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crystalstarrlight's review against another edition
3.0
Bullet Review:
OMG I FINISHED IT!! After reading for nearly a quarter of a year, it's done!!
This book was a very slow read for me. I'm not hugely familiar with Alexander the Great beyond the basics, and this certainly isn't your basic story. People who are familiar with Alexander and the ins and outs of his life (and the war time exploits of his father) will LOVE this.
Writing style was also VERY difficult to adjust to. Everything is EXTREMELY subtle and layered - not your average Philipa Gregory or Dan Brown novel to be sure. Just as I "got it", I found my interest in the story waning (there's an incredible amount of discussion about the myriad of wars and political machinations of King Phillip) and I'd set the book aside for a month.
It didn't help that there were SO MANY characters, many of whom appear then are never seen again. And I'm sorry, but at times, Alexander jumps off the Marty Stu cliff headfirst.
That said, the last 100 pages, I just decided I was going to finish and "I got it". I also loved the dynamic between Alexander/Hephaistion.
In the end, a good book that makes me painfully aware of how little I know about this era. Recommended if you like your novels a slow, subtle build and if you are an Alexander aficionado.
I don't know if I can muster a full review. This book has worn me out.
OMG I FINISHED IT!! After reading for nearly a quarter of a year, it's done!!
This book was a very slow read for me. I'm not hugely familiar with Alexander the Great beyond the basics, and this certainly isn't your basic story. People who are familiar with Alexander and the ins and outs of his life (and the war time exploits of his father) will LOVE this.
Writing style was also VERY difficult to adjust to. Everything is EXTREMELY subtle and layered - not your average Philipa Gregory or Dan Brown novel to be sure. Just as I "got it", I found my interest in the story waning (there's an incredible amount of discussion about the myriad of wars and political machinations of King Phillip) and I'd set the book aside for a month.
It didn't help that there were SO MANY characters, many of whom appear then are never seen again. And I'm sorry, but at times, Alexander jumps off the Marty Stu cliff headfirst.
That said, the last 100 pages, I just decided I was going to finish and "I got it". I also loved the dynamic between Alexander/Hephaistion.
In the end, a good book that makes me painfully aware of how little I know about this era. Recommended if you like your novels a slow, subtle build and if you are an Alexander aficionado.
I don't know if I can muster a full review. This book has worn me out.
readeranew's review against another edition
I was overwhelmed and confused.
I do not have the calibre of knowledge to keep up with this book.
I do not have the calibre of knowledge to keep up with this book.
akelbley2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
thesingingbook's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
forestfae's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
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
4.5
kelley_ag's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lbarsk's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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
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
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
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