Ian Crouch Launches Second Novel in Historical Series; Wins Pinnacle Award

Following on from "The Shaping of Destiny," the multiple award-winning first volume of this historical trilogy, "Destiny Unfolds" has just been declared a winner in the Spring 2015 NABE Pinnacle Awards, in the category of Historical Fiction.

In the second book, Pyrrhus is now comfortable in his role of king of Epirus. The year is 295 BC. He is soon to be embroiled again in his dealings with the great power Macedonia and with other Hellenistic kings.

The cataclysmic event of his life then occurs: the invitation to help the Greek city of Tarentum in Italy. He invades Italy, and confronts the growing power of Rome. This struggle between Greece and Rome lasted until 146 BC, the year of the sack of Corinth, and in this same year, Rome sacked mighty Carthage.

It was Pyrrhus's second victory over the Romans in 279 BC that gave rise to the expression - "A Pyrrhic Victory" - one that comes at such a cost that it threatens to destroy the victor. He will later be described by Hannibal as the greatest commander the world had seen, after Alexander himself.

Speaking of the first volume, Dr. Eoghan Maloney, lecturer in ancient history, University of Adelaide, wrote: "Writing with great style, Dr. Crouch brings this ancient age to life once more; maintaining an expert balance between historical accuracy and creative imagination. Dr. Crouch succeeds splendidly in conveying a compelling interpretation of the lives and loves, the achievements and aspirations of great men in a great age."

The second volume was reviewed by John E. Roper, giving it a Recommended Rating from the U.S Review of Books: "The author writes with an engaging style that pulls the reader into the time period. Although much of the biographical information available on Pyrrhus is limited to his campaigns and alliances, Crouch has still managed to craft a very believable picture of his subject's personal life ... Crouch succeeds by staying true to the known facts that modern historians have managed to glean, while giving his story the narrative sensibilities of the ancients. The result is a highly enjoyable and informative book that brings the man Hannibal viewed as the second greatest commander after Alexander the Great to life."

"This second book of the award-winning series brings to life the ancient world in a way that will enthrall readers. We are thrilled to announce its release," said Robert Fletcher, CEO of Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency.

About the Author: Dr. Ian Crouch is a medical practitioner in Adelaide, South Australia. Since his early days in medical school, his abiding interest has been Greek and Roman history. He is currently writing the third and final volume of A Pyrrhic Victory, subtitled, Fate.

Watch the video book trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dDhFx46-OI

A PYRRHIC VICTORY: VOLUME II, DESTINY UNFOLD (Kindle ISBN: 978-1-63135-905-7, ePub ISBN: 978-1-63135-906-4) is available for $9.99 at http://epubco.com/shop/products/a-pyrrhic-victory-volume-ii-destiny-unfolds-by-dr-ian-crouch/ or at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

The soft cover version (ISBN: 978-1-63135-646-9, $30) can also be ordered through the publisher's website: http://sbpra.com/IanCrouch or at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

WHOLESALERS: This book is distributed by Ingram Books and other wholesale distributors. Contact your representative with the ISBN for purchase. Wholesale purchase for retailers, universities, libraries, and other organizations is also available through the publisher; please email bookorder(at)sbpra(dot)net.

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