My version: Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction, Late Bronze Age, Hittites
Publisher: Gordon Doherty
First published: 2019
ISBN: 9781090481733
Pages: 407
Supplied
From the cover:
“Four sons. One throne. A world on the precipice.”
1315 BC: Tensions soar between the great powers of the Late Bronze Age. The Hittites stand toe-to-toe with Egypt, Assyria and Ahhiyawa, and war seems inevitable. More, the fierce Kaskan tribes – age-old enemies of the Hittites – amass at the northern borders.
When Prince Hattuis born, it should be a rare, joyous moment for all the Hittite people. But when the Goddess Ishtar comes to King Mursili in a dream, she warns that the boy is no blessing, telling of a dark future where he will stain Mursili’s throne with blood and bring destruction upon the world.
Thus, Hattu endures a solitary bouyhood in the shadow of his siblings, spurned by his father and shunned by the Hittite people. But when the Kaskans invade, Hattu is drawn into the fray. It is a savage journey in which he strives to show his worth and valour. Yet with his every step, the shadow of Ishtar’s prophecy darkens…”
Ishtar, is a prominent goddess revered in various cultures throughout history. Her worship can be traced back to Sumerian times. Often depicted as a powerful and assertive deity, Ishtar’s influence extended beyond her associations with love and fertility – as the goddess of war, she was called upon to protect her devotees and ensure victory.
Oh damn! TNow there has to be another author on my favourite author list.
Predictions are a funny thing. Always so vague that any interpretation can be put on them to suit your own purpose. Seek, and you shall find, as I say. However, there are plenty of folk that believe other folk have predicted things told to them by someone or other, especially in their dreams. Obviously, before the real advent of science, in the distant past, there were many, many more people who truly believed that certain people could see what would happen, particularly in their near future, particularly in dreams, and particularly for Kings and Emperors.
So, one needs to put aside scepticism and modern sensibilities and go back with a good author and imagine you are in the same era as the character. In eastern (modern) Europe and the middle east, for example, towards the end of the Bronze Age, for instance and in the Hittite Empire, modern Turkey more or less, in particular.
Empires of Bronze: Son of Ishtar is set in the Late Bronze Age, a time of heightened tensions among powerful empires such as the Hittites, Egyptians, Assyrians, and Mycenaean Ahhiyawa. The novel follows Prince Hattu, who faces a challenging destiny predicted by the goddess Ishtar. Despite being born into a royal family, Hattu experiences rejection and isolation due to the prophecy. However, when the Kaskans invade, Hattu becomes entangled in a brutal conflict where he must prove his worth.
The premise of the novel is intriguing, incorporating historical elements and mythological prophecies. Gordon Doherty is known for his expertise in ancient history and his ability to weave engaging narratives within this context. The tension between Hattu’s personal struggles and the larger geopolitical conflicts adds depth to the story, offering a blend of character development, action, and historical detail.
By delving into the Late Bronze Age and incorporating mythical elements, Son of Ishtar provides readers with an opportunity to explore ancient civilizations and their complexities. The author’s attention to historical accuracy and vivid storytelling allows readers to immerse themselves in a rich and vibrant world. It is through Hattu’s journey that themes of destiny, identity, and the consequences of prophecy are likely to be explored, making for a thought-provoking reading experience.
Empires of Bronze: Son of Ishtar offers a captivating blend of historical fiction, mythology, and adventure. It has the potential to entertain and educate readers who have an interest in ancient history or enjoy immersive storytelling. Once Hattu’s training period is over and bonds have been forged, It picks up, grabs hold and then simply does not let go. The writing is so vivid, the action so intense, that even I was out of breath and covered in blood and sand by the end.
Empires Of Bronze, Son of Ishtar, is the first of a series of books set in the Bronze Age Hittite empire period. Gordon Doherty has perviously written novels exploring the Roman Empire, Byzantium and what looks like Classical Greece. All of his books were new to me before I received this one from The Man Himself for an honest review. However, as I had to pay over £20 to get it through the Danish Customs and Excise (Told og Skat) – thanks to Brexit – I will be buying the rest of this series (I was so impressed) and maybe others of Gordon’s books direct from Amazon (Germany). I simply can’t afford any more free books!
Couldn't I Just Tell You 