Athenian Steel (The Hellennium Book 1)

This is a good romp through the early part of the Peloponnesian War. It's of the alternative history genre but with a twist: the protagonists are trying to change the outcome of the war with Athens winning with the help of time traveler(s). While it was fun seeing what happens to well-known historic Athens figures, what was most interesting was the depiction of Spartan life, which I was not fully aware of.

All in all it was a good book and I would be interested in reading the sequel. But there was also a lot of. Issues, like the over use of profanity, that made the story a lot less believable and which ran contrary to how the Greeks actually spoke at the time.

The book in and of itself was a good read. What I didn't like was all the f-bombs...they were so unnecessary to the story. As much as I would like to continue Thalassia's story, I probably won't because of the of f-bombs in Athenian Steel.

A hyper advanced future human (or perhaps post-human) society puts individuals back in time, or across alternate world lines, to Athens as the Peloponnesian War is starting.

The post-humans start well, just as the Athenians (historical and purely fictional) and some Spartans start very well. As dueling anachronisms go forward, the Greeks probably offer a challenging arc of character while the post-humans feel like clumsily drawn super heroes whose back story never quite works.

There are several poignant moments, as planned and unplanned do-overs change the stories - Alcibiades does better but the rest of the Symposium do not - but the core problem is off stage and not seriously engaged.

If "let's do-over history" is not a forced march into a better future smelling like utopia, the wannabe Time Lords must wrestle with something (fate, inertia, unanticipated consequences). Steve Stirling had the historical Odysseus read the Iliad and Odyssey after a well realized 3 if not 4 dimensional caste of characters change history - and in a few words make us see what that felt like.

Perhaps Steve Stirling and Connie Willis have set the bar very high indeed, but while I enjoyed the book it never achieved the wonder and power, or even the well tempered mouse trap plot finale of many fine works. The spoilers I withhold are memorable and were very well written, accessible to anyone recognizing a few very famous names but resonating better as you reflect on more of the history and characters.

So I suggest you read and enjoy this book and like me, keep an eye out for future work.

The marketing material mis-characterizes the book in several aspects, one very important. First, the stargirl Geneva/Thalassia is actually quite likeable and sane and on a worthy crusade. She introduces no more mayhem than the Greeks already perpetrate. And as she explains, her plan only shifts the winners and does not cause anymore net harm than earthlings are already doing to themselves. Of the things that go wrong, most of them are Demosthenes fault, which he not only doesn't own up to, but he wrongly blames everything on Thalassia and treats her badly. She proves again and again that she keeps her word and has adopted Athens as her city, putting her agenda for the time being second. Her agenda is very interesting, and might have made for a very interesting history, perhaps a lot more stable. But Demosthenes slow realization of her worth is a plausible human failing which he eventually overcomes, and a legit and mildly interesting subject for a novel, so this is not the reason for my low rating.

Second, there just isn't as much mayhem as the marketing material suggests. Most of the book is very slow relationship development. There are only 3 battles, and only one of them takes more than a single of the short chapters. If you are looking for an action novel, this is not it. That was fine with me, and not the reason for my low rating.

But finally, this turns out to be a simple revenge plot aka Charles Bronson, in which [SPOILER ALERT] a lot of time is spent building the attachment of particular characters, an evil guy kills one or more of them, and the remaining ones seek brutal revenge. I am not referring to Thalassia's agenda, which is more of a calculated effort to rid the universe of a really bad actor, but Demosthenes. I simply do not like revenge novels. I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole. nothing in the reviews or marketing material alerted me. That reduces the rating to less than "ok" right there, i.e. 2 stars or less. There are lots of novels I wouldn't like, and I don't review them because I don't buy them. If an author entices me to buy the book, he better deliver. What was implicitly promised was a star-time-traveler interfering in Earth's history, with a romantic side story. What was delivered was essentially failure to alter Earth's history, and the romantic actors killed off to motivate the revenge plot. To add insult to injury, the author just stops once the revenge is motivated, and we have to read another book. But oh, wait, we can't trust this author. He's already reneged on at least two promises. There may not even be the revenge payoff int he second novel. Therefore deduct another star for incomplete, and we are down to one.

A bad hybrid between Sci-fy and history. I realize it may not be easy to combine the two genres but the author amazingly manage to fails both historian and Sci-fy lovers. There is not much historical realism to please an historian, and the Sci-fy portion of a 'creature' going back to the past for revenge is not developed enough to please a Sci-fy fan. If we add that the villain Thallasia is quite likable the book is a mayor failure. I did not mind the swearing so much if not for the fact it was so out of context for the time.

I thought the concept of the story sounded fun but the writing was wordy and slow and, unfortunately, I discovered I didn't enjoy keeping up with all those Greek names. I gave up at 25%.
Just my personal opinion...

I have heard a number of people wonder what it would be like to go back in time with high caliber automatic weapons and change the course of history, but it was not until I read Athenian Steel that I understood that P.K. Lentz had taken that same question of WHAT IF? to a much higher level than anyone has before.

Alternative history typically changes a single major outcome, like the victor of a strategic war, such as WWII and sets a story in that alternative setting. Lentz throws caution to the wind, having augmented meta-humans from thousands of years in our future, visit Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The meta-humans can pilot a ship through layers of reality. I want to do that too! Changing history in one layer does not translate to another, or does it?

One meta-human, named Geneva, purposefully strands herself in a layer, in ancient Athens on a mission. Two others are stranded somewhere on that world. Geneva, she is physically perfect, a living weapon, a computer, knows everything that will happen before the Greeks or the Spartans. She will get involved, muck with history, and change human technological advancements, but at what cost?

Lentz is such an intelligent author. The way he introduces Geneva and her abilities. The different acceptance of her by the Spartans and the Greeks. Her goals versus the goals of each city state. Her goals versus those of the other meta-humans. The fact that she IS fundamentally human, with emotional needs and wants resonates throughout the entire book.

His characters are human, complex and credible. Everyone is damaged, has problems, can't get out of their own way, or are nasty. You can understand them all.

Each change made in history will have downstream ramifications, some instrumental in creating a wholly new path for mankind. You can't predict the outcome of most of the choices made, and that is where Lentz starts having fun.

His knowledge of this area of history is prodigious. It is detailed, but doesn't get in the way of the plot. There are no big blocks of exposition, no info-dumps to define historical terms, culture or battle. This is a fast moving adventure.

You just have to read it to believe it...

It is a concept that has been done before and better: someone from the future is transported back in time to change it. David Drake's The Apocalypse Troll is a very good example of this kind of plot.

I really hated when this book ended, but I suppose it's my own fault for reading it in a day. The author states it's a mix of historical fiction and science fiction, be aware that it is much more historical than scientific, but I like both so it was all good. Great characters, well developed and very much a part of the story. Well developed plot and not just a serial excuse for fights, though there was plenty of action. I'm going to read everything else this author has out while I wait for the next part of the Hellennium. One question for the author, if he is wasting his time reading reviews instead of writing - What is Roman Annihilation? Part two of Athenian Steel, or part two of the Hellennium? At the end of Athenian Steel we were promised part two as Spartan Beast? Whatever, I'll read them, and thanks for writing them.

Just finished this book. I really enjoyed it. I'm not a Greek scholar, but it seemed well-researched (at least it jibed with what little I've picked up over the years) and was well written. I especially liked that both of the two main characters had some major flaws.

The Greek personalities, both Spartan and Athenian, are consistent with what I've learned of them. While there are things to admire about each, there are also some aspects of their personalities which would upset many in the modern world. The "weapon" is similarly complex.

The author was a double major in History and Classics, and even read Homer in the original Greek. His background shows in the descriptions of the Greeks, their cultures, and their history.

If you've read The Odyssey or The Iliad, you'll be on familiar turf. If you haven't, well, this was far more fun to read.

I like alternate histories, and lately I've read a number set in the Bronze and Iron Ages. This was certainly one of the best. It also did an excellent job of transporting me to the era in question.

I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading its sequel "Spartan Beast."

As a disclaimer, I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I read all kinds of science fiction, fantasy, and historical novels. Rarely have I come across one novel that incorporates all three in one. I was a bit off put by the combination to be honest. Having said that, it is nothing but personal preference. The author did an excellent job of intertwining the complex storyline which introduces us to Thalassia, Demosthene and the supporting cast of Greek characters. The setting is ancient Greece, with the Athenians at constant war with Sparta. I won't discuss the plot as the book description and some other reviews do that nicely. Mr. Lentz has seems to have done excellent research into ancient Greece and it's interworkings as the Spartans and Athenians came across as extremely believable. If you like ancient Greece and a bit of mystery you should give this novel a try.

Why?
Alternate needs three things to work:
1 deep knowledge from the author of the time period - so that the small details contribute to the credibility
2 an engaging set of characters so that you actually care about what happens after the hinge event changes the timeline
3 a real story about what happens next - and why it happens

Note that a persuasive reason for why / how things changed doesn't really matter. In Hitchcock parlance that is a MacGuffin.

So why is this one so good?
Firstly the characterization is flawless. The historical characters behave in ways consistent with what we know of them - but not robotically in the same way that we know.

Second the author really knows his stuff. The detail of the period, the actions and motivations are well captured. And there are none of those jarring moments which happen when the reader thinks "he would never say that / think that / do that"

Lastly the story - having departed from the original timeline - is genuinely interesting.

In this case the MacGuffin deserves credit for not simply creating a circumstance where Athens carries all before it.

But, much more importantly, the characters have life and meaning - and we care about what happens to them.
No cardboard representations of 21st century ideas about what Athenian democracy should have been like. Or about how Spartan honor should be displayed. Real people make real choices.

A grown up's book - and something to make a classicist think.

An excellent book! There are many strong sides to it: history, psychology, depth of characters... And on top of all that, a reader can sense that this is just a small part of the whole universe created by the author. Those who read "Game of Thrones" series.know the feeling.
I was eager for the second volume, "The Spartan Beast", and it was even better than Athenian Steel. Doubly excellent!

I knew that I would like this book even before I started it. I love scifi. And I love history, particularly ancient history. What I didn't know was just how wonderfully well-written this story would be.

In many ways, this is a straight up historical fiction and is full of accurate historical details and authenticity, bringing ancient Athens and her people to life. In other ways, it is an alternate history. A look at what might have been, if the terrible power struggle of the Peloponnesian War had gone a bit differently - if, for example, a visitor or three from the future / space / another dimension turned up and started poking about with their knowledge and willpower.

Historically speaking, I'm no expert but I've studied this period, I have a well-thumbed copy of Thucydides within arms reach at all times in case of emergency and I know, to varying degrees, about the warfare, art, domestic life and mindset of these people. It became clear almost immediately that I was reading someone who knew his stuff, far more than I, and could be trusted to get it right. And the detail is just... "there", it's never pointed out and works seamlessly to create a believable world for the characters to inhabit.

Ultimately, this is a character driven story about two flawed people from very different places and times and how they are drawn to each other. Their relationship is dysfunctional and very far from the obvious. They feel like real people. People who commit errors that make their victories all the sweeter. It's not a happy story, by any means but I enjoyed it enormously and I can't wait to read the next book in the series - Spartan Beast - which is out now.

I have no hesitation in recommending it wholeheartedly.

I was given a review copy of this book at my request.
The book subject and description put it outside of my normal comfort zone and I approached the novel with low expectations. I am very happy that I made the effort. Well plotted and expertly written the story really got my imagination working. A taste in books is always subjective but I would recommend this book as well worth a few hours.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion and this review. Even if I had bought this book with my hard-earned money, I would still say the same things about it, and the author. As most of us are aware, much to our regret, most self-published, and even some big-name published Kindle books are replete with grammar problems out the ying-yang. Imagine my happy surprise to find that this book is almost completely free of such problems. I think I spotted one or two, but honestly, they were so minor I can't tell you now where they were in the book. The story is simply so good that you easily brush that out of your mind as you stay wrapped in this amazing story. The author is a true Wordsmith, and crafts sentences, paragraphs and an entire story like a master of his craft. This man has some real talent as a writer, that I found a true joy to read. When he first gave me the book, I was already in the middle of reading a wonderful Tom Clancy novel, so I put this book aside until I could finish that. Any of you who are Clancy fans will know that his books tend to keep you on the edge of your seat, and reading becomes an addiction. Well, while this story is very different from Clancy's work, it too very much draws you in and becomes an addiction. My wife just went through three surgeries this last month, so I was pretty stressed and distracted by that. Reading this book took me away from that, as I sat in hospital waiting rooms, doctor's offices, and parking lots, and while I was reading, the real world just melted away. It takes a heck of an author to draw me in like Mr. Lentz has done with Athenian Steel. I won't go into spoilers of what the story is all about, except to say that it takes place in ancient Greece, and is a very well-crafted blend of historical and science fiction. Having read most of the classics on ancient Greece and Rome, as well as being a huge fan of archaeology, I am well acquainted with the time period. I think the author did a magnificent job of making you feel that you are experiencing what it would be like to be in ancient Greece (in modern language, of course), and makes it come alive in ways that so very few books can with historical fiction. Then you have this whole science fiction aspect to this book, that is not real heavy on science, yet blends so nicely with the story, and just feels right. At the end of the book, Mr. Lentz mentions subsequent books in the series, and I for one, will be very anxious to read them as they appear. After he finishes this series, I would love to see him write some pure historical fiction as well. Folks, this is an author to watch!

Yes, it has been done, but this book has a number of themes I enjoy. Revenge being tops. But there is more to it than that.

Using actual historical Greeks gave me curiosity to look up their actual roles in history. Enough mystery about the maim character, and an insight into what ancient life migh be like.

And, great battle and fight depictions.

As a disclaimer, I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I read all kinds of science fiction, fantasy, and historical novels. Rarely have I come across one novel that incorporates all three in one. I was a bit off put by the combination to be honest. Having said that, it is nothing but personal preference. The author did an excellent job of intertwining the complex storyline which introduces us to Thalassia, Demosthene and the supporting cast of Greek characters. The setting is ancient Greece, with the Athenians at constant war with Sparta. I won't discuss the plot as the book description and some other reviews do that nicely. Mr. Lentz has seems to have done excellent research into ancient Greece and it's interworkings as the Spartans and Athenians came across as extremely believable. If you like ancient Greece and a bit of mystery you should give this novel a try.

Why?
Alternate needs three things to work:
1 deep knowledge from the author of the time period - so that the small details contribute to the credibility
2 an engaging set of characters so that you actually care about what happens after the hinge event changes the timeline
3 a real story about what happens next - and why it happens

Note that a persuasive reason for why / how things changed doesn't really matter. In Hitchcock parlance that is a MacGuffin.

So why is this one so good?
Firstly the characterization is flawless. The historical characters behave in ways consistent with what we know of them - but not robotically in the same way that we know.

Second the author really knows his stuff. The detail of the period, the actions and motivations are well captured. And there are none of those jarring moments which happen when the reader thinks "he would never say that / think that / do that"

Lastly the story - having departed from the original timeline - is genuinely interesting.

In this case the MacGuffin deserves credit for not simply creating a circumstance where Athens carries all before it.

But, much more importantly, the characters have life and meaning - and we care about what happens to them.
No cardboard representations of 21st century ideas about what Athenian democracy should have been like. Or about how Spartan honor should be displayed. Real people make real choices.

A grown up's book - and something to make a classicist think.

An excellent book! There are many strong sides to it: history, psychology, depth of characters... And on top of all that, a reader can sense that this is just a small part of the whole universe created by the author. Those who read "Game of Thrones" series.know the feeling.
I was eager for the second volume, "The Spartan Beast", and it was even better than Athenian Steel. Doubly excellent!

I knew that I would like this book even before I started it. I love scifi. And I love history, particularly ancient history. What I didn't know was just how wonderfully well-written this story would be.

In many ways, this is a straight up historical fiction and is full of accurate historical details and authenticity, bringing ancient Athens and her people to life. In other ways, it is an alternate history. A look at what might have been, if the terrible power struggle of the Peloponnesian War had gone a bit differently - if, for example, a visitor or three from the future / space / another dimension turned up and started poking about with their knowledge and willpower.

Historically speaking, I'm no expert but I've studied this period, I have a well-thumbed copy of Thucydides within arms reach at all times in case of emergency and I know, to varying degrees, about the warfare, art, domestic life and mindset of these people. It became clear almost immediately that I was reading someone who knew his stuff, far more than I, and could be trusted to get it right. And the detail is just... "there", it's never pointed out and works seamlessly to create a believable world for the characters to inhabit.

Ultimately, this is a character driven story about two flawed people from very different places and times and how they are drawn to each other. Their relationship is dysfunctional and very far from the obvious. They feel like real people. People who commit errors that make their victories all the sweeter. It's not a happy story, by any means but I enjoyed it enormously and I can't wait to read the next book in the series - Spartan Beast - which is out now.

I have no hesitation in recommending it wholeheartedly.

I was given a review copy of this book at my request.
The book subject and description put it outside of my normal comfort zone and I approached the novel with low expectations. I am very happy that I made the effort. Well plotted and expertly written the story really got my imagination working. A taste in books is always subjective but I would recommend this book as well worth a few hours.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion and this review. Even if I had bought this book with my hard-earned money, I would still say the same things about it, and the author. As most of us are aware, much to our regret, most self-published, and even some big-name published Kindle books are replete with grammar problems out the ying-yang. Imagine my happy surprise to find that this book is almost completely free of such problems. I think I spotted one or two, but honestly, they were so minor I can't tell you now where they were in the book. The story is simply so good that you easily brush that out of your mind as you stay wrapped in this amazing story. The author is a true Wordsmith, and crafts sentences, paragraphs and an entire story like a master of his craft. This man has some real talent as a writer, that I found a true joy to read. When he first gave me the book, I was already in the middle of reading a wonderful Tom Clancy novel, so I put this book aside until I could finish that. Any of you who are Clancy fans will know that his books tend to keep you on the edge of your seat, and reading becomes an addiction. Well, while this story is very different from Clancy's work, it too very much draws you in and becomes an addiction. My wife just went through three surgeries this last month, so I was pretty stressed and distracted by that. Reading this book took me away from that, as I sat in hospital waiting rooms, doctor's offices, and parking lots, and while I was reading, the real world just melted away. It takes a heck of an author to draw me in like Mr. Lentz has done with Athenian Steel. I won't go into spoilers of what the story is all about, except to say that it takes place in ancient Greece, and is a very well-crafted blend of historical and science fiction. Having read most of the classics on ancient Greece and Rome, as well as being a huge fan of archaeology, I am well acquainted with the time period. I think the author did a magnificent job of making you feel that you are experiencing what it would be like to be in ancient Greece (in modern language, of course), and makes it come alive in ways that so very few books can with historical fiction. Then you have this whole science fiction aspect to this book, that is not real heavy on science, yet blends so nicely with the story, and just feels right. At the end of the book, Mr. Lentz mentions subsequent books in the series, and I for one, will be very anxious to read them as they appear. After he finishes this series, I would love to see him write some pure historical fiction as well. Folks, this is an author to watch!

Yes, it has been done, but this book has a number of themes I enjoy. Revenge being tops. But there is more to it than that.

Using actual historical Greeks gave me curiosity to look up their actual roles in history. Enough mystery about the maim character, and an insight into what ancient life migh be like.

And, great battle and fight depictions.

It was not what I expected. It was a good read that kept my attention. The relationship between the main characters Demosthenes & Thalassia was complex yet realistic.

I found it a bit long but that didn't detract from an excellent tale.

I look froward to reading book two.

I love historical novels.
I love Science Fiction.
This novel delivers both, plus a 'romance' into the bargain. Romance is the wrong word, the relationship described in the story is as intricate as the
plot.
Nowadays it is rather hard to come up with something truly unique. I believe Mr. Lentz to have done, in a truly entertaining and engaging fashion.
In simpler words: I loved this book.

This book hooked me right from the start, the historical setting feels genuine (to me, I don't know much about the period) and as we move along the passionate Thalassia fueled whirlwind, you can't avoid feeling that Demosthene is going to be chewed up and spat out but he reads Thalassia so well and stands by his values till he captures her right back. Somehow the total imbalance of power, wits and capabilities starts looking less unbalanced. The pace doesn't slow, even the mundane captures your imagination as Lentz paints the situations with emotion and imagery

Lentz creates very convincing scenarios, balancing the super futuristic potential with the iron age reality. The alternative history leaves you wondering about what could have been. Lentz does this purposely, showing how a bad decision now can have significant consequences later, who can't relate to that?

I have been a fan for awhile now and was given this book to review, which I would have bought. I have always been intrigued by History and Early empires. The attention to detail of rank, weapons, battle strategy. Social standing and politics of Ancient Greece coupled with a visitor from the stars is such a fantastic read. You won't be disappointed until you realize the book is finished. Lucky for you there is a second book. Enjoy!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the blend of history/sci-fi. I generally do not care to read descriptive, bloody, battle scenes but the quality of the writing allowed me to ignore that with this novel. P.K. Lentz is a very talented writer, and I look forward to reading other books by this author.