The Queen of Sparta by T. S. Chaudhry Book Review

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: T.S. Chaudhry

Publisher: Top Hat Books

Xerxes, the Great King of Persia, invades Greece in 480 B.C. at the head of a massive army. Three hundred Spartans and King Leonidas die heroically blocking the Persian advance at the pass of Thermopylae.

The Persians are poised to conquer all of Greece. The only one standing in their way is a woman – Gorgo, Queen of Sparta.

Though history has relegated her role to that of a bystander, what if she played a central role in the Greek resistance to the Persian invasion. What if she kept her true role a secret in order to play it more effectively? What if she was hiding other secrets too – dark secrets of murder and vengeance? What if the only person who truly appreciated her genius was an enemy prisoner whom she has vowed to kill? What if after their victory, the Greeks start to turn on each other? What if, eventually, Gorgo has to choose between the security of Sparta and safety of her son? And what if the only one who could find a way out is the same prisoner who had once fought against the Spartans?

“This novel is an exciting re-imagining of events in Ancient Greece. Rich in detail, with excellent battle scenes and sections on military strategy as well as compelling lead characters, Chaudhry manages to make his intricate story accessible and involving.”

“Great read for any lover of historical fiction.” 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THIS BOOK TO READ, PLEASE LET US KNOW.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR REVIEWS, FEATURES, AUTHOR INTERVIEWS AND GUEST BLOGGINGOPPORTUNITIES.

“A vivid and superbly researched original history of what it was like to have lived in this fascinating period of time.”

About the Author

T.S.  Chaudhry was born in Karachi, Pakistan. He has a Bachelors Degree from Cornell University, a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge.  A former Pakistani diplomat, he has been working for the United Nations on peace and security issues in Africa.

 The Queen of Sparta is Chaudhry’s first novel. The story came to him several decades ago while he was reading Herodotus for his ‘A’ Level examination. It occurred to him that a case could be made for Gorgo of Sparta orchestrating the Greek resistance to the Persian invasion without essentially changing any of the facts presented by Herodotus. This is essentially an alternative retelling of a well-known tale.

He is currently working on a ‘prequel’ to the Queen of Sparta based on events leading up to the Battle of Marathon, called Fennel of Field.

My review;
It is interesting when an author changes what we think we know about an ancient character in history. The author asks what if events had been different  would the outcome have been the same? This book is full of mystery, murder and secrets. It is an interesting twist. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.