Battle For Empire (The Eskkar Saga Book 5)

The series just keeps getting better and better. Bernard Cornwell is a master at writing historical fiction, and I place Sam Barone on that same high plateau. His books are THAT good! What I like in particular, about reading his books, is that they are uplifting. When you finish reading Battle for Empire, you will feel good, and you will feel like reading the book a second time! The main characters learn things and grow, which I like. There is nobility in many of the characters that are dedicated to the destruction of Eskkar, Trella, and Akkad illustrating that there is good even in the villainous (by today's standards). Some enemies begin to see that to survive means changing with the times, and they put aside their animosities for the greater good and become allies and almost friends. Speaking for myself, this book and all of Sam Barone's books hit me positively on many levels, and I think that what is true for me, may be true for others who reads this post.

When I first read Empire Rising, Sam Barone became my favorite author. Battle for Empire did not disappoint. Reading his books is like watching a movie, it is so descriptive.

I wanted to jump into my kindle and throttle the little punk. How could this poor excuse have possibly been sired by Eskkar and Trella? OK. Spoiled really rotten. So, now what? How do you fix it? Send him into the military, of course. And so, Sargon finds himself in the Bronze Age version of boot camp in Parris Island. And, lo and behold, there are the makings of a man within. In fact, Sargon begins to display what we'd expect.........the battle skills of Eskkar and the situational and people skills of Trella. Very nice character development.You've done it again, Sam. We know from the prologue that there is at least one more untold story. Keep them coming.

A good historical fiction novel and the continuation of a great series. I would recomment it to all history enthusiasts

When I was transferred back to 30000 BC and followed Jean Auel's epic adventures of Ayla a beautiful but orphaned Cro-Magnum child adopted by the lowly Neanderthal clan, I was sorry when the last page was turned on the 6th and final book in the "Earth's Children" series ... I can now unequivocally state that Sam Barone's to date 5 novel Empire series circa 3300BC, depicting the dawn of civilization behind protective walls and subsequent development of other city- states under the guidance of Trella, the slave girlborn to be a Queen, and Eskkar her barbarian husband and Soulmate who together give birth to the dawn of civilization in the Fertile Crescent. As much as I eagerly await the release of the final novel "Clash of Empires", I know I will be saddened as I was with Jean Auel's novels, when I turn the last page on this remarkable work...Yes it's that good! Thank-you Mr Barone! Sincerely, Jack

You need to read the Empire series from the beginning. It gets better and better. Although taking place in the vast reaches of BC dom - it is also timely in that much of Empire takes place in what is present day Iraq and environs - where it seems battles between tribes and religious sects continue right into the modern era.Sam has wonderful characters and has a nice touch by elevating the power of some women. Can't wait for the next book later this summer. Highly recommended.

Once again, Sam Barone delivers a winner. This book (the fifth in the Eskkar Saga) focuses--in the second half, at least--on Eskkar and Trella's son, Sargon. Very well done, although Sargon's story, along with several other storyline, is left unresolved, leaving me waiting eagerly for "Clash of Empires" listed on the author's website as the next book. I only hope it won't be the last book in the series!

Eskkar and Trella in another gripping tale, full of adventure and battles with some unlikely allies. Trying to get him to take responsibility and mend his wayward life Eskkar decides to his son, Sargon to the Urr Nammu tribe. The change from a spoilt child to heroic warrior is told by Trella to her grandson years after the death of her husband. A gripping story full life and will leaving you waiting for the next adventure.

This is yet another well-written and engaging story in the Eskkar saga. The plot primarily focuses on Eskkar's wayward son, Sargon, and develops the story of the years following Akkad's rise. The storytelling is well paced and yet doesn't feel rushed, and it's an easy and enjoyable read.My one complaint with the book is that it opens with one storyline which then leads immediately into a retrospective retelling of Sargon's early life, which forms the basis of the entire book. The last chapter / epilogue then returns to the original plot line which opened the book, but without having made any real progress.I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but was left feeling that it was tangential to the Eskkar/Akkad storyline, as if the author became distracted after the first chapter and ended up writing a totally different book to the one intended, and only remembered in time for the epilogue.This essentially means that the original storyline is not just undeveloped, but in fact it feels like the whole book is just a lead up to the next book, instead of simply being valued as a standalone story about Sargon. Unfortunately that has left me feeling like the first and last chapters were hastily tacked on to try and justify this book in the continuing series about Eskkar / Akkad, which is a shame as it's a good story on its own.

Another great story in this excellent series. Sam Barone knows how to bring ancient history to life with believable characters, authentic background and fine action sequences. He matches or surpasses any of the other historical novelists, and deals with a time and place (ancient Mesopotamia) which receives far less attention than ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The quality of writing has never dropped - highly recommended for anyone interested in the ancient world. Each book is self-contained, but it's probably best to start with "Dawn of Empire" and work through the books in sequence.

This is the fourth book in the Trella & Eskkar saga with the coming of age of their son Saragon and the unification of the people's of the Steppes a lovely my paced book full of the action and adventure you have come to expect from Sam Barone this was essentially two tales in one and leading up to an exciting climax in the next book. looking forward to the conclusion.

Continuing the Eska stories in a way that captivates you the moment you start reading these books is amazing, Sam Barone is an accomplished author who is able to grasp the reader in the first few lines of his writing, as he leads you through the main book interlaced with intrigue, subterfuge , mystery and stunning fights as the story unfolds before your eyes, mixed with romance and history, I love this story and cant wait for the next book in the series.

Some authors just suit me. This is one of them.