A Man at Arms

By: Steven Pressfield

Narrated by: George Guidall

From an acclaimed master of historical fiction comes an epic saga about a reluctant hero, the Roman Empire, and the rise of a new power.

Jerusalem and the Sinai desert, AD 55. In the turbulent aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus, agents of the Roman Empire receive information about a pilgrim bearing an incendiary letter from a religious fanatic calling himself Paul the Apostle to insurrectionists in Corinth. What's in the letter could bring down an empire.

The Romans hire a former legionary, a solitary man-at-arms named Telamon to intercept the letter and destroy the courier. Telamon fights for money, not principles. He's been promised a rich reward; should he fail, the punishment is death by crucifixion. But once he meets the courier, Telamon experiences an extraordinary conversion, and instead of carrying out the mission, takes on the Empire.

In his first novel of the ancient world in 13 years, the best-selling author of Gates of Fire and Tides of War returns with a gripping saga of conquest and rebellion, bloodshed and faith.

©2021 Steven Pressfield (P)2021 Recorded Books

Woah.

So good! Best novel I have read in years. Really neat discussion on faith, belief, love, and as always, the warrior ethos.

New Author for Me

Interesting story and characters. Good message. Not my favorite Guidall performance. First time experiencing a Pressfield book, and I’d try one more from this author.

Back in battle

Pressfield is back again. I love all his work but I am very happy to see him back in ancient times doing battle with honor and integrity and the fury required when men face off in conflict. Great read!

We'll Told Historical Fiction Fiction

The story is well told, although the ending is incredibly unsatisfying. We never get a really good understanding of the motivation of a main character.
The story is well researched, which makes some of the author's choices strange. He hits the high historical marks, but concerning transmission of the Pauline letters, and the nature of the Christian community in Corinth and *how* they experienced persecution is complete fabrication.
The narration is excellent. Guidall really communicated the story well.

Pressfield Never Disappoints

This book is a close second to Gates of Fire. I loved the story, the detail, and the narrator is my favorite narrator of "action" books. This one has lots of action, and makes one realize the tremendous fragility of the new religion of Paul, in its early years. Story and narrator were superb.