Young Theras, born in Ancient Athens, loves his city. He goes to school where he learns to sing and tell the great Greek stories. He walks proudly through the town with his pedagogue to the athletic field and their exercises led by the gymnasiarch. He marvels at the bustling outdoor market, full of life and color. He is in love with Athens and its freedom, open air, and friendliness-and its goddess Athena.

Trouble comes to Theras, though, when his father's merchant ship is attacked in a battle with Samos, and he is presumed dead. Promising to take care of Theras and leave him an inheritance, a Spartan relative takes him to Sparta. He is forced to live like a Spartan, a brutal life with no pity for those who are not physically perfect and totally obedient to Spartan control. After enduring rigorous training and repeated cruel incidents, he escapes with a Perioikoi boy and heads for his beloved Athens. It's a hard and dangerous journey including an escape from slavers.

Caroline Dale Snedeker, twice a Newbery Honor winner, captures the authentic flavor of ancient Greek culture in a story of adventure and excitement that fully illustrates the differences between the Athenian and Spartan cultures.