the prequel to "Dawn of Empire." The story describes Eskkar's early life, his expulsion from the clan of his birth, and his subsequent struggles to survive as he wanders the length and breadth of the Land Between the Rivers. Eskkar grows to manhood learning the skills of a warrior and a leader of men, skills that he will need one day to defend mankind's first walled city. Trella, too, sees her family destroyed, and herself sold into slavery. She must use all the power of her mind to manipulate the men who now own her body. As they journey toward each other and the village of Orak, both are preparing themselves for the epic struggle that will face them, and for the love that will bind them forever. This book won Second Place in the Arizona Authors Association Literary Contest for published fiction - 2012. Battle For Empire. The fifth book in the Eskkar Series. Eskkar must confront once again the barbarian clan that raised him, this time in a life-and-death struggle. Trella faces the heart-rending decision regarding their son, Sargon, and is forced to banish him from the city of Akkad. At the same time, a new and greater enemy has cast its eyes on the Land Between the Rivers. Eskkar and Trella must face these new challenges while they struggle to reclaim the heir to their empire. - 2012 External links Author's Official site Books by Sam Barone at Random House Arizona Authors Association Official Web site Professional Writers of Prescott Web site Writers of historical fiction set in antiquity American historical novelists Manhattan College alumni Living people American male novelists Year of birth missing (living people)