Olympia - Carson Black

Ancient Greece, 400 BCE.

As the greatest sporting festival in the ancient world approaches, every athlete dreams of winning the sacred olive wreath at Olympia.

For Kallias of Athens, the Olympic Games represents more than glory-it is his chance to challenge the seemingly invincible Spartan champion, Lysandros, whose victories have made him a legend throughout Greece.

But when Kallias survives a brutal assassination attempt, he discovers that the Games are being manipulated by a secret organisation known as the Soldiers of Ares. For years they have silenced rival athletes through bribery, sabotage and murder, ensuring Spartan dominance while disguising every death as an unfortunate accident.

Branded a killer, hunted by corrupt officials, and racing against time, Kallias joins forces with the courageous Eirene, a woman whose own search for justice has uncovered evidence of a conspiracy reaching into the highest levels of Greek politics, religion and sport. Together they must survive assassins, expose powerful traitors, and reach Olympia before the greatest Games in history begin.

As thousands gather beneath the sacred Olympic Truce-where Athenians, Spartans, kings, priests, merchants and champions stand side by side in uneasy peace-the fate of the Games, and perhaps all of Greece, hangs on whether two ordinary people can reveal a truth that powerful men will kill to keep hidden.

Richly researched and vividly imagined, Olympia brings the ancient world to breathtaking life. From the bustling streets of Athens and the mysterious sanctuary at Delphi to the magnificent temples of Olympia, readers are immersed in a world of fierce athletic contests, political intrigue, religious ceremony, deadly conspiracies, and unforgettable characters.

Filled with unexpected twists, relentless suspense, authentic historical detail, and cinematic action, Olympia is perfect for readers who enjoy historical thrillers, ancient history, and epic adventures where every victory comes at a terrible price.

Inside this 300-page novel you’ll discover:

• A gripping historical thriller set during the Ancient Olympic Games.

• Authentic recreations of classical Greece in 401-400 BCE.

• Political intrigue, espionage, assassination, and deadly conspiracies.

• Memorable heroes and villains driven by honour, ambition, and revenge.

• Brutal athletic contests, from wrestling and pankration to the race for Olympic glory.

• A fast-paced mystery inspired by the real history, traditions, and sacred festivals of Ancient Greece.

History remembers the champions.

This is the story of those who risked everything to save the Games themselves.

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