The novel follows the story of a man who is sent back in time to ancient Greece and becomes embroiled in the events leading up to the Battle of Thermopylae. He must navigate the complexities of ancient politics and warfare while also dealing with his own personal demons. As he becomes more deeply involved in the conflict, he begins to see parallels between the struggles of the past and those of his own time. He realizes that the same forces of oppression and tyranny are at work today as they were then. The protagonist's ultimate goal is to prevent the Battle of Thermopylae from occurring, but this proves to be a difficult task. He must use all of his skills and knowledge to outwit the Persian army and its leaders, while also confronting his own personal weaknesses and limitations. Throughout the novel, themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the nature of time itself are explored in depth. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as he comes to terms with his own place in the world and the role that he must play in shaping its destiny. Ultimately, the novel builds towards a climactic conclusion in which the protagonist faces off against the forces of oppression in a final, desperate bid for victory. The outcome is far from certain, and the reader is left wondering whether the protagonist will emerge victorious or fall to the enemy.
By Keith Laumer · First published 1967 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 7 chapters