Clash of Empires

Clash of Empires, Book 1

By: Ben Kane

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

When a new empire rises, and old one must fall

After 16 years of bloody war against Rome, Hannibal Barca is on the verge of defeat. On the plains of Zama, Felix and his brother Antonius stand in the formidable Roman legions, ready to deliver the decisive blow. Victory will establish Rome as the preeminent power in the ancient world.

But in northern Greece, Philip V of Macedon is determined to restore Alexander the Great's kingdom to its former glory. Charismatic leader, ruthless general, he will use the unforgiving might of his phalanx to unite Greece and to fend off Rome's grasping fingers.

In Rome, young senator Flamininus is set on becoming one of the Republic's greatest military commanders. With Hannibal on the verge of defeat, the as-yet-unconquered Macedon and Greece are ripe for conquest. Strategist and spymaster, politician and general, Flamininus will stop at nothing to bring Philip V to heel.

Demetrios slumps on the rowing bench of his Macedonian ship. Thirsty, hungry, burnt by the unforgiving Mediterranean sun, dreams are his only sustenance. Dreams of the perfect thrust of a 15-foot sarissa spear, of the unyielding phalanx wall, of the glory of Macedon.

The Roman wolf has tasted blood, and it wants more. But the sun of Macedon will not set without a final blaze of glory.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio on our desktop site.

©2018 Ben Kane (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group Limited

Critic reviews

"Who is the rising star of historical fiction? I say Ben Kane." (Wilbur Smith)

Fantastic Reading

I had never listened to a historical book before, nor heard of the author Ben Kane. I stumbled upon Clash of Empires as a result of my search for more books narrated by Steven Pacey. I loved his performance in the First Law series, and wanted to hear more. Clash of Empires turned out to be an incredibly written, dynamic, and enthralling book. The different character perspectives were great; I can’t wait to read more by Ben Kane.

Steven Pacey is amazing. great story.

I got this book after listening to the first law books twice over. after that I couldn't imagine anyone but Steven Pacey telling me a story. this book did not disappoint. I will download the next book right after this review. If you also like history podcasts, I strongly recommend listening to hardcore history - the Persian series I believe is called the king of Kings before listening to this book. it will give you insight to the Greek history that is referenced to by 2 of the main characters in this book. No spoilers here. I am invested in the characters now and cannot wait to read on!

In the top best of historical fictions

One of my favorite historical fiction books thus far. There is plenty of good dialogue, which in my opinion really makes a book great. Characters are depicted very well especially King Philip of Macedon. This book gives you a good perspective of how a king must be in times of war. I was also happy with the narration of this book by Steven Pacey, good voice actor.

Fantastic Read!

I’ve come to thoroughly enjoy all of Ben Kane’s books. Every time I see he has put out a new one I immediately read it. I haven’t been disappointed yet. This was a great story here and I look forward to the second part coming out in May I believe. 10 out of 10 for me.

Great story but....

This story was very good, but took till chapter four before it kicked off. Then it bounced between characters at different stages of a battle. Good Roman background history, Excellent details just not perfect. so is it a buy/pass...
It’s a buy!

a fun historical romp

if you want to glimpse an warfare in the world of antiquity this is a fun book. the historicity was more than good enough. lots of cool references if things students of the Era would smile at and characters you root for and root against.

narration is excellent. Steven Pacey could read the phone book and I'd find it intriguing.

If lengthy war strategy is your jam....

I chose this book because Pacey was narrating. He is excellent as usual, but the extended battle scenes and lengthy descriptions of war strategy left me bored. The book didn't have enough "human interest" element to the story for my taste.

Great

This is a great book. Encapsulates the glory and the horror of war. Excellent character development.

Fantastic

Thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book. Riveting storylines and finished in one day because I couldn’t put it down. Excellent story telling with superb narrator made it perfection. I wouldn’t change a thing. Looking forward to the next.

great book

great narration. thank you. g g g g g g g g g g g a a s