Alexander the Great was one of history’s most legendary figures. He was a fearless warrior, brilliant strategist, and ambitious ruler who built one of the largest empires the ancient world had ever seen. His life was marked by military genius and a relentless drive to conquer.
By reading historical fiction books about Alexander the Great we’re able to journey back to the ancient world of Macedonia and Persia. From the battlefields of Asia Minor to the palaces of Babylon, these books offer a glimpse into the tumultuous era of one of history’s greatest conquerors.
Here are some historical fiction novels that delve into the legend of Alexander the Great.
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Fire From Heaven
Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
This book, the first in a trilogy, delves into the extraordinary life of Alexander the Great, exploring his upbringing and the influences that shaped him into a legendary figure.
From his boyhood honing his gifts to his rise to power as a formidable leader, Alexander’s journey is vividly portrayed, highlighting his political education, his deep bonds, and his fiery ambition.
The Persian Boy
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
In the second installment of the trilogy, the tumultuous years of Alexander the Great’s reign unfold through the perspective of his devoted lover and attendant, Bagoas.
Sold into slavery after his father’s murder, Bagoas finds himself gifted to Alexander upon the conquest of Persia.
As their passionate relationship deepens amidst political intrigue and personal conflicts, the story delves into the complexities of power, loyalty, and heartbreak during Alexander’s conquests.
Funeral Games
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
In the final installment of the trilogy, Mary Renault vividly portrays the tumultuous aftermath of Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BC.
As power-hungry factions vie for control of his vast empire, including notable figures like Ptolemy and influential women like Eurydike, Renault captures the intrigue and political maneuvering of the era.
With larger-than-life personalities and gripping plots, the novel offers a compelling glimpse into the turbulent world left in the wake of Alexander’s demise.
The Conqueror’s Wife
Amazon Rating: 4.2/5
In ancient Greece during the 330s BCE, Alexander the Great’s conquests are influenced by the women in his life.
Thessalonike, his spirited half-sister, longs for adventure, while crafty princess Drypetis and cunning noblewoman Roxana vie for power and love in his tumultuous world.
As Alexander’s empire grows, battles and betrayals shape his legacy, with his champions, wives, and enemies continuing to fight for control long after his reign ends.
The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
In this thrilling adventure, Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are on a quest to uncover a deadly virus created by a secret group known as the Venetian League.
This virus, based on a mutated bird flu, poses a catastrophic threat to humanity. The key to finding the cure lies in the past, specifically with Alexander the Great’s tomb.
As they embark on this dangerous mission, they unravel a web of geopolitical intrigue and personal peril that could change the course of history.
The Virtues of War
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
In this gripping narrative, Alexander the Great reflects on his life as a soldier, revealing the brutal realities of warfare and the unwavering code by which he lived: the virtues of war.
From surviving his father’s assassination to leading victorious battles, Alexander’s account is both heroic and unapologetically ruthless.
Despite his fearsome reputation, he was deeply loved and respected by his comrades-in-arms. Yet, amidst his triumphs, Alexander faces an unexpected adversary that challenges everything he knows.
Dancing with the Lion: Becoming
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Before he became the legendary Alexander the Great, he was Alexandros, the prince of Makedon, navigating the complexities of his royal upbringing.
Alongside his companion Hephaistion, Alexandros grapples with his evolving feelings amidst the pressures of duty and expectation.
In a world defined by strength and status, their bond challenges societal norms and expectations, forcing Alexandros to confront his desires against the backdrop of power and ambition.
By the Sword
Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
In the wake of Alexander the Great’s death, the Macedonian Empire teeters on the brink of civil war.
Andrikos, a young boy from Greek Ionia, finds himself thrust into this tumultuous world after committing an unintentional crime. As he joins the army and undergoes brutal training, Andrikos is chosen for a clandestine mission that plunges him into a world of intrigue, violence, and loyalty.
To defend Alexander’s legacy from those who seek to usurp it, Andrikos must shed his immaturity and embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
Alexander The Great: A Novel
Amazon Rating: 4.2/5
Kazantzakis’ historical novel explores the complex persona of Alexander the Great, blending Greek legend with historical accounts.
From his youth to his death, the story depicts Alexander’s divine mission, mysticism, and mortal flaws.
Through the perspective of a young neighbor turned officer, readers witness Alexander’s legendary conquests and vulnerabilities.
The Golden Mean
Amazon Rating: 3.9/5
The Golden Mean offers a compelling fictional portrayal of Aristotle’s relationship with his pupil, Alexander the Great.
Set in ancient Greece, the novel follows Aristotle’s reluctant decision to tutor the rebellious young heir to the Macedonian throne amid the intrigue of Philip’s court.
Through Aristotle’s perspective, readers witness the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the enduring impact of these historical figures.