A fascinating new perspective on the glittering kingdoms of the Bronze Age. The powerful Hittite Empire stands on the brink of disaster when a younger son unexpectedly comes to the throne, attacked by his enemies and betrayed by his allies. A chance meeting with a mysterious Trojan hero provides some hope of survival, as palace politics give way to betrayal and assassination and then to the outbreak of war. Based on the true lives of the HittiteEmperors, in the century leading up to the Trojan Wars, the story is set in Anatolia (modern day Turkey) and the Greek Islands, during the Bronze Age. This is a tale of action and adventure featuring glittering kingdoms, warriors and heroes, atale of politics and murder, of passionate love and betrayal. There are thrones to be won but the game is a dangerous one. "And there before him stood Arnawandas, resplendent in his red robes, his long hair streaming out like a banner in the breeze. All warnings forgotten, the Crown Prince of the Hatti Empire prepared himself for single combat.
" The action sequences are thrilling and fast moving, an exciting portrayal of chariot warfare in the Ancient Near East. Bruce Johnson has created thrilling, fast moving, scenes of chariot warfare which bring to life a new era in History. The Hittites have sometimes been described as the "Hidden Empire" being studied less than Ancient Egypt, Assyria, Greece and the Romans. Now this exciting book portrays them in their full glory, their mystical religious beliefs, their palace politics, and most of all their massive military campaigns from the coastal plains around Troy to the deserts of Syria. The actionreally never stops, and yet at all times there is also a high degree of human interest as each hero and his lover are separated or brought together by the fortunes of war. "The Assyrian infantry stood firm, bracing themselves for the expected attack, but the chariot force of the Hatti ignored their formation and swept past behind them. The young prince sang out a war-cry, spear thrusting forward into the air, the rush of wind and dust whipping droplets of moisture from his eyes." The deadly intrigue of palace politics.
The political conflicts and battle scenes are wonderfully painted in a style which is both beautifully descriptive and yet also easy to follow. The characters are heroic and inspiring, giving everything to achieve their aims in both love and war. Only one hero can become the "King of Kings." Be prepared for a roller-coaster ride through an age of high adventure. Amidst the danger, love and betrayal. As the new king struggles to overcome his enemies he must also come to terms with himself, and the emotional conflict which arises when he discovers his wife has been unfaithful, and he knows he will have to choose between his claim on the crown and his love of a beautiful princess. Meanwhile one of his strongest warriors carries on a secret quest, towin revenge on his enemy and regain the woman he loves. The female characters are strong, vivid and entertaining, their romantic affairs play a prominent part in the policies of warriors, kings and pirates.