About the Book:
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 legacy…
AMAZON (KINDLE) | AMAZON (PAPERBACK) | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY |INDIEBOUND
Review:
Alexander the Great is known around the world for his feats of war and contributions to cultural diffusion. However, many people contributed to his rise to power and stay at the top. These women shaped him, compelled him, and kept him leveled throughout his years. His mother, Olympias is willing to do whatever she can see her son rise and protect his legacy. Alexander’s sisters Cynnane and Thessalonike grew up as warriors, waiting to protect Alexander. Roxana, the daughter of a minor noble who will do anything to get herself away from her father and claw her way to the top as Alexander’s first wife. Stateria and Drypetis daughters of overthrown King Darius III, struggle with their new ruler but eventually fall for Alexander’s charms as his new wife and wife of his companion Hephaestion. Then there is Hephaestion, Alexander’s childhood friend and companion who will see him through his conquests to the end.
Told from the alternating points of view of Thessalonike, Drypetis, Roxana and Hephaestion, Alexander’s life is seen through the eyes of those who loved and feared him. I loved that all of the women were independent and strong willed, even though they were all attached to the most powerful man at the time, none of them relied on his power to save him. Thessalonike was as fierce as Alexander, but didn’t get a chance to show her skills while kept under Olympias’ thumb, it wasn’t until after Alexander’s death that Thessalonike got her chance to shine. Roxana was an interesting character for me as she went from someone whom I felt for to the one fighting for Alexander’s crown. Hephaestion’s point of view was also welcome, as someone who might have been more to Alexander than any of the women. Hephaestion’s and Drypetis’ love story stole some of the show for me; Drypetis is the character I related the most to with her fierce determination and love for how things work. In addition to wonderful characters, the time period and history was brought to life through detailed descriptions of Alexander’s battles, the clothing, custom and architecture for a true portrait of Alexander’s life.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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 legacy…
AMAZON (KINDLE) | AMAZON (PAPERBACK) | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY |INDIEBOUND
Review:
Alexander the Great is known around the world for his feats of war and contributions to cultural diffusion. However, many people contributed to his rise to power and stay at the top. These women shaped him, compelled him, and kept him leveled throughout his years. His mother, Olympias is willing to do whatever she can see her son rise and protect his legacy. Alexander’s sisters Cynnane and Thessalonike grew up as warriors, waiting to protect Alexander. Roxana, the daughter of a minor noble who will do anything to get herself away from her father and claw her way to the top as Alexander’s first wife. Stateria and Drypetis daughters of overthrown King Darius III, struggle with their new ruler but eventually fall for Alexander’s charms as his new wife and wife of his companion Hephaestion. Then there is Hephaestion, Alexander’s childhood friend and companion who will see him through his conquests to the end.
Told from the alternating points of view of Thessalonike, Drypetis, Roxana and Hephaestion, Alexander’s life is seen through the eyes of those who loved and feared him. I loved that all of the women were independent and strong willed, even though they were all attached to the most powerful man at the time, none of them relied on his power to save him. Thessalonike was as fierce as Alexander, but didn’t get a chance to show her skills while kept under Olympias’ thumb, it wasn’t until after Alexander’s death that Thessalonike got her chance to shine. Roxana was an interesting character for me as she went from someone whom I felt for to the one fighting for Alexander’s crown. Hephaestion’s point of view was also welcome, as someone who might have been more to Alexander than any of the women. Hephaestion’s and Drypetis’ love story stole some of the show for me; Drypetis is the character I related the most to with her fierce determination and love for how things work. In addition to wonderful characters, the time period and history was brought to life through detailed descriptions of Alexander’s battles, the clothing, custom and architecture for a true portrait of Alexander’s life.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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.
"The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora," "Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt," and "TheTiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan" are available now. "The Conqueror's Wife: A Novel of Alexander theGreat" will hit the shelves in December 2015.
For more information please visit Stephanie Thornton’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
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.
"The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora," "Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt," and "TheTiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan" are available now. "The Conqueror's Wife: A Novel of Alexander theGreat" will hit the shelves in December 2015.
For more information please visit Stephanie Thornton’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
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