The Gates of Athens, Book 1, was my long overdue introduction to Ancient Greek history, and what a way to start! I absolutely loved it, so when Book 2, Protector, came along, this too, was eagerly snapped up.
Protector begins 10 years after the Battle of Marathon, that was covered in the first book. After the Battle of Thermopylae, the Athenians are forced to abandon Athens and seek refuge on the Island of Salamis. The main characters, or heroes Themistocles, Xanthippus and Cimon are working together in order to engage in sea battles to try and defeat the Persian King, Xerxes.
It was lovely to meet old friends, and this time, we learnt more about the ordinary citizens, their home life, food and the Spartan Army. I knew the phrase Beware of the Spartans, and this novel has helped to put this in perspective, they were so dedicated to their work and had so much pride in that and their own sense of honour and belonging.
The land and sea battles are so vividly described, so much blood and gore, but the foresight, planning and tactics really paid dividends. The way they schemed to defend the women and children who were in hiding on Salamis, it was so emotional. The release of the home slaves so they could fight for Athens was almost altruistic, they became free to sell their labour for money and gained some respect.
This was such an engaging book, with quality research, the pronunciation notes at the beginning were probably a step too far for my ability, but I’m willing to try and tongue twist if required!!
The ending was almost predictable, then as now, people quickly tire of heroes, and some were voted out and expelled from the land they had risked so much to protect. I don’t know enough to guess what the third book will be about, but fingers crossed, I will be able to consolidate my knowledge of this fascinating period of history. Without these brave people, modern day Athens would not exist as it is now.
I found this novel to be so educational for me, and has really increased my knowledge of Ancient Greek history and culture.
A solid 5 star read. With thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK, for my ARC, in return for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon. I am waiting for our local book club groups and library to open so I can recommend this book locally.

Having enjoyed the first book, I knew what I was getting into with Protector. It’s a solid read, interesting to any historical fiction fan who enjoys reading about Ancient Greece. A few points stop it being five stars, but I enjoyed this.

Despite this book being about war, it’s a character-centric read. The majority of the plot shifts between three main protagonists, although a number of secondary characters also have their moment.

Xanthippus is calm and balanced, not driven by power but by the need to keep his family safe. Perhaps because of this serenity, I found it harder to connect and get into his head compared to the previous book. As events unfold and Xanthippus suffers from a personal tragedy, he withdraws and you barely see him for the final part. It felt an unsatisfying ending for him – he just disappears.


While Aristides is one of the main narrators, it’s hard finding the words to describe him. He just… is? He’s a humble man, and shows his bravery in battle, standing against impossible odds. He knows his strengths, and when others are better suited for the task - a refreshing trait in a character. But you never see what makes him tick.

Themistocles is the one you get to know the best; the one whose passions run high and you know his thoughts. Unfortunately, I never liked him. He’s self-centred and arrogant, and even if he did bring about some victories, you want someone to take him down a peg or two.

The narration switches rapidly between different characters. I kept getting thrown off – just as one arc gains momentum, you’re suddenly with someone else, in a different place, fighting another battle.

It created tension, though – you have to wait to see if they’re going to come out the other side of their fight. There’s a calm approach to these battles: you don’t witness the characters’ fear or bloodlust, but the confusion and the poor visibility. There wasn’t the usual squirming over details the way I’ve done with other historical reads.

As with the previous book, I found the pacing varied. The battles and climatic moments are all handled well. But there’s a lot of talk and politics. It was interesting – I loved finding out more about how the system worked back in those days. But it dragged at times.

Again, following the style of The Gates of Athens, half the plot is set during a battle, half the consequences of that fight. This made it an interesting mix of events taking place. However, sometimes it felt there could have been more balance: we go from three large-scale battles taking place, to a mass of politics and back-stabbing.

I enjoyed this book. It’s a solid read and enlightening for anyone with an interest in this time period. I wanted to connect to the characters more, but given the type of men they were, this distance also worked. I’d say one to look out for if this interests you.

Set amongst what were possible the the most important Land and sea battles in the history of Europe that could have changed the existence of the Roman Empire and Europe could have been so much different. The embodiment of characters and the interplay is very well written and the lines of the work that had to happen to save Athens and pull in the demoralised Spartans who are rolling after the death of Leonidas.

Conn Iggulden teases out the story in a hugely entertaining way, manipulating and condensing time periods as needed, pulling in obscure facts to bring realism and insights is genius. The fullness of the characters, the interplay and mannerisms amongst them is something that drags you in and want to know more and fight along in the story.

This is a scintillating and mind wrangling story that just rolls you into the action, as if you yourself were part of the story. Riveting.

Another great adventure from Con Iggulden well known characters from history are brought to life. Non stop action from beginning to end. Great read!

Iggulden doesn't just describe the ancient world, he takes you there.

The second installment in his Athenian series is just as gripping as the first. From the salt spray and the sea battles of Salamis, to the blood and dust in the middle of the phalanx as the Greeks fight to preserve the western world, this is historical fiction at its very finest.

Conn takes famous names from the ancient past and brings them back to life, their flaws and their triumphs laid bare upon the page, he has a unique ability to make them feel real. You understand their motivations, feel their frustrations and sense their doubt.

Having previously read Christian Cameron's Arimnestos series covering the same ground, I was a but indifferent when I first picked up Gates of Athens, wondering if I would enjoy journeying a road I had already walked. But the two books in the series so far have been fantastic, and I can't wait for the next one.

Another outstanding book by one of the greatest historical fiction authors out there. I liked the first book so much it was in my top five reads of 2020, well the second book has out done the first, easily the most gripping, enticing story I have read so far this year! I am a historical fiction lover and this book ticks all the boxes for me. Excellent work Conn, excited to see whats next!

What another incredible historical tale interwoven so it feels like you are there. The master has outperformed himself yet again.

I'm a big fan of Conn Iggulden but I didn't find this one as immersive as usual. I think it's because, for much of the book, the protagonists are waiting for the next battle to start. It left me feeling like I was waiting too.

The battle of Salamis. Athens is burning and its inhabitants have taken refuge at the island of Salamis. At the head of a large fleet Themistocles, Cimon and Xantippus are still trying to get the odds in their favour and defeat the Persian king Xerxes. Themistocles' wits and some luck do the trick, but a large number of Persians move inward. Athens is rebuilding from the ashes but they will need the help of the Spartans to survive. And after the death of their battle king Leonidas, it's unsure whether they will stand with them or not.

This is the second novel in the Athenian series of Conn Iggulden, telling the tale of the Persians Wars and the Peloponnesian War. I did enjoy 'the gates of Athens that ends with the fantastic first part of the battle of Salamis. Protector continues the story of this battle and I was immediately drawn into the action.

I had some trouble with getting to know the different characters during the first novel, but this second part felt like a happy reunion with some favourite characters. I definitely prefer Protector over Gates of Athens because it offers more direct action and some interesting character building.

I also liked how the first novel offered insight into the democracy in Athens, whereas this one learns you more about Sparta. You can feel the differences between both realms that will bring them to the other side of the battlefield in the future (I believe the Peloponnesian War will be the topic of the next book in this series?).

The battle of Plataeae is the 'piece the resistance' of the novel. My favourite character is Aristides and I loved to experience the battle from his perspective. I also enjoyed the ending, it offers already some closure. There is a new generation coming up for the next book(s). The characterization of Pericles is promising.

I never thought I would find these ancient Greek wars so immersive, but Iggulden has a talent for writing battle scenes and political intriges that will get you on the edge of your seat.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher to provide me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Another historical epiphany from the master of the genre describing the battles between Athens and Persia. Great characters of the time appear throughout with political and blood soaked scenes both on land and sea. The clever tactics of the Greeks of Athens and Sparta against vastly superior numbers to emerge victorious despite
Athens twice being burnt with at the end the Athenian system to apportion blame or praised interestingly told. One awaits the next episode hopefully soon!

Epic adventure is an understatement. The Persians are advancing on Athens and have huge numbers to their advantage. Themistocles is an archon of Athens and must use his wit and wile to lead his people to war.
Brilliantly written book that brings history to life and full of colour. Life, death, valour and bravery. Great book, enjoy.

This is the second book in Iggulden's Athenian series. I had not read the first but having studied this period of history I was familiar with the main characters and battles, who won etc! Although this is obviously a novel, it is clear that a lot of scholarly research goes into the writing of these books. Really enjoyed the detailed description during the battle scenes regarding the tactics, formations etc. I had to write an essay on Pericles' funeral oration many years ago so nice to catch up with him as a teenager! I love all things 'Classical' so this was perfect for me. Glad I have got so many more of his books to read. Thanks to Netgalley.

In this sequel to The Gates of Athens the war between the Athenians and Persians continues. It’s incredibly well researched, with great characters engaging in fascinating political intrigue and rich with historical detail. It’s gripping. I’ll be sticking with this series until the end.

The Persian hoard has defeated the Greek army and now sits at the gates of Athens intent on subjugating the people of Greece. 
All seems lost for the Athenians and their allies as they face overwhelming forces on land and at sea, their only hope is to convince the leaders of Sparta to join the alliance and send their legendary legions into battle.
This tale of politics and war in ancient times is brilliantly told by Conn in his second book in the Athenian series.
Can't wait for the third instalment of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UKfor my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars. Protector starts where [book:The Gates of Athens|51908596] ends.  The Athenians have evacuated to Salamis and are watching their city being torched by Persian troops. Offshore, the sea battle rages, the Greeks greatly outnumbered by the Persian fleet. How can the Athenians possibly survive this onslaught?

Conn Iggulden has the gift of making ancient history come alive - from the battles of Salamis, Plataea and Mycale, ultimately battles to save the Western world from becoming part of the already massive Persian Empire, to the politics of Athens and Sparta. The main characters’ names are legendary - Themistocles, Xanthippus, Cimon, Kings Alexander of Macedon and Xerxes of Persia. This is quality historical fiction, well researched, brought to life, and with an excellent end note by the author which adds further detail.

There were times that my interest dipped but mostly I found this is a gripping, exciting book. So nearly 5 stars. With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for a review copy.

A historical novel about ancient Greece - interesting but a little dry.

I should not really have chosen this book to review as I'm not really a great fan of war books. This novel deals with the conflict between ancient Greece, particularly Athens, with the Persian Empire, incorporating the battles of Salamis and Plataea., as seen through the eyes of the main protagonists, Themistocles, Xanthippus and others.. I haven't read the previous book in the series but the events are made clear in this volume.. There's good character development and the story moves long at a reasonable pace but battles aren't really my thing.. I'm sure that this will appeal to anyone interested in this period of history, especially war story enthusiasts.. I learnt a lot (although I studied Ancient History at university over forty years ago). Quite good - if that's your bag! I received a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

A follow on book to “Gates of Athens” that is once again an education that grips you every page. Historical fiction based on sound research plays out events that could have led to a different world to the one we know. With the Hordes of Persia about to engulf a fragmented Greece and Athens aflame, three leaders come to the fore. Two had been previously banished, but with a combination of cunning, leadership and bravery the odds are defied on land and sea, with not a little help from the Spartans.
However one leader with an ego to match his cunning finds tables get turned as the mob look for recompense for their losses ……..
A marvellous book - again and my thanks to all concerned for the ARC

The sequel to The gates of Athens, Protector continues Iggulden's fictionalisation of the Graeco-Persian war, focusing on the three key Athenian leaders, Xanthippus, Aristides and, especially, Themistocles. The story starts with the evacuation of Athens and reaches its climax in the uneasy alliance of Athenians and Spartans vastly overwhelmed by the Persian army at Platae.

It's a turning point in history. As Iggulden himself observes in the Afterword, if the Persian army had been victorious, the flowering of Athenian democracy and its extraordinary outpouring of art, philosophy and literature would never have happened; and there might have been no Rome to follow. Iggulden's achievement is to tell the story of the conflict on a human scale without losing sight of the huge historical and cultural forces at play. Educational and entertaining, Protector is a compelling read.

As soon as you see the name "Conn Iggulden" on a book cover, you know you're in for a treat. Always. "Protector" follows on from "The Gates of Athens" and, if anything, is even stronger than the first book in this series. I can't tell you how much I enjoy Conn Iggulden's writing - I'd probably be happier living without the sun. This is the perfect series to get your historical fiction fix. Read it!

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Book 2 in the Athenian series.
We catch up with Thermistocles and Xanthippus, as the armies of Xerxes - the young Persian King - burn Athens to the ground.
Conn Iggulden is the master when it comes to historical fiction, with lots of vivid, atmospheric, gritty scenes, you'll believe you're on the battlefield fighting for your life.
If you love historical fiction with a dollop of fact, then I highly recommend this.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC.