An impressive debut novel centred on the famously rich king Croesus of Lydia. On one level a page-turning romp through the ancient world, on another it is a moving reflective human story full of ideas on the nature of happiness, fulfilment and life itself. I can't claim any expert knowledge on the historical accuracy and I suspect Leach occasionally allows a few modern perspectives to infiltrate the minds of his characters, but for me that is forgivable. ( )

A great piece of historical fiction.

http://wp.me/p20PAS-v1 ( )

Beautifully and poetically written novel about Croesus, the "last king of [the country of] Lydia". In his war with Persia he is defeated and reprieved from death by fire. Before the war, we first see him speaking with a philosopher. What is the purpose of life? death? and what is happiness? These questions occupy his mind all through his life. He becomes a slave and advisor to Cyrus, the Persian king. These questions are never really given definitive answers. Through his life he sees what his failings as king had been and humbly learns from Isocrates, formerly his slave in Sardis, now also slave to Cyrus. The dreamlike manner of narration of events fits the story of Croesus, a historical/mythological figure. The last part set in Babylon was poignant. Money has not bought Croesus happiness, just as power satisfies Cyrus temporarily, then bored, he searches for other lands to conquer. ( )

Novel about King Croesus, the king of Lydia defeated by Cyrus of Persia after he invaded Persian territory in the belief that he was going to 'destroy a great empire', not realising it was his own empire that was destroyed.

Disappointing. For the most part it was competently written, just rather bland.

It was accurate as far as the known facts about Croesus were concerned, but the frequent use of actors and the theatre as metaphors for the king and his appearances in the throne room and other places grated -- theatre as an art form hadn't been invented yet! The story didn't really get interesting till after Cyrus captured Sardis and we got to see Croesus now living as a slave, but even then it was only interesting enough not to be actively boring. ( )