The Last King: Rome's Greatest Enemy : Book Review

"The Last King" by Michael Curtis Ford is a captivating historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey to Ancient Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Psamtik I. The story centers around Ion, a young Greek philosopher who becomes embroiled in a political struggle between the Egyptians and the invading Persians. As Ion finds himself caught in the chaos of war, he must confront his own beliefs and principles.

What sets this book apart is Ford's ability to bring Ancient Egypt to life through his vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail. Readers are transported to the bustling streets of Memphis and the opulent palaces of the pharaohs, creating an immersive and engaging experience. The depiction of Ancient Egyptian society and culture is enlightening and captivating, adding depth to the story.

The characters in "The Last King" are multi-dimensional and compelling. Ion, the protagonist, undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the novel, evolving from an idealistic and naive young man to a complex and morally conflicted individual. The supporting characters, such as Pharaoh Psamtik I and Persian general Cambyses, are equally well-developed and enhance the narrative with their depth and complexity.

One of the book's strengths is its seamless integration of historical events with fictional elements. Ford's extensive research is evident in his portrayal of the Persian invasion of Egypt and the political tensions of the time. The blending of fact and fiction adds authenticity to the story, further immersing readers in the narrative.

Overall, "The Last King" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that transports readers to Ancient Egypt. Michael Curtis Ford's skillful writing, attention to historical detail, and well-crafted characters make it an engaging and recommended read. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply interested in Ancient Egypt, this book is sure to captivate and entertain.

What are readers saying?

Michael Curtis Ford's The Last King takes readers on an exciting historical journey, delving into the extraordinary life of Mithradates VI, the final influential ruler of Pontus. Reviews for this book provide a diverse range of opinions, focusing on the author's writing style and accuracy in historical depiction.

Some readers praised the captivating storytelling in The Last King, commending the book's ability to transport them to the ancient world of Rome. They appreciated Ford's skill in breathing life into historical figures and vividly portraying Mithradates VI. These readers found the book to be an engaging and well-researched read.

However, some readers had criticisms of the novel. They found the pacing to be slow and the level of detail overwhelming, making it difficult to stay fully engaged at times. Some felt that Ford relied too heavily on historical facts, resulting in a lack of emotional depth and character development.

In addition to pacing and depth, readers questioned the accuracy of certain historical details, suggesting that the author took creative liberties and exaggerated some events for dramatic effect. The portrayal of Mithradates VI himself also received mixed opinions. Some found him to be a multifaceted and complex character, while others believed he lacked depth and relatability.

Overall, The Last King by Michael Curtis Ford has garnered a range of reviews from readers. While some found it to be an immersive and well-researched historical novel, others felt it suffered from pacing issues and lacked emotional depth. The accuracy of historical details also emerged as a point of contention among reviewers. If you have an interest in ancient history and enjoy detailed historical fiction, it may be worth exploring The Last King.

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