Michael Curtis Ford

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 show more 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! show less

Isn't it fun when a book takes you by surprise? I didn't really go into Gods and Legions expecting much, I had read a couple of Ford's other books and was just hoping for some nice, gruesome "historical" brain candy, but the book had quite a bit more depth than I expected.

The book is about the famous Julian the Apostate, so I probably don't need to go into what/who the storyline concerns. Let's just say he was a Roman emperor who maintained pagan beliefs in a time when Christianity was show more flourishing in Rome. This is what led to such an intriguing read, as the story is told by one of Julian's physicians - a Christian, who stands in awe of Julian's military and political prowess and revulsion at his barbaric pagan practices.

I won't say the book is perfect. I had difficulty connecting with the characters for awhile, I didn't like the pacing of the book, and there were a few raised eyebrows at some of the actions of the characters. I also can't argue for or against the historical accuracy of the book, as I've read so little nonfiction to know enough about the time period. If you're looking for an action-oriented historical novel with a bit more depth than usual though, Gods and Legions isn't a bad choice at all. show less

I read this book more for facts than fun. I haven't gotten to whatever Roman historians who covered Mithradates, but did remember a biography by Alfred Duggan fondly. Plutarch deals with him tangentially, I believe. There's a lot of research in this book, but no spark, and thus little desire to reread.

This one is odd because I own it but its still packed, so I read it from the library. I like this guy's stuff. It isn't high art, which is good since I'm not a high artist. But it was pretty amazing to me the level of society and technology the Romans have in the 4th century vs what Europe would come up with in the Dark Ages.
I don't really like 1st person stories, and Ford likes to tell the story about the main character from the perspective of someone close to him. The Emperor Julian is show more pretty dislikeable, but how many Roman Emperors were warm and cuddly. And I LOVE his method of fighting against war elephants. I do find the notion of a Roman Emperor who spoke Latin badly and never saw Rome amusing. Rather like Victoria being Empress of India.
I've already got the next one of his to read. show less