The Ten Thousand (original 2001; edition 2002)

Xenophon the Greek, son of Gryllus, grew up in Athens during one of the lower points of its awe-inspiring existence. Post-Peloponnesian war, in which his father fought, Xenophon lives in an Athens still recovering from Sparta's victory over them. Still, he grows up privileged with a higher education and extensive, if not brutal, training in fighting and war. He would also become a disciple of Socrates, despite his father's dislike for the man.

But when Xenophon becomes an adult, he quickly realizes there are no battles to be fought. Athens is rebuilding, and the best an Athenian can ask for is to be accepted as a mercenary. Upon being invited by his cousin to join distant Cyrus' army, Xenophon is conflicted. He is eager to finally test himself in battle, but Cyrus is a Persian, and Xenophon would be under the command of a Spartan general. Upon seeking advice from the Oracle of Delphi, however, he realizes this is what he wants, and chooses to join the army despite his father's disapproval.

Unfortunately, Cyrus isn't the most honest man in the world. Promised a short and sweet campaign against the Pisidians, the army fully expects an easy victory with lots of plunder and a quick trip back home. Soon, however, they discover Cyrus' true intentions; to fight against his brother on the opposite side of a vast desert, and far away from the Greek's beloved sea.

The Ten Thousand tells this story, full of betrayal, deception, bravery, and hardship. It is not your typical historical fiction; of commanders leading great armies on victorious conquest or kings defending their walled cities against relentless invaders. It is one of an army misled, of their despair at being so far from home, and their desperate attempt to escape the predicament their errant leader has shepherded them into.

I found it to be a very enjoyable read. While the foundation of the novel is built upon the bloody action and battle scenes you might expect from such a novel, much of it is a much more emotionally charged survival story. In fact, the only part of the novel where my attention flagged a bit was during the great battle between Cyrus and his brother about 1/3rd of the way through the book. I found the vulgar language a bit excessive and rather silly (although you must appreciate the creativity of 'monkey-faced ass-kisser'). Aside from this minor stint, I found The Ten Thousand to be a very absorbing and engaging read, and I'll unquestionably continue to read Michael Curtis Ford's other books. 4 stars! ( )

A very engaging book. I enjoyed the author's evocative and visually descriptive narrative. The historical accuracy was right-on and the story telling superb and this was Mr. Fords first novel! Time to look for more. ( )

Ford gives a well-researched and real life feel account of the Greek army which invaded Persia in 401 BC. A good supply of action, violence and a small amount of romance keep a male reader like myself engaged.

One is staggered by the discipline and sophistocation of the ancient world.

A great read. ( )

A novelistic retelling of the march of Greek mercenaries under Xenophon across Asia Minor to the Black Sea. Very good descriptions of battle scenes, and excellent on tactics, the practices of the Persians and other peoples along the march route, and the characters and habits of the Greek mercenaries. There was a tragic love story between the narrator, supposedly Xenophon's squire Theomisticles of Syracuse, and Asteria, who at the end turns out to be the daughter of Tissaphernes, the Persian general who killed the original leaders of the Greeks. Several unconvincing passages of philosophy and reflection scattered through the book, but the narrative parts were very good. ( )

Not my favorite Ford book, but it was a great story. Historically pretty accurate in comparison to Xenophon's original tale. I thought the tale of the Greeks plight far from home and the long arduos walk back made me feel their pain. The ending was a bit abrupt, but all in all the book was good and the characters were very real. ( )