Leonidas. The hero of Thermopylae. In 480 BC he would defy an
army half
a million strong. But who was he?
This is his story. From his boyhood in the infamous Spartan
agoge to
the last stand of the 300 at Thermopylae, Leonidas and his queen,
Gorgo, are brought to life.
This is Sparta!!!
As you’ve never seen it before.
"Spend
a few bucks and enjoy this fast and interesting read. I had
no preconceived notions of this being a "prequel" to the "300" film.
I went into this well-written story with an open mind as to
content and style. I must say I couldn't wait to get home
from work and turn my Kindle on to get to the next chapter.
That is so rare with historical fiction."
"Her
literary style, superb character development, and creative imagination
combine to draw the reader into this compelling story. I
especially valued her ability to convey growth in maturity in Leonidas
and his friend Alkander as they dealt with the pathos of the death
within the family, and the inequity and injustice of politics and
society."
"Helena P. Schrader has,
in "Leonidas of Sparta: A Boy of the Agoge," prescribed a welcome
antidote to the skewed visions of ancient Sparta put forth in works
such as "Gates of Fire" and "300." If you have an interest in
the real Sparta, without supermen in capes and Speedos, then this is a
book for you. "
“Helena
Schrader has done it again, amazingly. In this, her second volume in the
Leonidas trilogy, she has brought an admittedly difficult period in
Leonidas’ life to a level of sustained reader
interest… Her research is beyond reproach… [she]
has done a superb job here putting flesh on the few historical bones
that we have of Leonidas.”
“Another
winner by Dr. Schrader. Helena is a talented historian. She is also a
gifted writer who can weave history into a readable, flowing and
enjoyable story.”
“Yes,
once again Ms. Schrader has kept me up WAY past my bedtime for
‘just one more chapter.’… I once again
cannot wait until the 3rd and final book comes out next
year!” (Book is available September 2012)
“It
is
a masterful feat when a writer can engross the reader into the very
depths of the story to the point that they are oblivious to the
profundity of knowledge they are gaining. Helena P. Schrader
accomplishes just that….”
Schrader holds a PhD in History and has been
published
in academic journals on Sparta. She provides detailed
historical notes explaining her interpretation of the known facts and a
useful list of references.
