Fire of Ares

Lysander feels like he's been cheated by life. He's a slave in Sparta. He hopes for a better life as he breaks his back working in the fields to earn food for himself and his sickly mother. The field worker cheats him out of his rations. Lysander doesn't know where to turn or what to do; he keeps thinking there must be something better out there. The only item of worth he owns is the necklace he wears under his shirt. When someone sees that; it could mean trouble for him. While Lysander protects his life and his necklace, someone recognizes it.
Lysander finds out that he's half-Spartan. He meets his grandfather who insists that his grandson be live at the Spartan school - where all the boys are turned into warriors. However, he's an outcast at the school because of his mixed blood. Everyone hates him, except one boy. Outcasts together, they attempt to keep up with the other students and learn how to fight. Will Lysander ever be accepted? Or will he have to prove his worth the Spartan way?

First in a series and a great tale for anyone loving the ancient world. The battle and action scenes make this an easy sell for boy readers. Plus the cover's so inviting.

Here's the second cover: