Sam Barone Empire Rising

Empire Rising

Sam Barone

Morrow, Oct 2007, $25.95

ISBN 9780060892463

In 2500 BC in Mesopotamia, the Alur Meriki warrior chieftain Thutmose-sin declares to his brutal pillaging followers that the farming village of 2000 residents on the Tigris Orak must be destroyed as it imposes on their lifestyle by defying the natural order. Instead these "dirt-eater" farmers led by former barbaric warrior Eskkar and his enslaved mistress Trella defeat the mighty army saving the city (see DAWN OF EMPIRE).

The war hero and his now wife rule Orak still struggle with nomadic raiders who Eskkar and Trella believe must be defeated in order for the city to flourish and expand. He takes an expedition north while sending another troop to the south. The Egyptian trader Korthac has plans to take control of the city from within while the warrior ruler is out conquering. Korthac sends assassins to kill Eskkar and loyal warrior bandits to ambush the southern Akkadian force. He captures the pregnant Lady Trella while using stealth and more assassination to destroy the protectors of the city left behind. He almost has control of the city, which means it is time to kill Trella, who is of no value once the devious Korthac consolidates his rule. However, one failure unbeknown to the scheming Egyptian is that Eskkar lives with plans to save his wife and his city.

This terrific Early Bronze Age historical sequel continues the adventures of Trella and Eskkar at a point when civilization is taking its first steps from the cradle. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of third millennium BC action especially the battles. However, this fine ancient historical belongs to the sense of time and place as the reader will believe you are there.

Harriet Klausner