A Pyrrhic Victory Volume III: Fate follows the first two award-winning volumes in the historic trilogy A Pyrrhic Victory by Ian Crouch. In 279 BC, Pyrrhus has just won the bloody battle of Asculum against the Romans in the battle that gave rise to the expression "A Pyrrhic Victory"-one that comes at such a great cost that the victory may not have been worth the ordeal that was suffered. While punished, the power of the legions has not been broken. The road to Rome is still barred to Pyrrhus. His peace terms are again ...
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A Pyrrhic Victory Volume III: Fate follows the first two award-winning volumes in the historic trilogy A Pyrrhic Victory by Ian Crouch. In 279 BC, Pyrrhus has just won the bloody battle of Asculum against the Romans in the battle that gave rise to the expression "A Pyrrhic Victory"-one that comes at such a great cost that the victory may not have been worth the ordeal that was suffered. While punished, the power of the legions has not been broken. The road to Rome is still barred to Pyrrhus. His peace terms are again rejected. He must gather greater strength to break the deadlock, and accepts the invitation of the powerful Greek cities in Sicily to lead them against the invading Carthaginians. In return, they offer him their support in his war against Rome. Pyrrhus was described by Hannibal as the finest commander the world had seen, after Alexander himself. "Writing with great style, Dr. Crouch brings this ancient age to life once more, maintaining an expert balance between historical accuracy and creative imagination. Dr. Crouch succeeds splendidly in conveying a compelling interpretation of the lives and loves, the achievements and aspirations of great men in a great age." - Dr. Eoghan Maloney, lecturer in ancient history, University of Adelaide Ian Crouch is a medical practitioner in Adelaide, South Australia. Since his early days in medical school, his abiding interest has been Greek and Roman history.
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PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Ian Crouch wows with ââ?¬Å"A Pyrrhic Victory ââ?¬" Volume III: Fate,ââ?¬Â? the fascinating conclusion to his epic trilogy. The story follows the military campaigns of Pyrrhus, the King of Epirus and Tarentum, set in the Hellenistic world of 279 BC.
The story picks up after The Battle of Asculum, from the conclusion of the second book in the trilogy, ââ?¬Å"Destiny Unfolds,ââ?¬Â? which resulted in a victory for Pyrrhus. This ââ?¬Å"winââ?¬Â? however, came at a staggering cost to his forces. After this battle, the term ââ?¬Å"Pyrrhic victoryââ?¬Â? became known as a success that costs too much to be worthwhile.
Though Pyrrhus bested the Romans, their resilient legions still barred his path to their capital, and with peace negotiations failing, Pyrrhus found himself at an impasse. Fate had not abandoned him entirely, however. The Greek cities of Sicily, facing Carthaginian aggression, reached out with an intriguing offer for Pyrrhus to lead their forces against Carthage, promising their support in his Roman campaign in return. Recognizing this as a potential game-changer, Pyrrhus accepted, hoping to gather the strength needed to finally overcome Rome�s resistance.
Through Crouch�s skillful portrayal of this era in history, readers gain direct insight into the personal and political drive, determination, and challenges faced by one of history�s most highly regarded military leaders. Indeed, his prowess as a military strategist is often compared to Alexander the Great.
Pyrrhus�s significant alliances and rivalries are crucial to the plot. His relationships with his wives, his sons, and his trusted advisors profoundly influenced the political dynamics of Pyrrhus� reign. Pyrrhus himself is a figure of tremendous complexity.
One relationship I found to be particularly interesting is Pyrrhus�s relationship with Hotep. Despite Hotep�s official status as a servant, he wears many hats and holds significant influence in Pyrrhus� inner circle. The author emphasizes this unusual dynamic, showing how Pyrrhus included Hotep in important meetings and decision-making processes, usually after he serves the meals. This relationship challenged the social norms of the era and added complexity to Pyrrhus�s character as a leader who values wisdom and loyalty over social convention.
I found the prose engaging and immersive. The battle scenes capture the strategic elements and the visceral horror of ancient warfare. The authorâ��s conveyance of the emotional and psychological toll of conflict adds another layer of realism. And itâ��s clear that Crouch was meticulous in his research â�" although the story is fiction, he remains true to the history of Pyrrhusâ��s life. The era rings authentic, and the characters are, for the most part, historical figures; the author creatively enhances the story without compromising historical facts.
Powerful themes in the story include the nature and cost of victory, leadership complexities, war�s impact on individuals and societies, the tension between personal and political interests, and fate�s role in history. These themes highlight human nature�s struggles, drawing parallels between ancient and modern conflicts, and exploring the moral dilemmas faced by those in power throughout history.
Ian Crouch has created a powerful narrative that entertains, educates, and gives readers an authentic look into a pivotal time in ancient history. I recommend the trilogy to history enthusiasts, fans of military fiction, and those who appreciate stories well told. While ââ?¬Å"A Pyrrhic Victory ââ?¬" Volume III: Fate,ââ?¬Â? reads fine as a standalone novel, youââ?¬â?¢ll likely want to check out the earlier books in the trilogy and read them in order.
