Lion of Scythia

by Max Overton

Alexander the Great has conquered the Persian Empire and is marching eastward to India. In his wake he leaves small groups of Macedonian soldiers to wield military power over great tracts of land and diverse peoples. Nikometros, son of Leonnatus, is a young cavalry captain left behind in the province of Sogdiana, near the borders of the fierce nomadic Scythian horsemen.

Captured after an ambush, he must fight for his life and the lives of his surviving men. With the aid of a young priestess of the Mother Goddess, he achieves a position of trust within the tribe. But not all Scythians welcome his presence. The chief's son sees him as a threat to his own position, and other Scythian lords have their own agendas. Nikometros must play them off against each other as he seeks an opportunity to escape. Complicating matters is a feeling of loyalty to the chief, and a developing relationship with the young priestess.

About the Author

Max Overton

Born in Malaysia to English parents, Max has traveled extensively, living in England, Germany and Jamaica before settling down in New Zealand. Moving to Australia in 1990, Max took up a position teaching at James Cook University. Meeting Ariana, an American author, in 1998, he married and they explored Australia before heading for Illinois, where he took a job unloading trucks for Wal-Mart. Within a year he was an Assistant Manager and finishing his Lion of Scythia trilogy. Following the death of his wife Ariana in 2003, he experienced a Michigan winter before heading back to tropical Australia, where he continues to write.

Reviews

I hope that Max Overton's first foray into Historical Fiction will not be the last. I have just finished reading his Lion of Scythia, which is set in the times of Alexander the Great, and all I want to do is to read on. Overton has done an excellent job of bringing to life a little-known corner of ancient history. Having done several years of research for my own series, I know just how difficult this is. Though larger than life, his main characters behave in an engagingly human manner and I as reader identified with their problems in facing their challenges, cheered at their triumphs, felt with them at their reverses. This book is a good read if you like fast-moving adventure with a strong romantic element. And who doesn't? Lion of Scythia is an EPPIE 2001 finalist in the Historical Fiction category. —Bob Rich

As a history buff, this reviewer welcomed this well told tale of adventure and romance. The action begins early in the story when Nikometros and his men are ambushed. After being taken prisoner, the reader will experience the uncertainty of his life from that moment on. A very necessary element in this book was the spiritual life of the people. The author integrated their beliefs and practices with the story line and thereby gave the reader more of an understanding of their actions. Strength in battle was the very life breath of these people and it was fascinating to see Nikometros drill the men of the tribe and make warriors out of them. The differences in fighting were discussed and also provided a well-rounded view of their military tactics. Yet, there was a sweet side of romance as well. Tomyra, daughter of the chief and the priestess of the Mother Goddess, gives her heart to Nikometros, knowing full well that she is defying her role as priestess. Nikometros realizes that to physically touch Tomyra carries a death sentence, but he risks his life for love. There is a strong ending, which is filled with action, betrayal and surprise. However, the continuation of this story is found in the next book, The Golden King. This reviewer will be sure to get it! Lion of Scythia reigns supreme! —Joyce Handzo, In the Library Reviews