thanks to the tireless work of archaeologists. The Hittites ruled from the high, rugged plateau at the heart of modern-day Turkey, commanding a ring of vassal states (most notably Troy) and boasting a dauntless army that struck fear into the hearts of their rivals. Their Great King, titled Labarna and revered as the Sun itself, was every bit the equal of Egypt’s Pharaoh, of the trade-rich King of Assyria, and of the brash lords of Ahhiyawa.
The Hittites were there when the Bronze Age collapsed. They bore the brunt of the cataclysmic events that destroyed the great powers, threw the Near East into a centuries-long dark age and changed the world forever.
This is their story…
1315 BC: Tensions soar between the great powers of the Late Bronze Age. The Hittites stand toe-to-toe with Egypt, Assyria and Mycenaean Ahhiyawa, and war seems inevitable. More, the fierce Kaskan tribes – age-old enemies of the Hittites – amass at the northern borders.
When Prince Hattu is born, it should be a rare joyous moment for all the Hittite people. But when the Goddess Ishtar comes to King Mursili in a dream, she warns that the boy is no blessing, telling of a dark future where he will stain Mursili’s throne with blood and bring destruction upon the world.
Thus, Hattu endures a solitary boyhood in the shadow of his siblings, spurned by his father and shunned by the Hittite people. But when the Kaskans invade, Hattu is drawn into the fray. It is a savage journey in which he strives to show his worth and valour. Yet with his every step, the shadow of Ishtar’s prophecy darkens…
About the Hittites & the Bronze Age:
Over three thousand years ago, before iron had been tamed, before Rome had risen, before the ashes from which Classical Greece would emerge had even been scattered, the world was forged in bronze. It was an age when Great Kings ruled, when vast armies clashed for glory, riches and the favour of their strange gods.
Until the late 19th century, historians thought that they had identified the major powers who held sway in the last stretch of the Bronze Age: Egypt, Assyria… Ahhiyawa (Homer’s Achaean Greece) even. But there was another – a fourth great power, all but lost to the dust of history: the Hittites.
Hardy, fierce masters of Anatolia, utterly devout to their myriad gods, the scale and wonder of their world is only now shedding its dusty cloak thanks to the tireless work of archaeologists. The Hittites ruled from the high, rugged plateau at the heart of modern-day Turkey, commanding a ring of vassal states (most notably Troy) and boasting a dauntless army that struck fear into the hearts of their rivals. Their Great King, titled Labarna and revered as the Sun itself, was every bit the equal of Egypt’s Pharaoh, of the trade-rich King of Assyria, and of the brash lords of Ahhiyawa.
The Hittites were there when the Bronze Age collapsed. They bore the brunt of the cataclysmic events that destroyed the great powers, threw the Near East into a centuries-long dark age and changed the world forever.
This is their story…
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2019
282 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Doherty
42 books293 followersI'm a Scottish writer, addicted to reading and writing historical fiction.
My love of history was first kindled by visits to the misty Roman ruins of Britain and the sun-baked antiquities of Turkey and Greece. My expeditions since have taken me all over the world and back and forth through time (metaphorically, at least), allowing me to write tales of the later Roman Empire, Byzantium, Classical Greece and even the distant Bronze Age.
All of my novels are available from good online stores in paperback and eBook format.
Happy reading!
My website: www.gordondoherty.co.uk
My Twitter: @GordonDoherty
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonDohert...
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybC...
My love of history was first kindled by visits to the misty Roman ruins of Britain and the sun-baked antiquities of Turkey and Greece. My expeditions since have taken me all over the world and back and forth through time (metaphorically, at least), allowing me to write tales of the later Roman Empire, Byzantium, Classical Greece and even the distant Bronze Age.
All of my novels are available from good online stores in paperback and eBook format.
Happy reading!
My website: www.gordondoherty.co.uk
My Twitter: @GordonDoherty
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonDohert...
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybC...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 17, 2020
I have been interested in Hittites since I was younger. Finding this book excited me since this is the first historical fiction book I have came across of Hittites or of Bronze Age to be specific.
Well researched and well written. However, there were just parts wherein it just made my eyes roll like the unnecessary love triangle and overtly obvious traitor.
Well researched and well written. However, there were just parts wherein it just made my eyes roll like the unnecessary love triangle and overtly obvious traitor.
Read
October 11, 2022I read this at the end of my temporary reading program on ancient Mesopotamian history and related cultures. My criticism therefore focuses primarily on the historical representation, rather than on the story or the literary quality. And that also explains why this became a turnoff for me. The story is set in the Hittite Empire (present day Anatolia in Turkey) around 1300 BCE. In his preface Doherty states that he has done his best to stay close to historical facts. Now, at the beginning of the book a map is shown with the great powers of that time, including 'Ahhiyawa' in what now is Greece. In some Hittite texts indeed mention is made of 'Ahhiyawa', which some historians interprete as a reference to Mycene. With his map Doherty seems to suggest the Greeks were a nation, which is strange, given the fact that there even wasn't a Greek ethnic unity (yet), and even in classic times Greece never was a nation. In the story itself, a Trojan king is staged, and Doherty suggests – oh so predictably – that he might get into trouble with the aforementioned Greeks. And a few moments later, at a ceremony in the Hittite capital, some Sumerian is actually spoken, a language that by that time had already been dead for almost 700 years. That was the last straw for me. I didn’t finish this. Moral of the story: please feel free to enjoy the story, but refrain if you want to get a historically correct picture of the age.
December 20, 2020
2.75
A good historica fiction, with an excellent choice of period and a wonderful view of an empire / culture (Hittite) that still has its mysteries.
The book had an excellent first half, with a good pace and good characters. However, the second half fell very short, stepping into clichés that dulled my interest in the story. The "undercover agent" who only presents bad advices, but still continues to deceive everyone and keeps ascending the hierarchy; the charismatic and dedicated younger brother who gains respect from peers and leads - along with a dispute over the same woman - to silly jealousy in the older brother (who is the heir) - and this is repeated so much in several chapters, that it ends up extinguishing any suspension of disbelief that you could still have mantaneid throughout the book ...
Anyway, it's a shame that the story gets lost in poor narrative crutches, but you can detect a great research potential and dedication of the author.
A good historica fiction, with an excellent choice of period and a wonderful view of an empire / culture (Hittite) that still has its mysteries.
The book had an excellent first half, with a good pace and good characters. However, the second half fell very short, stepping into clichés that dulled my interest in the story. The "undercover agent" who only presents bad advices, but still continues to deceive everyone and keeps ascending the hierarchy; the charismatic and dedicated younger brother who gains respect from peers and leads - along with a dispute over the same woman - to silly jealousy in the older brother (who is the heir) - and this is repeated so much in several chapters, that it ends up extinguishing any suspension of disbelief that you could still have mantaneid throughout the book ...
Anyway, it's a shame that the story gets lost in poor narrative crutches, but you can detect a great research potential and dedication of the author.
August 9, 2019
Wow! Where to start..
Son of Ishtar starts with a brutal heart wrenching prologue which sets the tone for the story perfectly.
Prince Hattu makes his way into the world..but the cost is great. Ishtar the Goddess claims Hattu has her man and a dark prophecy is written.
As Hattu grows up he’s shunned by many as the cursed son.. always in the shadow of his siblings but when the Kaskans attack its time for the prophecy to be fulfilled.
Hattu is a strong character.. he holds himself well, he’s selfless, loves his family and wishes only to prove himself to the King.. finally Hattu has his chance to train as a solider but it’s not going to be easy. The King expects him to fail.. but that’s not going to happen!
As Prince he’s afforded no respite..rather the opposite..he’s pushed harder than any man before him and slowly but surely you see boy become man. As he grows you see a change to how others view him as he earns their respect.. this causes its own issues though as jealously is a cruel emotion.
I’m not going to spoil the tale.. I just couldn’t ruin such an exciting and gripping read for you. Lets just say.. Hattu has something to fight for..someone to fight for, and when all is said and done his hands will be covered in Kaskan blood!
Son of Ishtar is a fast paced riveting read from the first page to the last.. it’s a dark harrowing tale of betrayal and loyalty.. of love and hate!
The battles are intense.. the deaths brutal and unforgiving..and I loved being along for the ride with the men of the Storm, the Wrath, the Fury and the Blaze!
I can say with certainty that Son of Ishtar is my recommend book of 2019! Highly anticipated and well worth the wait.
As a fan of Gordon’s I can say he’s got it spot on once again, the balance between plot, character development and detail. Never once do you feel anything is forced.. the book just flows perfectly.. plot and descriptive details mixed seamlessly.. no boring segments.. no boring characters.. no confusing sub plots.. just pure intense reading that sucks you in.
Gordon Doherty has put so much time into this book and it shows.. utterly breath-taking, heart stopping goodness that leaves you craving more!
Son of Ishtar starts with a brutal heart wrenching prologue which sets the tone for the story perfectly.
Prince Hattu makes his way into the world..but the cost is great. Ishtar the Goddess claims Hattu has her man and a dark prophecy is written.
As Hattu grows up he’s shunned by many as the cursed son.. always in the shadow of his siblings but when the Kaskans attack its time for the prophecy to be fulfilled.
Hattu is a strong character.. he holds himself well, he’s selfless, loves his family and wishes only to prove himself to the King.. finally Hattu has his chance to train as a solider but it’s not going to be easy. The King expects him to fail.. but that’s not going to happen!
As Prince he’s afforded no respite..rather the opposite..he’s pushed harder than any man before him and slowly but surely you see boy become man. As he grows you see a change to how others view him as he earns their respect.. this causes its own issues though as jealously is a cruel emotion.
I’m not going to spoil the tale.. I just couldn’t ruin such an exciting and gripping read for you. Lets just say.. Hattu has something to fight for..someone to fight for, and when all is said and done his hands will be covered in Kaskan blood!
Son of Ishtar is a fast paced riveting read from the first page to the last.. it’s a dark harrowing tale of betrayal and loyalty.. of love and hate!
The battles are intense.. the deaths brutal and unforgiving..and I loved being along for the ride with the men of the Storm, the Wrath, the Fury and the Blaze!
I can say with certainty that Son of Ishtar is my recommend book of 2019! Highly anticipated and well worth the wait.
As a fan of Gordon’s I can say he’s got it spot on once again, the balance between plot, character development and detail. Never once do you feel anything is forced.. the book just flows perfectly.. plot and descriptive details mixed seamlessly.. no boring segments.. no boring characters.. no confusing sub plots.. just pure intense reading that sucks you in.
Gordon Doherty has put so much time into this book and it shows.. utterly breath-taking, heart stopping goodness that leaves you craving more!
July 24, 2019
Great historical fiction
Historical fiction as it is meant to be. Well researched, fast paced and gripping. Will look for more in the series.
Historical fiction as it is meant to be. Well researched, fast paced and gripping. Will look for more in the series.
July 13, 2019
Thanks to the many hours of research of Mr. Doherty, I could relax on the couch and learn more about a long-gone civilization.
I look forward to the next installment.
I look forward to the next installment.
April 3, 2021
The story at its very core is honestly quite simple when you look at it, too: a prince that's favoured vs. a prince always set aside, but it turns out the other one might be the better choice (not only because the older apparently can't think for himself and is all too happy to blame the mistakes he makes on 'Hattu made me do it', which is a very easy way of going about things, but also not the most productive either at that). Then, of course, there's a woman - there is ALWAYS a woman, why doesn't that surprise me at all?
Add in a spy in the middle of court and toss in some poison to the old king's drinks, and you have yourself a setting, my friends.
Especially with war brewing on the horizon.
I really liked the battle descriptions; I'm partial to those and enjoy the tactics and twists that come with them, both from the terrain and the people fighting in whatever battles are being described. I was very fond of Kurunta, the old Bowman, and Colta the Lord of the Bridle, who each brought their own separate personality into play (the infantry general being the quintessential soldier who nobody can bring down, the archer his gentler counterpart who has more wisdom than brawn, and finally the horse lord who's not afraid to hitch a ride on the king's wagon to save his own strength, because it makes no sense to exhaust himself and his masculinity isn't threatened by it either).
Authors have to have a flair with battles, I find, and Doherty has it, because he uses sentences in a way that almost evokes the sounds from the battlefield itself, which is a special skill to have.
Honestly though, this series gives me very strong Conn Iggulden vibes with his Conqueror one, all the way to the bickering generals and impressive army of the Hittites (now I kind of wish they and the Mongols could have clashed, THAT would have been epic ... but probably epically bloody to be honest, so maybe not), but also in terms of storytelling. I'm very, very picky with my historical fiction, but Doherty has managed to hook me right in with Hattu's story, and I learned a little bit more about the Hittites to top it off!
The love story is simple enough and mostly in the background, used as the by-play for the two brothers to go at it, but we do see some more machinations when a woman is sent to marry the king so that there might be peace between the two nations, which brings home the fact that, even though we see Atiya as a fairly liberal girl and quite free in her life, women of the time usually couldn't make decisions for themselves, if they were high-born at least, because they would probably have been used as pawns.
So, to sum up, the book hits all the right notes, touches all the proper points, and sets the stage for what's to come next.
Because while the Hittites were traipsing around one end of their border, the other sides have lifted their heads to sniff the air. They can sense a change in the wind. The army hasn't been seen on any of the other fronts while it was busy with the Kaskans. Might begets right - and the borderlands are always in dispute, no matter what time you live in (heck, even MY country's borderlands are sometimes in question on three sides, trying to figure out who belongs to who).
Plus, THEY may not know it yet, but the Hittites know their victory against the Kaskans comes at a steep cost, and their army stands on shaky legs.
Will it blow in the next breeze that hits it? Or will it continue to stand?
We'll just have to check out Dawn of War and find out!
Add in a spy in the middle of court and toss in some poison to the old king's drinks, and you have yourself a setting, my friends.
Especially with war brewing on the horizon.
I really liked the battle descriptions; I'm partial to those and enjoy the tactics and twists that come with them, both from the terrain and the people fighting in whatever battles are being described. I was very fond of Kurunta, the old Bowman, and Colta the Lord of the Bridle, who each brought their own separate personality into play (the infantry general being the quintessential soldier who nobody can bring down, the archer his gentler counterpart who has more wisdom than brawn, and finally the horse lord who's not afraid to hitch a ride on the king's wagon to save his own strength, because it makes no sense to exhaust himself and his masculinity isn't threatened by it either).
Authors have to have a flair with battles, I find, and Doherty has it, because he uses sentences in a way that almost evokes the sounds from the battlefield itself, which is a special skill to have.
Honestly though, this series gives me very strong Conn Iggulden vibes with his Conqueror one, all the way to the bickering generals and impressive army of the Hittites (now I kind of wish they and the Mongols could have clashed, THAT would have been epic ... but probably epically bloody to be honest, so maybe not), but also in terms of storytelling. I'm very, very picky with my historical fiction, but Doherty has managed to hook me right in with Hattu's story, and I learned a little bit more about the Hittites to top it off!
The love story is simple enough and mostly in the background, used as the by-play for the two brothers to go at it, but we do see some more machinations when a woman is sent to marry the king so that there might be peace between the two nations, which brings home the fact that, even though we see Atiya as a fairly liberal girl and quite free in her life, women of the time usually couldn't make decisions for themselves, if they were high-born at least, because they would probably have been used as pawns.
So, to sum up, the book hits all the right notes, touches all the proper points, and sets the stage for what's to come next.
Because while the Hittites were traipsing around one end of their border, the other sides have lifted their heads to sniff the air. They can sense a change in the wind. The army hasn't been seen on any of the other fronts while it was busy with the Kaskans. Might begets right - and the borderlands are always in dispute, no matter what time you live in (heck, even MY country's borderlands are sometimes in question on three sides, trying to figure out who belongs to who).
Plus, THEY may not know it yet, but the Hittites know their victory against the Kaskans comes at a steep cost, and their army stands on shaky legs.
Will it blow in the next breeze that hits it? Or will it continue to stand?
We'll just have to check out Dawn of War and find out!
July 10, 2019
Great Read
Mr. Doherty continues to provide the reader with a sense of historical adventure mixed with every element of intrigue that causes difficulty in putting the read down. Well done.
Mr. Doherty continues to provide the reader with a sense of historical adventure mixed with every element of intrigue that causes difficulty in putting the read down. Well done.
June 18, 2019
Another excellent book by this author set in an era i am unfamiliar with
A must buy for any fans of historical fiction in particular those that like action packed books with strong characters
A must buy for any fans of historical fiction in particular those that like action packed books with strong characters
August 15, 2019
Okay, my peeps and fellow readers of Mr. Doherty, we already know the dude can write, but this is the start of a new series...has his heretofore exemplary writing skills carried over? Let's have a look at the Hoover Book Review checklist - intriguing subject matter/check - characters the reader can embrace/check - a story line with twists and turns/check - obstacles overcome/check - engaging dialogue/check - tense drama/check - descriptions that invite the reader to the very walls of Hattusa...that leave the scent of battle on the pages/check. It's apparent that the author has ticked all of the boxes which I guess isn't too much of a surprise. He's taken on a period, area, and a people not well known, but who were certainly the boss of Asia Minor, and has crafted a wonderful tale of the Hittite world, a tale of overcoming the odds stacked high against success, a tale of two brothers and the growing divide between them...a tale of an empire being tested to the brink of destruction. A well done story that has me looking expectantly for the next one. 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 3, 2019
Excellent new series, A must have.
Brilliant new series about the Hittite Empire, fantastic little story to whet your interest in an area of history that is virtually ignored, excellent start to a new trilogy ??? Looking forward to the next instalment.
Brilliant new series about the Hittite Empire, fantastic little story to whet your interest in an area of history that is virtually ignored, excellent start to a new trilogy ??? Looking forward to the next instalment.
June 13, 2020
I quite enjoyed this book. It's rare to read books of this time period and civilization, so I guess I learned a few things. Some characters feel a little contrived, but the book manages to depict an ancient world quite well.
August 13, 2019
I was quite disappointed by this book - Amazon reviews were totally raving about it; it was supposed to be the best thing since God created Adam.
It was predictable and like a thousand other "misunderstood royal prince achieves the loyalty of his comrades because of his natural charisma and does good" stories - except the others were written a long time ago in comparison. The book is rife with cliches and as predictable as getting wet in the rain is when you have no umbrella. It is an ok read but, if I were to be honest, I should have abandoned it and chosen something else instead.
It was predictable and like a thousand other "misunderstood royal prince achieves the loyalty of his comrades because of his natural charisma and does good" stories - except the others were written a long time ago in comparison. The book is rife with cliches and as predictable as getting wet in the rain is when you have no umbrella. It is an ok read but, if I were to be honest, I should have abandoned it and chosen something else instead.
November 22, 2019
Predictable yet exciting, well written romp.
Whilst the story line is nothing new, I found the book exciting, well researched and we'll written. Gordon Doherty writes battle scenes in a vivid way, but also handles the subtle secondary stories of duty, responsibility and consequence superbly.
Whilst the story line is nothing new, I found the book exciting, well researched and we'll written. Gordon Doherty writes battle scenes in a vivid way, but also handles the subtle secondary stories of duty, responsibility and consequence superbly.
January 30, 2020
Finally, a decent historical fiction novel set during the Bronze Age and covering a civilisation that gets hardly any recognition. What it sets out to do it does well, even if it is a little cliche (i.e. misunderstood young Prince rises to fame).
I will be keeping my eye out for any future books set in the same series.
I will be keeping my eye out for any future books set in the same series.
May 14, 2020
The book opened up a period of history and a people I had no knowledge of. The story follows a prince of the hitites in his trials and tribulations as he comes to adulthood, taking his place in the defence of the empire. The fact the story is set in a period of history not commonly known about and introduces you to the culture of this pre history time.
July 19, 2019
Brilliant
A really good tale of A little covered time in history. My only previous memory was from both biblical tales and after visiting Anatolia. I await with interest the next episode in the saga.
A really good tale of A little covered time in history. My only previous memory was from both biblical tales and after visiting Anatolia. I await with interest the next episode in the saga.
January 9, 2020
Absolutely outstanding read, very excited for the next installment. Gut-wrenching emotions felt and such excitement and tension in the battles. Beautifully written and such an interesting insight into a people I know next to nothing about. Can't recommend this enough!
July 18, 2019
Action thriller
The rating was chosen as the book had a very good follow through plenty of action and thrilled through out the book.
The rating was chosen as the book had a very good follow through plenty of action and thrilled through out the book.
August 14, 2019
Fantastic read, fast pace book. Always love to read different times in history
September 11, 2019
Another great read from Gordon Doherty. Historical fiction at its best. I'm impatient for the next one.
September 17, 2019
Good reading
Fàirst class story can't wait for the next book the type of book what makes you not want to put it down
Fàirst class story can't wait for the next book the type of book what makes you not want to put it down
November 19, 2022
It's a good book; when compared to others in the genre. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction but I believe it's a genre that didn't reach maturity.
I love the setting. It's extremely important and relevant yet unexplored. The research in the book is top notch and tickles the imagination well and that's all I can ask for the setting. I didn't particularly enjoy the main character; I thought people didn't treat him well enough given he is a prince. He is too unconfident and too humble but that's my opinion. I wish Doherty just picked a minor noble as the main character or someone even on the lower caste as the Hittite socio-economic classes go. At least I would expect a MC who embraced the fact that he is the prince of one of the top 5 strongest kingdoms in the world.
I don't want to get into much detail but it is still a solid book. Deserved a solid 4 for the familiar Doherty writing and the unique yet extremely well researched and relevant setting. I highly recommend it and can only hope to write such a good book as a struggling aspiring writer.
I love the setting. It's extremely important and relevant yet unexplored. The research in the book is top notch and tickles the imagination well and that's all I can ask for the setting. I didn't particularly enjoy the main character; I thought people didn't treat him well enough given he is a prince. He is too unconfident and too humble but that's my opinion. I wish Doherty just picked a minor noble as the main character or someone even on the lower caste as the Hittite socio-economic classes go. At least I would expect a MC who embraced the fact that he is the prince of one of the top 5 strongest kingdoms in the world.
I don't want to get into much detail but it is still a solid book. Deserved a solid 4 for the familiar Doherty writing and the unique yet extremely well researched and relevant setting. I highly recommend it and can only hope to write such a good book as a struggling aspiring writer.
August 14, 2020
I love watching historical dramas, especially those depicting courage, honour, loyalty, treachery and of course a little bit of romance in faraway lands. Son of Ishtar is my first venture into reading this genre. I was both skeptical and curious about this book. Having worked with the author in a past life where we were both software developer I was both skeptical and curious to find out about his skills as a creative writer - I'm glad to say I was not disappointed. Son of Ishtar took me on a journey to distant realms, I watched the son of Ishtar develop into a fine man, I championed him during his trials and tribulations, I recoiled at the suffering he endured, I laughed at the bodily functions displayed, I spent far too many nights staying up late to see how he faired in battle and I ooed and ahhed at the romance. The only thing I'm disappointed about is that it's come to an end. I'm off to find the next adventure to join in with...
December 20, 2022
"Son of Ishtar" started well enough, but quickly devolved into a series of implausible incidents that, added together, produced a narrative that made little sense.
The good part of this book is that it is based in the little-known Hittite empire, which was contemporaneous with the height of Troy's powers, and thus it sheds light on an unfamiliar era. And, well, that's about as far as the good parts go.
The protagonist is the plucky but ill-omened younger son of the king, and he must battle his way to respect. In the beginning, all seems reasonable, but by book's end, author Gordon Doherty (who seemingly had no editor) just pulled things out of thin air to make the plot work.
Ah well ... I had hopes for a strong series, but no such luck. After about halfway through volume one, it was clear Empires of Bronze was destined for an early disappearance from my personal history.
The good part of this book is that it is based in the little-known Hittite empire, which was contemporaneous with the height of Troy's powers, and thus it sheds light on an unfamiliar era. And, well, that's about as far as the good parts go.
The protagonist is the plucky but ill-omened younger son of the king, and he must battle his way to respect. In the beginning, all seems reasonable, but by book's end, author Gordon Doherty (who seemingly had no editor) just pulled things out of thin air to make the plot work.
Ah well ... I had hopes for a strong series, but no such luck. After about halfway through volume one, it was clear Empires of Bronze was destined for an early disappearance from my personal history.
December 16, 2025
Son of Ishtar is a gripping and atmospheric journey into the volatile world of the Late Bronze Age. Gordon Doherty brings ancient history vividly to life, blending political tension, warfare, and mythology into a story that feels both epic and deeply personal.
Prince Hattu is a compelling protagonist isolated, burdened by prophecy, and desperate to prove his worth in a world that expects him to fail. His struggle against fate, family rejection, and external enemies adds real emotional weight to the sweeping historical backdrop. The looming presence of Ishtar’s prophecy creates constant tension, making every victory feel uncertain and every step forward ominous.
Well-researched, immersive, and emotionally resonant, Son of Ishtar is a strong start to an epic tale of destiny, power, and survival that will appeal to fans of serious historical fiction with mythic undertones.
Prince Hattu is a compelling protagonist isolated, burdened by prophecy, and desperate to prove his worth in a world that expects him to fail. His struggle against fate, family rejection, and external enemies adds real emotional weight to the sweeping historical backdrop. The looming presence of Ishtar’s prophecy creates constant tension, making every victory feel uncertain and every step forward ominous.
Well-researched, immersive, and emotionally resonant, Son of Ishtar is a strong start to an epic tale of destiny, power, and survival that will appeal to fans of serious historical fiction with mythic undertones.
January 7, 2021
The worst ever written thing
This is the worst book I have read ever..... and I am 64 years old and I read no less then 4 books per month - the narrative is soooo boring, this is a hard book to finish.... the writer describes scenes for pages on, on things that have no relevance to the plot... simply put this is sort of a love story of the luckiest teenager in history, where young kids are wise and old generals are incredibly naïf and stupid.... I have read books by this author before, and although they were not Nobel prize materials, at least they were decently readable.... what a waste of time (and this is the first time in my life I give this kind of critic, but I couldn’t restrain myself, apologies....)
This is the worst book I have read ever..... and I am 64 years old and I read no less then 4 books per month - the narrative is soooo boring, this is a hard book to finish.... the writer describes scenes for pages on, on things that have no relevance to the plot... simply put this is sort of a love story of the luckiest teenager in history, where young kids are wise and old generals are incredibly naïf and stupid.... I have read books by this author before, and although they were not Nobel prize materials, at least they were decently readable.... what a waste of time (and this is the first time in my life I give this kind of critic, but I couldn’t restrain myself, apologies....)
January 9, 2021
The Bronze Age
This story takes place during the age of th Hittites, the bronze age. It's basically about two brothers, the love of a woman, war and a warrior trying to steal the grey throne.
This book is part of a series with three books, and is historical fiction with an author's note at the end.
I only gave it three stars due to the fact that at times it felt like there was to much going on while at others it dragged. The author also uses THE END at the end of this book, even though it's a series. That's just my pet peeve though.
If you enjoy historical fiction give this book a try and see what you think.
This story takes place during the age of th Hittites, the bronze age. It's basically about two brothers, the love of a woman, war and a warrior trying to steal the grey throne.
This book is part of a series with three books, and is historical fiction with an author's note at the end.
I only gave it three stars due to the fact that at times it felt like there was to much going on while at others it dragged. The author also uses THE END at the end of this book, even though it's a series. That's just my pet peeve though.
If you enjoy historical fiction give this book a try and see what you think.
April 14, 2023
I love some good, historical action and Gordon Doherty delivers exactly that. I don't often see literature focusing on the Bronze Age "Hittite Empire," so this was a really new and interesting setting for me. There's a ton of great battle scenes where chariot warfare is on full display and it is fascinating to read about. It's clear that the author has done his due diligence in researching what Bronze Age warfare might have looked like, especially when describing the agility and speed of chariot combat. I'm looking forward to seeing where the protagonists go next!
October 7, 2021
A wonderful historical fiction read, covering a time in the past that is oft neglected. A great plot, wonderful action sequences and an interesting detailed look into what life must have been like back then. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
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