"Oden's masterful story of bloody battles, political intrigues, betrayal and romance offers a gripping portrait of the collapse of an empire."
~ Publishers Weekly

Quill Award Nominee.

“ Sing, O Goddess, of the ruin of Egypt . . .”

It is 526 B.C. and the empire of the Pharaohs is dying, crushed by the weight of its own antiquity. Decay riddles its cities, infects its aristocracy, and weakens its armies. While across the expanse of Sinai, like jackals drawn to carrion, the forces of the King of Persia watch . . . and wait.

Leading the fight to preserve the soul of Egypt is Hasdrabal Barca, Pharaoh’s deadliest killer. Possessed of a rage few men can fathom and fewer can withstand, Barca struggles each day to preserve the last sliver of his humanity. But, when one of Egypt’s most celebrated generals, a Greek mercenary called Phanes, defects to the Persians, it triggers a savage war that will tax Barca’s skills, and his humanity, to the limit. From the political wasteland of Palestine, to the searing deserts east of the Nile, to the streets of ancient Memphis, Barca and Phanes play a desperate game of cat-and-mouse — a game culminating in the bloodiest battle of Egypt’s history.

Caught in the midst of this violence is Jauharah, a slave in the House of Life. She is Arabian, dark-haired and proud — a healer with gifts her blood, her station, and her gender overshadow. Though her hands tend to Barca’s countless wounds, it is her spirit that heals and changes him. Once a fearsome demigod of war, Hasdrabal Barca becomes human again. A man now motivated as much by love as anger.

Nevertheless honor and duty have bound Barca to the fate of Egypt. A final conflict remains, a reckoning set to unfold in the dusty hills east of Pelusium. There, over the dead of two nations, Hasdrabal Barca will face the same choice as the heroes of old: Death and eternal fame . . .

Or obscurity and long life . . .

"Mr. Oden is a talented author and is a shining jewel in the Medallion Press crown. This book touched on all my emotions. Mr. Oden has a gift for storytelling and I truly felt transported back in time. I look forward to reading Mr. Oden in the future and I highly recommend "Men Of Bronze." You won't look at historical fiction the same at the end of the read."
~ K. Ahlers, Independent Reviewer

"A superbly written 473-page of historical fiction. ... A gripping, adventurous saga..."
~ The Midwest Book Review

FIVE STARS!
"Men Of Bronze is a terrific insightful Ancient Egypt historical thriller."
~ H. Klausner, Independent Reviewer

"The author's obvious extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern history and culture, with an emphasis on Egypt, vivid imagination and ability to communicate these in writing make Men Of Bronze a thrilling, engrossing work of historical fiction."
~ The Decatur Daily

"...an emerging literary talent who is worth watching (especially if you're into well written, thrilling tales of antiquity)..."
~ Thor the Barbarian

"Debut novelist Oden weaves a story of intrigue, political corruption, treachery, and loyalty as seen though the eyes of a multitude of intriguing characters."
~ Library Journal