What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shadow King
FOR A KING TO RISE, ALEXANDER THE GREAT MUST FALL . . .
The new historical fiction epic from one of Britain's best-loved authors shines new light on the greatest hero of the Ancient World, Alexander The Great.
_____________________
334 BC. Alexander the Great is just twenty-one years old when he sets out with a small army to challenge Persia, the largest and most powerful empire in the world.
Together, his Macedonian army marches East into the unknown - winning battles against overwhelming odds, storming impregnable fortresses from the Aegean through to India.
But there is another Alexander. Prince of the Macedonian royal house of Lyncestis, he becomes Alexander the Great's general and most trusted friend.
Alexander of Lyncestis is between this friendship and the duty to avenge his murdered brothers. And he is under threat, too. Others - Persians, Greeks, Macedonians - see him him as a rival for the throne. For six years of conspiracy and battle, his life hangs by a thread.
For Alexander of Lyncestis is the Shadow King.
_____________________
Praise for Harry Sidebottom's historical
'An extraordinarily vivid take on the ancient world' - EVENING STANDARD
'The best sort of red-blooded historical fiction' - ANDREW TAYLOR
'More twists and turns than the Tiber itself' - RORY CLEMENTS
'Explosive action and knuckle-whitening drama' - GUARDIAN
'Blazes with searing scholarship' - THE TIMES
'A storming triumph' - DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Epic' - MARY BEARD
'Brilliant' - BEN KANE
The new historical fiction epic from one of Britain's best-loved authors shines new light on the greatest hero of the Ancient World, Alexander The Great.
_____________________
334 BC. Alexander the Great is just twenty-one years old when he sets out with a small army to challenge Persia, the largest and most powerful empire in the world.
Together, his Macedonian army marches East into the unknown - winning battles against overwhelming odds, storming impregnable fortresses from the Aegean through to India.
But there is another Alexander. Prince of the Macedonian royal house of Lyncestis, he becomes Alexander the Great's general and most trusted friend.
Alexander of Lyncestis is between this friendship and the duty to avenge his murdered brothers. And he is under threat, too. Others - Persians, Greeks, Macedonians - see him him as a rival for the throne. For six years of conspiracy and battle, his life hangs by a thread.
For Alexander of Lyncestis is the Shadow King.
_____________________
Praise for Harry Sidebottom's historical
'An extraordinarily vivid take on the ancient world' - EVENING STANDARD
'The best sort of red-blooded historical fiction' - ANDREW TAYLOR
'More twists and turns than the Tiber itself' - RORY CLEMENTS
'Explosive action and knuckle-whitening drama' - GUARDIAN
'Blazes with searing scholarship' - THE TIMES
'A storming triumph' - DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Epic' - MARY BEARD
'Brilliant' - BEN KANE
402 pages, Hardcover
Published November 9, 2023
132 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Harry Sidebottom
40 books520 followersHarry Sidebottom is Lecturer in Ancient History at Merton College, Oxford, and part-time lecturer in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. He has written for and contributed to many publications, including Classical Review, Journal of Roman Studies, and War and Society in the Roman World.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 25, 2024
This splendid and educational historical adventure is a standalone book about Alexander of Lyncestis, a contemporary Macedonian of Alexander the Great.
At the beginning of the book you'll find two maps, one of Alexander the Great's tour-de-force in conquering the likes of the Persian Empire and India, and one of Macedon with its upper and lowland areas, as well as a formidable List of Main Characters.
At the end of the book you'll notice an Historical Afterword, where a lot of very useful info is documented about Ancient Macedon.
Storytelling is wonderful, all characters come vividly to life in this tale of Kingship, power, loyalty, conspiracy and betrayal, while the momentous conquering by Alexander the Great and his godlike behaviour is superbly described by the author, but always with Alexander of Lyncestis as the main protagonist of this book.
The book starts off with a prologue containing the final words of Alexander of Lyncestis before his death, followed with the main story which is told by the author in a kind of diary until 330BC, the year of Alexander of Lyscestis's execution, and it will end with a epilogue in which Leonnatus, Alexander of Lyncestis's kinsman, is explaining the atrocities committed before the final end of Aleaxnder the Great in 323BC.
The main story is about Alexander of Lyncestis, a man torn between his loyalty towards his executed brothers, for taking part in the assassination of King Philip II by Pausanias, and his foster-brother and oath towards Aleaxander the Great, but during the Persian campaign Alexander of Lyncestis is spied upon by Alexander the Great's various spies, acts committed by his kinsman, friends and in his own household, and he's lured by King Darius III of Persia to come over, just like his father Aeropus, for both the Macedonian and Persian see in Alexander of Lyncestis the "Shadow King".
What is to follow is a brilliant retelling, as accurate as possible, of the life and deeds of Alexander of Lyncestis, until his ultimate demise and death at the hands of Alexander the Great and his close poisonous confederates, and all told by the author in a wonderful and heartfelt kind of dairy.
Highly recommended, for this is an amazing story of Macedon Kingship, culture and fighting force, and in which a somewhat lesser known figure, Alexander of Lyncestis, is the main protagonist and also member of the Macedonian Royalty within its hostile and deadly intricacies, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Compelling Royal Shade"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find two maps, one of Alexander the Great's tour-de-force in conquering the likes of the Persian Empire and India, and one of Macedon with its upper and lowland areas, as well as a formidable List of Main Characters.
At the end of the book you'll notice an Historical Afterword, where a lot of very useful info is documented about Ancient Macedon.
Storytelling is wonderful, all characters come vividly to life in this tale of Kingship, power, loyalty, conspiracy and betrayal, while the momentous conquering by Alexander the Great and his godlike behaviour is superbly described by the author, but always with Alexander of Lyncestis as the main protagonist of this book.
The book starts off with a prologue containing the final words of Alexander of Lyncestis before his death, followed with the main story which is told by the author in a kind of diary until 330BC, the year of Alexander of Lyscestis's execution, and it will end with a epilogue in which Leonnatus, Alexander of Lyncestis's kinsman, is explaining the atrocities committed before the final end of Aleaxnder the Great in 323BC.
The main story is about Alexander of Lyncestis, a man torn between his loyalty towards his executed brothers, for taking part in the assassination of King Philip II by Pausanias, and his foster-brother and oath towards Aleaxander the Great, but during the Persian campaign Alexander of Lyncestis is spied upon by Alexander the Great's various spies, acts committed by his kinsman, friends and in his own household, and he's lured by King Darius III of Persia to come over, just like his father Aeropus, for both the Macedonian and Persian see in Alexander of Lyncestis the "Shadow King".
What is to follow is a brilliant retelling, as accurate as possible, of the life and deeds of Alexander of Lyncestis, until his ultimate demise and death at the hands of Alexander the Great and his close poisonous confederates, and all told by the author in a wonderful and heartfelt kind of dairy.
Highly recommended, for this is an amazing story of Macedon Kingship, culture and fighting force, and in which a somewhat lesser known figure, Alexander of Lyncestis, is the main protagonist and also member of the Macedonian Royalty within its hostile and deadly intricacies, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Compelling Royal Shade"!
April 5, 2025
It was quite immersive.
This novel was a great look at the history of Alexander the Great from the perspective of one of his Royal Companions. There were a lot of battles and the story was so action packed. The setting and writing felt true to the time. The main character as well grappled with own feelings of honour and loyalty. The writing wasn't very dialogue heavy, a lot of battles. Which was a good thing overall but the story did lack a little personality at times.
In conclusion, I enjoyed it.
This novel was a great look at the history of Alexander the Great from the perspective of one of his Royal Companions. There were a lot of battles and the story was so action packed. The setting and writing felt true to the time. The main character as well grappled with own feelings of honour and loyalty. The writing wasn't very dialogue heavy, a lot of battles. Which was a good thing overall but the story did lack a little personality at times.
In conclusion, I enjoyed it.
April 14, 2024
This book has been on my ‘to read’ pile for too long. Several times I have picked it and put it down, deciding to read something else instead. The reason for my hesitation being the 5-page list of ‘main characters’ at the start, including 2 Alexanders, 4 Philips, 2 Arrhabaeuses, as well as a Arrhidaeus a Atarrhias and a Attalus.
The book tells the story of Alexander the Great (ATG) but from the point of view of Alexander of Lyncestis (AL). Despite members of AL’s family being involved in a plot to kill ATG’s father, Philip, AL swears allegiance to ATG. ATG bring AL into his inner circle eventually elevating him to the role of general where he serves with great distinction.
The story follows ATG’s expeditions to Asia Minor, Arabia, the Middle East across Persia and to India, fighting and generally winning countless battles and covering huge distances, over a number of years.
AL is the Shadow King of the title. He is descended from Royal blood and while he does not particularly seek ATG’s Crown, there are those who would wish him to take it.
A very enjoyable book and so well researched. It is not at all like his earlier Roman series, which I enjoyed tremendously. In style of writing, it reminded me a little of Pat Barker’s ‘The Silence of the Girls’. This may well be his best book.
The book tells the story of Alexander the Great (ATG) but from the point of view of Alexander of Lyncestis (AL). Despite members of AL’s family being involved in a plot to kill ATG’s father, Philip, AL swears allegiance to ATG. ATG bring AL into his inner circle eventually elevating him to the role of general where he serves with great distinction.
The story follows ATG’s expeditions to Asia Minor, Arabia, the Middle East across Persia and to India, fighting and generally winning countless battles and covering huge distances, over a number of years.
AL is the Shadow King of the title. He is descended from Royal blood and while he does not particularly seek ATG’s Crown, there are those who would wish him to take it.
A very enjoyable book and so well researched. It is not at all like his earlier Roman series, which I enjoyed tremendously. In style of writing, it reminded me a little of Pat Barker’s ‘The Silence of the Girls’. This may well be his best book.
June 1, 2025
Brilliant depiction of Alexander the Great
Brilliant take on the story of the greatest leader of antiquity told by one of his companions from childhood, fast paced and never boring, Mr Sidebottom, lays out the marches, battles and the political machinations of ancient Greek/Macedon rivalry, I have read other fictional books on Alexander this comes a very close second, still loved it.
Brilliant take on the story of the greatest leader of antiquity told by one of his companions from childhood, fast paced and never boring, Mr Sidebottom, lays out the marches, battles and the political machinations of ancient Greek/Macedon rivalry, I have read other fictional books on Alexander this comes a very close second, still loved it.
May 10, 2025
Enjoyable tale of Alexander’s rise and empire.
February 2, 2025
Soldier, King, God, Tyrant
Harry Sidebottom’s interest in Alexander the Great began in his mid-teens on reading Robin Lane Fox’ epic biography of the Macedonian conqueror. Mine began at the age of seven with the less elevated Ladybird Book of Alexander the Great; a few years later, Naomi Mitchison’s Alexander the Great, the novels of Mary Renault and in my late teens Peter Green’s Alexander of Macedon.
Alexander is to many a hero, to others a villain, but to all he remains both enigmatic and fascinating. I recall a full page colour picture in the aforementioned Ladybird Book: it is the siege of Gadara; Alexander lies wounded while two Macedonians defend him from the mob. One, Peucestas in Persian garb, the other, Leonnatus, holding his shield over the injured king – an enormously evocative image.
Leonnatus became a sort of hero to me, not one of the leading associates of the king, but a brave and faithful warrior. Leonnatus is an understated but crucial figure in Harry’s novel, a cousin of Alexander of Lyncestis, of Macedonian royal blood, a potential rival to Alexander himself.
The story is told by this shadow king, Alexander of Lyncestis, imprisoned for treason, about to be executed. He recounts his story from his youth in mountainous Lyncestis, his membership of Alexander’s foster brothers in the court of king Philip, to the bloody accession of Alexander to the throne and his subsequent invasion of Persia. The reader notes how the precocious and talented king becomes increasingly an unreasoning tyrant determined on his own way. His Lyncestian cousin a symbol of old values, of Macedonian strengths and prejudices.
This is the novel of Alexander which I would have enjoyed years ago. I confess some disappointment with Mary Renault’s The Persian Boy which deals with much of the same material, (less so Fire from Heaven which I enjoyed immensely). Renault’s central narrator, the eunuch Bagoas, Alexander’s lover, is dismissed here in a single sentence. Harry’s novel is a story of political intrigue, military prowess and vaunting ambition. Alexander is such a fascinating figure that his story could almost write itself. As for the shadow king, Alexander of Lyncestis, plausible flesh and bones have been added to that shadow, and he becomes an attractive, if flawed and impetuous character.
I particularly like the Epilogue, which involves my old hero Leonnatus, but no spoilers, read the tale yourself. It’s well worth it!
Harry Sidebottom’s interest in Alexander the Great began in his mid-teens on reading Robin Lane Fox’ epic biography of the Macedonian conqueror. Mine began at the age of seven with the less elevated Ladybird Book of Alexander the Great; a few years later, Naomi Mitchison’s Alexander the Great, the novels of Mary Renault and in my late teens Peter Green’s Alexander of Macedon.
Alexander is to many a hero, to others a villain, but to all he remains both enigmatic and fascinating. I recall a full page colour picture in the aforementioned Ladybird Book: it is the siege of Gadara; Alexander lies wounded while two Macedonians defend him from the mob. One, Peucestas in Persian garb, the other, Leonnatus, holding his shield over the injured king – an enormously evocative image.
Leonnatus became a sort of hero to me, not one of the leading associates of the king, but a brave and faithful warrior. Leonnatus is an understated but crucial figure in Harry’s novel, a cousin of Alexander of Lyncestis, of Macedonian royal blood, a potential rival to Alexander himself.
The story is told by this shadow king, Alexander of Lyncestis, imprisoned for treason, about to be executed. He recounts his story from his youth in mountainous Lyncestis, his membership of Alexander’s foster brothers in the court of king Philip, to the bloody accession of Alexander to the throne and his subsequent invasion of Persia. The reader notes how the precocious and talented king becomes increasingly an unreasoning tyrant determined on his own way. His Lyncestian cousin a symbol of old values, of Macedonian strengths and prejudices.
This is the novel of Alexander which I would have enjoyed years ago. I confess some disappointment with Mary Renault’s The Persian Boy which deals with much of the same material, (less so Fire from Heaven which I enjoyed immensely). Renault’s central narrator, the eunuch Bagoas, Alexander’s lover, is dismissed here in a single sentence. Harry’s novel is a story of political intrigue, military prowess and vaunting ambition. Alexander is such a fascinating figure that his story could almost write itself. As for the shadow king, Alexander of Lyncestis, plausible flesh and bones have been added to that shadow, and he becomes an attractive, if flawed and impetuous character.
I particularly like the Epilogue, which involves my old hero Leonnatus, but no spoilers, read the tale yourself. It’s well worth it!
August 3, 2025
The Enigma of Alexander the Great is clearly the result of serious and thorough research. The author demonstrates a strong command of historical sources, interpretive frameworks, and the many theories surrounding the legendary Macedonian conqueror. For those interested in a scholarly deep dive, the book holds some merit.
However, as a reading experience, it falls short. The writing is dense, dry, and often overly academic. The narrative lacks pace and emotional pull, making it feel more like a dissertation than a book aimed at a general audience. The structure and style make progress feel like a chore rather than a pleasure.
What’s most disappointing is the ending: the "enigma" the title promises remains unsolved. The author presents various theories about Alexander’s death and succession, but ultimately avoids taking a stand. This open-ended conclusion may suit academic caution, but it leaves the reader unsatisfied after so many pages, there’s no sense of closure or discovery.
Despite its intellectual rigor, The Enigma of Alexander the Great is not a book that captivates or entertains. It’s a work to respect, but not one to recommend if you're looking for an engaging read.
------------------------------------------------
El enigma de Alejandro Magno es, sin duda, un trabajo serio y bien documentado. El autor ha realizado una investigación exhaustiva, con un evidente dominio de las fuentes históricas, las corrientes interpretativas y las múltiples teorías que rodean la figura del célebre conquistador macedonio. Para quienes buscan una obra rigurosa, puede tener cierto atractivo en su profundidad.
Sin embargo, como lectura, el libro resulta denso, árido y, por momentos, excesivamente académico. La narrativa carece de ritmo y emoción, y se siente más como una tesis que como un relato pensado para el lector general. El estilo no ayuda a mantener el interés, y la estructura hace que avanzar por sus páginas se sienta más como una tarea que como un disfrute.
Además, el gran problema está en el propio final: el "enigma" que da título al libro no se resuelve. El autor expone múltiples teorías sobre la muerte y el legado de Alejandro, pero no toma partido ni ofrece una conclusión clara. Esto puede ser válido desde lo académico, pero deja al lector con una sensación de vacío, de haber recorrido muchas páginas sin obtener una verdadera respuesta.
A pesar del mérito investigativo, El enigma de Alejandro Magno no logra enganchar ni emocionar. Es un libro que se respeta, pero difícilmente se recomienda para quien busca una experiencia de lectura atractiva.
However, as a reading experience, it falls short. The writing is dense, dry, and often overly academic. The narrative lacks pace and emotional pull, making it feel more like a dissertation than a book aimed at a general audience. The structure and style make progress feel like a chore rather than a pleasure.
What’s most disappointing is the ending: the "enigma" the title promises remains unsolved. The author presents various theories about Alexander’s death and succession, but ultimately avoids taking a stand. This open-ended conclusion may suit academic caution, but it leaves the reader unsatisfied after so many pages, there’s no sense of closure or discovery.
Despite its intellectual rigor, The Enigma of Alexander the Great is not a book that captivates or entertains. It’s a work to respect, but not one to recommend if you're looking for an engaging read.
------------------------------------------------
El enigma de Alejandro Magno es, sin duda, un trabajo serio y bien documentado. El autor ha realizado una investigación exhaustiva, con un evidente dominio de las fuentes históricas, las corrientes interpretativas y las múltiples teorías que rodean la figura del célebre conquistador macedonio. Para quienes buscan una obra rigurosa, puede tener cierto atractivo en su profundidad.
Sin embargo, como lectura, el libro resulta denso, árido y, por momentos, excesivamente académico. La narrativa carece de ritmo y emoción, y se siente más como una tesis que como un relato pensado para el lector general. El estilo no ayuda a mantener el interés, y la estructura hace que avanzar por sus páginas se sienta más como una tarea que como un disfrute.
Además, el gran problema está en el propio final: el "enigma" que da título al libro no se resuelve. El autor expone múltiples teorías sobre la muerte y el legado de Alejandro, pero no toma partido ni ofrece una conclusión clara. Esto puede ser válido desde lo académico, pero deja al lector con una sensación de vacío, de haber recorrido muchas páginas sin obtener una verdadera respuesta.
A pesar del mérito investigativo, El enigma de Alejandro Magno no logra enganchar ni emocionar. Es un libro que se respeta, pero difícilmente se recomienda para quien busca una experiencia de lectura atractiva.
September 17, 2025
Set in 334 BC, Alexander of Macedon is only around twenty‑one when he marches east to challenge the mighty Persian Empire. 
Sidebottom tells the story from the point of view of Alexander of Lyncestis, a prince of the Macedonian royal house of Lyncestis—both friend and general to Alexander the Great.
As the Macedonian army sweeps through the Persian territories—winning battles, storming fortresses, crossing deserts and mountains—the threat of betrayal is ever‑present. Greeks, Persians, Macedonians alike see Alexander of Lyncestis as a potential rival for the throne. His life is precarious: every alliance, every victory, every march could be his last. 
For years, he lives under the constant shadow of conspiracy, danger, and conflicting loyalties—as a prince, a general, a friend, and a contender. 
In short: Alexander of Lyncestis is the Shadow King.
Review
My god, this was a bore! I nearly DNF’d The Shadow King, but I persevered—and regret that I didn’t quit!
It’s just the same pattern over and over: battle → threat of treason → more marching → more conspiracies → “I could be king, but I’m loyal to Alexander.” It feels like reading the same room over and over, with very little emotional payoff. The characters all seem to be repeating their loyalty dilemmas, but there’s no fresh tension, no satisfying twists—just an overload of historical detail without the drama to make it exciting.
Unless you are really into classical history, military campaigns, and court intrigue with zero relief, this one is not worth your time.
Sidebottom tells the story from the point of view of Alexander of Lyncestis, a prince of the Macedonian royal house of Lyncestis—both friend and general to Alexander the Great.
As the Macedonian army sweeps through the Persian territories—winning battles, storming fortresses, crossing deserts and mountains—the threat of betrayal is ever‑present. Greeks, Persians, Macedonians alike see Alexander of Lyncestis as a potential rival for the throne. His life is precarious: every alliance, every victory, every march could be his last. 
For years, he lives under the constant shadow of conspiracy, danger, and conflicting loyalties—as a prince, a general, a friend, and a contender. 
In short: Alexander of Lyncestis is the Shadow King.
Review
My god, this was a bore! I nearly DNF’d The Shadow King, but I persevered—and regret that I didn’t quit!
It’s just the same pattern over and over: battle → threat of treason → more marching → more conspiracies → “I could be king, but I’m loyal to Alexander.” It feels like reading the same room over and over, with very little emotional payoff. The characters all seem to be repeating their loyalty dilemmas, but there’s no fresh tension, no satisfying twists—just an overload of historical detail without the drama to make it exciting.
Unless you are really into classical history, military campaigns, and court intrigue with zero relief, this one is not worth your time.
January 20, 2024
How did you first learn about Alexander The Great? School, bad Hollywood movies or the classic Iron Maiden song?
This is rather different from the above. As it tells the tale of ATG (Ok being lazy there) from a different view point. That being from Alexander of Lyncestis, yes another Alexander, seems the name was quite popular. Alex mk2 is a real person known to history along with his brothers Heromenes and Arrhabaeus; all three were under suspicion of involvement in the assassination of Philip II of Macedon, in 336 BC. While the brothers were put to death for being involved with the death of Phillip II. Alexander escaped with his life as he paid homage and swore loyalty to ATG.
Thus the scene is set as ATG and Alex become comrades and ATG raises him to General.
Now as with all Harry Sidebottom's books its brilliantly researched, which considering his other job is only to be expected. And following his other books fast paced and well written (Unlike this review). Battles and some political sneakiness keep things interesting. All in all a great book.
This is rather different from the above. As it tells the tale of ATG (Ok being lazy there) from a different view point. That being from Alexander of Lyncestis, yes another Alexander, seems the name was quite popular. Alex mk2 is a real person known to history along with his brothers Heromenes and Arrhabaeus; all three were under suspicion of involvement in the assassination of Philip II of Macedon, in 336 BC. While the brothers were put to death for being involved with the death of Phillip II. Alexander escaped with his life as he paid homage and swore loyalty to ATG.
Thus the scene is set as ATG and Alex become comrades and ATG raises him to General.
Now as with all Harry Sidebottom's books its brilliantly researched, which considering his other job is only to be expected. And following his other books fast paced and well written (Unlike this review). Battles and some political sneakiness keep things interesting. All in all a great book.
February 18, 2025
Bit disappointed in this book. The author has found a cracking story. And one I didn’t know about. It is the story of Alexander of Lnycestes. He is the head of a semi autonomous Macedonian house, who finds himself following first Philip of Macedon, and thereafter Alexander (‘the Great’). He has royal blood and so always remains a potential threat to the King as an alternative ruler.
The author creates a good picture of Lyncestes as somebody that embodies the old ways of Macedon. A principled figure that does little wrong.
However the writing style is too brief and one dimensional. Character development is lost in the continual cavalcade of historical figures. Major events pass far too briefly and are glossed over. For example the near death of Lyncestes from poisoning occurs and is finished within about three pages. I suppose this is a result of the way the narrative is told in first person as a journal. A not very believable or necessary device which kind of falls down when Lyncestes is killed leaving his journal to be completed by a kinsman.
The author creates a good picture of Lyncestes as somebody that embodies the old ways of Macedon. A principled figure that does little wrong.
However the writing style is too brief and one dimensional. Character development is lost in the continual cavalcade of historical figures. Major events pass far too briefly and are glossed over. For example the near death of Lyncestes from poisoning occurs and is finished within about three pages. I suppose this is a result of the way the narrative is told in first person as a journal. A not very believable or necessary device which kind of falls down when Lyncestes is killed leaving his journal to be completed by a kinsman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
Harry Sidebottom turns his historical pen to the great hero of the Greek world, Alexander the Great, but tells his story through the yes of one of Alexander’s close companions, Alexander of Lyncestis, The Shadow King.
Born into one of the Macedonian royal houses, Alexander Of Lyncestis becomes one of the group of young men around Alexander the Great. We see the events of Alexander’s life and his achievements through the eyes of his companion, looking back over his life from when he has become an enemy of Alexander, held captive for expressing his feelings on Alexander’s obsession and desire for ongoing conflict and exploration.
Sidebottom is obviously not a a fan of my hero, Alexander the Great and his view of Alexander’s achievements is presented through the sceptical eyes of a companion who sees Alexander as having lost his connection to his Macedonian roots. Sidebottom is a writer with huge knowledge and experience, evident throughout the novel.
Born into one of the Macedonian royal houses, Alexander Of Lyncestis becomes one of the group of young men around Alexander the Great. We see the events of Alexander’s life and his achievements through the eyes of his companion, looking back over his life from when he has become an enemy of Alexander, held captive for expressing his feelings on Alexander’s obsession and desire for ongoing conflict and exploration.
Sidebottom is obviously not a a fan of my hero, Alexander the Great and his view of Alexander’s achievements is presented through the sceptical eyes of a companion who sees Alexander as having lost his connection to his Macedonian roots. Sidebottom is a writer with huge knowledge and experience, evident throughout the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
My first of Harry Sidebottam’s many historical novels and it turns out to be a good one. Rooted in fact and much historical research, this is a rich rewarding reimagining of Alexander the Great’s many campaigns in Greece, Turkey, Persia and beyond. It is told from the point of view of one of the Macedonian nobles at his court where it is difficult to tread the fine line between friendship and treachery. Once you get beyond the five page list of characters there is some vivid and rewarding storytelling on display here. Enjoyable enough to try another one once my reading pile goes down.
thank-u-next
January 27, 2025I got quite far into this and I’ll say that the plot is definitely decent, but the characters are all quite shallowly sketched and one dimensional; by the time I stopped reading I had no real sense of any of them, including the main character, and I couldn’t find any motivation to keep reading because I just didn’t care about any of them. It also didn’t help that one of the only times the main character voices any feelings is when he develops instantaneous unprovoked hatred towards not one but two gay characters.
December 2, 2023
Another triumph for Harry Sidebotham. His historical knowledge couple with his story telling skills reflect a diffferent side to the Alexander the Great legend. Fascinating and gripping as the tension buids up within Alexander's court and the "other Alexander" sees fate swirling around him and betrayals everywher. It inexerably leads to the main characters death but that is viewed from yet another narrative perspective.
May 18, 2025
Great to read this novel just before my visit to ancient Macedon to see the sites of Alexander the Great's early years in situ. This novel gives an account of Alexander's early life seen from the perspective of his childhood friend and then companion, Alexander of Lyncestis, who could also be seen as a rival to the throne. It gives a good account of life growing up in the court of Philip of Macedon and then life on the road fighting for the Macedonian kingdom.
August 5, 2024
Not my usual choice (which is why I choose it!). Really interesting to get this point of view while also finding out more about Alexander the Great.
Ultimately, too complicated and too many names to get my head round and too many characters to follow for me to really enjoy it.
I expect it’s a great book, and if you are into this genre, you’ll probably really enjoy it- just not for me.
Ultimately, too complicated and too many names to get my head round and too many characters to follow for me to really enjoy it.
I expect it’s a great book, and if you are into this genre, you’ll probably really enjoy it- just not for me.
January 3, 2026
Well written story - Over done with historical names and places.
As a keen historical fact and fiction reader I found the political side of a mobile army and the factions interesting and entertaining. However, the sometimes unpronounceable names of places and people overpowered the story line by having to stop and digest them.
As a keen historical fact and fiction reader I found the political side of a mobile army and the factions interesting and entertaining. However, the sometimes unpronounceable names of places and people overpowered the story line by having to stop and digest them.
January 9, 2026
Great read , loved the battles and the description of the times. Like other readers I struggled with characters names , but this was unavoidable due to the subject. Anyone interested in this period check out the wars of the successors or the Alexander series by Robert Fabbri, if u think Alexander's life was extraordinarily what happened after his death was even more so.
November 26, 2023
A sweeping guide through the military campaigns of Alexander the Great that is too much to absorb.
I found all the characters in this book somewhat unpleasant to a greater or lesser degree, while accepting that it is a fair account of life during that period of history.
I found all the characters in this book somewhat unpleasant to a greater or lesser degree, while accepting that it is a fair account of life during that period of history.
December 19, 2023
A fascinating account of an iconic figure
January 14, 2024
Fantastic read
July 7, 2024
A very good read.
October 17, 2024
I love Ancient Rome and Greece, Ancient Times but I just couldn’t get into this one :( !
March 1, 2025
Sorry got bored
March 9, 2025
A really fun and fast historical fiction story of one of Alexander’s companions, it uses his eyes to see the change that occurred to Alexander as his conquests changed him.
March 17, 2025
hmm
Not what I expected. Finished it which is unusual for me so may be should be higher rated by me, but I wasn’t gripped.
Not what I expected. Finished it which is unusual for me so may be should be higher rated by me, but I wasn’t gripped.
December 29, 2025
The story of Alexander the Great as seen through the eyes of one his Royal Companions, Alexander of Lyncestis. An interesting perspective, well researched and well told.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews