Bloodline of Kings: A Novel of Philip of Macedon [Hardcover]

Thomas Sundell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002

'A Bloodline of Kings' is a historical novel set in Macedonia between 383 and 356 b.c. The protagonist is Philippos (Philip of Macedon) who achieves security for Macedonia, which his father, King Amuntas, and his brothers failed to do. The family saga is complicated by the mother who was the lover and later the wife of a rival for the kingdom. Philippos is the father of Alexander the Great. He surpassed his son in his ability to rule the land he conquered, and set the stage for his son's conquests.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The story of a great fourth-century B.C. king is retold in the present tense in Thomas Sundell's novel A Bloodline of Kings: A Novel of Philip of Macedon. King Philippos engages in mortal struggles with enemies and family amid the epic Hellenic rivalries, seeking safety for his people in a time of constant unrest. Six maps, one chart, one table.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"...a great story. I can't think of anyone writing on that scale nowadays...so well done. A great saga!" -- Bernard Cornwell, author of the Sharpe's Series, Stonehenge, and The Archer's Tale, 2001

"...a worthy novel that can even be used in class for covering the period, events, and protagonists..." -- Dr. Elias Kapetanopoulos, Professor, Dept. of History, Central Connecticut State University, 2000

"I am awed by the research and delighted by the literate and intelligent writing." -- Cecilia Holland, author of Great Maria and Until the Sun Falls, 2000

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Crow Woods Pub; First Edition first Printing edition (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966587189
• ISBN-13: 978-0966587180
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,403,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars magnificent, April 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Bloodline of Kings: A Novel of Philip of Macedon (Hardcover)

So rare to see in historical fiction a work that gets the things right: the historical facts, the social atmosphere, and the characters. But this book achieved in all three...

My original decision to buy the hardcover copy of a previously unknown author was mainly because I am fascinated by Philip and Alexander of Macedon, while there are so many books about the son; the father has been relatively ignored by fiction writers.

This book turned out to be one of the best historical novels I have read (if not THE best). Because of the author's expertise in ancient warfare, I am not surprised to find the vivid account of battles and the military genius of Philip of Macedon. Beyond the military stuff, the book gives excellent description of the geological, religious, economical, and social realities of that era. This book brings me back in time more than 2,000 years ago, among the Macedonians and Greeks, I can feel and understand their environment, their beliefs, their everyday life, and their struggles; each men and women are creatures of their own time but have meanings for eternity. Among them the most vivid character of all is Philip of Macedon. This is the way a historical fiction should be: as accurate as historical textbook while at the same time vivid and fascinating as telling a great story. You feel you are there, as the history unfolds itself...

...The only problem? The book stopped at Alexander's birth. There are twenty more years of great battle and conquering that follows before Philip's death; I really hope this book has a sequel.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History Comes Alive!, February 20, 2002

By 

david castlewitz (Wilmette, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bloodline of Kings: A Novel of Philip of Macedon (Hardcover)

While Alexander the Great is widely known as a general and conqueror, his father, Philip, has remained a footnote. This novel takes that footnote and brings him to life. Philip is presented to us as an intelligent, thoughtful boy who grows to young manhood. But, more importantly, the entire spectrum of life in ancient Greece, the world of Macedonia and the tribulations and ambitions of those who ruled or wished to rule, are brought vividly to life.

These are more than history book characters. That's why I liked the book so much. They spoke and acted like real people. They loved and hated with an intensity that stayed with me.

Historical novels such as this one take history and present it with all the relevance of today, the panaromic view of a movie, and the incisiveness of cafe table gossip.

I highly recommend Bloodlines to anyone who likes history and wants to know more about what came before Alexander's greatness.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning !, September 2, 2005

By 

Titus Livius (Milan, Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bloodline of Kings: A Novel of Philip of Macedon (Hardcover)

An absolutely stunning book, extremely well written and researched about a man who's fame would be obscured by his more famous son.

The detail is impressive but never bogs the story down:the characters are well developed and the whole story is like an amazingly well woven and rich tapestry.

If you like historical fiction and/or ancient history, you'll love this book.

I really hope Mr. Sundell will someday continue the story with another book !