The Slave Boys by Murray Eiland Jr

Cyrus’ former life as double agent was thrilling. Fighting the Babylonian war and occasionally sharing secrets with Orfeo, the enemy. Back in Kuragalu things are too still and calm for his tastes. He contemplates what life would be like if he settled down to a simple life as is expected but it just will not cut it. Therefore, he embarks on a journey to find adventure. He is advised to leave and live by the highest standards of honor then return to his people a more complete man. He takes the advice and embarks on a journey to Elam with Balik, his old friend and partner in shenanigans. On the way, they interact with the Queen of Araka, which gets them into trouble. They are sold into slavery but they escape and Cyrus heads a troop of ex-slaves. After winning a battle against bandits, a General tasks them with the responsibility to protect his sister until she gets home. However, the Arya’s death would be a very lucrative tragedy for the General. The job gets more difficult at that point when the General sends mercenaries to kill his sister. Things get thicker when the caravan transporting Arya is caught in the war between two communities. There is a contract in place to bring to an end but an integral party is missing. Arya makes an offer of marriage to Cyrus to accord him affluence and protection. However, Cyrus has his mind set on ending this battle. A surprising revelation makes Cyrus the new King of Cabol with a wife he actually cares for. His days are filled with adventure and plotting. He has found adventure in his own household. Could Cyrus and his unlikely ally really come up with a viable plan to end the skirmishes? 

Murray Eiland’s The Slave Boy is a valuable lesson on dignity and honor. This book is a well-narrated tale of the all too familiar desire to find adventure, which often ends in trouble. Cyrus is said to have a golden tongue as he can very easily charm friends and enemies into doing things to his benefit. This paired with his intelligence and bravery makes him an exceptional leader. His character is endearing to the reader and one finds themselves rooting for him throughout the book. The conversations between the characters are friendly and teasing like it is in the military but without being overly crass. The characters do not curse like sailors and the reader can enjoy the banter without getting uncomfortable. 

The book is written in the third person. This can be a little disconcerting to the reader. The author jumps from one scene to the other and it takes a little time for the reader to adjust to the new surroundings. In general, this is a good book. For a fan of historical fiction that tells realistic accounts with relatable and likeable characters, this is definitely the book to read. It is compelling and gripping right to the last page. A four out of five for this book.