Max Overton Reviews

Page One

Added March 12, 2005

Lion of Scythia Book 2: The Golden King

Author: Max Overton
Publisher: Mundania Press
Available At: www.mundania.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Fiction: Historical
Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML
Price: $14.00 paperback, $6.00 ebook
ISBN: 1594260427 paperback, 1594260419 ebook
Author Email/Website: www.angelfire.com/ri2/theovertons/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 8.5 Gargoyles

The Golden King majestically illuminates a time in history that was characterized by contrasts, conflicts and wholehearted commitments.

This second book in the Lion of Scythia trilogy follows the trail of Tomyra, priestess of the Mother Goddess, and her abductors. Her father and chief of the tribe is dead, having been killed at the hands of her brother, Areipithes. Now, she is abused and abased as she hopes for Nikometros to rescue her.

Nikometros, the golden-haired Macedonian cavalry officer, pursues the priestess, yet is surrounded by deceit and treachery. The neighboring tribes prepare for war, and Nikometros is drawn into danger as those who seek his power lure him through his love of Tomyra. Will his battle skills be enough to save both himself and the woman he loves?

Author Max Overton knows how to write a great story. Readers will be transported to the lands of the ancient Scythians where the clash of battle swords mixes with cries of pain and the stench of death. The story is gritty with realistic encounters of enemy tribesmen. Yet, the author has also captured the contrasts that existed. While bloodshed and death were ever-present among these people, love and loyalty existed in equal parts. The author successfully portrayed both sides of the warriors. Yes, it was a time of unspeakable violence, but the battles were fought for honor and ideals.

The spiritual side of these people plays a significant part in this story. The power evoked by the Mother Goddess and her priestesses was both revered and feared by all. Readers will gain a better understanding of the tribesmen and their motivations as the veil on the spiritual world is lifted.

Although this time period was characterized by power struggles and violence, the love that existed between Nikometros and Tomyra was at the heart of the story line. The reader will be fascinated at how life and death walked side by side in this novel. Devotion and allegiance also struggled for supremacy against deception and treason. The blending and battling of these opposite characteristics made this time period come alive with a sharp edge of realism.

As with the first book in the trilogy, the author ends this story at a major turning point. Readers, as well as this reviewer, will just have to wait for the conclusion to this gripping tale.

The Golden King is a shining example of historical fiction!

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Added May 11, 2004

Lion of Scythia

Author: Max Overton
Publisher: Mundania Press
Available At: www.mundania.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Fiction: Historical
Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML
Price: $13.00 paperback, $5.00 ebook
ISBN: 1-59426-035-4 paperback, 1-59426-036-2 ebook
Author Email/Website: www.angelfire.com/ri2/theovertons/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo

Meticulously researched and filled with razor sharp action, Lion of Scythia will take readers back to a time when battles were fought for glory, land and a king. Author Max Overton has taken an exciting, yet blood-thirsty time, and brought it to life with his excellent writing skills.

Nikometros, a captain in Alexander the Great's Companion Cavalry, is part of a group of Macedonian soldiers who patrol and protect the recently conquered province of Sogdiana. This tract of land borders the property of the fierce nomadic Scythian horsemen. After being captured in an ambush, Nikometros is saved from death by his mysterious armband, which bears the insignia of the Scythia's Mother Goddess.

Because of this spiritual connection to the tribe, Nikometros is made a blood brother of the chief and is given a position of honor among them. Yet, not all welcome this "barbarian" swordsman. While some plot his death, he pledges his life and heart to the young and beautiful priestess of the tribe. However, in one electrifying evening, his whole future is questioned, as he must choose between life, love or loyalty.

As a history buff, this reviewer welcomed this well told tale of adventure and romance. The action begins early in the story when Nikometros and his men are ambushed. After being taken prisoner, the reader will experience the uncertainty of his life from that moment on. A very necessary element in this book was the spiritual life of the people. The author integrated their beliefs and practices with the story line and thereby gave the reader more of an understanding of their actions.

Strength in battle was the very life breath of these people and it was fascinating to see Nikometros drill the men of the tribe and make warriors out of them. The differences in fighting were discussed and also provided a well-rounded view of their military tactics.

Yet, there was a sweet side of romance as well. Tomyra, daughter of the chief and the priestess of the Mother Goddess, gives her heart to Nikometros, knowing full well that she is defying her role as priestess. Nikometros realizes that to physically touch Tomyra carries a death sentence, but he risks his life for love.

There is a strong ending, which is filled with action, betrayal and surprise. However, the continuation of this story is found in the next book, The Golden King. This reviewer will be sure to get it!

Lion of Scythia reigns supreme!

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