Conn Iggulden's "The Gates of Athens" immerses readers in the tumultuous world of ancient Greece, where democracy is a new experiment and the imposing Persian Empire looms large. This historical fiction novel skillfully intertwines the stories of four Athenians—Xanthippus, Aristides, Themistocles, and Miltiades—as they navigate political intrigue, personal ambition, and the looming threat of invasion.

Iggulden excels in bringing history to life. The Battle of Marathon, a pivotal moment in Western civilization, is portrayed with visceral intensity and strategic brilliance. Readers can feel the weight of the hoplite's shield, the clash of bronze against bronze, and the desperation of men fighting for their homeland. However, "The Gates of Athens" is more than just a war story. Iggulden delves into the complexities of Athenian democracy, exposing the corruption, factionalism, and personal vendettas that simmer beneath the surface. From the bustling agora to the hushed halls of government, Iggulden paints a vivid picture of ancient Athens.

Each of the four protagonists is richly developed, with distinct motivations and flaws. Xanthippus, in particular, is a fascinating and relatable character—a man of courage and integrity striving to do what is right in a world of shifting allegiances.

The narrative moves at a brisk pace, filled with twists and turns to keep readers engaged. The battles are particularly well-written, capturing the chaos and brutality of ancient warfare. While the characters are well-developed, I occasionally wished for a deeper exploration of their inner lives and emotions. At times, the book feels rushed, especially in the later sections.

"The Gates of Athens" is a thrilling historical epic that will appeal to fans of Conn Iggulden's previous work and anyone interested in ancient Greece. It is a story of courage, betrayal, and the enduring power of democracy. Despite minor shortcomings, it is a highly enjoyable read that transports you to another time and place.

If you're looking for a gripping historical adventure with compelling characters and vivid descriptions, "The Gates of Athens" is definitely worth your time.

another stunningly vivid portrayal of the ancient world, the harsh reality of living in in the ancient past bought to life, overlaid with the brutality of ancient war fare.

Having enjoyed Conn Iggulden’s work before (particularly his fantasy, as CF Iggulden) and as a big fan of stories set around ancient history, I thought this book would tick quite a few boxes for me. Starting with the battle of Marathon, ending with Thermopylae, I was looking forward to the political intrigues of Sparta versus Athens, and the epic war of Greece versus the Persian Empire.

Alas, it was not quite the book I hoped it would be. Perhaps I expected too much 300 and instead got a measured, personal account of a handful of characters whose names I struggled to keep straight. Okay, partly on me as I kept putting the book down. I might have been more likely to just give up if it wasn’t an ARC, but I think it does say something that I kept coming back and reading another chapter. It wasn’t a bad book at all, it just didn’t ever quite spark my excitement.

And really, given the topics, it should have. This isn’t just the run up to the famous events at Thermopylae, but gives a much greater understanding of Grecian life at that time. Fights on both battlefield and political arenas, nefarious plotting and exile, and the threat of wholesale annihilation forcing former enemies to put feuds aside for the greater good. But also personal accounts of marriage and being forced to choose between your ideals and being ostracised from everything you hold dear – yeah, there’s plenty here. Just… nope, it didn’t grab me.

One possibility is that, while taking a ‘personal’ view, it’s of an important man with influence, wealth, and respect. Other viewpoints used are much the same. Women are background, the children pawns for the MC’s emotions. Slaves are mentioned – and quickly overlooked. Even the character’s peers are either followers, or simply wrong with little nuance. Did we need another war retelling that centres around a few heroes saving everyone else through their natural brilliance, no matter how many little details attempt to humanise them?

Looking at the reviews online and this does seem to be something of a marmite (ie love/hate) book. Many adored it; others were bored. Alas, I fell into that latter category. But it does seem to be down to personal preferences rather than a huge flaw in the book, so as they say your mileage may very well vary on this one. If you do fancy giving it a go, be warned that there isn’t a great deal of resolution at the end, instead leading into the already-available book 2, with the third and final part reportedly due this summer.

Spectacular. The author never disappoints. His books are mammoth reads. They are complex and impressive. So much detail does into them, i have no idea how he keeps coming up with such incredible works of fiction.

Bravo!

I'm not sure I've read any Conn Iggulden before but after reading this I'm definitely going to read more. This book had me hooked from the start. The writing is addictive and you just have to keep going page after page, not wanting to put the book down. It is a period of history that has been written about so many times but this version is so readable. Can't wait for the next installment.

The great city from ancient history, Athens, that spurred so many into a love of history, (me included) is brought to life in this finely detailed account of the struggles to keep the democracy. Athens is one of my favourite cities in the world for many reasons, but especially because of its rich and vital history.

Conn Iggulden is no doubt the master of the genre and his knowledge and attention to detail is astounding. His writing style at times is almost like reading a textbook, in a good way, but he has the skills to tell a good story, too. This means that his work will never become dated.

The story is told from the points of view of the most significant figures of the time and include the famous Persian and Spartan conflicts. The battle scenes are excellent and the political aspects, corruption and ambition are covered well. The highlight though is the battles at sea. Not read anything like that (fiction-wise) before.

​This book is an intense and well rounded slice of history that covers the life and attitudes of the folk from that time as well as the warfare, ideology and politics. Fantastic must-read for fans of this period. Recommended.

The Gates of Athens by Conn Iggulden is set in ancient Athens, starting in 490 B.C.E. (I prefer B.C.E which stands for Before Christian Era compared to B.C which stands for Before Christ.  It's exactly the same year.  The book is written with B.C.)

Anyway, we're in 490 B.C.E in Athens, and we're joining men of Athens who are going to Marathon to fight the Persians.  We meet Xanthippus, Thermistocles, Aristides and other historical figures, and see events unfold for them.  Because yes, this is the famous battle of Marathon!  We see the aftermath, and how the Athenians carry out day to day affairs.

I enjoyed this book for the look at ancient Athens, and how democracy worked for them during this time, and there is a lot of political machinations and war in this book.  I also enjoyed revisiting characters that I learnt about during my degree.  

This is the first in a new series that will be set in these ancient times, so if you'd like to learn more then this is an enjoyable way to do it!

The Gates of Athens was published on 29th September 2020, and is available from  Amazon , Waterstones and from your  local independent bookshop .

You can follow Conn Iggulden on the official  fan facebook page, run by his publishers .

I was given this book in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to  Penguin Michael Joseph .

The Gates of Athens tells the story of ancient Athens from Marathon to Thermopylae through four of the city’s most influential political and military figures. Its democracy is threatened not just by the military might of the Persian empire, but by the machinations of its own citizens.

The novel begins with one of them, Xanthippus, joining his fellow warriors as they leave Athens to confront the Persians at Marathon. The key characters and backstory are introduced through his eyes. I found it a bit challenging getting to know them while on the march. Still, the drama and the horror of the fighting is brilliantly depicted.

After Marathon, the four men return to Athens to a hero’s welcome but they are soon divided by ambition and conflicting interests in ways that resonate today. Through Xanthippus’s eyes we see how corruption, charisma and factionalism all challenge the institutions that are supposed to protect their democracy.

Of course, it’s simplistic to view the great events of history only through the prism of today, but I wonder if it can really be coincidence that there is passing mention of prorogation and a soldier passing out while waiting for inspection by a tardy Xerxes as the Persian emperor prepares to go to war. There is even a man who gains the power he craves and realises that, actually, it’s pretty hard work, and a bit boring.

Despite these events, and personal betrayal, Xanthippus remains passionate in his desire to fight for his city and for the principle of democracy as the Persians once again threaten the destruction of Athens. The egalitarian ways of the Athenians are contrasted throughout the book with the absolute power and rigid etiquette of Xerxes and his court. In the sea battles we see the difference between the free, trained, motivated Athenian rowers and the slaves worked to death in the Persian ships. There are also some nice comic moments contrasting the discursive speech of the Athenians and the famously laconic Spartans.

For me, the political machinations are what makes The Gates of Athens, but the strength of Conn Iggulden’s writing is that you can find what you want in it – vivid battle scenes, rich depictions of daily life, plot twists and drama. This is the first in a new series and I’m already looking forward to the next book.
*
I received a copy of The Gates of Athens from Netgalley.

The best historic fiction author out there, particularly when dealing with the ancient civilisations.
Extremely accurate historically and yet it feels completely brand new because the characters are really brought to life. Despite the fact I already knew the outcome I felt very moved at certain points of the story.
Very well done book and would highly recommend.

Seen through the eyes of Xanthippus, Conn Iggulden takes us to two of the most epic battles in ancient history. Marathon and Thermopylae.
Both full of incredible scenes of battle, intrigue, politics and treachery and with the writers ability to immerse the reader into the period, you can’t help but feel you are almost there.
It truly is a wonderful story that is so expertly written. Conn Iggulden captures the period perfectly with strong characterisation and a knowledgeable understanding of the time.
It’s always a pleasure to read his books and this is another 5 star read. I loved it.

Having just read (and loved) Conn Iggulden's series on the Wars of the Roses, I was well primed for the battles of ancient Greek legend. In 490BC Darius, King of Persians, goes to Marathon to bring all his might against the Greeks. Things don't go to plan for the invader but what a brilliant way to start this rip-roaring series! Lots of action but so much more, as you would expect from an author gifted with the skill to make history flesh and blood for all of us in the here and now.

In The Gates of Athens we certainly go to war but there is much on the day-to-day happenings in the life of Xanthippus, a politician and military commander who is one of the main character in this novel. We learn how government functions in Athens, the birthplace of democracy, as Xanthippus debates with great skill. The ins and outs of democratic machination are fascinating to behold as are even the most mundane daily tasks, such as bathing and fitness. The reader is wholly immersed into this ancient world in a way that lends fresh perspective to an impressive society with laws that form the bedrock for most modern cultures. I don't want to get into great detail on plot points but political maneuvering changes things for Xan and he is exiled. Years go by and Xan is recalled to help defend Athens from another attack by Xerxes, Darius's son and current King of Persia.

This is where the story takes a turn for ground I know as Athens allies with neighboring Greek cultures and the Spartans join the fight. Enter Leonidas, King of Sparta and commander of the 300 Spartans who hold the pass of Thermopylae. Let me pause while I dab my eyes. This selfless act of incredible heroism always gets me and brings a lump to my throat. We relive it here in vivid detail in parallel with a raging battle at sea as the Greeks hold the Persians back as long as possible. Amazing stuff, honestly.

Full applause to Conn Iggulden for all the time and research he invested to bring so many characters of history to courageous life. As in his previous books, there may be goodies and baddies but they are all sketched with humanity and respect. Everyone has their own story to tell and even Xerxes becomes a commendable character striving to gain honor and fulfill the destiny his father would have approved of. The Gates of Athens was a thoroughly tremendous read and makes me want to learn more about this amazing time period. I giddily await the next book.

It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last because it's brilliant.
I loved the plot that kept me hooked, the well researched and vivid historical background and the fleshed out characters.
I traveled to ancient Athens and it was liked being there.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I was introduced to Conn Iggulden through his fantasy fiction and subsequently discovered he’s a historical author. I was eager to try his other work and The Gates of Athens seemed a suitable place to begin.

Despite being interested in the setting, it’s the characters who engage you. We’re first introduced to Xanthippus as he prepares to march to the defence of his home and family. From there, we follow his journey through exile and battle. Xanthippus is a steady man: he doesn’t get overexcited, or overestimate his position. He’s solid, and while likeable, it took a while to warm to him.

Xanthippus is the main character but the narration is split across several. Themistocles is ambitious; more than anyone knows. His motives are initially blurry and it feels he could be a villain of the story. But he proves his worth and shows his dedication to his home, even if not his friends. Additional information is provided through snapshots from lesser characters, but in an expositional manner rather than character development.

We also follow the Persians as they prepare to make war. Their king is a self-centred, selfish man, believing in his own divinity and adamant everything will go as he dictates. You want him fail just to picture the look on his face. Less page time means you don’t connect with these characters in the same way, making it easy to manipulate the reader’s loyalty.

The Gates of Athens is a slow-paced novel, set over several years as the characters deal with threats to their beloved Athens: both internal and external. The book opens with the key players marching off to battle, then the pacing slows and it introduces a political element. There’s a lot of time dedicated to understanding how Athens was governed which, while interesting, made the pacing feel it was dragging for a while. Connecting with the characters was also harder when they aren’t given the chance to develop: you want to know how they’d react.

Although the first part wasn’t as engaging as I would have wanted, the second half more than makes up for that. Once everyone gets into position and they realise the threat, the pacing and the tension increase ten-fold. It’s a race against time to be ready to meet the Persians and it sweeps the reader up in that momentum, eagerly page-turning to see if they will make it.

The battles were clearly written, despite following sea warfare. You root for your favourites; you fear for them; and you’re relieved if they survive. You know you’re immersed when the bittersweet ending hits you on an emotional level and you’re ready for the sequel to find out what happens to these characters next.

An enjoyable and engaging book. The fast-paced start twisted my expectations, but understanding the slower pace makes this a strong read that draws you into the world of Ancient Greece.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction or this time period. I’ll certainly be continuing this adventure.

I absolutely adored this book.
Conn Iggilden is a master at historical fiction.
This book features two of the most epic battles in ancient history.
The battle of Marathon and The last stand for lovers of history you will not be disappointed with this book.

The momentous struggle between Athens and Sparta as rival powers and political systems will last for twenty-seven years. If you’re not worn out by this prospect alone, Iggulden does a great job of transcending you to a time of menacing politics, brutal war strategies, and the fallacies of men undone by the breadth of their power and turgid belief in honour.
It did take me a good 100 pages to get into the book. It felt slow and burdensome, but is critical for the backstory of what transpires. The story is very Athens centric and steeped deeply into the political arena of those times.
It tells of the battles and rages between King Darius of Persia and the Greeks. It leads to a series of events that will serve as the defining moment for several citizens of Athens, including the deserving warrior Xanthippus betrayed despite his ability, Aristides honest and committed to Athens but also initially betrayed by Themistocles.
Years later, another king of Persia, Xerxes, will lead an immense invasion of Greece in order to satisfy his father’s honour. Themistocles being immensely clever and an impressive schemer arranges for both Aristides and Xanthippus to return early and so brings another time of adjustment and preparation with battle planned on land and sea.
Xanthipus stands out as the strongest most connected to character. You get a strong sense of the commitment to Athens, a growing pride and love of his family, his thoughts about strategy and reading political behaviours. Recognising how advanced Athens was at that time in this approach is quite awe-inspiring. The battle strategies are impressively detailed. The quest, a magnitude that cannot emotionally be truly imagined, yet I had a good vantage of what transpired and the emotional connectivity of a few key characters. Much is descriptive, but credit for something so complex to be incredibly well laid out and with the promise of more to come. Gripping historical battles.

The year is 490 B.C. and Athens is under threat from Persia. A novel based on real dramatic events, which is a fantastic history lesson as well as a great novel. Characters and events are brought to life in this brilliant, fast paced historical novel. Loved it to the very last page. Need to read more by this author.

This was a strange book to read for me, and therefore difficult to review. This really was a read of circumstance for me.

Starting off, it wasn’t a book I was keen on. I’m a huge fan of Ancient Greece, and I used to love Igguldens books, however I really feel of late his standards have fallen a long way. So starting the book I struggled to get stuck in. I didn’t warm to the characters at all.

However I found myself with a free day so dedicated a bit of time to the book, and it suddenly grew on me. The writing is good, Igguldens best for a while. The story flows well, and races along.

By the end, I found myself hugely enjoying it. Using a cliche, it really is a return to form. And I love that it’s part of a series, I look forward to getting stuck into the rest.

OMG THIS WAS THE BEST

I received an ARC copy of this book. After I had requested and received it, I wondered what had drawn me to it in the first place. It really was not my normal read. I am very interested in mythology but this didn't really fit with that genre. However, Conn Iggulden has drawn me into a timeand place that i could never have envisaged. it took a little time but Xanthippe in particular became someone i was so engrossed in. The wars, the home life, the rules the loyalty OMG this is just the best. I have to read more by this author. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read something i would never have bought in the shop.

The Gates of Athens by Conn Iggulden

It is 490 BC and King Darius of Persia wants nothing more than to bring the Greek states within his empire, whether they like it or not. Athens is a very different place, with no kings but an Assembly which allows every free man a voice and a vote, deciding how the city will be run. And now it must defend itself. Athen’s most respected and admired citizens now pick up their spears and shields and march to Marathon. Among them is Xanthippus, father to a small boy called Pericles. Marathon is just the beginning of the Persian Wars. Almost ten years later the Greek states, uneasily united, march and sail into battle once more, clashing against Persian forces on sea and on land, at a place called Thermopylae. All those left behind in Athens must wait to discover their fate.

Conn Iggulden is a phenomenal writer. His historical fiction is outstanding. It doesn’t matter what period of history he writes about, he brings it to life and makes the events and people of the past real, exciting and vital. This time the author takes us to a tumultuous period in ancient history, the Persian Wars. The novel is framed by well-known and familiar battles, of Marathon and Thermopylae, but they are given fresh treatment here because Conn Iggulden takes his time to make us really care about these people while also making us fascinated in their society and culture.

We spend time in Persia and with the Persian army, and it’s a world away from Greece in so many ways. It is exotic and dangerous with an incredibly powerful fleet and army. But most of the novel is spent in Athens, particularly with Xanthippus, an honourable man, a loving family man, a hero, but he also has his flaws and must suffer the whims and political games and rivalries of the Assembly. I found this absolutely fascinating. The political system of the Assembly seems chaotic and harsh. And we’re reminded that this political ‘freedom’ was only for male citizens, who were vastly outnumbered by women, children and slaves. It all becomes even more intriguing when Sparta joins the mix and we watch Athenian and Spartan men assess each other and try and find ways to work together in war against a common enemy. The tension is there throughout as Persia builds its army and navy, ready to take its vengeance on Athens.

The battle sequences are spectacular. Conn Iggulden knows his stuff and his knowledge shows throughout but he also knows how to write thrilling battle scenes. The naval battles are fantastic and so too are the battles of Marathon and Thermopylae. So much is at stake.

The Gates of Athens isn’t just about battles and the men who fight them. Conn Iggulden doesn’t neglect the other half of society. I was really intrigued by our glimpses into the homelife of Xanthippus and his wife Agariste. While there is much that seems familiar and timeless about their relationship, there is much that is very different. Their home is strange, with slaves living in a chamber dug into the earth under the house. Xanthippus sleeps apart from his wife. Slaves are trained to kill to protect their mistress and Agariste is prepared to kill her own children if the Persians come. I found it completely engrossing.

Athens itself dominates the novel. It is more than a city, it is an entity, beloved by its founding goddess Athena, and it is also an ideal. Its laws and codes, the rights of its free men, are all religiously pursued and defended, in its courts, Assembly and on the battlefield. Conn Iggulden examines all of the various aspects of Athens, and Sparta, and shows both its strengths and ts failings. Excellent!

The Gates of Athens begins a new series and I can’t wait to read more of it. Whereas Xanthippus (and Athens itself) is the central figure of this first book, it seems likely that his son Pericles will become increasingly significant and I am fascinated to read more about the origins and development of Athen’s most famous statesman.

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I have bought and read a number of books by Conn Iggulden and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. This one was no exception. His development of the characters in the book are of the very high standard one has come to expect of this author and bring to life this very interesting period in Greek and Persian history.
Placing a perspective around the key battles in a historical sense gives the book an element of pace that
defies the reader to put the book down.
An excellent book and I look forward to the sequel.