David Gemmell, The Lion of Macedon

The Lion of Macedon is in my opinion the finest of David Gemmell's books. Gemmell is more famous for his Heroic Fantasy novels, Legend and Waylander amongst them. This book is set in ancient Greece and is a well-researched and beautifully written story revolving around Parmenion, a historical figure, one of Alexander the Great's most able generals. This tale is set during the time when Macedon, the northern Greek backward kingdom, gathers power and influence and eventually ends up in a position of supreme power in the eastern Mediterranean, under the leadership of the ambitious Philip, Alexander's father. The author, as is his trademark, paints a very real and believable canvas of characters that the reader identifies with and really cares for. There is plenty of action, drama and a subtle manifestation of the supernatural. The ancient Greek setting is achieved superbly and the reader really feels as if they have been transported back in time. There is a sequel to this book called 'the Dark Prince', which concludes the tale and focuses on Alexander's campaigns in Asia. It also is worth mentioning, however, even as a stand-alone volume, the Lion of Macedon is one of the best books I have ever read, and if you are a fan of historical fiction, it will literally blow you away. Highly recommended.