Clash of Empires Hardcover – July 16, 2019

I've read hundreds of historical novels, dozens of them set in ancient Rome and I've read a lot of Roman history. I was thrilled last week to discover a new author, Ben Kane. As I began to read, the writing itself stood out as several cuts above the average of decently written fiction and I was even more enthusiastic. But then came the story of Flamininus, Roman senator and conqueror of Greece--one of the central characters in this story. An early scene has Flamininus scheming to be elected consul to lead the war against Macedonia. Kane has the election being held in and by the Senate (!!) and candidates running as tickets for the places of senior and junior consul (!!). You can't have read any accounts of high Roman politics and come up with this procedure. Consuls were always elected in the centuriate assembly, where voting was by voting classes, weighted to heavily favor the wealthy. Yes, candidates needed senators to support them, but also the wealthy businessmen (knights). The top vote getter was senior consul, second place, junior consul. Senior and junior were often political rivals--a further check and balance against abuse of power. Whoi presided over the senate meetings depended on the month, the two consuls alternating. The same for military command while in office. These are basic facts of the Roman political constitution and shaped the political culture, which Kane purports to show us in operation. But how can you understand anything about Roman politics without knowing that several bodies had competing and independent legislative and appointive power? The senate did not rule the Roman republic, it was just often more powerful than other bodies. If Kane got this basic stuff wrong, it's difficult to trust the historical accuracy of anything else, although the early battle scenes ring true. Roman politics provides fascinating material for a novelist, and many have built amazing stories on it. This isn't one of those novels.

I've been a fan of Ben Kane for many years, but out of all his novels this is easily my favorite one!I can't think of any historical fiction writers who have written about the Second Macedonian the war or Philip V of Macedon in any major novel. Ben Kane has not on accomplished this feat, but made Philip an entrancing character that will disgust you one moment only to earn your admiration in his next POV chapter. Titus Quinctius Flamininus, a historical figure I originally showed little interested, is a man this novel has changed my opinion of. Even though I knew his historical fate, I shared his frustration in moments where his plans and ambitions were stymied by his opponents.Clash of Empires easily earns 5 Stars from me! I can't wait to read the next installment!

Ben Kane is an exceptional narrator. Ordinarily a writer who is as careful of detail and meticulous with the historical record as Kane ends up writing tedium. Nothing like that here. In fact, I can sense a considerable progress in Kane's writing style and ability compared to his earlier works. The characters of just four actors are developed, but developed well: two leaders, Philip of Macedon and Titus Quinctius Flamininus, and two common (or uncommonly lucky and fine) soldiers of Rome and Macedon. I found myself bouncing back and forth between the Kindle book and my maps to reacquaint myself with central Greece and the eastern Med around the Dardanelles. Other than that, it was a hard to put down read and easily won my five stars.

Clash Of Empires was magnificent in every way.Truly a great story, and definitely on the watch list for the next installment.In the Author's note, Mr. Kane mentions how historical fiction is a fading category, so let those of us who enjoy this category keep it going with book purchase, reviews, social media posts, and word of mouth to keep stories like these coming.

This is one of Kane's best book, because it discovers the Roman conquest of Greece, a theme rarely discussed in other novels. The use of flawed characters on both sides (no idealistic heroes) and dual narrative of the Greek and Roman sides is an interesting technique. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

In someways, this book is a continuation of Kane's Second Punic War series into the Roman invasion of Greece, with all new characters. You don't have to read the Hannibal series first to enjoy it. The book follows common soldiers on each side, as well as the leaders of both armies. It's well researched. Kane does an excellent job of taking you there.

Another great read by Ben Kane, I loved the subject matter of this book Iam big fan of both Roman and Greek ancient battles. Mr Kane does an excellent job in describing the battle scenes and the switching back and forth from Roman to Greek prospective in the story was awesome, hopefully there will be another one on this subject matter.

I HAVE ALL OF BEN KANE'S BOOKS AND I LOVE EVERY ONE OF THEM. GREAT HISTORY AND FANTASTIC STORIES! HE GIVES YOU A GOOD IDEA OF WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE AT THE TIME AND PUTS YOU RIGHT IN THE STORY. MOST OF HIS BOOKS ARE ACTION-PACKED. NOT AS MUCH WITH THIS ONE. ALTHOUGH I ENJOYED THIS BOOK, THE STORY WAS A BIT MORE SLOW PACED AND DRAWN OUT. I HOPE THE NEXT TWO IN THIS TRILOGY ARE FASTER PACED. ALSO.(I DON'T KNOW WHY) HIS BOOKS ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO GET NOW WHICH IS SOMEWHAT IRRITATING.

Ben is one of the greatest writers of this genre and I love all of his books. The Forgotten Legion hooked me from the beginning and it started my passion for Roman History and Ancient History in general but this one just didn't grip me.The detail in the Clash Of Empires is impressive and Ben's research is second to none but to write an honest review I have to say that this book didn't grip me like his previous books.I think its because I just didn't feel any connection with the Characters. The point of view changes quite a bit and it left me skim reading through chapters just to get back to the good bits with another Character.One character I have an issue with is Flaminius. The dialogue started straight away it seemed and I had no idea who or what he wanted to accomplish until a good amount through the book which is probably the idea but just didn't work for me.Hate to write a bad review still love Ben's work but this one wasn't for me.

This fantastic book is the 1st volume of the "Clash of Empires" series from the author Ben Kane.The historical details, which you can find at the end of the book in the Author's Note, concerning this wonderful story are very well researched and documented, and these details are superbly implemented within this great historical tale, and besides that there's also a well explained Glossary.At the beginning of the book you'll notice two well-drawn maps of the Kingdom of Macedon and of Asia Minor and the Propontis, both in 202 BC, and besides that there's a short note from the author himself about the two maps at the end papers of the book, front Latin and back Greek.Story-telling is as ever of a superb quality, for the author brings the Ancient World to us in a most delightful fashion in which all his characters come vividly to life and the atmosphere of these brutal and turbulent times come very much to the forefront.The book starts with a very interesting prologue situated in the year 215 BC, before the book, which is divided into 4 parts, begins to flourish into a magnificent story that starts in the year 202 BC and will end in the year 198 BC.Parts 1 and 2 are divided into 4 main streams; the first one being King Philip V of Macedon, who's trying to emulate his forebears King Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, by recapturing all of Greece and beyond; the second being Demetrios, after having been a rower in the army of King Philip is now due to a lucky encounter with Simonides a phalangist in that same Macedonian army; the third being Senator Flamininus, who's doing all he can to become Consul and win glory for himself by defeating Philip and the Macedonians; and finally fourth the brothers Felix and Antonius, who after having defeated the Carthaginians at Zama are dishonourably discharged after falling asleep on sentry duty, and now they've enlisted themselves with the Legions who will invade Greece and will be fighting the Macedonians.In parts 3 and 4 we find King Philip V of Macedon and his Macedonians, with Demetrios in their midst, in war in Greece against the Roman legions, lead by Consul Flamininus, and with Felix and Antonius in their midst, where battles will be fought to the death, causing lots of casualties, but for the moment its a stalemate and only time will tell what will happen next.Highly recommended, for this historical novel is really a treasure to read and I look very much forward to its sequel, and because of that I would like to call this book: "A Most Superb Beginning"!

I don’t like leaving bad reviews, but this is the second book by Ben Kane that I have given up on. I am a student of ancient history, with an interest in classical and Hellenistic Greece, so the subject matter appealed to me hugely.The books is well researched (the reason for the second star), but the author fails to bring any real life to his story. The style of four different view points detracts from the narrative, and the characters themselves are not well developed.I found a similar problem with his novel about Carthage.It is such a shame as the Macedonian wars are not a period that many have tackled in historical fiction, probably due to the paucity of primary sources, and I was looking forward to this hugely interesting period being brought to life, sadly it was not to be.

Ben Kane's latest offering starts off with a little nod to his much under-rated Hannibal series with the Battle of Zama which ended the Punic wars. You are then sent on a journey, as with all of Ben's books, of the deepest research and quality. The story flits effortlessly between members of both the Roman army and the Macedonian army which leaves the reader with a highly balanced and in depth knowledge of decisions made by both sides of this conflict.On the Roman side, you have a nation weary from years of conflict against the Carthaginians. On the Macedonian side, you have a leader intent on emulating the great Alexander.and uniting all the Greece states and cities under one ruler.Once again with Ben's books, this is not all flowers and sweetness. There are atrocities carried out by both armies which some readers may findunpalatable but reflects the attitudes of the period. These were hard times where life was cheap and girls and civilians were treated harshly. Some authors may gloss over the facts but with Ben the reader is left in no doubt about what life was like at this time. War was brutal and the reader is taken into the heart of the battle with the soldiers. Indiscipline is dealt with harshly, punishment is meted out without any recourse. Friends are killed, enemies are everywhere, even amongst your own army. Soldiers lives come second to achieving your aim. Death is a constant companion.Ben Kane is quite rightly regarded as one of the best writers of Roman historical fiction and this book firmly cements his place there. He is highly regarded by both his fans and other writers of the same period and quite rightly so. This book is just superb and will do Ben's reputation no damage at all. He has set the bar extremely high once again and left it to other authors to reach the same height. Very few will reach it. I can not recommend this book enough. If you have read this far then I can only assume that you are considering buying this book. You won't be disappointed if you buy it.

I’m a Roman history anorak, which means that for years I avoided Roman historical fiction. About five years ago I did read a novel about legionaries on Hadrian’s Wall but I wasn’t minded to read the sequel, or any other novels by that particular writer. Then I discovered Ben Kane and was pleasantly surprised….I’ve now read most of his books, except the Spartacus series, which I will get around to later this year.I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s into Roman history, or wants to get into Roman history, though if you haven’t read any other books by Ben Kane, you’d probably be best off reading the Hannibal Series before this as this book follows on from Clouds of War. It starts with the Battle of Zama, where the Roman’s finally defeated Hannibal, and then moves swiftly on to the series of wars that eventually led to the Roman subjugation of what we now call Greece.Ben Kane follows his usual formula. We have two main characters, front line troops and each on opposing sides; Felix the Roman and Demetrios the Greek. Above them, we have a character from each of the opposing elites, the Roman consul Flamininus, and King Philip V of Macedon. I say “formula” but I don’t mean that as a criticism because it gives us a four-dimensional view of the action: opposing sides and opposing classes. Ben Kane is a master at weaving four plotlines together to create a coherent whole. The result is that you get a clear view of the strategy and politicking played out by the ruling classes, then you see how that impacts on the humble soldiers and civilians who are trying to survive the violence unleashed by their masters.For those readers who might be getting a bit bored of Roman soldiering, this book has some refreshing additions, such as an insight into Greek hoplite tactics and how they match up to the Roman meatgrinder. We also get a fustuarium (Roman soldiers forced to club a comrade to death, in this case for falling asleep on guard duty) – I don’t think we’ve seen that in other Ben Kane novels.I do have some whinges I need to get off my chest now:Given that Ben Kane is generally so meticulous in his research and is a master of historical detail, I was disappointed to find some bloopers in this novel. On page 100 we have consuls elected by the Senate. I couldn’t believe that Ben Kane isn’t aware that the consuls were elected by an assembly of male citizens. In fact, he says as much in the glossary. There are plenty of accounts of dramatic elections involving bribery, assassination threats and class struggle (one of the two consuls had to be a pleb, although the voting system was weighted in favour of the toffs). Ben Kane usually finishes his novels with an author’s note explaining what research he’s done for the novel and why, and he explains why he had the Senate electing consults. We get a rather brief account of one candidate trying to win the election by bribing his fellow senators (a serious criminal offence known as ambitio, which was punishable by exile for life). He thinks he’s got the election in the bag and then a surprise candidate pops up at the last minute and wins the election by a mile. However, I’m still disappointed as he is perfectly capable of staging a really gripping consular election based on historical fact, with a bit of imagination thrown in.We have another blooper on page 120 when a Greek soldier places the Battle of Marathon a century late (around 390BCE instead of 490). Then on page 126 we have Roman legionaries writing letters home. Really? Would Roman legionaries and their parents be literate? And who delivered the letters? I’m not aware that the Roman Army ever ran a postal service for the rank and file. I’m happy to be corrected, but I don’t think I’ve seen a reference to squaddies writing to their mum and dad in any of Ben Kane’s other books.Right, that’s enough moaning. These are minor issues compared to the positives. All in all, it’s another winner from Ben Kane and I look forward to the sequel.

Ben Kane is a best selling author in the Historical Fiction genre, but this is the first time I have read one of his books.At 448 pages, it took me a while to read it, but that is no reflection on his lively and authentic writing, which at times had me staying up far too late to finish a chapter. Kane interweaves real historical figures with fictional characters, setting them in and around actual recorded events. In this book, he deals with the enmity between the Macedonian Empire of Philip V, and the might of Ancient Rome. As well as those two main players, we have the various Greek states involved on both sides, and allies who can turn their coats for the right reasons.Kane deals with the style perfectly. He uses some main characters from each side, and we follow the same events through their different viewpoints. Whether a new member of the fearsome Macedonian phalanx, or an experienced Roman legionary, the story is at all times completely believable, and feels very authentic too. We get the view from the nobles at the Macedonian court, and the behind the scenes political machinations of Roman senators and Consuls vying for power and wealth.There are detailed descriptions of the training of the soldiers, the composition of the various regiments, and the fighting tactics. The effect of total war on the civilian population is covered too, as well as the incredibly harsh punishments inflicted in the armies. With the action switching from Rome, to Athens, then up to Macedonia, all locations are genuine, and maps are supplied too. We visit the camps of the different soldiers and see what they do when they are idle, then follow them to taverns and sporting events.But it is without doubt during the battles and sieges that Kane’s skill excels. With compelling descriptions of formations in combat, the use of catapults and missile weapons, and the courage and fear shared equally on both sides, he delivers an edge of the seat experience that at times makes you imagine you are there. This shows real writing skill, and reminded me of the books of Bernard Cornwell and Steven Pressfield.I wasn’t aware of it when I bought this Kindle version for just £1, but the book finishes leaving no conclusions, as it is the first in a series. The second one, featuring many of the same characters, and continuing the events from the last page, is now available.I will certainly be buying more of his books, and this one is unreservedly recommended.

This is without doubt Ben Kane's best book to date and he'd already written some good ones!Set around 200BC and shortly after the defeat of Hannibal of Carthage at Zama, this book recounts some of the battles fought between Macedonia and some of its neighbouring states, as Philip, Macedon's king, tried to recreate the Macedonian Empire imagining himself as the new Alexander.As the rising superpower in the Mediterranean it was probably inevitable that Rome would eventually become involved especially as elements of the Roman Senate were still smarting with indignation at the alliance Philip tried to forge with Hannibal; revenge was clearly on their agenda. Nevertheless, confident in his own abilities and the fighting prowess of his army, Philip fights on winning some stunning battles.What I particularly enjoyed about this book apart from some very strong characters who you become invested with, is the way that the story is told from several viewpoints: a simple Macedonian farmer who rises to fight in the phallanx, two Roman brothers, Philip and a Roman Senator who after much scheming becomes Consul and earns the right to lead the war against Philip seeking glory and fortune.The only thing I found difficult about this book and this is in no way the author's fault (facts are facts) but it was sometimes hard to comprehend who and where all these small Greek city states were and as someone who likes to totally immerse himself in a book and understand everything, I found myself constantly reverting to the maps at the front of the book.This was a thumping good read and highly recommended. Most Roman historical fiction books tend to focus on the period 70BC - 60AD which is fine - there are plenty of stories to be told there - but it would be good if more books about Rome's earlier history were written - Marius, Sulla, Scipio etc.

There comes an age when deja vu seems a permanent state of being. Harry Potter passed me by as derivative. Game of Thrones unoriginal. Now this. I was, until now, a great fan of Harry Kane but there seems to be something missing in his latest book. Or rather the same old formulaic structure is present. Intertwining the stories of two man characters, young tiro survives bloody battle, another young tiro begins his rise through the strata of life with an amazing stroke of bad situation turning to good fortune. The detail is also missing. In battle, from my extensive readings, not from personal experiences, soldiers only see what is immediately before them and then mostly but as through a glass darkly. Where some authors go in for too much blood and gore and detailed accounts of at least the local tactics, Mr Kane skates over detail. I will probably finish it. Perhaps it gets better, perhaps I am just getting old ?

This is a bit of a mixed review as I had the bright idea to make this my 2nd audible book (I didn't get on with my first), lo and behold a third of the way through and I decided, audible is not for me! I couldn't relate to the characters and couldn't follow the story, the reader put on voices which were different to how I imagined the characters and I thought sod it, I'll do it the old fashioned way and read it myself.From that point onwards the story took a different turn and the characters took shape and the plot became exciting, just like the previous Ben Kane books I've read, Clash of Empires became a book with substance and I could immerse myself into it's story and be there with the characters as it's plot evolved.My only gripe is that the story is looked at from opposing sides, and deciding which side you favour is difficult, as you progress you get the feeling both sides will meet and if they did what kind of outcome would satisfy me most, of that I am still unsure. This is the first part of an ongoing saga and although I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of the book (I've given up on audible) I will have to wait and see if the completed story comes up trumps.

This was the first Ben Kane book I purchased, and followed up this with his Forgotten Legion Trilogy on the strength of this read. I enjoyed the fact that there was no hero performing wondrous deeds, though some reviewers failed to connect without the use of a main character. I thought that it portrayed the decision making of leaders in a simple but understandable way, but particularly enjoyed his handling of the common soldier. The description of how a pike phalanx fought was excellent and gave me a very good understanding of the tactics and organisation. The history seemed well researched and I will buy the next in the series. The Forgotten Legion books I found shallow and less appealing. The true art of the Historical novelist (Cornwall, Low and Cameron) is to make the reader think that the narrative is believable, which the Forgotten Legion singularly failed to do, but I thought this book excellent.

The Roman encounter with the Macedonian phalanx is often played up as a significant confrontation, but the Romans beat the Macedonians so quickly that it rarely gets much historical coverage (though I liked Robin Waterfield's recent historical study  Taken at the Flood ).The novel bounces along impressively - Kane quickly finds protagonists from each side and then switches between them to track events (and perspectives). The novel is good for conveying the sheer confusion the Romans felt at the phalanx formation and how tough it was to break down. The story of how the tide turns must take place in the 2nd and final installation,  The Falling Sword . This first one stops a bit abruptly. That said, I really enjoyed it! Taken at the FloodThe Falling Sword

I really enjoyed this book. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially involving the ancient world will quickly become absorbed. Its bare frame tells the tale of two major protagonists, Roman and Macedonian, in the form of Roman Consul and a King. It also tells the tale from the bottom rung of the ladder, the soldiers, on both sides. I never go into the twists and turns of a plot in writing a review, simply because I steam roller read, so like roller coaster ride I can never accurately recall every twist and turn or rise and fall. Save to say you will enjoy this book. I can't wait to read more of Mr. Kane's work.

A new series by a favourite author is always a nervy affair. Having read Ben's previous "Eagle's" trilogy I was really missing the main character Tullus. He is on a list of literary "friends" that includes Jack Aubrey, Stephen Maturin, Bernie Gunther and Didius Falco. So, I opened "Clash of Empires" with some trepidation. I needn't have worried. His characters are incredibly sympathetic and the only problem I have, as someone with an utter obsession with all things Roman, is that I can't quite work out if I like a Roman or Macedonian the most...The pace is lively, the prose engaging and the plot is gripping. If anyone says historical fiction isn't good they need a tap across the snout with this book.It's also well worth tracking Ben down on an author's event as I did recently. He's a friendly chap and is happy to chat about Roman history or the author's craft. Interesting Facebook page too.

I found the regular switching from one storyline/place to another confusing and I struggled to keep up - this has never been a problem for me before. Also the levels of violence portrayed were fairly remorseless - I’ve read plenty of historical fiction (not the ‘romantic’ type) and violence is part of all warfare, but I found this relentless. It didn’t hold my interest, and I gave up before the end.

Found this slightly tedious. Battle scenes were quite good but the political intrigue thing which these books seem determined to annoy me, left me bored. The unlikely scenario of the Commanding General putting himself in as much danger as this King does, leaves holes in the plot. I won't be returning to this storyline.