The Conqueror's Wife: A Novel of Alexander the Great by Stephanie Thornton
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
NAL/Penguin Group LLC.
eBook, Paperback; 496 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
A novel from the acclaimed author of The Tiger Queens, for readers looking for 'strong and determined female protagonists (Historical Novel Society) and 'a sprawling historical saga'(Renee Rosen)...
We are the women who loved Alexander the Great. We were lovers and murderers, innocents and soldiers.
And without us, Alexander would have been only a man.
Instead he was a god.
330s, B.C.E., Greece: Alexander, a handsome young warrior of Macedon, begins his quest to conquer the ancient world. But he cannot ascend to power, and keep it, without the women who help to shape his destiny.
His spirited younger half-sister, Thessalonike, yearns to join her brother and see the world. Instead, it is Alexander's boyhood companion who rides with him into war while Thessalonike remains behind. Far away, crafty princess Drypetis will not stand idly by as Alexander topples her father from Persia's throne. And after Alexander conquers her tiny kingdom, Roxana, the beautiful and cunning daughter of a minor noble, wins Alexander's heart and will commit any crime to secure her place at his side.
Within a few short years, Alexander controls an empire more vast than the civilized world has ever known. But his victories are tarnished by losses on the battlefield and treachery among his inner circle. And long after Alexander is gone, the women who are his champions, wives, and enemies will fight to claim his legacymy thoughts:
WOW. This is seriously one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Every book by Stephanie Thornton is better than the previous one, and this is no exception. I read this in a day!
The characters are amazing. Nike, Olympias, Drypetis, Roxana, and all the other women who surrounded Alexander. Hephaestion was a fabulous character. Everything Alexander wasn't. Interesting, down to earth, charming... As you can tell, I much preferred him to the larger than life Alexander the Great.
This book focuses on the women and the men who surround the great ruler, rather than Alexander himself. We see the effects these people have on Alexander. These people are real. You, the reader, will love some of them, feel pity for many, and distaste for others. Personally, I absolutely adored Drypetis, daughter of Darius of Persia. She is a hoot! Full of spice and vinegar!. Even though Olympias has always had a bad reputation, I enjoyed reading about her machinations and behind the scenes attempt to hold power while Alexander was away at battle. SPOILERS...........(Can you have spoilers in a historical fiction novel...this happened centuries ago)...........
Olympias's death was satisfying to read. She needed to pay for her evil ways. I wish Roxana's death had been played out more in the novel. I didn't dislike Roxana. I disliked her actions, but I saw her as an unfortunate character attempting to escape her horrible upbringing. She did what she had to, to escape her life.
I could rave for hours about Stephanie Thornton's writing style and this book, but just know, when you begin reading you will feel compelled to read until you finish. It is non stop action. From the battlefields to the bedrooms.
The best yet by this amazing author!
About the Author
Stephanie Thornton is a writer and history teacher who has been obsessed with infamous women from ancient history since she was twelve. She lives with her husband and daughter in Alaska, where she is at work on her next novel.
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For more information please visit Stephanie Thornton's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, November 30 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Review & Giveaway at 100 Pages a DayTuesday, December 1 Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee Guest Post at Book Lovers Paradise
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Friday, December 18 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective Interview at Flashlight Commentary
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This sounds like an amazing book. I hadn't heard of it before, so thanks for putting it on my radar. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess