Heroes [Paperback]

Valerio Massimo Manfredi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 2006

Formerly published as TALISMAN OF TROY, this novel has been retitled. A castaway tossed onto a deserted beach is the last survivor of a world that no longer exists. He has a terrible, fascinating story to tell - the true reason for which the Trojan War was fought The protagonist of this tale is Diomedes, the last of the great ancient Greek Homeric heroes, who seeks to return to his beloved homeland after years of war against Troy. But destiny has other plans for him. Betrayed by his wife, who plots to murder him and persecuted by hostile gods, he has no choice but to turn his sails west, towards Hesperia, the mysterious mist-shrouded land that will one day be called Italy. He ventures boldly into this new world, for he carries with him the magic Talisman of Troy, a mysterious, powerful idol that can make the nation that possesses it invincible

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Valerio Massimo Manfredi is professor of classical archaeology at Luigi Bocconi University in Milan. He has published nine works of fiction, including the 'Alexander' trilogy, which has been translated into 24 languages in 38 countries. He has written and hosted documentaries on the ancient world and has written screenplays for cinema and television.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan (October 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330445251
• ISBN-13: 978-0330445252
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,553,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Formerly published as Talisman of Troy!!!, January 3, 2007

By 

Kakha (Tbilisi - Tiflis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heroes (Paperback)

OK. I was duped. There is not a single word about this book here at Amazon, so I did not know they simply changed the title. I really like the author and decided to buy this book despite having no information about it - I knew it would well be worth the money. Turns out it is the book I have already read. Of course, I will not rate down this great book because I accidentally got a second copy of it.
I had read and LOVED Talisman of Troy. Just as I did Manfredi's other historical fiction novels. He is brilliant. You read them in one breath. I highly recommend.

This book picks up where Homer left Iliad. It is going on parallel to Odysseus journey. Diomedes, Greek hero of Trojan War returns home to discover that his beloved wife has betrayed him and plans his murder upon his return. Instead of seeking revenge, Diomedes together with his warriors sets out to far away legendary land (Italy) to establish a new city. He knows he will be successful because he has come to possess Talisman of Troy - powerful talisman that will ensure prosperity of city that houses it. He discovers that his old enemy Aeneas is also in Italy and also plans to establish a city for Trojan refugees. They can't be peaceful neighbors, only one will establish a city. If you know legend of Rome, you know who will be victorious, but I will not give out this "secret" here. Read it and enjoy it.

It is such a pity that this author is not marketed well in the US. They are making a movie out of his Last Legion (another great book). Maybe this will make Amazon start putting up editorial reviews for his books? :)

3.0 out of 5 stars Ok but not what i expect from Manfredi., September 14, 2010

By 

simayar - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Heroes (Paperback)

The novel itself is ok but i don't think it's good enough for a person like Manfredi.
The Battles isn't very interesting and the ending isn't interesting either.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Re-Titled, August 16, 2008

By 

Cinobey "cinobey6" (Spring, TX United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Heroes (Paperback)

This book was previously released with the title "Talisman of Troy". I loved it then and all of the historical novels I'd read until then. Just remember this isn't a new one - it's a re-released/re-titled story. This author really does a fantastic job of bringing stories to life and I'd read anything he published - just not if it's a re-title.