Legacy of Kings
Book One of the Blood of Gods and Kings saga is a fantasy novel borrowing the marquee name of Alexander the Great to add to its allure. Historical fiction fans looking for an epic story of Alexander with some fantasy elements may be disappointed, as there is little of the historical figure in the book. However, fantasy fans of 12 plus may enjoy the adventures of the young characters.
Kat (Katerina) and Jacob begin their quests in a manner reminiscent of The Hunger Games: two feisty lifelong friends, now with a growing mutual attraction, must leave their small village for the capitol. Jacob has been chosen for an arena battle in which participants from all parts of the realm slaughter one another until the last man standing wins the prize. Alex (Alexander), Heph (Hephaestion), Cyn (Cyane), and Alex’s mother hatch their own plots in the capitol. Each seeks a different magic to help them achieve individual goals. Kat, already possessed of magic (she can communicate with animals and heal with her touch), has come for vengeance against Alex’s mother. As a side plot, Zo (Zofia) pursues life with her soldier/lover in defiance of her betrothal to Alex, but she’s off in Persia.
The various storylines bump into each other but don’t significantly intersect until three-quarters of the way through, when the heroes find a common enemy and the pace quickens. Secrets are revealed and allegiances shift as the climactic battle sets the stage for Book Two.
