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Commander #2
The Last Greek
Few writers are better at conjuring up a vision of Ancient Greece' THE TIMES
* * * * * * *
210BCE.
The most powerful empires in the world brawl over the spoils of a declawed Greece.
Philopoemen has a vision to end the chaos and anarchy that consumes his homeland - to stop the endless wars and preserve the world he loves. He must resist the urge of the oligarchs to surrender to their oppressors and raise an army to defend his countrymen from the all-conquering powers of Sparta, Macedon and Rome.
It is the last roll of the dice for the Achean League. The moment Philopoemen has been training for his whole life.
The new Achilles is poised to restore the glory of the former empire. To herald a new era.
To become the last great hero of Greece.
* * * * * * *
Praise for Christian
'One of the finest writers of historical fiction in the world' BEN KANE
'The master of historical fiction' SUNDAY TIMES
'A storyteller at the height of his powers' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY
* * * * * * *
210BCE.
The most powerful empires in the world brawl over the spoils of a declawed Greece.
Philopoemen has a vision to end the chaos and anarchy that consumes his homeland - to stop the endless wars and preserve the world he loves. He must resist the urge of the oligarchs to surrender to their oppressors and raise an army to defend his countrymen from the all-conquering powers of Sparta, Macedon and Rome.
It is the last roll of the dice for the Achean League. The moment Philopoemen has been training for his whole life.
The new Achilles is poised to restore the glory of the former empire. To herald a new era.
To become the last great hero of Greece.
* * * * * * *
Praise for Christian
'One of the finest writers of historical fiction in the world' BEN KANE
'The master of historical fiction' SUNDAY TIMES
'A storyteller at the height of his powers' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2020
103 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Christian Cameron
81 books1,100 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 38 reviews
April 16, 2020
Thank you to Alainna at Orion for giving me an ARC of this copy. The cover design is awesome and its so rich I love the way of the ancient world it describes.
This is a tale of a hopeless pursuit amidst dogged determination. A tale of heroism, love, war, and sacrifice. For there is so much to fit here, that Christian Cameron is at his best. There are epic descriptions of battles, of phalanxes fighting each other left-right and center. You will find characters you love. And characters you hate. The women of this novel, Aspasia and Philla are the towering blocks of this entire story. Watch out for them and keep a certain eye. There is a silver lining to them.
The amazing historical detail, the awesome writing, the technical details are all awesome. I did feel in some parts, that the pacing became a bit slow. That was due to the fact Christian spent a lot of time researching the minor political differences that Phillopoemen had to deal with there. There are so many details that I didn’t even know about, the fact that the Greeks were cheering on Hannibal and that Phillip of Macedon struggled to keep a full army, all the time while the Romans had plenty of man-power. This novel to me foreshadows the fall of Greece. It doesn’t show a future, an alternate history where the Greeks defeat the Romans. The Romans will defeat their rivals because of two things: Money and Manpower. Even if Hannibal could defeat so many Roman armies, he could not replenish his men so easily.
I also like the fact that it shows that in this novel: A Greek is a Greek’s worst enemy. Consider the Spartan tyrant, Machanidas who with Nabis of Sparta tried to rebuild their once lost glory so they could take their power once more…and then you begin to realise Rome’s immense power and influence was behind all of this. Roman money was more than enough to split the Greeks. The Achean League that Phillopoemen had under his control was difficult to manage, and not easy to train troops.
The Romans had immense man-power, as compared to the fact that when the Hellenistic World descended into its Game of Thrones Style conflict, it wiped out many veterans of Alexander’s wars against Persia. The Hellenistic World I think struggled to adopt the Roman formation sucessfully, and the leaders they needed to fight the Romans like Phillopoemen were always hampered by one thing: Ambitious Greeks wanting to suppress Phillopoemen. I mean even under Ptolemy, the Egyptians too became their worst enemies. They too had suffered from Greek oppression, and they had led a revolt against Ptolemy V, which made him lose parts of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt as well. The Ptolemaics wiped out this part of history and it isn’t well known.
This book brings a lot of history, but to put in this perspective: The Greeks of this new era are fighting in the Macedonian fashion. The old Greek short spear has been abandoned. So expect to see phalanxes on the scale of Alexander’s phalanxes when you see combat. It’s a big story full of exciting characters and great dialogue. Honestly, Alexanor is a great character, and while there is hope, I can’t help but feel sadness because when you look at the history that is written, the Romans just win and conquer Greece and destroy the Hellenistic World. I wouldn’t have doubted if some wise Greek statesmen had the ability to see this.
Overall, a 10/10 from me. Great visual descriptions, great battle scenes, and a rugged determination to fight the Eagle of Rome that will one day, spread its wings over the entire world. But there are stories like this, stories of untold heroism, stories of those warriors like Alexanor and Philopoemen and Mithrades and Surena and Hannibal that fought against the might of Rome. It is these stories that you should give attention too.
This is a tale of a hopeless pursuit amidst dogged determination. A tale of heroism, love, war, and sacrifice. For there is so much to fit here, that Christian Cameron is at his best. There are epic descriptions of battles, of phalanxes fighting each other left-right and center. You will find characters you love. And characters you hate. The women of this novel, Aspasia and Philla are the towering blocks of this entire story. Watch out for them and keep a certain eye. There is a silver lining to them.
The amazing historical detail, the awesome writing, the technical details are all awesome. I did feel in some parts, that the pacing became a bit slow. That was due to the fact Christian spent a lot of time researching the minor political differences that Phillopoemen had to deal with there. There are so many details that I didn’t even know about, the fact that the Greeks were cheering on Hannibal and that Phillip of Macedon struggled to keep a full army, all the time while the Romans had plenty of man-power. This novel to me foreshadows the fall of Greece. It doesn’t show a future, an alternate history where the Greeks defeat the Romans. The Romans will defeat their rivals because of two things: Money and Manpower. Even if Hannibal could defeat so many Roman armies, he could not replenish his men so easily.
I also like the fact that it shows that in this novel: A Greek is a Greek’s worst enemy. Consider the Spartan tyrant, Machanidas who with Nabis of Sparta tried to rebuild their once lost glory so they could take their power once more…and then you begin to realise Rome’s immense power and influence was behind all of this. Roman money was more than enough to split the Greeks. The Achean League that Phillopoemen had under his control was difficult to manage, and not easy to train troops.
The Romans had immense man-power, as compared to the fact that when the Hellenistic World descended into its Game of Thrones Style conflict, it wiped out many veterans of Alexander’s wars against Persia. The Hellenistic World I think struggled to adopt the Roman formation sucessfully, and the leaders they needed to fight the Romans like Phillopoemen were always hampered by one thing: Ambitious Greeks wanting to suppress Phillopoemen. I mean even under Ptolemy, the Egyptians too became their worst enemies. They too had suffered from Greek oppression, and they had led a revolt against Ptolemy V, which made him lose parts of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt as well. The Ptolemaics wiped out this part of history and it isn’t well known.
This book brings a lot of history, but to put in this perspective: The Greeks of this new era are fighting in the Macedonian fashion. The old Greek short spear has been abandoned. So expect to see phalanxes on the scale of Alexander’s phalanxes when you see combat. It’s a big story full of exciting characters and great dialogue. Honestly, Alexanor is a great character, and while there is hope, I can’t help but feel sadness because when you look at the history that is written, the Romans just win and conquer Greece and destroy the Hellenistic World. I wouldn’t have doubted if some wise Greek statesmen had the ability to see this.
Overall, a 10/10 from me. Great visual descriptions, great battle scenes, and a rugged determination to fight the Eagle of Rome that will one day, spread its wings over the entire world. But there are stories like this, stories of untold heroism, stories of those warriors like Alexanor and Philopoemen and Mithrades and Surena and Hannibal that fought against the might of Rome. It is these stories that you should give attention too.
May 19, 2020
This book continues on from where the last one took off. Philopoemen is in semi-exile and Alexanor has returned to Epidaurus to continue his priestly duties. Which means it's time for the best known (relatively speaking) part of his career to begin: his defense and control of the Achaean League. In an age of tyrants and hereditary monarchs, the Achaeans (and Aetolians to be fair) managed to form a federation of allied cities to take on the oversized threats confronting them. And at the forefront of that was Philopoemen.
The Achaean League is in an unenviable position when we start the book. Macedon has provoked a war with Rome and only the fact that they're busy fighting for their lives against Hannibal has kept them from sweeping into Greece in force. As Macedon's ally, the Achaean League is one of Rome's targets. The Romans have set up a naval base just off their eastern shore. To the north they face the Aetolian League, also in alliance with Rome. A group of fierce raiders prone to lightning raids (although much of their reputation for savagery comes from the fact that Achaean or at least pro-Achaean historians wrote the history). Meanwhile, to their south the remnants of once-mighty Sparta have reformed under a tyrant to invade and retake the lands they feel are theirs. Guess who they're allied with? And with two of the three enemies having their main interest in vulnerable Achaea, repudiating the Macedonians and seeking a separate peace is out of the question.
Instead, what we get is a small but elite cavalry force. Which really is the only way to confront all these different threats. When the Aetolians and Romans can land anywhere on their raids, only a rapid force can hope to block them from advancing further inland. I have to say, there's not a lot of books that focus on cavalry warfare in the ancient world. I'm glad this is an exception because it provides a very different look at Greek warfare. For one thing, the difficulty of staying on a horse in battle without a saddle is shown in detail as only a reenactor can. And the battles are really really good. They're confused and a mess and can be hard to follow in their entirety, because that's the limitation of a POV character, but they don't feel ill-conceived and strategy takes up as much time as tactics. Battle plans, even of the clever Philopoemen, don't always work out. The enemy has plans too and they're often enough to constrain easy victories. Battles are close fought things.
One of the most exciting bits for me was seeing how the Greeks viewed the Romans. It's something that gets glossed over in most every book I've read on the time, but the Greeks thought Romans were stinking barbarians. The whole melded Greco-Roman culture was an artifact of a later day. I have to say, this book doesn't go into this in detail either, but it does more than just pay lip service to the idea. The Roman violation of a truce is something that appalls the Greek audience, as is their idea of "negotiation", which is basically just arrogantly dictating terms. As far as the Romans are concerned wars are only over when one side submits entirely to the victor's mercy, which is a far cry from the negotiated settlements and limited territorial or dynastic victories Hellenistic rulers usually sought.
Culturally, alas, we see little enough of Greek and Roman ways, but it's better than nothing. And I actually hope he does continue the series after this one. Cameron says he plans to end it here, on Philopoemen's moment of victory, instead of following the long slow decline of his and Achaea's fortunes. I hope very much that he changes his mind. For all that Ben Kane's Clash of Empires does a good job of showing the Macedonian army in the last days of pure independence, there's little sense of loss in terms of cultural eclipse. Romans and Macedonians seem much alike.
There were a lot of things I liked better about this book. The last one, for all its skill, described a sideshow. Crete and Philopoemen's service there as mercenary captain was tangential to anything going on in Greece and with no personal ties it felt somewhat cold. That was, of course, part of the point. But here we get to see war over areas and issues he's very passionate about. The book's also (surprisingly) less anti-Sparta. They're still the villains, but the tyrant in charge has crushed the old Spartan warriors and replaced their honor with paid mercenaries. Their evil is seen as the spite of an empire in decline, possibly even a great people in decline.
On the other hand, I found this book a lot more repetitive than the last one. It feels like a series of short stories strung together, all with a similar theme. And the characters (apart from the notable Kritias) didn't stick with me as powerfully as they did last time. Perhaps this is one of those series you need to read together. In any event, none of this prevents me from recommending this series strongly to anyone interested in Greek history. Especially if you want to see a series set in an uncommon period.
The Achaean League is in an unenviable position when we start the book. Macedon has provoked a war with Rome and only the fact that they're busy fighting for their lives against Hannibal has kept them from sweeping into Greece in force. As Macedon's ally, the Achaean League is one of Rome's targets. The Romans have set up a naval base just off their eastern shore. To the north they face the Aetolian League, also in alliance with Rome. A group of fierce raiders prone to lightning raids (although much of their reputation for savagery comes from the fact that Achaean or at least pro-Achaean historians wrote the history). Meanwhile, to their south the remnants of once-mighty Sparta have reformed under a tyrant to invade and retake the lands they feel are theirs. Guess who they're allied with? And with two of the three enemies having their main interest in vulnerable Achaea, repudiating the Macedonians and seeking a separate peace is out of the question.
Instead, what we get is a small but elite cavalry force. Which really is the only way to confront all these different threats. When the Aetolians and Romans can land anywhere on their raids, only a rapid force can hope to block them from advancing further inland. I have to say, there's not a lot of books that focus on cavalry warfare in the ancient world. I'm glad this is an exception because it provides a very different look at Greek warfare. For one thing, the difficulty of staying on a horse in battle without a saddle is shown in detail as only a reenactor can. And the battles are really really good. They're confused and a mess and can be hard to follow in their entirety, because that's the limitation of a POV character, but they don't feel ill-conceived and strategy takes up as much time as tactics. Battle plans, even of the clever Philopoemen, don't always work out. The enemy has plans too and they're often enough to constrain easy victories. Battles are close fought things.
One of the most exciting bits for me was seeing how the Greeks viewed the Romans. It's something that gets glossed over in most every book I've read on the time, but the Greeks thought Romans were stinking barbarians. The whole melded Greco-Roman culture was an artifact of a later day. I have to say, this book doesn't go into this in detail either, but it does more than just pay lip service to the idea. The Roman violation of a truce is something that appalls the Greek audience, as is their idea of "negotiation", which is basically just arrogantly dictating terms. As far as the Romans are concerned wars are only over when one side submits entirely to the victor's mercy, which is a far cry from the negotiated settlements and limited territorial or dynastic victories Hellenistic rulers usually sought.
Culturally, alas, we see little enough of Greek and Roman ways, but it's better than nothing. And I actually hope he does continue the series after this one. Cameron says he plans to end it here, on Philopoemen's moment of victory, instead of following the long slow decline of his and Achaea's fortunes. I hope very much that he changes his mind. For all that Ben Kane's Clash of Empires does a good job of showing the Macedonian army in the last days of pure independence, there's little sense of loss in terms of cultural eclipse. Romans and Macedonians seem much alike.
There were a lot of things I liked better about this book. The last one, for all its skill, described a sideshow. Crete and Philopoemen's service there as mercenary captain was tangential to anything going on in Greece and with no personal ties it felt somewhat cold. That was, of course, part of the point. But here we get to see war over areas and issues he's very passionate about. The book's also (surprisingly) less anti-Sparta. They're still the villains, but the tyrant in charge has crushed the old Spartan warriors and replaced their honor with paid mercenaries. Their evil is seen as the spite of an empire in decline, possibly even a great people in decline.
On the other hand, I found this book a lot more repetitive than the last one. It feels like a series of short stories strung together, all with a similar theme. And the characters (apart from the notable Kritias) didn't stick with me as powerfully as they did last time. Perhaps this is one of those series you need to read together. In any event, none of this prevents me from recommending this series strongly to anyone interested in Greek history. Especially if you want to see a series set in an uncommon period.
November 11, 2021
This splendid novel is the 2nd part of the "Commander" mini-series, about the life and achievements of a famous Greek called, Philopoemen.
At the beginning of the book, it contains well-drawn maps of the Peloponnese and Crete, followed with a very well documented Author's Note.
At the end of the book you'll notice an informative piece by Aristotelis Koskinas about the Hellenistic Era, followed with a very well explained Historical Note and Glossary.
The book is set between 210 until 207 BCE, mostly in Achaea in the Peloponnese, Ancient Greece, and its divided into two parts, with the first called Hipparchos and the second Strategos, and the story has two main characters, Philopoemen of Megalopolis and his friend and priest/warrior from Epidauros, Alexanor of Kos.
In part one of the book we see Philopoemen as Hipparchos of the Achaean League, under the leadership of Strategos, Kykliadas, hard at work to form a new strong kind of Hippeis, the heavy cavalry, in a bid to fight wars and take on there enemies from Sparta, Rome and Anatolia and others.
In part two we have Philopoemen acting as Strategos, all in a desperate effort to save the Achaean League against invaders, who are coming from different places, and in his capacity he will guide the Achaeans in the end to victory over the Spartans, led by the Tyrant Machanandas, and with Rome and full war with Carthage, and Macedon with Anatolia.
What is to follow is a brilliant retelling of the military life of Philopoemen as a Hipparchos and Strategos, but also as a shrewd and wise Statesman with a vision, and this in a world of heroes and democracy against tyrants and autocracy, coupled with political intrigue where loyalty, treachery, alliances and bribery is commonplace, he knows that everything is at stake if he wants to escape the yoke of Sparta, Rome and/or others, and that Philopoemen and his Achaean League must show the determination and vision when fighting for survival, and that they need to be equipped with a full military force for the hard years to come.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition to this collection of great achievements by Philopoemen and his Achaeans, and that's why I like this wonderful episode: "A Captivating Last Greek Tale"!
At the beginning of the book, it contains well-drawn maps of the Peloponnese and Crete, followed with a very well documented Author's Note.
At the end of the book you'll notice an informative piece by Aristotelis Koskinas about the Hellenistic Era, followed with a very well explained Historical Note and Glossary.
The book is set between 210 until 207 BCE, mostly in Achaea in the Peloponnese, Ancient Greece, and its divided into two parts, with the first called Hipparchos and the second Strategos, and the story has two main characters, Philopoemen of Megalopolis and his friend and priest/warrior from Epidauros, Alexanor of Kos.
In part one of the book we see Philopoemen as Hipparchos of the Achaean League, under the leadership of Strategos, Kykliadas, hard at work to form a new strong kind of Hippeis, the heavy cavalry, in a bid to fight wars and take on there enemies from Sparta, Rome and Anatolia and others.
In part two we have Philopoemen acting as Strategos, all in a desperate effort to save the Achaean League against invaders, who are coming from different places, and in his capacity he will guide the Achaeans in the end to victory over the Spartans, led by the Tyrant Machanandas, and with Rome and full war with Carthage, and Macedon with Anatolia.
What is to follow is a brilliant retelling of the military life of Philopoemen as a Hipparchos and Strategos, but also as a shrewd and wise Statesman with a vision, and this in a world of heroes and democracy against tyrants and autocracy, coupled with political intrigue where loyalty, treachery, alliances and bribery is commonplace, he knows that everything is at stake if he wants to escape the yoke of Sparta, Rome and/or others, and that Philopoemen and his Achaean League must show the determination and vision when fighting for survival, and that they need to be equipped with a full military force for the hard years to come.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition to this collection of great achievements by Philopoemen and his Achaeans, and that's why I like this wonderful episode: "A Captivating Last Greek Tale"!
March 17, 2020
Review
Im sure many of you who read my reviews will know whats coming…. blah blah… Christian is brilliant etc… yes i will admit to loving his work… but why?
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Christian for over 10 years, and in that time his writing has never wavered, his drive to write has always been there, and the quality and depth has always pushed to be better and better, which i think is a reflection of the man behind the books, check out his Web site
Follow link for full review
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
Im sure many of you who read my reviews will know whats coming…. blah blah… Christian is brilliant etc… yes i will admit to loving his work… but why?
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Christian for over 10 years, and in that time his writing has never wavered, his drive to write has always been there, and the quality and depth has always pushed to be better and better, which i think is a reflection of the man behind the books, check out his Web site
Follow link for full review
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
June 6, 2020
The immediate sequel to The New Achilles, this book covers Philopoemen's rise as the supreme commander (in practice at least) of the Achaean league and his defeat of Sparta and stalemate with Rome in the first Macedonian war period (here we cover mainly the latter parts of that in 208-207) - as we know from history (and is hinted here) this led to the overturning of alliances when The Achaean league allies itself with Rome and Rhodes against Macedon and Sparta
More compact in time than the first volume, this is more battle heavy and with less intrigue/travel, but it has enough of the second at least for me (as I prefer intrigue and world-building to lots of pages of battles and war), while the main characters (the Rhodian doctor/Aesculapius high priest and soldier Alexanor is still the main POV) are still interesting and one is compelled to turn the pages even knowing where the storyline (the seemingly desperate situation for the Achean League and our heroes of late 208, early 207) finally goes
Overall a very good sequel and while the author, for now, stops with Philopoemen' story here (at the hour of his first important triumph as the main leader), he doesn't preclude following with the further story which i would definitely be interested in reading
More compact in time than the first volume, this is more battle heavy and with less intrigue/travel, but it has enough of the second at least for me (as I prefer intrigue and world-building to lots of pages of battles and war), while the main characters (the Rhodian doctor/Aesculapius high priest and soldier Alexanor is still the main POV) are still interesting and one is compelled to turn the pages even knowing where the storyline (the seemingly desperate situation for the Achean League and our heroes of late 208, early 207) finally goes
Overall a very good sequel and while the author, for now, stops with Philopoemen' story here (at the hour of his first important triumph as the main leader), he doesn't preclude following with the further story which i would definitely be interested in reading
April 24, 2020
"The Spartans will have the second best phalanx in the world"
Not sure that's the exact quote, but what a rush. Cameron doesn't just write about Greece, he brings you there. Every cavalry charge, every spear strike, every time the phalanx slams together you can almost feel it.
This took place after the New Achilles and knowing the characters like old friends now made me enjoy it even more than the first book. Maybe it was also that the pace of the book was, like the cavalry charges he describes, breakneck pace with enemies on all sides all looking for weakness to exploit. You were barely out of one desperate struggle when another enemy attacked, so much so that it's almost unbelievable if you didn't know that it really happened exactly as he tells it. Bravo Christian
Not sure that's the exact quote, but what a rush. Cameron doesn't just write about Greece, he brings you there. Every cavalry charge, every spear strike, every time the phalanx slams together you can almost feel it.
This took place after the New Achilles and knowing the characters like old friends now made me enjoy it even more than the first book. Maybe it was also that the pace of the book was, like the cavalry charges he describes, breakneck pace with enemies on all sides all looking for weakness to exploit. You were barely out of one desperate struggle when another enemy attacked, so much so that it's almost unbelievable if you didn't know that it really happened exactly as he tells it. Bravo Christian
August 2, 2021
One reason the Hellenistic era -- from the death of Alexander (323 BCE) to Rome's takeover of the Mediterranean (dated to 90 BCE but actually much earlier) -- has always fascinated me is its parallels to our own time.
Of course many people deride such comparisons, as we modern folk are clearly so much more advanced, and have moved way beyond the unsophisticated, almost primitive, denizens of earlier times. Well, maybe ...
Just like the Greeks and Romans, we struggle with finding a form of government that is stable, beneficial and has an agreed-upon mechanism for transfers of power. Just like the Greeks and Romans, we ponder what makes life worth living, and in fact we still refer to the philosophers and dramatists of that time for inspiration. Just like the Greeks and Romans, we haven't quite figured out how to make international markets work for the good of all, nor how to balance taxing the rich and community needs. And just like the Greeks and Romans, we must deal with centuries of oppression of women, who no longer are satisfied with rules set by males.
"The Last Greek" highlights our modern dilemmas by casting them in personal terms, as Philopoemon, who represents the best of the old order, fights to keep the Achaean League independent from the bigger powers that surround it. The first book of this two-book series was titled "The New Achilles," reflecting Philopoemon's embodiment of Classical Greek virtues (without the rage, however), and "The Last Greek" shows why those virtues could no longer support a successful state.
Hellenistic warfare, for example, dropped all pretense of "honor" (whatever that might be), and if ravaging a countryside and looting sacred spots helped win a war, then so be it. And if political necessity required the sacrifice of a city-state or island, well that too was just the price of success.
But Christian Cameron's book is not as bleak as the picture painted so far. Philopoemon and Alexanor, the two protagonists, fight the good fight, and history, for the most part, rewards them. And Cameron is an excellent writer, combining extensive research with carefully constructed characters to bring this usually ignored era to life.
One can only hope that 2,400 years from now, our century is given the same treatment by an author who recognizes our limitations and honors our struggles to make the best world we can, even if we fall short of our dreams and are relegated to footnotes in 45th century history books.
Of course many people deride such comparisons, as we modern folk are clearly so much more advanced, and have moved way beyond the unsophisticated, almost primitive, denizens of earlier times. Well, maybe ...
Just like the Greeks and Romans, we struggle with finding a form of government that is stable, beneficial and has an agreed-upon mechanism for transfers of power. Just like the Greeks and Romans, we ponder what makes life worth living, and in fact we still refer to the philosophers and dramatists of that time for inspiration. Just like the Greeks and Romans, we haven't quite figured out how to make international markets work for the good of all, nor how to balance taxing the rich and community needs. And just like the Greeks and Romans, we must deal with centuries of oppression of women, who no longer are satisfied with rules set by males.
"The Last Greek" highlights our modern dilemmas by casting them in personal terms, as Philopoemon, who represents the best of the old order, fights to keep the Achaean League independent from the bigger powers that surround it. The first book of this two-book series was titled "The New Achilles," reflecting Philopoemon's embodiment of Classical Greek virtues (without the rage, however), and "The Last Greek" shows why those virtues could no longer support a successful state.
Hellenistic warfare, for example, dropped all pretense of "honor" (whatever that might be), and if ravaging a countryside and looting sacred spots helped win a war, then so be it. And if political necessity required the sacrifice of a city-state or island, well that too was just the price of success.
But Christian Cameron's book is not as bleak as the picture painted so far. Philopoemon and Alexanor, the two protagonists, fight the good fight, and history, for the most part, rewards them. And Cameron is an excellent writer, combining extensive research with carefully constructed characters to bring this usually ignored era to life.
One can only hope that 2,400 years from now, our century is given the same treatment by an author who recognizes our limitations and honors our struggles to make the best world we can, even if we fall short of our dreams and are relegated to footnotes in 45th century history books.
January 26, 2021
This is better than a history lesson, as what have we been taught about this great Greek leader? Nothing! We learn a little about Alexander, Hannibal, Leonidas, Julius Caesar and other great historical leaders but I had never heard of Philopoemen before I read these books. He was a wonderful strategist who united the Achaean League so that it became a proper fighting force to oppose the Spartans and their allies, he had helped secure peace for Crete fighting in many battles and later becoming the leader of, and an inspiring, influential, representative, in the Achaean League. This book is so well written explaining how the armies were fighting and operating at that time but within the context of the story and you learn how politics around the Mediterranean were importantly influencing the the main players for superiority. Christian Cameron is excellent in his narrations of the skirmishes, battles and ambushes, you really feel as if you are there and his fictional characters are interesting, amusing and enhance the story of Philopoemen, 'a worthy child of Greece' as Plutarch titles him.
December 20, 2020
This book must have been designed to be read in a single sitting. That way you get the most out of its structure as a series of forced marches crisscrossing the Peloponnese to ward off attackers from every direction and the characters becoming increasingly battered and exhausted. If I had read it in increments I doubt I would have become as immersed in that beleaguered atmosphere of hopelessness that makes this a banger. Good book.
March 27, 2022
Second part of two in the Commander series. Excellent historical fiction, about a figure whom most people, even those with a historical bent, will never have heard of. It's a bit open at the end and doesn't really"resolve", but that's history for you. Well worth a bit of time.
March 12, 2020
This is a dense but interesting read as long as one can cope with an awful lot of cavalry battles. If you know your Graeco-Roman/Spartan history so much the better. Spread over a couple of years of campaigns around 211 BC the story follows Philopoemen's exploits at training men and horses, with the help of his friend Alexanor, ex military now priest and medical man, from throughout the Achean League to become a coherent and effective cavalry. The Achean League comprised a federation of about 10 city states at this time, based in the northern and central Peloponnese, and naturally felt autonomous and did not want to take orders from anyone. Happy to squabble and fight their own little corners. There is the threat of Roman invasions from the coast - following their various scrapes in the Punic Wars, not to mention the Spartans flexing their rather powerful muscles. The First Macedonian War was also ongoing at this time by Rome and their ally the Aetolian League (city states in central Greece) against Philip of Macedon. More bloody battles were fought by our hero and his cavalry in this. The tactics of the cavalry are classic and detailed; the time and resources needed to feed/forage thousands of horses immense not to mention the problems of acquiring decent horses in the first place as well as the demands put upon the local populations. Alongside the battles run political and philosophical discussions at home and during short respites after battles, a welcome reprieve. These give a strong flavour to the book especially the long meals and associated talk - even involving women, wives and concubines and showing an evolving society. This ties neatly with the inclusion of Scythian women in the cavalry, many of whom were far more effective riders and fighters than the Achean League chaps. Philopoemen was a real person, an Achean strategos (military general/governor) on eight occasions one of which, in 209BC (I think) at the end of this book, Many of the battle skirmishes are based upon real events too and the author obviously has a passion for this period. If you share that passion you'll like the book, if you don't you might well find it hard to follow at times. Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 17, 2022
I really really wanted to love this book and yes, it was better than the previous part - mostly because some side characters were slightly more memorable this time (Kritias, Damophantos). Overall, it is a good story, the setting is nontraditional and there are some memorable moments. It goes without saying that the research and historical details are amazing.
Unfortunately, I have two problems:
- the way Christian Cameron writes lately, he fills his stories with great many characters without working on making them unique. As a result, they all blend together, and I find myself constantly forgetting who everyone is. The main two protagonists Alexanor and Philopoemen are an exception, and their relationship is driving the story, but most of the others are forgettable. One thing that would surely help - a detailed list of characters at the end of the book, with their short descriptions...
- the way the book is written is almost as if the reader already should understand the workings of cavalry warfare in the 3rd century BC. Often times, the importance of tactical, strategic and political events is not sufficiently explained. The dialogues tend to be terse and the characters tend to hint at something that makes sense to them, but I have little idea why it's important and what it signifies for the whole story. I am not ignorant about the ancient Greek culture and warfare, yet I often found myself at a bit of a loss . More explanations would definitely help.
Both these problems were present even in the (amazing) Long War series, but they were much less serious, since Arimnestos often stopped and explained himself to his audience + even the side characters were more flashed out there. Here it doesn't happen and it often leads to a confusing read.
Still, it's solid 3,5* from me + the originality of the settings... so I give 4* and hope that the next installment of Long War series will avoid these problems.
Unfortunately, I have two problems:
- the way Christian Cameron writes lately, he fills his stories with great many characters without working on making them unique. As a result, they all blend together, and I find myself constantly forgetting who everyone is. The main two protagonists Alexanor and Philopoemen are an exception, and their relationship is driving the story, but most of the others are forgettable. One thing that would surely help - a detailed list of characters at the end of the book, with their short descriptions...
- the way the book is written is almost as if the reader already should understand the workings of cavalry warfare in the 3rd century BC. Often times, the importance of tactical, strategic and political events is not sufficiently explained. The dialogues tend to be terse and the characters tend to hint at something that makes sense to them, but I have little idea why it's important and what it signifies for the whole story. I am not ignorant about the ancient Greek culture and warfare, yet I often found myself at a bit of a loss . More explanations would definitely help.
Both these problems were present even in the (amazing) Long War series, but they were much less serious, since Arimnestos often stopped and explained himself to his audience + even the side characters were more flashed out there. Here it doesn't happen and it often leads to a confusing read.
Still, it's solid 3,5* from me + the originality of the settings... so I give 4* and hope that the next installment of Long War series will avoid these problems.
May 9, 2021
An absorbing follow-up to The New Achilles, which explores an interesting period of Greek history that often gets overlooked. The various Greek city-states are not as strong as they once were and, along with their usual in-fighting, they're also now having to worry about the growing power of Rome.
The author does a good job of portraying the various factions without it getting too confusing and as usual, provides a vivid and well-researched picture of the era. Alexanor is an interesting and sympathetic character, dedicated to his faith and his temple, while also being a skilled warrior, an influential diplomat - and a forward-thinking doctor. I also liked the female characters such as Aspasia and Kau-Ippa, showing that ancient women were not just sitting at home as we often assume, but were fully involved in a variety of ways.
A very enjoyable book which, as usual with Christian Cameron, makes me want to go researching into the era and events portrayed.
The author does a good job of portraying the various factions without it getting too confusing and as usual, provides a vivid and well-researched picture of the era. Alexanor is an interesting and sympathetic character, dedicated to his faith and his temple, while also being a skilled warrior, an influential diplomat - and a forward-thinking doctor. I also liked the female characters such as Aspasia and Kau-Ippa, showing that ancient women were not just sitting at home as we often assume, but were fully involved in a variety of ways.
A very enjoyable book which, as usual with Christian Cameron, makes me want to go researching into the era and events portrayed.
December 27, 2022
In this sequel to The New Achilles, legendary warrior Philopoemon and warrior-priest Alexanor continue their struggle to save the Achaean League from destruction. They are aided in their quest by a resourceful Athenian socialite and a rag-tag assemblage of Greek mercenaries. Now the heroes must prepare the poorly trained Achaean armies for assault from all sides. Not only are the predatory neighboring Greek states threatening to invade, but also the Romans. Like it's prequel, Cameron's deep knowledge and passion for his subject is on full display, and boy does he hate Sparta! Few have dared to challenge the myth of Spartan hegemony with such passion. Cameron's exploration of Greek politics, identity and the logistics of ancient warfare are tempered by moments of levity and compelling characterisation.
April 17, 2020
While I enjoyed the story, I think not having read the first book in the series ("The New Achilles") meant I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have done (I must learn to check and double check if a book is part of a series!). The characters are good, probably brilliant if you haven't been an idiot (like me!) and skipped book 1. Ignoring that though, "The Last Greek" was a very interesting and entertaining read which I would highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction (having pointed out that this is book 2 of a series).
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
April 26, 2020
I read this for light relief while plowing through (so far quite disappointing) end-of-trilogy doorstops from Hilary Mantel and Don Winslow. As a general rule, I prefer Cameron's mediaeval works to his Classical Greece novels, and this didn't change that preference. His viewpoint character here much prefers talking and learning to fighting so this isn't a simple tale of classical war, but there's plenty of warfare and strategy involved if that's what you want.
He has works in the pipeline which I'm sure I'll like more than I like this one, but in the meantime it's a lot better than just a stopgap.
He has works in the pipeline which I'm sure I'll like more than I like this one, but in the meantime it's a lot better than just a stopgap.
May 23, 2020
Just finished reading The Last Greek, by Christian Cameron. The Last Greek follows in the footsteps of The New Achilles. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Cameron is the best historical fiction author out there. Especially in the realm of military historical fiction.
One of the things I most love about his novels is the way he brings history to life without lecturing the reader about history. History comes alive organically.
The Last Greek takes place in the years following 210 BC, when Rome, Macedon, Sparta, and Athens were vying for domination of Greece. Our protagonist, Alexanor, is a doctor who by choice and circumstance is forced to be a soldier and diplomat as well.
One of the things I most love about his novels is the way he brings history to life without lecturing the reader about history. History comes alive organically.
The Last Greek takes place in the years following 210 BC, when Rome, Macedon, Sparta, and Athens were vying for domination of Greece. Our protagonist, Alexanor, is a doctor who by choice and circumstance is forced to be a soldier and diplomat as well.
April 22, 2020
The first word that comes to my mind after reading this book is epic.
An enthralling page turner that I couldn't put down is well researched and gripping.
I read it as fast as could and loved the vivid historical background, the interesting and fleshed out characters and the plot that keeps you hooked.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
An excellent and enjoyable read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
An enthralling page turner that I couldn't put down is well researched and gripping.
I read it as fast as could and loved the vivid historical background, the interesting and fleshed out characters and the plot that keeps you hooked.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
An excellent and enjoyable read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
May 18, 2021
This is simply one of those time where it just didn’t click, like the previous book but even more so. The one thing it does brilliantly is ground you in the world and make you feel like you’re in Ancient Greece he really knows his history and frequently goes into minute details.
However the story and character’s still didn’t quite work and I found myself disconnected from the events taking place, sometimes that just happens. That plus the story seems like mini skirmishes and the same politicking repeated again and again.
However the story and character’s still didn’t quite work and I found myself disconnected from the events taking place, sometimes that just happens. That plus the story seems like mini skirmishes and the same politicking repeated again and again.
July 28, 2020
Holy Crap
I had never heard of Philopoemen before. What a sad state our educational system is in. I am 41 and this man should be mentioned along the side of Hannibal, Leonidas, etc. I am sure he is mentioned in Greek classrooms, but he should be so in America due to his impact on Western Civilization and his ideals on freedom. Christian Cameron has done us a great honor in writing these 2 books.
I had never heard of Philopoemen before. What a sad state our educational system is in. I am 41 and this man should be mentioned along the side of Hannibal, Leonidas, etc. I am sure he is mentioned in Greek classrooms, but he should be so in America due to his impact on Western Civilization and his ideals on freedom. Christian Cameron has done us a great honor in writing these 2 books.
June 15, 2020
A great tale of insurmountable odds in a period of time most often overlooked.
I was gripped from start to finish, just wanting to get to the next page and see how the story unfolds.
Christian's writing gives you a real feel for the characters and the setting for perfect visualisation.
I hope we can return to these characters in the future and see more of the turbulent times.
I was gripped from start to finish, just wanting to get to the next page and see how the story unfolds.
Christian's writing gives you a real feel for the characters and the setting for perfect visualisation.
I hope we can return to these characters in the future and see more of the turbulent times.
October 18, 2020
Philopoemen leads the Achaean League in the late third century BC (Hellenistic period) through a maze of political and military confrontations to keep it independent of Macedon, Sparta, and Rome. Excellent!!
January 5, 2022
Fantastic Read for the History Enthusiast
This book, as any other book of Cameron's, was a fantastic glimpse of military life, medicine 2 millennia ago, relationships, and cultures much different than our own. This was very well written and enjoyable to read.
This book, as any other book of Cameron's, was a fantastic glimpse of military life, medicine 2 millennia ago, relationships, and cultures much different than our own. This was very well written and enjoyable to read.
June 10, 2021
Accurately written battles are so much more interesting to read than watching the peculiar obsession of producers with fire arrows, fire balls, catapults flinging fire, etcetera ad nauseum.
November 6, 2024
Overall was a good read but again, I do feel it’s quite draggy - repetition of battles and scenes made me skip some pages.
This book is certainly not for a beginner to Greek Mythology!
This book is certainly not for a beginner to Greek Mythology!
March 12, 2025
Absolutely brilliant.
August 6, 2025
My first DNF. it's very well written but just not for me.
April 27, 2020
Very good story
Enjoyed this book. Good story and characters. Highly recommend any of Chris books. Looking forward to his next book and series.
Enjoyed this book. Good story and characters. Highly recommend any of Chris books. Looking forward to his next book and series.
December 19, 2024
"Man is the measure of all things."
I don't think I'm the target audience for this book. I think I went in expecting more mythology, but it is all military. The military history seems super well researched though, so if that's your cup of tea, I bet you'd love this.
I don't think I'm the target audience for this book. I think I went in expecting more mythology, but it is all military. The military history seems super well researched though, so if that's your cup of tea, I bet you'd love this.
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