Men of Bronze. [Hardcover]

Scott Oden (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Platinum Imprint/Medallion Press, Inc. Florida (2004)
• ISBN-10: 193281518X
• ISBN-13: 978-1932815184
• ASIN: B0015R58DG
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,496,108 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"Scott Oden was born in Columbus, Indiana, in 1967. The youngest of five, he was raised in rural North Alabama, near Huntsville, where he still resides. Scott's fascination with Egypt and the ancient world began in 1976, when his third-grade teacher showed the class slides from the traveling Tutankhamen exhibit. He studied history and English at Calhoun College and the University of Alabama before pursuing the usual variety of odd jobs--from delivering pizza to working in the bindery of a printing company to clerking at a video store. Men of Bronze is his first novel."



That's me in less than a hundred words. It's pretty concise, and it covers all the basics. But, it doesn't say anything, does it? Since you've been kind enough to visit my website, and hopefully to read one of my books, I feel I should tell you something more . . .

Did you know that, if you write a book set in the ancient world, people for whatever reason assume you're some kind of genius? The most common refrain I hear is this: "All that research! I don't know how you do it!" That skews the meaning of 'genius', if you ask me. An interest in Antiquity is no different from any other hobby or passion. The ability to breakdown and rebuild a carburetor appears as arcane to my eyes as a passion for recalling what happened in Egypt in 525 BCE might seem to others. We could argue which is the more useful skill . . .

I'm often asked why I write. The answer is simple, really. I write because I love to read. Nothing surpasses that feeling you get when you go into a bookstore and find that perfect piece of literature. Not technically perfect, mind you. But that one book that speaks to you, that tugs at your soul and draws you in with promises of warmth, love, adventure, whatever your heart's desire. Then, as you come to the end, you realize the author has kept those promises he made you. It's that connection I strive for in my own books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Historic Read!, June 4, 2005

By 

Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Men of Bronze (Hardcover)

Mr. Oden has penned a very good historical fiction read. Although a little slow to start it eventually pulled this reader in with his vivid descriptions and details that place me directly into the time period. Mr. Oden has set his book Egypt borderlands in 520 B.C. It goes without say that this is not a time period, or location many choose to set their stories. As a result the fans of historical fiction have something new and fresh to pick up!

Barca the Phonenician he is the leader of the Medjay who are the guardians of the Egyptian Frontier. Barca is a product of his past. Years earlier he caught his wife being unfaithful. His rage was such that in one moment he managed to kill both his wife and her lover. He is still gripped by this tragic event. As a result he is an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Will this hold him in good stead and offer Egypt the warrior that she needs, or will the love of a good woman tame that beast that rages within?

Mr. Oden is a talented author and is a shining jewel in the Medallion Press crown. This book touched on all my emotions. Mr. Oden has a gift for storytelling and I truly felt transported back in time. I look forward to reading Mr. Oden in the future and I highly recommend "Men of Bronze." You won't look at historical fiction the same at the end of the read.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great historical novel!, December 4, 2006

By 

Yaran "Yarecki" (Secaucus, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Men of Bronze (Mass Market Paperback)

Scott Oden has done a fantastic job describing the climax of the ancient Egyptian civilization writing about the last couple of years of the last independent Pharaohs. Egypt in 6th century BCE was just free from Assyrians while keeping powerful enemies inside and outside using mercenaries, Greeks and so called Medjay (Phoenicians, Libyans and Canaanites). The peace cannot last long. First meddling regiments of Greeks are trying to usurp the power, and then the onset of the powerful Persian Empire endangers the existence of Nile civilization. Oden paints a ruthless picture of changing loyalties, honor and bravery. He intervenes into military story human feeling, rage, love, and betrayal. The book is very fast paced and it is true to its historical destiny. Egypt loses its antique identity and its heroes have to sacrifice everything they adore to complete the honorable death.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Paced Tale of War and Love and Intrigue and War, March 19, 2007

By 

Water Walker - See all my reviews

This review is from: Men of Bronze (Mass Market Paperback)

I thought this one was great. Read it inside of 3 days, and that's with a lot of distractions. I even got up early one day so I could read more. Barca was excellent as a dark hero who comes to terms with his past through the affection of an intelligent woman named Jauharah, who also has her own demons to face. I wish the author would write another story about him, maybe something earlier in the guys life. I wouldnt call this a romance though, its more Sword & Sandal as another reviewer said, but the romance is a fitting means to further develop the characters and drama. Im not going to write another plot summary, Amazon already provides one that is good enough for those wanting to know what the book is about. Lots of action, betrayals, and plot twists to keep you reading just one page more no matter how late it is. This book isnt dull and isnt written in a dull, dry manner, and because of this it reads quickly which it should since its a story not a textbook. This may not be the kind of ultra-serious and dry historical fiction that the snobs say they like, but it was a great tale and the atmosphere and history came through well.