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meganq1's review against another edition
3.0
DNF. I really, really WANTED to like it. I gave up about 2/3 through.
mnemox's review against another edition
5.0
The writing style is so dense that the simplest lines have deep meaning, and it takes a while to resonate. Which must be why I keep finding myself thinking about Alexander and Hephaistion (and not without envy). Their story is not the focus, but it quietly underlies everything, and is very deftly woven with history. I'm eager to read more by Renault.
phoebust's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
briecheezy's review against another edition
4.0
Renault’s historical fiction is the best kind – in which it reads as if a direct translation of some writing of the time. This book follows Alexander from childhood right up to his father’s death, and Renault has pieced together the bits of Alexander’s pre-accession life we know to create an entire picture of his growing up, a picture of an ambitious, otherworldly young man.
Renault is also not shy about highlighting Hephaistion. From Renault’s narrative, one could say that Alexander’s success and trajectory was almost entirely dependent on Hephaistion’s presence. Multiple times Alexander heeds his advice when he would have thought rashly. Hephaistion’s character is loyal, patient, and incredibly astute. He knows Alexander’s mind as well as his own. He is often described as more than Alexander’s right hand, “He too is Alexander.” The moments Renault paints of their closeness are precious.
And who couldn’t love Renault when she says of them “No physical relationship is proved, and those whom the thought disturbs are free to reject it.” Burn.
Renault is also not shy about highlighting Hephaistion. From Renault’s narrative, one could say that Alexander’s success and trajectory was almost entirely dependent on Hephaistion’s presence. Multiple times Alexander heeds his advice when he would have thought rashly. Hephaistion’s character is loyal, patient, and incredibly astute. He knows Alexander’s mind as well as his own. He is often described as more than Alexander’s right hand, “He too is Alexander.” The moments Renault paints of their closeness are precious.
And who couldn’t love Renault when she says of them “No physical relationship is proved, and those whom the thought disturbs are free to reject it.” Burn.
katya_s's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eastwooddoll's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
absolutely gorgeous (but also…wordy as fuck & kind of confusing for beginners on alexander.)
this book was the final shove into my 2-year-long alexander the great hyperfixation.
this book was the final shove into my 2-year-long alexander the great hyperfixation.
thegreatworkbegins's review against another edition
5.0
After years of picking it up and putting it down and picking it back up again and having to restart it I finally finished this book.
Honestly read it in almost two sittings and it was absolutely brilliant. The sense of era is the best part of this book and I'm already looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
Honestly read it in almost two sittings and it was absolutely brilliant. The sense of era is the best part of this book and I'm already looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
hat02's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
hypatia13's review against another edition
3.0
A very detailed story of the early life of Alexander. I enjoyed it more than The Last of the Wine, but still found it to be very slowly paced in places.