Reviews

I FINALLY FINISHED THE BOOK WOW!

Eight-month hiatus notwithstanding, I really enjoyed this book! A fascinating (fictionalized) look into Alexander the Great's childhood and a solid entry point into (fictionalized) Greek history to spark interest and make me want to learn more.

I liked how easily Renault switches POVs and narrators — it adds depth and differing opinions to what could otherwise be a one-sided story.

AND I LOVE MY BOYS ALEXANDER AND HEPHAISTION!!!!!!!!!!!! Would that I had half of Alexander's discipline and drive; would that I had half of Hephaistion's devotion and faith.

merisaurum's review against another edition

Go to review page

Soft DNF. Beautiful poetic writing but a little hard to read while coming out of a reading slump. I heard the audiobook is good so I might give that a go.

paio's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging informative tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

morgonwashere's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

eluz's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional informative mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

mary renault is unmatched in historical retelling - every one of her books feels distinctly beautiful, but i believe her alexander trilogy is truly her greatest achievement. the way she balances a sort of mystical trance like tone with raw humanity is so well done and sets her writing apart. this book can be felt in your ribs long after you’ve finished reading it.

arguably, without my previous knowledge of alexander and phillip’s lives i think i would’ve struggled to finish the book as it is deeply entrenched in history, which evidences renaults commitment. absolutely do not write this book off, but recommend some research beforehand.

keysmashhh's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous informative slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Plot: 3.5/5
Character: 3.5/5
Relationships: 3/5
World-Building: 3.5/5
Genre: 4/5

very glad i read The Persian Boy first because I think i wouldn't have picked it up if i'd read fire from heaven. This is a PSA for anyone who felt 50/50 on this book and doesn't know if they should push on with the series - PLEASE DO!! i haven't read the final book yet but The Persian Boy is much better than fire from heaven. I think my main issue with this book was the pacing it was so unbelievably slow at times, really not helped by the fact the chapters were sometimes up to 70 pages long making it feel like i was making such slow progress through the book. i found the storyline of this book harder to follow compared to The Persian Boy, i felt like there were more flashbacks/tangents that i found harder to follow and at times I felt a general sense of disinterest for some of the action. segments were great though, i love the story of Alexander obtaining Oxhead, his growing relationship with Hephaestion (especially the small sections from Hephaestion's POV) and the time he spent studying with Aristotle. I'd say this book was a bit hit and miss for me, and perhaps its because I read The Persian Boy first and rated it 5 stars but i felt a little let down by this one. I'm still going to push on with the final book of the trilogy but take some time away so i can fully appreciate it. That being said Mary Renault's writing and interpretation of the ancient world is still second to none

jiu_2024's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

More...