Empires of Bronze: Son of Ishtar

By: Gordon Doherty

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

Four sons. One throne. A world on the precipice. 

1315 BC: Tensions soar between the great powers of the Late Bronze Age. The Hittites stand toe-to-toe with Egypt, Assyria and Mycenaean Ahhiyawa, and war seems inevitable. More, the fierce Kaskan tribes - age-old enemies of the Hittites - amass at the northern borders. 

When Prince Hattu is born, it should be a rare joyous moment for all the Hittite people. But when the Goddess Ishtar comes to King Mursili in a dream, she warns that the boy is no blessing, telling of a dark future where he will stain Mursili’s throne with blood and bring destruction upon the world. 

Thus, Hattu endures a solitary boyhood in the shadow of his siblings, spurned by his father and shunned by the Hittite people. But when the Kaskans invade, Hattu is drawn into the fray. It is a savage journey in which he strives to show his worth and valour. Yet with his every step, the shadow of Ishtar’s prophecy darkens.... 

©2017 Gordon Doherty (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Great story!! Cant wait for book two!

I am really glad I got this book. Well written and excellent narration. More books in this series asap and hopefully more books set in this time period. Fascinating stuff.

Fresh air for historical fiction.

Tired of generic Greco-Roman settings?
Want something fresh and rarely done?

Then BOY do I have a story for you. What we have here in Empire's of Bronze is a story that revolves around the ancient Hittite empire of bronze age Anatolia and revolves around the life of the Hittite prince Hattusili III (Hattu) as he comes of age in this violent and uncertain time. Enemies assail the Hittite empire on all sides even from within. And the very stability of the world cracks as we near the Collapse of the bronze age.

Solid characters with believable goals against the backdrop of a world on the brink of catastrophe makes for good coming of age story with plenty of war, intrigue, romance and suspense. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history and action adventures all together.

Too much gore

I love historical fiction. I thought this would start me on an understanding of the Hittites. Instead this book glories on hand to hand combat descriptions which grew tedious especially given the narrators over enthusiasm. Would pass for a better time.

Fantastic narrator, decent story

Empires of Bronze is a solid bit of historical fantasy, but struggles to rise beyond being just above average. Jonathan Keeble elevates the entire experience.

great well researched book

I can't wait to read the next one. This book was well researched and well written I've been reading about the bronze age for sometime and this really captured the spirit. Sort of works well as a sequel to I, The Sun.

A fantastic story.

A magnificent story brought to life Keeble.
Nidway through this book, I purchased the next book in the series.
From start to finish this book had me spellbound.

Excellent!

Loved this! The writing is very fine, the characters memorable. Some of the best fighting/combat scenes I've encountered. Match that with the stellar narration, and the fight scenes are remarkably tense. I really appreciate the research that has gone into the book, as well. This might seem like a small thing, but I loved, for example, the explanation of the construction/engineering method of the Hittite chariots.
And I will repeat my praise for narrator Jonathan Keeble - this book wasn't simply read, it was lived. Excellent work by all involved. I don't often read historical fiction, but I was really happy with the wonderful storytelling here. I found the Hittite world fascinating, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

excellent

delve into the bronze age overlooked by historical fiction writers. a wonderfully written story of a people forgotten to history before amazing archeological finds in modern Turkey. the story follows a young prince from child to young adult, with intrigue battles love friendship and enemies well worked in and totally believable. plus the bonus of Johnathan keeble amongst audible top narrators, thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to the next in saga.

Outstanding

Absolutely outstanding read, very excited for the next installment. Gut-wrenching emotions felt and such excitement and tension in the battles. Beautifully written and such an interesting insight into a people I know next to nothing about. Wonderfully brought to life by Jonathan Keeble as always. Can't recommend this enough!

Historical fiction at its best.If, you enjoy ancient historical fiction then, this book ticks all the boxes.

Brilliant book in this genre with equally brilliant narration. Such books in this format are becoming increasingly more difficult to discover. Moreover, such books rarely extend to this era and geographical location. The plot, historical content and action is depicted very well indeed. It is essential to reiterate that a narrator can make or break an excellent work of art. This narrator has brought this book to life with grit, emotional tact and passion where passion is required. Thus, the combination of brilliant penmanship and story telling is a journey that you will undoubtedly revisit often in your library collection. If, the afore mentioned still fails to float your boat then, read the blurb listen to the sample or, understand that simply put this is the story of a boy who is seen not to be loved by his father. When that father happens to be a king then, most in the lads orbit shun him. Yes, it has a common plot of the under dog fighting his way to the top of the pack but his journey is historically intriguing to follow. Couple this with the politics of those days and you have global domination attempts by the powers that exist. Stories around ancient Egypt at this time do exist. Also, stories around Helen of Sparta and Troy likewise exist but these are reflections of the super powers of the day. Here the author provides us with that piece of the jigsaw which has long been absent. This is great in so far as it not only aids to give us a far broader picture of the ancient world but it helps us to understand the context of the world. Finally, not to labour this point but, those ancient afore mentioned super powers have whilst not been exhausted nonetheless have been documented in book or film. Here you are given an opportunity to listen about a people whose existence without which wouldn’t have under pinned those stories from this era that you may like so much. Compliments to the author and narrator and it is sincerely hoped that the subsequent books follow with this great combination.

Fantastic read!!!

Incredible story telling and absolutely enjoyable listening!!! Looking forward to starting the next book. Five stars all through!!!

excellent tale

fabulous story of a lost people.. well researched. the Hittites and the time period are brought to life

2 stars and I feel generous

What disappointed me the most was the use of modern rather old fashion English. The plot was confusing and the end was dragging.