Step into the captivating world of ancient Greece, a land where mighty empires teeter on the brink of collapse and fate weaves an intricate tapestry filled with unforeseen twists and turns. Meet Amyntas, a courageous young warrior hailing from the storied city of Sparta, known for its fearsome warriors and unyielding spirit. As he navigates a tumultuous landscape fraught with perilous alliances and the ever-present threat of betrayal, the chaos of war looms ominously over him. Embark on an epic journey with Amyntas, beginning on the brutal battlefields of Plataea, where the clash of swords and the cries of valor echo through the air, testing the mettle of every soldier. Witness the strategic genius required to survive as Amyntas faces seasoned adversaries and wrestles with the concept of honor in the heat of battle. Venture further into the enigmatic heart of the Persian Empire, a realm shrouded in mystery where ancient secrets and untold riches lie waiting to be uncovered. Amidst lavish palaces and intricate politics, Amyntas uncovers hidden truths about his lineage that challenge his beliefs and propel him toward an electrifying quest to defend not only his homeland but also his very identity. Join Amyntas in this thrilling saga of loyalty, courage, and redemption as he confronts both internal demons and external foes. Each revelation and twist of fate will grip your heart and mind, leaving you breathless and turning pages late into the night. Prepare for an adventure that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, ensnared by the electrifying narrative, until the very last word! This was an enjoyable story that imagines what could have happened if King Leonidas chose to join Xerxes instead of fight to the death. You can tell that it was written by someone with a deep knowledge of the subject and passion for history, and the fantasy elements add another level of mystery and intrigue on top of the reimagining of history. I particularly enjoyed the characters with proper backstories that influenced how they interacted with each other. -Dodge Merrin, Author of Humble Glory "WOW! This was such a great read. If you are into history (with a big twist), I definitely recommend this to anyone who comes across this review. The author has the ability to keep the reader on their toes and I found myself wanting to turn the page again and again. I couldn't put this book down! -Kim Appelgryn, Author of The Silent Witness Mr. Garcia wrote an excellent book that blend history with fantasy. His historical research gives the story its foundation, and he builds on it with each passing chapter. The writing drives the story forward and keeps the reader engaged. Amyntas: Son of Persia is a terrific alternate history to answer the what if questions. I would highly recommend Amyntas: Son of Persia to anyone who loves history, adventure, and fantasy. -Lynne Marx, Military Historian I began writing Amyntas shortly after completing the first draft of The Gathering two years ago. At the time, I was thrilled to have finished my first novel, even though it was still in draft form. When I finally shut down my computer, I believed that marked the end of the journey, but my mind had other plans. I found myself constantly pondering the characters and considering the possibilities for their future. While I already had a fairly developed idea of where to take the main series, I struggled to create an outline that would kick things off. That's when I recalled a pivotal moment near the climax of the story where the main villain, Kairos, declared that if anyone returned home the moment they were summoned, history would be forever altered. Suddenly, it struck me: alternative history. Although I had read plenty of historical fiction, venturing into alternative history was still uncharted territory for me, and I had little experience in both this genre and historical fiction more broadly. To get the creative juices flowing, I revisited works like The Clash of Eagles Trilogy by Alan Smale, as well as novels by Conn Iggulden, Valerio Manfredi, Steven Pressfield, and Bernard Cornwell. These authors provided me with a rough blueprint for the story I wanted to craft next—a tale centered on one of the main characters from *The Gathering*, specifically, Amyntas Barrou. The initial outline was straightforward, following a classic hero's journey, with Amyntas set in a world where the Persians triumphed in the Greco-Persian Wars and ruled over all of Greece. From there, the story unfolded, introducing new characters like Anahita and Artaxerxes, as well as vibrant locations such as Carthage and Sicily, ultimately leading to some unexpected developments. Initially, my draft of the story was meant to stand alone, portraying Amyntas as unaware of his past life during the events of The Gathering , thus leaning more towards historical fiction. However, after engaging in discussions with friends and fellow writers, a new idea began to emerge. What