Discover the rise and fall of the world's greatest empire in the stunning second novel in the Athenian series, from the nation's finest historical novelist PRE-ORDER THE LATEST ANCIENT EPIC IN THE NEW ATHENIAN SERIES FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF EMPEROR AND WAR OF THE ROSES TWO LEGENDARY BATTLES. ONE FEARLESS WARRIOR . . . Themistocles stands as an archon of Athens- the might of the city is his to command. Yet he is no nobleman, distrusted by many for his modest birthright. For his presumption. But those who stand against him cannot argue with two things- his victories as a warrior and the vast Persian force heading their way. And so Themistocles must fight. To survive the game of politics, to make his name, he must prove himself again and again in battle. On the sea. On land. In the arena of public opinion. His enemies are legion, his allies do not trust him and the Persians would corrupt him - but history belongs to the courageous . . . Readers are raving about The Gates of Athens, Book One in the ATHENIAN series- 'What a brilliantly addictive read' 'This author never fails to deliver!' 'Another brilliant historical novel from the master of the craft' 'It's like being on the battlefield'