Spartan Warrior #3: Legacy of Blood by Michael Ford

My name is Lysander, and not much has changed since I saved Sparta by killing the Persian leader. I'm forced to keep the truth a secret, and I'm still treated as a Helot slave by many of the people I saved. My cousin and I have even lost control of our grandfather's estate, and I'm worried the slaves will be mistreated and tortured. Now, word has arrived that a Spartan outpost was overtaken, and Sparta can't afford to send any soldiers from its armies. However, the Council of Elders has ordered the trainees from my barracks to retake the outpost. Most of the boys have never been on a ship before, and the enemy will surely have fortified the town before we arrive. However, we Spartan warriors will return victorious unless we heroically and honorably die. 

You should read the series from the beginning to fully appreciate Lysander's journey and transformation. The prejudice against non-Spartans was a common thread throughout all of the books. The Spartans were wary of a Helot uprising, but they refused to treat the slaves and free men as equal human beings. They'd use any amount of force to maintain their dominance. However, Lysander and some others knew this governing style was wrong and couldn't last in the long run. You should be aware that this book was full of fighting, blood, and gore, so it's not for the squeamish. These descriptions were appropriate for the series, as the Spartan culture strongly promoted fighting. Another thread in all the books was the Fire of Ares, also the title of the first book. This amulet was normally worn by Lysander, as it had been in his family for generations. Lysander often thought it gave him power, but in reality, it offered him confidence. This book revealed the potentially culture-changing history behind the amulet, but it felt anti-climactic. The truth was interesting, but its suppression made its effect on the characters minimal. Overall, I enjoyed the series and recommend you give it a shot, especially if you like ancient cultures.