Last of the Amazons [Paperback]

But the book wasn't as simple as the impulse that made me pick it up and start reading in the first place. Because by the time I looked up at the clock to check the time at a local book store, several hours had passed and I was caught up in ways of politics, love, honor, and life itself.

The story is constructed in romantic and dramatic fashion, no doubt. But I really enjoyed losing myself in the world of myth and ideals. It is seldom that I find a book that can take me away from the drudgeries of daily life and find solace in ideals that people strive for, yet hesitate to embrace.

A wonderful book that I recommend for anyone who wants to get away from it all.

Steven Pressfield has taken himself to new heights with Last of the Amazons. When I learned Mr. Pressfield was following Tides of War with a book about Amazons, I was very skeptical. That skepticism disappeared after my first day of reading. From my perspective, I know of few stories that can capture the soul of courage like the stand of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. Mr. Pressfield told that story like it's never been told in Gates of Fire. It remains my favorite book as much for Pressfield's telling as for the story itself. Nonetheless, he has taken historical references from Plutarch and other archeological suggestions, combined them with legend that has survived millenniums and created a tale that rivals Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.

After turning the last page, I pulled out a 1951 translation of Homer's epics, and sensed a similar style and prose. As Diana Gabaldon (Fiery Cross) wrote on the back cover, "Homer would be proud of this guy [Pressfield]." Truer words have been rarely spoken about an author.

This is a story about freedom, the freedom of individuals and the freedom of a nation. As Mr. Pressfield demonstrates through 396 tightly wrapped pages, freedom is a fragile thing. It can be corrupted through internal and external events. Freedom can be maintained or sacrificed by individual choices within any group. This concept is reinforced from start to finish.

Mr. Pressfield introduces us to a number of characters that we are unlikely to forget. All Pressfield novels are narrated. Pressfield alternates between three of several key characters: Selene, an Amazon champion, Damon, an Athenian champion, and Mother Bones (you'll be astonished when you find out who she is). I was amazed at Mr. Pressfield's ability to tell much of the tale through the mind of two women, a risky task, but one that Pressfield accomplishes magnificently. I have read few books in which I identify so strongly with each character whom it was so easy to imagine such a clear picture of. This is a visual achievement: not only could I 'see' each character and unquestionably know the mind of each, but also, I could see, feel and hear each thrust of the sword, each crunch of frozen ground as the Amazons trekked to Athens .... I could feel the ground rumble with the advance of Amazon cavalry .... I could see the 'Wildlands' extend before me .... Correct: I was mesmerized by this book.

I'll not spoil your read to summarize the tale. It is filled, however, with love, hate, compassion, respect, brother and sisterhood, and harmony among living creatures. Like Homer's Iliad, there is enough action to fill several books, and it ranges from individual combat among champions to plains warfare to siege warfare. You will not be disappointed. As a child I remember reading the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur; that event occurs years before this story and is mentioned only in passing. Here is the rest of the tale!