Jennifer Macaire, Heroes in the Dust

Heroes in the Dust

Jennifer Macaire

Jacobyte Books, 2003

ISBN: 1741001307

King Darius of Persia abducted Paul, the infant son of his enemy King Alexander of Macedonia in order to swap children as the Macedonian has the Persian's adult daughter Stateria. Unbeknownst to Darius, Alexander married Stateria who is pregnant with his child. Paul is the son of Alexander's third wife, Ashley, the journalist sent back by the Institute of Time Travel from three millenniums in the future to interview the Great monarch, but she is for now stuck in the past. When the Persians lost the Battle of Persepolis, Darius gave Paul to Bessus, Satrap of Bactria. However, before fleeing for his remote region, Bessus assassinates Darius. Alexander pursues Bessus.

Ashley accompanies Alexander and his army on the quest. She loves her hero, but also feels very melancholy because she knows when he will die and there is nothing she can do to change that. Just her weird presence as an outsider not believing in Oracles or fate may lead to subtle modification of the time stream, but interference is dangerous. Instead, Ashley takes what she can even sharing her beloved with two other women and a male lover Plexis.

Book two of the Iskander series is an exhilarating historical fictionalized account of Alexander the Great. The picturesque fourth century BC world of Alexander is fabulously intertwined with a deep look at an ancient army on the march as well as an engaging glimpse at relationships. Ashley being from a different time with different values provides a contrast that enhances the Ancient culture. Sub-genre fans will appreciate this delightful series and agree that Ms. Macaire must be an employee of the Institute of Time Travel for this has to be her first hand account.

Harriet Klausner