I found this book to be a fairly interesting historical fiction novel. When writing historical fiction, I think it is important to ensure that the historical references are accurate. I think there were some definite historical inaccuracies in this book. I also found the author's writing style a bit hard to follow at times. But overall it was an interesting read. It pretty much focuses on the trials and tribulations of one solider in the army of Alexander the Great as he invaded Afghanistan around 330 BC. The problems and frustrations encountered by Alexander's army in trying to wage a war in this area of the world show that the situation has not changed much from 330 BC until today. Definitely not one of my favorite historical fiction novels, but if you enjoy this genre, it is worth the read.

I read this as a follow up to Gates of Fire. The writing style is different but Pressfield does not disappoint in bringing the time period to life and the book paints a vivid picture of life in Alexander's Army. As an American who has watched hours of combat footage of the US War in Afghanistan, the actual military operations are eerily similar.

The prose can get a bit dry at times and it does not even compare to Gates of Fire (what can?), but the story develops nicely and pays off.

Fair warning, this story is devastating. There are no happy endings in Afghanistan.

Fast-paced historical war novel set during Alexander’s campaign in what is now Afghanistan. At first I enjoyed the parallels between this ancient series of battles and modern nations’ subsequent experiences in the same part of the world, but was disappointed to learn the author plays fast and loose with the actual history. An entertaining read nevertheless - though undoubtedly dark and violent - but the “historical” part of this piece of historical fiction should be taken with a large grain of salt.

This book is an underrated one because it's not so easy to get through, i.e. it's not a happy glory of battle story. But given the current geopolitical situation it should be required reading, especially for everyone in the military. As it turns out we haven't learned much from history. Pressfield does a great job of showing the reality of warfare and subjugation, the ugliness and inhumanity, which is senseless and ineffective at days end.

This was one of my first experiences reading historical fiction. Whether or not it's exactly accurate, it does have the ring of truth. Pressfield does a good job of immersing the reader in the harsh world of a foot soldier on Alexander's campaign of conquest. It's amazing to think about how some themes are truly timeless (e.g., love for children and family, camaraderie, national pride, etc. ). As a kid watching movies in black and white I tended to think that life back then was indeed black and white. Of course, life was as vibrant as it is today. The same applies here. Thought, I'm still glad I can experience it vicariously and not have to march to war myself.

This is the story of a young Macedonian who enlists under charge of Alexander the Great. The tale winds fact and fiction together for a picture of Afghanistan that is bleak but beautiful, primitive but principled, and violent but virtuous. Pressfield had it right—millennia of history do not lie, and Pressfield puts you there, 330 BC, where the Greek code of philoxenia meets Afghan A’shaara, only one of these takes no prisoners. I’ll let you guess which one. Overall, I found the story stale and boring. Not his best work.

A great historical novel with rather sloppy writing. It is entertaining to read the book, but the language is rather bland. It is different when a story is told in an easy-to-understand language, and when it is told in a very basic descriptive way. This is why I gave it four stars only, as it is not really a literary masterpiece, as the true command of language seems to be missing from the novel.

However, the story itself is great. It gives an incredible insight into the lives of soldiers in modern-day Afghanistan, the warrior life and the military genius of Alexander the Great. Despite the lacking language, the author makes up for it with a very nice tale about the ancient times.

if you can suspend your disbelief at some of the ludicrous historical inaccuracies, this is a damn good war story that masterfully plots the progression of our protagonist from fresh faced, enthusiastic, naive youth to grizzled, ruined, cynical husk of a soldier. Tragic, comedic, and incredibly real. Highly recommend to those who read historical fiction for the story, don't recommend if you need your historical fiction to be 100% accurate to the period, culture, and time in which it is set.

I think what I enjoy most about Steven Pressfield books are the fact that his characters question why they are at war?? The philosophical and moral ramifications and questions they ask are very interesting and very fresh in historical fiction where the aim in war is simply to kill the other guy and stay alive.

This one is short, sweet and thrilling

For those who like historical military campaign minutia, you will love this. From the author’s perspective Afghan culture is presented, as is, and comparisons between the culture then and of now are poignant and timely. Read the author’s bio—I hold a great deal of respect and admiration for him. Those who want a greater understanding of what is currently taking place in Afghanistan will welcome this book.

I followed this book after author´s Virtues of War of which I had mixed feelings. The same applies to this book. As I wrote previously, I do not like glorifying conquerors. Fortunatelly, Pressfield do not gloryfies war but shows it´s horrors. And this book is full of it. It is a clash of cultures, guerilla war as lived by a common soldier. Thanks to the great finale I put additional star to the rating.

Generally, I like Pressfield. I really enjoyed Gates of Fire, and Tides of War, and Killing Rommel. But this one I can really only say "it was okay." I finished it, but only barely, and only after skipping one of the last chapters. (Not that I missed anything, since what was going to happen in that chapter had been telegraphed for half the book.) The characterizations and sensibilities felt a bit too anachronistic and modern. Just -- okay.