Shan Sa, Alexander and Alestria

Alexander and Alestria

Shan Sa

Harper, Aug 2008, $23.95

ISBN: 0061543543

Macedonian King Philip abuses his heir Alexander though he rationalizes that a monarch must be tough. Queen Olympias offers no protection for her offspring from his dad; instead makes demands on him. Angry Alexander turns abusive towards those weaker than him. However, he widens his outlook to include poetry entirely due to his tutor Aristotle.

When an assassin kills Philip, Alexander is glad not just because he is the king. He feels this is his chance to take out his revenge on his nasty father and showing his superiority to his imperious mother by conquering the world, not just Macedonia. He quickly wins in Greece, Persia and Egypt. However, he finally meets an opponent who matches him in cunning strategy when it comes to war and surpasses him when it comes to love, Queen Alestria of the Amazons; who admires his strength as almost her equal and decides to make Alexander her 'wife'.

This refreshing look at Alexander rotates viewpoints between the titled couple and her loyal servant Ania. The storyline focuses on the romance between the lead couple although there is wonderful look at the world of the amazons as Shan Sa makes the myths seem like hard core history. Fans of ancient historical romances starring real persona will enjoy 'Alexander And Alestria' as the great conqueror and the amazon queen meet their perfect opponent to cherish and fight for who is on top.

Harriet Klausner