Alexander the Great is one of history’s most legendary figures. A fearless warrior and brilliant strategist, he built one of the largest empires the ancient world had ever seen. His life was shaped by ambition, military genius, and an unstoppable drive to conquer.
Historical fiction about Alexander takes us back to the world of Macedonia and Persia, from the battlefields of Asia Minor to the palaces of Babylon. These books bring his story to life, offering a glimpse into the turbulent era of one of history’s greatest rulers.
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Fire From Heaven
Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
This is the first book in a trilogy about Alexander the Great.
From his boyhood, where he began honing his talents, to his rise as a powerful leader, the story brings his journey to life—his political education, his closest relationships, and his fierce ambition all taking centre stage.
The Persian Boy
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
The second book in the trilogy follows the turbulent years of Alexander the Great’s reign through the eyes of his devoted lover and attendant, Bagoas.
After his father’s murder, Bagoas is sold into slavery and later gifted to Alexander following the conquest of Persia. As their relationship deepens, they navigate the tensions of power, loyalty, and personal sacrifice, all set against the backdrop of Alexander’s relentless ambition and the political intrigue of his empire.
Funeral Games
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
The final book in the trilogy brings to life the chaos that followed Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BC.
The Conqueror’s Wife
Amazon Rating: 4.2/5
In 330s BCE Greece, Alexander the Great’s rise to power is shaped not just by war and ambition, but by the women in his life.
His bold half-sister, Thessalonike, dreams of adventure, while the sharp-witted princess Drypetis and the shrewd noblewoman Roxana compete for influence and love in his ever-changing world. As his empire expands, battles and betrayals define his legacy—one that his wives, allies, and enemies continue to fight over long after his reign ends.
The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are on a quest to uncover a deadly virus created by a secret group known as the Venetian League. 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
The Virtues of War is a gripping take on the life of Alexander the Great, told from his own perspective. It dives into his battles, strategies, and the mindset that made him one of history’s greatest military leaders.
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.
Dancing with the Lion: Becoming by Tiffany Parks is a historical novel that explores the early life of Alexander the Great, focusing on his youth and the forces that shaped him into the leader he would become.
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 delves into the life of Alexander the Great, weaving together Greek legend and historical fact.
The story is told through the eyes of a childhood neighbour who rises to become one of his officers. It offers a vivid portrayal of his conquests, ambitions, and the vulnerabilities that shaped his legacy.
The Golden Mean
Amazon Rating: 3.9/5
The Golden Mean by Annabel Lyon is a historical novel that focuses on the relationship between Aristotle and his famous pupil, Alexander the Great.
The story is told from the perspective of Aristotle, capturing his reflections on his teachings and the complexities of his relationship with the ambitious young Alexander.