Empire. Conn Iggulden. 2023.

Athens, 5th century BC.

Pericles has returned home more than a hero: he's the leader of Athens, the Empire's beacon of light in the dark.

But even during times of peace, the threat of Sparta - Athens' legendary rival - looms large. When a sudden catastrophe brings Sparta to its knees, Pericles sees a golden opportunity to forever shift the balance of power in his city's favour.

Sparta may be weak, but its power is far from extinguished.

Soon a ruthless young boy steps forward to lead the Spartans back to greatness.

For in the clash of empires, sometimes the only way to win lasting peace is by waging war.