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Title: Alexander: The Sands of Ammon by Valerio Massimo Manfredi ISBN: 0-7434-3437-4 Publisher: Washington Square Press Pub. Date: 05 March, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.4 (10 reviews)
Rating: 2
Summary: Maybe something got lost in the translation
Comment: I found Manfredi's first volume in his Alexander triology interesting enough to proceed with this, the second volume. Rarely would I abandon an author, but after reading The Sands of Ammon, I will not finish the trilogy. I've considered that maybe something got lost in the translation, but I am not convinced of that theory. Alexander and his companions are presented as NSYNC, or maybe the Backstreet Boys; I was expecting Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table or something equally as Wagnerian. Throughout the volume, Alexander seems to make off-the-wall, uninformed decisions that just happen to work out. The fact that he was schooled by Aristotle hardly enters into the formula. The romantic escapades that Manfredi inserts actually detract from the progress of the story and only interfere with the meat of the tale: how did this young man conquer the world. Clearly, it wasn't by luck or reliance on chance and uninformed decisions.
Whether it was Halliday's translation or Manfredi's lack of research, this just doesn't cut the mustard. No thanks. I'm content to wait two years for Steven Pressfield's next book.
Rating: 4
Summary: Alexander Grows Up
Comment: I am about half way through reading the last of the three books in the "Alexander" trilogy. "The Sands of Ammon" delves deeper into Alexander's journey to conquer the world and we are taken from Macedonia to the gates of the Persian Empire. Unfortunately, I have to say, the second book, while an integral part of the series, was not as interesting as the first book, "Alexander: Child of a Dream". I admit at times some of the writing was corny, particularly the cheesy "love scenes". In any case, the book is still fairly enjoyable, and if you are like me and plan to read all three books, this is a must. I found Alexander's nemesis Memnon of Rhodes an interesting character in the book and I wish the author spent more time developing his character. All I know is Alexander sure had his fair share of the local women (and boys for that matter) which he conquered as well.
Regardless of some of the cheesy writings, the book still does manage to get deep into the mind of Alexander and his fellow Macedonian soldiers. I feel I dont have too much to write about since I am almost finished with the third book, which as a teaser (sorry, you will have to wait for the review) is far more interesting and tends to close the loop on this adventure. Enjoy.
Rating: 3
Summary: March Into Asia
Comment: The Sands of Ammon continues from where The Child of a Dream left and recounts Alexander's march into Asia. In his initial march into Asia, Alexander squares off with Memnon, a Greek mercenary Commander of the Persians. Alexander finds him to be his equal and formidable foe, almost insurmountable in when Alexander sieges Halicarnassus. From here onwards, Alexander's war machine rolls onwards, hopping from one city to another until he reaches Egypt.
However, before he reaches Egypt, Alexander's army battles with the far superior Persian army. Despite the Persian Army having a 10-1 numerical advantage, it lost to Alexander's army who had more guts, bravery and valour.
Was Alexander and invincible God? Yes he was but he also bled. In a battle he was hurt by a javelin, yet he returned to the front to rally his troops. An axe once split his helm but a companion saved him.
Why was he successful? He was successful due to his leadership and organizational skills. He led by example and with valour. He had complete loyalty from his leftenants and subordinates, who are competent and brilliant.
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Title: Alexander: Child of a Dream by Valerio Massimo Manfredi ISBN: 0743434366 Publisher: Washington Square Press Pub. Date: 01 October, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Spartan : A Novel by Valerio Massimo Manfredi ISBN: 0743475429 Publisher: Atria Books Pub. Date: 01 November, 2003 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
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Title: Gates of Fire : An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield ISBN: 0553580531 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 31 August, 1999 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: The Ten Thousand : A Novel Of Ancient Greece by Michael Curtis Ford ISBN: 0312269463 Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books Pub. Date: 13 July, 2001 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: The Last Legion by Valerio Massimo Manfredi ISBN: 0333907698 Publisher: Pan Macmillan Pub. Date: 07 February, 2003 |
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