Assyrian, The

I first read The Assyrian when it was released in the late eighties (i think) and it's one of my favourite books. Reminds me very much in theme and writing style to an earlier Wilbur Smith novel (The Sunbird), and the fictional history novels of one of today's bestselling writers (Conn Iggulden) but this particular one is set in Mesopotamia in the 7th century B.C. rather than in an African setting or Roman/ Asian setting. There's been a few negative comments here and there about this book, but personally i love it and read it every couple of years. The sequel to this book (The Bloodstar) was a major disappointment. I'd spent many years waiting to read it, only for it to be a bit of a let down. However, i can't fault The Assyrian at all.A wonderful read. Lots of violence, sex, intrigue and oodles of unknown History.

Pros: Smooth writing, superb setting, and engaging development between the brothers Tiglath and Esarhaddon. I would have given it 5 stars on these issues alone.Cons: Too much violent misogynistic sex - Shaditsu should have been edited out - plus lack of character action to resolve the climactic intrigue. These issues remove at least a star from my rating.Will consider reading the sequel, Blood Star, but if not satisfied will give this otherwise good author a miss in future.

I'm afraid this book left me cold. It was well-written, extensively researched and about a period of history in which I'm interested. But I couldn't warm to any of the characters, least of all the first person narrator. That's just a personal view and I don't want to put anyone off reading it, but I simply didn't enjoy it.

This is the first part of the story of Tiglath Royal prince of Assyria and tells the story of his rise and fall from his childhood to adulthood and also the many places and different people, places and civilizations that were around at this time. The author has the knack of taking the reader on a journey as if he or she is there as the story unfolds. I could not put it down.

Steeped in Assyrian background lore, the tale of Tiglath-Ashur flows well and pulls the reader in. This book can be read as one volume but I can't wait for the sequel.

I've always been keen on Assyriology and as I grew older I got an idea of how the Assyrian Empire worked, but this book is a soap opera with Americans in fancy dress.

The Assyrian period is brought to vivid life with this book. The sequel "the Blood Star" moves to Egypt then Sicily before returning bask to Assyria. I enjoyed the books enough to have hardcopy and Kindle versions.

Assyrian, The [Hardcover]Nicholas Guild (Author) I had searched in vain for this book for years and was happy to find it on Amazon. The book arrived very quickly and beautifully packed. The product description was spot on and so I am extremely happy with it. For anyone interested historical novels which portray the life and times of the characters this book is a must. It is compulsive reading as is the sequel "The Blood Star".