This first novel in the trilogy charts the rise to power of Parmenion, one of history’s greatest generals, who was instrumental in helping Philip II to conquer Greece and Alexander the Great to conquer Persia.Parmenion is the second son of a minor noble who sets out as a mercenary to make a name of himself. After a disastrous expedition to Egypt ,Parmenion overcomes assassination plots, treachery and betrayal at home and as well as battling against Macedon’s external enemies, who endanger the very survival of the kingdom. Eventually Parmenion helps Philip to secure his throne and to win a stunning victory on the plains of Illyria.

From the moment of his birth Alexander has to fight for his rights as heir to the throne of Macedon. His father is torn between pride in and antagonism towards his son and comes close to killing him more than once. Brought up in harsh competitive environment, Alexander emerges with a burning desire to conquer the known world. H A Culley’s novel about Alexander’s boyhood and his path to the throne is a fast paced tale of intrigue and warfare. When his mother arranges his father’s assassination, Alexander is quick to eliminate his rivals and seize the crown for himself. With a speed that catches the other Greek states by surprise, he overcomes all resistance and makes himself the supreme ruler of Greece in just a few months. However, he must still secure his route to the Danube, deal with insurrection in Illyria and the perfidy of Thebes before he can embark on his of conquest of Asia.

When the Phocians sack the Oracle at Delphi and steal Apollo’s treasure, which belongs to Athens, Thebes and Corinth, the Greeks declare a sacred war against the defilers of the oracle. Philip allows Athens, Thebes and Phocis to exhaust themselves during a decade of fighting before stepping in to broker a peace between them.  Having brought most of the Hellenic world under his rule he fights one last battle against Athens and Thebes during which his son, the eighteen year old Alexander, plays a crucial role.