First published 2002
Theras loses his father in war and finds himself dragged from Athens to Sparta by a relative. The Athenian boy must now endure the harsh Spartan way of life, where physical weakness brings punishment and absolute obedience is demanded. The training is merciless. Cruel incidents pile upon each other. Sparta shows no mercy to those who cannot meet its brutal standards. Theras refuses to surrender his identity. He plans his escape with a Perioikoi boy who shares his desperation. Together they flee toward Athens, but the journey proves treacherous and filled with danger. Theras must draw on every ounce of strength to reach his beloved home city. Caroline Dale Snedeker brings ancient Greece to vivid life, contrasting the rigid military culture of Sparta with the different values of Athens. This is a story of survival and the power of holding onto who you are.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, young-adult, ancient
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Athens, Sparta
Period: Ancient Greece
237 pages · Paperback · American Home-School Publishin
Content warnings: physical-abuse