The Diomedeia: Diomedes, the Peoples of the Sea, and the Fall of the Hittite Empire Paperback – 26 July 2022

The Diomedia is set in the world at the very end of the Bronze Age, at a time when Troy has fallen and all that has gone before is threatened with change.From the outset it is clear that the author has a complex and meaningful understanding of the period, based on deep and detailed research, enabling him to deliver a high degree of accuracy and realism.This is ever so important in dealing with an area which very few previous writers have explored, the catastrophic collapse of the Hittite Empire and the agonising slide into the Greek Dark Age.It is a tale of romance, warfare and palace intrigue. The main protagonist is Diomedes, a hero familiar to all who have read and studied the epics. His name actually means that he has the cunning of a god, and his nickname in the Iliad was “Diomedes of the Loud War Cry.” He is, therefore, a warrior both bold and crafty, who must lead his men to safety through hostile lands which are crumbing into anarchy and chaos in the aftermath of the great Trojan War.The author demonstrates commendable background knowledge, frequently incorporating details which only experts would be aware of. He accurately describes metalworking techniques. He correctly refers to the underground water supply system at Troy. The armies of the day did not travel to the battlefield in chariots. Instead the vehicles were taken to pieces and transported on carts, so that they did not suffer wear and tear on the roads. These are but three examples of up to date historical research being used to make the story more accurate and interesting. There is also a particularly nice explanation of the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece!The Hittites had a tendency to accept the gods of the regions they conquered, and to worship them side-by side with all of their other deities, to the point where it could be said that they were the people of a thousand gods. Hittite society was thus dominated by religion, and Greg Nixon has portrayed this well in his story.The Diomedia begins as a historical adventure and gradually fills out with elements of palace politics, mythology, and romance. It would be a recommended read for those who enjoy exploring different periods and cultures through reading fiction.

I have just completed reading this superb work of original historical fiction set in the Bronze Age. What a great story well told. The book is thoroughly researched and the author clearly knows his ancient history. The myths and poems of Homer resound in this epic adventure that kept me spellbound and intrigued. The book sets the stage slowly introducing the main cast of wonderfully developed characters and weaves together the various stories and perspectives into an epic adventure placing Diomedes, that great overshadowed hero of The Iliad at the centre of the action and romance. The authors knowledge of the various cultures, history, language and geographical landscape, architecture and dress of the people's of the Bronze Age bring depth and scale to the intertwined stories and serve to give a vivid cinematic quality and backdrop to the gripping twists and turns of an original wonderfully written high romance of a mythic adventure that keeps you guessing to the end. I was only disappointed when the story concluded. However the author ends with the teaser that promises a sequel. Highly recommended.

Against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Bronze Age Collapse, the Sea Peoples prepare to invade Hittite capital Hattusa. The Great King Suppilulima II worships at the temple of the Storm God Tarhunta. His Great Queen Lieia-Hepa schemes to return Hatti to female rule and the dominance of the Goddess Arinna. Approaching the city, they encounter a band of refugees, including Diomedes, Trojan War veteran and once king of now-fallen Tiryns, who had been held prisoner. Henti, the ex-harem-girl, interprets. They learn that the royal family, priests and nobles have deserted, carrying with them the Hatti treasure. Diomedes and his warriors go in pursuit to Lawazantiya, cult city of the goddess. Suppilulima has a crazed plan, but Diomedes and Co ally with Queen Lieia-Hepa, who has her own plan. Kabi the Canaanite has a better idea.The Diomedeia constructs a scenario that elucidates the collapse of the Hittite Empire, involving famous kings and generals we know from Homer and from history and who are listed in an appendix. Many of the stories we know from mythology, Jason and the Argonauts, the fall of Troy, etc. are told as tales by warriors to each other.I will grab up any book set during the Bronze Age, but this one is remarkable for what I assume is historical detail. A bit too much of it crammed into the first chapter, maybe, before we get a chance to get familiar with the characters. Some of it—descriptions of statues and rock carvings we can still see today—I think we could do without. It’s hard to say that, though, because we have little evidence of the period other than those artefacts and the occasional clay letter from one king to another.The dialogue could have been more natural by observing the ‘three beat’ rule—long utterances need to be broken up by action points, dialogue tags or responses.The war council between Kabi, Klymenos, and Sarpedon is great. From that point the plot and inter-personal drama become quite exciting, although the pace slackens towards the end as the fates of the Hatti and Diomedes and his People of the Sea are determined. The ending is disappointing, yet promises a continuation of series.Don’t miss the well-researched appendices. In fact, I recommend reading them first.This review was originally written for Reedsy Discovery.

Well researched and written in a solid, readable style, this novel has all the myth, mystery, and poetry you need to inspire your fancy. Definitely worth a read.

Gregory Nixon has created a historical fiction story that intelligently and accurately insets historical figures into the chaotic and collapsing Hittite empire in Anatolia in the late 13th Century BCE. Using the warrior from the Iliad, Diomedes and joined by a new character, Sarpedon, Nixon integrates the two into real history in a way no other author has done with historical fiction. An enormous amount of research by author Nixon shows the two interacting with an exhausted and broken society once headed by the Hittite King. War, pillage, sex and intrigue abound here and what is most fascinating is that Nixon has them interacting with real historical figures of the period. The two warriors move in and out of incredible rituals, prayers, languages and royal personalities and the men discover a very different and changing cultural environment. The author has rightly titled the book "The Diomedeia" to take its place alongside the Aeneid, Odyssey and Alexaid. Hopefully we will see a Diomedeia II.

Unlike other reviewers, I am not equipped with any sort of knowledge or understanding of the Peoples of the Sea, the Hittites or the Bronze Age itself including the neighbouring cultures of the time, the deities that were prevalent, the hierarchy of rule. Nevertheless, that being said, I was ready for a different kind of read - and “The Diomedeia” did not disappoint! A very engaging narrative that was, at the same time captivating in its storyline as well as informative and illuminating about the period without being too “teachy” or pedantic. How could it be? After all there was swordplay and brutal battles and torture and love and vivid sex and camaraderie and deceit and . . . well, you get the picture. My ‘different kind of read’ turned out to be quite the page turner.The author, Gregory Nixon, is impressively well-versed in the comings and goings of the Bronze Age, and in particular its demise. He seamlessly marries his very accurate mythical and historical characters with compelling fictional characters as he develops a convincing plot line and paints a credible setting and zeitgeist, all of which makes for a most delightful literary journey. Some of the issues of the era in question involve challenging long held religious beliefs, experiencing climate change, questioning gender roles and recognizing an impending new world order. Sound familiar? Worth the effort if you’re looking for a different kind of read. I look forward to the sequel (and perhaps the movie).

The Diomedeia is one of those books you are sad to leave. I got pulled into its world of myths and heroes, and I have enjoyed every page. Each character is beautifully described and rich in personality and internal turmoil. Even the side characters are charming, and I got attached to them as much as to the protagonists. The description of battles, as much as the love scenes, are enthralling, beautifully described, and kept me on the edge of my seat. The world-building is masterful. For those of you familiar with Omero, you will fully appreciate the vibe and setting of this book.I turned the last page, knowing I would for sure want to read more about these characters and their stories.A five-star read, possibly the best book of 2023 for me. For sure, the best way to end this year. Bravo to the author!

I love this book so far. I haven't finished it yet, but I'm honestly enjoying this book so much that I had to go ahead and get the paperback after already getting it for play books. You can tell that Nixon is passionate about the Late Bronze age. Both the actual archeological record and the associated mythologies. Best of all, he seems to find a way to include it all without it seeming forced. I'm excited about finishing it and eventually reading the sequel when we get it.

I loved this book from front to back. I enjoy bronze age culture and mythology, and this didn't dissappoint. The author painted a vivid picture of bronze age life while making characters with a great deal of depth and relatable. The first hundred pages are a bit dense with anthropology and exposition but are worked into a very driven storyline so it doean't feel like a lecture.I am looking forward to book 2.