Excellent, well-written novel about Brasidas, Spartan warrior, hero of Amphipolis in the Peloponnesian War. It narrates Brasidas's life, from his years in the agoge [the Spartan public education system, with emphasis on military training and discipline but teaching literacy, numeracy, and music as well], through his years as an active-duty soldier, notably leading a small force and winning the battle of Methone. Then comes the struggle between Athens and Sparta for dominance, Brasidas's role as general and final battle and death at Amphipolis, where he leads a force of helots under Spartan officers, to victory. We also meet Thukydides, Athenian general, who later finds his niche as a historian. Chapters and sections alternated between the two sides and characters. Both sides have heroes and villains, the latter with no redeeming qualities.

At first I didn't like Brasidas; he seemed like an automaton. After several chapters his humanity began to emerge and this charismatic man became fully-rounded. A long-hidden family secret was revealed and used to advantage. His fighting tactics were wily and unorthodox. Always struggling against a hot temper, he could be compassionate and diplomatic if the occasion called for it. I liked his loyal friends, who always stood by him. Thucydides was admirable, with his steadfast friend, Eukles.

I regretted the lack of supplementary material except a glossary. A map would have been so helpful. I finally found online a colored map of ancient Greece with most of the place names mentioned in the novel. You may have to scroll down. Preceding the colored map is a simpler b&w map.
http://printable-maps.blogspot.com/2011/12/map-of-ancient-greece.html ( )