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Alexander's Legacy #1
de sterkste wint
Babylon, 323 v. Chr.: Alexander de Grote ligt op sterven en laat het grootste en angstaanjagendste rijk achter dat de wereld ooit heeft gezien. Terwijl hij zijn laatste adem uitblaast in een kamer met zeven lijfwachten, weigert Alexander een opvolger te benoemen. Maar wie gaat de touwtjes dan in handen nemen, als er geen natuurlijke opvolger is?
Zodra het nieuws over de onverwachte dood van de koning ook de meest afgelegen uithoeken van het rijk heeft bereikt, heerst er vooral ongeloof. Maar al snel begint de gewetenloze strijd om de troon. In een web van intriges, complotten en samenzweringen wisselen de bondgenootschappen elkaar af. Wie komt er als winnaar uit de strijd? Iedereen blijkt zijn eigen agenda te hebben...
Zodra het nieuws over de onverwachte dood van de koning ook de meest afgelegen uithoeken van het rijk heeft bereikt, heerst er vooral ongeloof. Maar al snel begint de gewetenloze strijd om de troon. In een web van intriges, complotten en samenzweringen wisselen de bondgenootschappen elkaar af. Wie komt er als winnaar uit de strijd? Iedereen blijkt zijn eigen agenda te hebben...
448 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2020
193 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Robert Fabbri
56 books343 followersRobert Fabbri read Drama and Theatre at London University and has worked in film and TV for 25 years. He is an assistant director and has worked on productions such as Hornblower, Hellraiser, Patriot Games and Billy Elliot. Now, his life-long passion for ancient history, especially for that of the Roman Empire, has drawn him to write his first novel. He lives in London and Berlin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 29, 2025
4.5/5 Estrellas
Qué cabrón Alejandro. Conquista uno de los mayores Imperios de la Historia, con un ejército casi invencible. en un tiempo récord (10 años), y luego va y se muere de forma inesperada y en su lecho de muerte dice (o dicen que dijo), cuando Pérdicas, uno de sus compañeros (los 7 amigos que habían jurado seguirlo hasta la muerte) le pregunta que a quién nombra sucesor, Alejandro responde:...."al más fuerte".
¿Cómo que al más fuerte?
¿No había herederos disponibles de la casa real macedonia? Alejandro ya se había encargado de eliminar a todos aquellos candidatos que podía hacerle sombra. ¿Quién quedaba?:
-Un hijo/a nonato de su esposa Bactriana, Roxana. Al final fue hijo y fue coronado rey: Alejandro IV. El pobre fue una marioneta, que no pudo llegar a la edad adulta.
-Un medio hermano: Arrideo, coronado más tarde como Filipo III y deficiente mental.
-Una hermana de padre y madre: Cleopatra, a la que todos se rifaban, para heredar a Alejandro a través de ella. El problema es que con ella iba su madre (también de Alejandro), Olimpia, que no debía ser muy llevadera, por lo que dicen las crónicas.
-Una medio hermana: Cinane. Su hija Adea, acabó casada con Filipo III, para conseguir un heredero puro de la dinastía Argeada.
Evidentemente ninguno de estos va a poder coger el testigo del Imperio de Alejandro, o al menos de forma inmediata o directa. Un Imperio con pies de barro, que ante la noticia de la muerte del Magno, empieza pronto a registrar rebeliones en distintas regiones: Grecia, Bactriana.......
Y en los oídos de los compañeros de Alejandro: Pérdicas, Leonato, Peucestas, Ptolomeo, Lisímaco, Aristonoo, Peiton y de los grandes generales del ejército, curtidos en mil batallas, al mando del poderoso ejército macedonio, que ha conquistado el mundo: Antípatro, Meleagro, Crátero, Antígono, Eumenes, Seleuco......resuena la frase.........¿Al más fuerte?.
¿Quién tiene la legitimidad para hacerse con el poder? ¿Quién podrá hacerse obedecer por todos los demás? ¿Podrá la idea imperial de Alejandro Magno imponerse a la ambición de estos hombres que le han sobrevivido? ¿Quiénes serán los sucesores, los Diadocos?
Qué cabrón Alejandro, lo que querías es que nadie fuera capaz de hacerse con el Imperio, de hacerlo más grande, más poderoso, en definitiva, que nadie pudiera hacerte sombra en la Historia, nunca, jamás. Querías el caos y lo conseguiste.
Que ganas tenía de meterle mano al periodo inmediatamente posterior a la muerte de Alejandro Magno. La situación es muy compleja y el autor nos presenta un fresco espectacular de la situación, pasando de un personaje a otro, de un punto a otro del imperio macedonio, que rápidamente empieza a fragmentarse, que no a tambalearse, ya que las rebeliones en las zonas periféricas se controlan e incluso se añaden territorios: Cirenaica, Capadocia, Armenia......
Parece mentira, pero no hay demasiada información histórica de estos sucesos. Pero a partir de 321 ac (sólo 2 años tras la muerte de Alejandro), la situación se descontrola y se entra en un periodo de guerras civiles, que dura más de 20 años hasta que se asientan las dinastías más conocidas sobre el antiguo solar del imperio macedonio: Casandro (hijo de Antípatro) en Macedonia y Grecia, Lisímaco (Tracia y Asia Menor), Ptolomeo (Egipto y zonas de influencia en Palestina y Chipre) y Seleuco, el gran tapado, el menos importante a la muerte de Alejandro, que se hizo con la mayor parte del pastel asiático.
Intrigas políticas, escaramuzas, batallas, acción.....el autor nos transporta a través de un tiempo incierto, lleno de peligros y de oportunidades....para quien tenga el valor de aprovecharlas...y la suerte.
Algún pero hay. El autor abusa de plasmar en cursiva el pensamiento de los personajes. Es un recurso interesante, porque tenemos los diálogos y luego el pensamiento por lo bajini..."si ya, en cuanto salgas por esa puerta, vas acabar empalado en la estaca más larga del campamento", y cosas por el estilo. Interesante, pero abusa del recurso...insuficiente para bajarle las 5 estrellas.
Y todo lo que se recoge en este libro comprende 2 -3 años de esta historia..........hasta llegar a la batalla de Ipso (301 ac), donde muere Antígono Monoftalmos, uno de los grandes actores y responsables de los acontecimientos de este periodo (que al final se quedó sin nada), la saga puede ser inmensa y muy, muy interesante.
La siguiente entrega esta ya publicada en español: "Tres paraísos", a por ella de cabeza.
Recomendable sobre todo para aficionados a la Novela Histórica.
Qué cabrón Alejandro. Conquista uno de los mayores Imperios de la Historia, con un ejército casi invencible. en un tiempo récord (10 años), y luego va y se muere de forma inesperada y en su lecho de muerte dice (o dicen que dijo), cuando Pérdicas, uno de sus compañeros (los 7 amigos que habían jurado seguirlo hasta la muerte) le pregunta que a quién nombra sucesor, Alejandro responde:...."al más fuerte".
¿Cómo que al más fuerte?
¿No había herederos disponibles de la casa real macedonia? Alejandro ya se había encargado de eliminar a todos aquellos candidatos que podía hacerle sombra. ¿Quién quedaba?:
-Un hijo/a nonato de su esposa Bactriana, Roxana. Al final fue hijo y fue coronado rey: Alejandro IV. El pobre fue una marioneta, que no pudo llegar a la edad adulta.
-Un medio hermano: Arrideo, coronado más tarde como Filipo III y deficiente mental.
-Una hermana de padre y madre: Cleopatra, a la que todos se rifaban, para heredar a Alejandro a través de ella. El problema es que con ella iba su madre (también de Alejandro), Olimpia, que no debía ser muy llevadera, por lo que dicen las crónicas.
-Una medio hermana: Cinane. Su hija Adea, acabó casada con Filipo III, para conseguir un heredero puro de la dinastía Argeada.
Evidentemente ninguno de estos va a poder coger el testigo del Imperio de Alejandro, o al menos de forma inmediata o directa. Un Imperio con pies de barro, que ante la noticia de la muerte del Magno, empieza pronto a registrar rebeliones en distintas regiones: Grecia, Bactriana.......
Y en los oídos de los compañeros de Alejandro: Pérdicas, Leonato, Peucestas, Ptolomeo, Lisímaco, Aristonoo, Peiton y de los grandes generales del ejército, curtidos en mil batallas, al mando del poderoso ejército macedonio, que ha conquistado el mundo: Antípatro, Meleagro, Crátero, Antígono, Eumenes, Seleuco......resuena la frase.........¿Al más fuerte?.
¿Quién tiene la legitimidad para hacerse con el poder? ¿Quién podrá hacerse obedecer por todos los demás? ¿Podrá la idea imperial de Alejandro Magno imponerse a la ambición de estos hombres que le han sobrevivido? ¿Quiénes serán los sucesores, los Diadocos?
Qué cabrón Alejandro, lo que querías es que nadie fuera capaz de hacerse con el Imperio, de hacerlo más grande, más poderoso, en definitiva, que nadie pudiera hacerte sombra en la Historia, nunca, jamás. Querías el caos y lo conseguiste.
Que ganas tenía de meterle mano al periodo inmediatamente posterior a la muerte de Alejandro Magno. La situación es muy compleja y el autor nos presenta un fresco espectacular de la situación, pasando de un personaje a otro, de un punto a otro del imperio macedonio, que rápidamente empieza a fragmentarse, que no a tambalearse, ya que las rebeliones en las zonas periféricas se controlan e incluso se añaden territorios: Cirenaica, Capadocia, Armenia......
Parece mentira, pero no hay demasiada información histórica de estos sucesos. Pero a partir de 321 ac (sólo 2 años tras la muerte de Alejandro), la situación se descontrola y se entra en un periodo de guerras civiles, que dura más de 20 años hasta que se asientan las dinastías más conocidas sobre el antiguo solar del imperio macedonio: Casandro (hijo de Antípatro) en Macedonia y Grecia, Lisímaco (Tracia y Asia Menor), Ptolomeo (Egipto y zonas de influencia en Palestina y Chipre) y Seleuco, el gran tapado, el menos importante a la muerte de Alejandro, que se hizo con la mayor parte del pastel asiático.
Intrigas políticas, escaramuzas, batallas, acción.....el autor nos transporta a través de un tiempo incierto, lleno de peligros y de oportunidades....para quien tenga el valor de aprovecharlas...y la suerte.
Algún pero hay. El autor abusa de plasmar en cursiva el pensamiento de los personajes. Es un recurso interesante, porque tenemos los diálogos y luego el pensamiento por lo bajini..."si ya, en cuanto salgas por esa puerta, vas acabar empalado en la estaca más larga del campamento", y cosas por el estilo. Interesante, pero abusa del recurso...insuficiente para bajarle las 5 estrellas.
Y todo lo que se recoge en este libro comprende 2 -3 años de esta historia..........hasta llegar a la batalla de Ipso (301 ac), donde muere Antígono Monoftalmos, uno de los grandes actores y responsables de los acontecimientos de este periodo (que al final se quedó sin nada), la saga puede ser inmensa y muy, muy interesante.
La siguiente entrega esta ya publicada en español: "Tres paraísos", a por ella de cabeza.
Recomendable sobre todo para aficionados a la Novela Histórica.
May 11, 2024
7.75/10
Novela que tenía pendiente desde hace bastante tiempo y que gracias a la reseña de un amigo de la web me animé a leerla. En general puedo decir que la he disfrutado bastante.
La historia nos narra los hechos acaecidos tras la muerte del gran Alejando Magno. El gran imperio que formó se quedó sin un sucesor claro tras su muerte, lo que provocó una serie de luchas internas entre sus seguidores más cercanos, y esto es lo que nos narra Robert Fabbri.
A su favor he de decir que la novela tiene mucho ritmo, hay diversos POV y en todos ellos pasan cosas interesantes, muchas de ellas terminan entrelazándose, dando así más interés a la historia, ya que podemos disfrutar de ambos bandos. Al ser una historia que conocía solo de forma superficial, me ha llamado bastante la atención y me ha enganchado en muchos momentos. Tanto que tengo intención de continuar con esta saga. De hecho ya me he leído la segunda parte.
En su contra, pues bueno, lo que suele pasar cuando hay muchos POVs, y es que no todos son de tu agrado o te atrapan tanto y claro, cuando enlazas un par de ellos, más "flojillos", lo entrecomillo porque en verdad ninguno ha llegado a ese punto, pues tu interés baja y con ello tu disfrute. Pero vamos, no es nada grave ni mucho menos. Además, al ser un libro no demasiado extenso, los POV suelen ser cortos, algo que se agradece y que le da más ritmo al conjunto.
¿Recomendable? A mi me ha gustado bastante y si alguien me preguntara se la recomendaría. No es muy larga, tiene mucho ritmo, hay acción, traiciones, politiqueo y un poco de todo...
Novela que tenía pendiente desde hace bastante tiempo y que gracias a la reseña de un amigo de la web me animé a leerla. En general puedo decir que la he disfrutado bastante.
La historia nos narra los hechos acaecidos tras la muerte del gran Alejando Magno. El gran imperio que formó se quedó sin un sucesor claro tras su muerte, lo que provocó una serie de luchas internas entre sus seguidores más cercanos, y esto es lo que nos narra Robert Fabbri.
A su favor he de decir que la novela tiene mucho ritmo, hay diversos POV y en todos ellos pasan cosas interesantes, muchas de ellas terminan entrelazándose, dando así más interés a la historia, ya que podemos disfrutar de ambos bandos. Al ser una historia que conocía solo de forma superficial, me ha llamado bastante la atención y me ha enganchado en muchos momentos. Tanto que tengo intención de continuar con esta saga. De hecho ya me he leído la segunda parte.
En su contra, pues bueno, lo que suele pasar cuando hay muchos POVs, y es que no todos son de tu agrado o te atrapan tanto y claro, cuando enlazas un par de ellos, más "flojillos", lo entrecomillo porque en verdad ninguno ha llegado a ese punto, pues tu interés baja y con ello tu disfrute. Pero vamos, no es nada grave ni mucho menos. Además, al ser un libro no demasiado extenso, los POV suelen ser cortos, algo que se agradece y que le da más ritmo al conjunto.
¿Recomendable? A mi me ha gustado bastante y si alguien me preguntara se la recomendaría. No es muy larga, tiene mucho ritmo, hay acción, traiciones, politiqueo y un poco de todo...
April 5, 2021
Novela super trepidante sobre los generales de Alejandro Magno los cuales se dividen el imperio a su muerte y se dedican a luchar y conspirar entre ellos para repartirse las inmensas tierras y riquezas que han quedado sin dueño.
Forma parte de una saga de libros muy interesantes para los que les gusta la novela histórica
100% Recomendado
Forma parte de una saga de libros muy interesantes para los que les gusta la novela histórica
100% Recomendado
February 7, 2020
In 323 BC, Alexander the Great dies - without naming a successor. Neither of his two potential natural heirs - a child yet unborn, and a half-wit brother - is capable of taking the reigns of his widespread empire, and both quickly become mere pawns in the hands of aspiring regents. Alexander's generals, surviving family members and old rivals soon begin a ruthless fight for power and whatever scraps they can get as what was so briefly a united realm descends into chaos.
This was an absolute must-read for me the second I learned of its existence - and isn't it just brilliant when a book actually lives up to one's high expectations? A gripping and immensely promising series opener - next book, please!
This was an absolute must-read for me the second I learned of its existence - and isn't it just brilliant when a book actually lives up to one's high expectations? A gripping and immensely promising series opener - next book, please!
January 10, 2022
A very to the point tale of the aftermath of Alexander's death and how its main contestants vied for power and the throne. It is bascially a Game of Thrones without all of its subplots (and magic ...). I really liked it.
January 3, 2023
I’ve yet to finish the author’s Vespasian saga, albeit I’m near the completion so this is a departure from the norm of having two diffo series going by the same author but…….. as I’ve grown to enjoy very much his Roman series & this is a very intriguing era……. Then why not I say!
And, as you might expect the story begins on Alexander’s deathbed where with his final words “to the strongest” he hands his ring (of succession) to one of his bodyguards although not naming him…. As everyone else is keen to point out & then some!
From there we follow the POV’s of all the would-be successors which is a great way of introducing the main players, their character, their position in Alexander’s court/army, their aspirations, their closest allies… we see their inner thoughts in the interactions as well as their spoken word as the politicking begins…. With some clearly sharper than others.
Who they are? Well, there are eleven named over the sphere of Alexander’s empire although in the early stage we only have the thoughts of the seven who were either closest to the action (Babylon) or a major player in the homeland of Macedonia. We also have the army & it’s factions where cavalry & infantry commanders don’t see eye to eye, plus we learn that it’s the Macedonian army that decides on its next King & they are not happy that Alexander introduced “Easterners” to their cohorts…. Rebellion is brewing for any would be successor it seems?
A poisoned chalice?
I’m enjoying them all (POV’s), its fast (as events unfold rapidly), informative, each has a part/role to play in the succession, some wanting it all, others merely to carve out a niche for themselves in such a sprawling empire, some playing the long game whilst others jus to even survive the ascension of the new king would be enough.
And then there’s the Greeks! Uprisings aplenty now that Alexander is dead, both in the West & the East (mercenaries wanting to return home)
As (some) the eleven soon realise, Alexander’s final words were said so that no-one could challenge his legacy as no single person was as Great as he & could possibly control such an empire?
If you like politicking & ancient warfare this ticks all the boxes, fast & lively, never a dull chapter as there is a LOT going on, Mr Fabbri has done exceptionally well putting this all together. Well worth a read for anyone not familiar with the period who has an interest.
Warning - Does include occasional melodrama (a certain character is a little histrionic shall we say) which I should mention if it comes back to bite me!
I should also mention the historical detail is perhaps a little light too as the author focuses nearly entirely on the plotting/scheming of the eleven but that's ok as I found the style worked for such a fluid storyline.
5 Star ending to the year, which is how it all started.
And, as you might expect the story begins on Alexander’s deathbed where with his final words “to the strongest” he hands his ring (of succession) to one of his bodyguards although not naming him…. As everyone else is keen to point out & then some!
From there we follow the POV’s of all the would-be successors which is a great way of introducing the main players, their character, their position in Alexander’s court/army, their aspirations, their closest allies… we see their inner thoughts in the interactions as well as their spoken word as the politicking begins…. With some clearly sharper than others.
Who they are? Well, there are eleven named over the sphere of Alexander’s empire although in the early stage we only have the thoughts of the seven who were either closest to the action (Babylon) or a major player in the homeland of Macedonia. We also have the army & it’s factions where cavalry & infantry commanders don’t see eye to eye, plus we learn that it’s the Macedonian army that decides on its next King & they are not happy that Alexander introduced “Easterners” to their cohorts…. Rebellion is brewing for any would be successor it seems?
A poisoned chalice?
I’m enjoying them all (POV’s), its fast (as events unfold rapidly), informative, each has a part/role to play in the succession, some wanting it all, others merely to carve out a niche for themselves in such a sprawling empire, some playing the long game whilst others jus to even survive the ascension of the new king would be enough.
And then there’s the Greeks! Uprisings aplenty now that Alexander is dead, both in the West & the East (mercenaries wanting to return home)
As (some) the eleven soon realise, Alexander’s final words were said so that no-one could challenge his legacy as no single person was as Great as he & could possibly control such an empire?
If you like politicking & ancient warfare this ticks all the boxes, fast & lively, never a dull chapter as there is a LOT going on, Mr Fabbri has done exceptionally well putting this all together. Well worth a read for anyone not familiar with the period who has an interest.
Warning - Does include occasional melodrama (a certain character is a little histrionic shall we say) which I should mention if it comes back to bite me!
I should also mention the historical detail is perhaps a little light too as the author focuses nearly entirely on the plotting/scheming of the eleven but that's ok as I found the style worked for such a fluid storyline.
5 Star ending to the year, which is how it all started.
March 27, 2020
It is a rare pleasure to see a book where the Romans are ignored in favour of the Hellenes of the third century BC. Yet, Alexander’s conquest is not nearly as interesting as the Successors’ Wars that superseded the death of the great conqueror. It is that moment of death where Mr Fabbri begins his story and we continue through some of the first crises.
Eumenes jumps out as my favourite character, mostly due to his snarkiness and prudent analysis of the ongoing events. Ptolemaios is similarly enjoyable, and Seleukos gets my attention for I know how successful he will be by the end of it. Some of the other Macedonians — Perdikkas, Antipatros, and Antigonos in particular — are less interesting though of course very relevant in understanding the original conflicts as well as how these develop.
I should note that the story was relatively similar for all of the characters — most started out introduced in the middle of a battle, and then we get some point-of-view chapters in which the people proceed through events that have come about due to the actions of Perdikkas who thinks for more of himself than he should. That is also the reason Eumenes stands out — the logical analysis he applies to the situation is refreshing and fairly unique over the brute force that the others are known for.
Overall, a strong recommend. The prose isn’t the best, but the setting is definitely unique!
This review was originally posted on my blog.
Eumenes jumps out as my favourite character, mostly due to his snarkiness and prudent analysis of the ongoing events. Ptolemaios is similarly enjoyable, and Seleukos gets my attention for I know how successful he will be by the end of it. Some of the other Macedonians — Perdikkas, Antipatros, and Antigonos in particular — are less interesting though of course very relevant in understanding the original conflicts as well as how these develop.
I should note that the story was relatively similar for all of the characters — most started out introduced in the middle of a battle, and then we get some point-of-view chapters in which the people proceed through events that have come about due to the actions of Perdikkas who thinks for more of himself than he should. That is also the reason Eumenes stands out — the logical analysis he applies to the situation is refreshing and fairly unique over the brute force that the others are known for.
Overall, a strong recommend. The prose isn’t the best, but the setting is definitely unique!
This review was originally posted on my blog.
May 10, 2021
La novela comienza en el lecho de muerte de Alejandro Magno, rodeado de todos sus “amigos”, sus grandes de confianza. Todos ansiosos por saber a quien va a elegir como su sucesor. Pero muere antes de poder elegir a uno de ellos, y es aquí cuando comienza una lucha entre ellos por el poder, aquellos que son amigos se vuelven enemigos y al revés.
El libro me ha parecido bastante complejo, ya que hay muchísimos personajes, todos ellos están conectados con algo y muchos tienen nombres parecidos. Quizá por esto se me ha hecho una historia algo pesada y lenta.
Tengo que reconocer que el autor se ha documentado super bien sobre esta época que yo tan poco sabia, ahora ha sacado una segunda parte que espero que no sea tan compleja y que ya tengo en mi poder.
El libro me ha parecido bastante complejo, ya que hay muchísimos personajes, todos ellos están conectados con algo y muchos tienen nombres parecidos. Quizá por esto se me ha hecho una historia algo pesada y lenta.
Tengo que reconocer que el autor se ha documentado super bien sobre esta época que yo tan poco sabia, ahora ha sacado una segunda parte que espero que no sea tan compleja y que ya tengo en mi poder.
March 25, 2024
I did enjoy reading it. It has a nice flow and the History of Alexanders Successors is one of the best ones. Why four stars? The book suffers from pace and changes of POV's. And more over some Characters are just dull. Like repating the same joke with Eumenes for 4 Chapters...
But I like it towards the end. The pace slows down and the Characters are more like characters. I do understand that you have to introduce a ton of characters and give as much information as possible. But it fails. But this problem fades away after the first half of the book and although I know the Story and the fate of the Characters I am more than eager to read the next one. For History-geeks like me yes we know who wins. And yes after like half of the book it is more than clear that the Book ends with Perdiccas death. Although the Book has some repeating themes for some Characters like Antipater is talking in almost every chapter about politics and War while having sex. It kinda reminds me of ASOIF regarding the pace. It starts like GOT season 8 and gets better like GOT season 1, it is far too fast and slows down.
To sum it up in a few words. I am eager to read the next book although I disliked the first half. Fight yourself through the first half and you'll enjoy it.
But I like it towards the end. The pace slows down and the Characters are more like characters. I do understand that you have to introduce a ton of characters and give as much information as possible. But it fails. But this problem fades away after the first half of the book and although I know the Story and the fate of the Characters I am more than eager to read the next one. For History-geeks like me yes we know who wins. And yes after like half of the book it is more than clear that the Book ends with Perdiccas death. Although the Book has some repeating themes for some Characters like Antipater is talking in almost every chapter about politics and War while having sex. It kinda reminds me of ASOIF regarding the pace. It starts like GOT season 8 and gets better like GOT season 1, it is far too fast and slows down.
To sum it up in a few words. I am eager to read the next book although I disliked the first half. Fight yourself through the first half and you'll enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2020
I received a copy of To the Strongest from Allen & Unwin Australia to review.
Rating of 4.5.
War and chaos are about to be unleashed following the death of history’s greatest conqueror in the new epic historical fiction novel from amazing author Robert Fabbri, To the Strongest, the first book in his new Alexander’s Legacy series.
“I foresee great struggles at my funeral games.”
Babylon, 323 BC. After bringing together one of the largest and most expansive empires the world has ever seen, Alexander the Great lies dying at a young age, and no one is truly prepared for his passing. With no legitimate heir yet born, and no obvious frontrunner to succeed Alexander as ruler of the conquered lands that make up the Macedonian empire, his loyal followers assemble at his death bed and beg him to reveal who he will leave the empire to. Alexander’s answer is simple: “To the strongest.”
Now the entire empire is up for grabs, and it does not take long for the prediction laden within Alexander’s final words to come to pass. As the news of the king’s death travel throughout the land, many seek to take advantage, either to take control themselves, or to better their own personal situation. The empire soon dissolves into a ruthless battle for the throne, as the various parties scramble for power, with shifting alliances, devious betrayals and far-ranging schemes becoming the new norm.
But in the end, only one will emerge victorious. Will it be Perdikkas, the loyal bodyguard who Alexander seeming left this ring to (the Half-Chosen); Roxanna, Alexander’s wife who bears his unborn heir (the wildcat); Antipatros, the man left behind to govern Macedonia (the Regent); his most capable warriors Krateros (the General) or Antigonos (the One-Eyed); the devious Olympias (the Mother); the clever Ptolemy (the Bastard); or the sneaky Greek advisor Eumenes (the Sly). Which man or woman has the cunning or ruthlessness to outlast the others and survive? Let the struggles begin!
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2020/05/17/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Rating of 4.5.
War and chaos are about to be unleashed following the death of history’s greatest conqueror in the new epic historical fiction novel from amazing author Robert Fabbri, To the Strongest, the first book in his new Alexander’s Legacy series.
“I foresee great struggles at my funeral games.”
Babylon, 323 BC. After bringing together one of the largest and most expansive empires the world has ever seen, Alexander the Great lies dying at a young age, and no one is truly prepared for his passing. With no legitimate heir yet born, and no obvious frontrunner to succeed Alexander as ruler of the conquered lands that make up the Macedonian empire, his loyal followers assemble at his death bed and beg him to reveal who he will leave the empire to. Alexander’s answer is simple: “To the strongest.”
Now the entire empire is up for grabs, and it does not take long for the prediction laden within Alexander’s final words to come to pass. As the news of the king’s death travel throughout the land, many seek to take advantage, either to take control themselves, or to better their own personal situation. The empire soon dissolves into a ruthless battle for the throne, as the various parties scramble for power, with shifting alliances, devious betrayals and far-ranging schemes becoming the new norm.
But in the end, only one will emerge victorious. Will it be Perdikkas, the loyal bodyguard who Alexander seeming left this ring to (the Half-Chosen); Roxanna, Alexander’s wife who bears his unborn heir (the wildcat); Antipatros, the man left behind to govern Macedonia (the Regent); his most capable warriors Krateros (the General) or Antigonos (the One-Eyed); the devious Olympias (the Mother); the clever Ptolemy (the Bastard); or the sneaky Greek advisor Eumenes (the Sly). Which man or woman has the cunning or ruthlessness to outlast the others and survive? Let the struggles begin!
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2020/05/17/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
January 9, 2020
Review of the blog Alessandro III di Macedonia- Your source about Alexander the Great
4 and a half stars!
First of all I’d like to thank Corvus for sending me the book! Robert Fabbri has already written many books, all historical novels and many of which are dedicated to Vespasian. I had never read anything about this author although fortunately his books are also translated into Italian by Newton Compton Editori and I’m very happy with this reading which I hope will arrive soon also translated into Italian because it will surely appeal to many of you!
The book begins with the narration from Alexander’s point of view on his deathbed: he sees all his companions who, more than being sorry for his imminent death, are eager to know who will inherit his immense kingdom and so he decides to make their things not easy. He will say “to the strongest” without specifying a name, without choosing who will be able to match him and perhaps do even more than he did. Alexander is aware that in this way his empire could shatter or perhaps not, but he still decides to test his generals one last time, perhaps knowing them so well that he predicted what would happen next.
From the second chapter the points of view become all those shown in the map below: in fact, we will follow all the people who were closest to Alexander in their struggle for their ambitions: who will want to try to keep the empire united by exploiting the little Alexander IV and Philip III; who will think only of the area that interests them; who will claim to decide everything for everyone. The novel is faithful to the story, of course there are small things deliberately modified by the author to make the plot more emphatic, but Fabbri enters the characters’ mind and gives voice to their personal motivations and aspirations. If it can scare the narrative point of view of so many characters, actually going forward in the reading we discover that the protagonists are actually two or three: Perdiccas, Antipater and Eumenes. The second chapter is narrated by Perdiccas, “the half-chosen” and the book will end with his death in 321 BC.
Even Alexander’s women, Olympias and Roxane, are narrative parts in this book and I liked how they were made: with a strong character, determined and resolute in getting what they want. Cleopatra is also a strong woman who, although not a first-person narrative character, stands out for her determined character. The dialogues between Roxane and Alexander’s generals were beautiful: everyone despised her and considered her a barbarous whore, in fact she is called “the wild-cat”.
The characters reflect the definition given to them and all, even the secondary ones, are well characterized because the narration remains fluid and connected. Fabbri also inserts invented characters and in the list at the end of the book we know who really existed and who was invented.
While reading the book it’s difficult to stop because at the end of each chapter you always want to know how it will go on! In the book there are wars, battles on the ground and even naval; there are betrayals, plots, alliances; in short, the ingredients are all there to make this series beautiful. Yes, because To the Strongest is only the first book and the series will continue in The Three Paradises!
The character I liked the most is Ptolemy: he seemed the most genuine in his feelings towards Alexander, in his pain towards the premature death of the conqueror. He too did his interests to govern Egypt undisturbed, but Ptolemy says some sentences that I liked very much, indeed I would say that the best sentences in the book are his own.
You can find this book in any online store and in my opinion it’s a very good reading that you mustn’t miss!
For 2020 I’m hoping two things:
- to can to read the sequel The Three Paradises;
- that this book will also be published in Italian because it’s really beautiful!
The Diadochi wars have just begun, you just have to continue reading this beautiful and interesting saga!
4 and a half stars!
First of all I’d like to thank Corvus for sending me the book! Robert Fabbri has already written many books, all historical novels and many of which are dedicated to Vespasian. I had never read anything about this author although fortunately his books are also translated into Italian by Newton Compton Editori and I’m very happy with this reading which I hope will arrive soon also translated into Italian because it will surely appeal to many of you!
The book begins with the narration from Alexander’s point of view on his deathbed: he sees all his companions who, more than being sorry for his imminent death, are eager to know who will inherit his immense kingdom and so he decides to make their things not easy. He will say “to the strongest” without specifying a name, without choosing who will be able to match him and perhaps do even more than he did. Alexander is aware that in this way his empire could shatter or perhaps not, but he still decides to test his generals one last time, perhaps knowing them so well that he predicted what would happen next.
From the second chapter the points of view become all those shown in the map below: in fact, we will follow all the people who were closest to Alexander in their struggle for their ambitions: who will want to try to keep the empire united by exploiting the little Alexander IV and Philip III; who will think only of the area that interests them; who will claim to decide everything for everyone. The novel is faithful to the story, of course there are small things deliberately modified by the author to make the plot more emphatic, but Fabbri enters the characters’ mind and gives voice to their personal motivations and aspirations. If it can scare the narrative point of view of so many characters, actually going forward in the reading we discover that the protagonists are actually two or three: Perdiccas, Antipater and Eumenes. The second chapter is narrated by Perdiccas, “the half-chosen” and the book will end with his death in 321 BC.
Even Alexander’s women, Olympias and Roxane, are narrative parts in this book and I liked how they were made: with a strong character, determined and resolute in getting what they want. Cleopatra is also a strong woman who, although not a first-person narrative character, stands out for her determined character. The dialogues between Roxane and Alexander’s generals were beautiful: everyone despised her and considered her a barbarous whore, in fact she is called “the wild-cat”.
The characters reflect the definition given to them and all, even the secondary ones, are well characterized because the narration remains fluid and connected. Fabbri also inserts invented characters and in the list at the end of the book we know who really existed and who was invented.
While reading the book it’s difficult to stop because at the end of each chapter you always want to know how it will go on! In the book there are wars, battles on the ground and even naval; there are betrayals, plots, alliances; in short, the ingredients are all there to make this series beautiful. Yes, because To the Strongest is only the first book and the series will continue in The Three Paradises!
The character I liked the most is Ptolemy: he seemed the most genuine in his feelings towards Alexander, in his pain towards the premature death of the conqueror. He too did his interests to govern Egypt undisturbed, but Ptolemy says some sentences that I liked very much, indeed I would say that the best sentences in the book are his own.
You can find this book in any online store and in my opinion it’s a very good reading that you mustn’t miss!
For 2020 I’m hoping two things:
- to can to read the sequel The Three Paradises;
- that this book will also be published in Italian because it’s really beautiful!
The Diadochi wars have just begun, you just have to continue reading this beautiful and interesting saga!
April 7, 2022
Jag ser att denna är välresearchad vad gäller skeenden. Jag ser också, som antiknörd med en närmast besatt fascination för diadocherna, att Fabbri har tagit sig rejäla friheter med karaktäriseringarna, visavi standardframställningen. Det gör att jag kastas ur handlingen ganska ofta. Monoptalmos faderskärlek finns där, och Eumenes slughet, men Monoptalmos är reducerad till en slusk, snarare än en bordus politiker som var förtjust i strategiska grovkornigheter, och Eumenes till en dålig Little-finger-pastisch, snarare än en faktisk intellektuell. Karaktäriseringen av Eumedes är dessutom varierande över tid, på ett omotiverat sätt.
De större övergreppen är mot Perdikkas och Ptolemaios Soter; Perdikkas var känd som en hedersman, inte en idiot; Ptolemaios var (förmodligen) mer en administratör än en intrigmakare. Och så vidare. Kleomenes skall vi inte ens prata om. Karln görs till en standardkarikatyr av en fet, feg och girig skattepackare, snarare än en lojalist med tendenser att vara mutbar och ta i med hårdhanskarna innan det behövdes. Återigen, är det ju så att de karaktäristiker jag redovisar ju verkligen är tillskrivna av senare levnadstecknare: det kan ju vara så att Fabbri i själva verket har rätt, men det implicerar att standardtexterna inte har det.
Över huvud taget saknas det ickemilitära livet i böckerna. Aristoteles nämns och avfärdas i en rad; Ptolemaios relation till Egyptens präster ignoreras helt.
Nej, jag tycker nog att detta var lite slösaktigt med ett fantastiskt bra råmaterial.
De större övergreppen är mot Perdikkas och Ptolemaios Soter; Perdikkas var känd som en hedersman, inte en idiot; Ptolemaios var (förmodligen) mer en administratör än en intrigmakare. Och så vidare. Kleomenes skall vi inte ens prata om. Karln görs till en standardkarikatyr av en fet, feg och girig skattepackare, snarare än en lojalist med tendenser att vara mutbar och ta i med hårdhanskarna innan det behövdes. Återigen, är det ju så att de karaktäristiker jag redovisar ju verkligen är tillskrivna av senare levnadstecknare: det kan ju vara så att Fabbri i själva verket har rätt, men det implicerar att standardtexterna inte har det.
Över huvud taget saknas det ickemilitära livet i böckerna. Aristoteles nämns och avfärdas i en rad; Ptolemaios relation till Egyptens präster ignoreras helt.
Nej, jag tycker nog att detta var lite slösaktigt med ett fantastiskt bra råmaterial.
March 1, 2022
Romanzo strano, diverso dagli altri di Fabbri. Racconta i primi due anni seguenti alla morte di Alessandro. La narrazione non ha un protagonista, ma segue almeno sei-sette punti di vista concedendo loro lo stesso spazio (e altri con minor spazio). Non la ritengo una scelta felice perché non semplifica per il lettore il seguire la trama.
Un difetto, a mio giudizio, è la monotonia dello stile. La trama va avanti a dialoghi, che servono essenzialmente a riassumere eventi. Ci sono alcune scene di battaglie, buone in generale ma sottotono rispetto a quanto ricordavo. Ci sono davvero molte ripetizioni che, mia impressione, servono da "marker" per i personaggi: ecco quindi che di Eumene ci viene detto infinite volte che è scaltro, Antipatro che anche se ultrasettantenne ha gli appettiti sessuali di un satiro.
Insomma, gli unici personaggi che mi sono piaciuto sono Eumene e Perdicca, perché l'autore riesce a comunicarci il loro desiderio di mantenere unito l'impero di Alessandro; Eumene all'inizio "appiattito" sul suo essere greco tra i macedoni; Perdicca, invece, avendo ricevuto l'anello di Alessandro, sente di avere una missione.
Detto questo, comunque Fabbri riesce a comunicare l'essenziale del periodo: la lotta di potere tra i vari generali, le manovre politiche-diplomatiche ecc. In definitiva, lo consiglio se avete un forte interesse per il periodo e avete già la mente pronta per distinguere senza esitare tra Antigono, Antigene, Antipatro, Cassandro, Cratero, Lisimaco, Leonnato ecc.
Un difetto, a mio giudizio, è la monotonia dello stile. La trama va avanti a dialoghi, che servono essenzialmente a riassumere eventi. Ci sono alcune scene di battaglie, buone in generale ma sottotono rispetto a quanto ricordavo. Ci sono davvero molte ripetizioni che, mia impressione, servono da "marker" per i personaggi: ecco quindi che di Eumene ci viene detto infinite volte che è scaltro, Antipatro che anche se ultrasettantenne ha gli appettiti sessuali di un satiro.
Insomma, gli unici personaggi che mi sono piaciuto sono Eumene e Perdicca, perché l'autore riesce a comunicarci il loro desiderio di mantenere unito l'impero di Alessandro; Eumene all'inizio "appiattito" sul suo essere greco tra i macedoni; Perdicca, invece, avendo ricevuto l'anello di Alessandro, sente di avere una missione.
Detto questo, comunque Fabbri riesce a comunicare l'essenziale del periodo: la lotta di potere tra i vari generali, le manovre politiche-diplomatiche ecc. In definitiva, lo consiglio se avete un forte interesse per il periodo e avete già la mente pronta per distinguere senza esitare tra Antigono, Antigene, Antipatro, Cassandro, Cratero, Lisimaco, Leonnato ecc.
August 24, 2022
Part 1 of 3 done.
Very interesting book about the succession after the abrupt death of Alexander the Great.
A fight among his friends, family, advisors and generals who all had some claim to the throne.
The book is very well written and told in a more interesting story kind of way. Especially because there aren’t to many think clearly known about this time and strive for the throne. The writer had to sometimes do guesswork for it to fill in the story but that is okay, because in the end he tells parts which happend (or at least survived throughout the years) and parts that are partly or fully haven’t happend.
It is said that with each of the 3 books it is getting even beter.
8.4/10
Very interesting book about the succession after the abrupt death of Alexander the Great.
A fight among his friends, family, advisors and generals who all had some claim to the throne.
The book is very well written and told in a more interesting story kind of way. Especially because there aren’t to many think clearly known about this time and strive for the throne. The writer had to sometimes do guesswork for it to fill in the story but that is okay, because in the end he tells parts which happend (or at least survived throughout the years) and parts that are partly or fully haven’t happend.
It is said that with each of the 3 books it is getting even beter.
8.4/10
November 18, 2024
Muy entretenido y adictivo.
Si simplemente con contar la historia ya tienes una buena trama y además la novelas bien tienes como resultado un gran libro sobre una epoca de la historia a la que ni el género literario ni cinematográfico le han echado las manos. Además juega muy bien con los puntos de vista de varios personajes trascendentes, así como con el paso del tiempo, consiguiendo que no te pierdas pensando si lo que se está narrando es un día o dos meses después.
Muy recomendable si te gusta esta parte de la historia, así como si te gustan los libros sobre intrigas.
Recomendable saber un poco sobre la vida de Alejandro(lo que vendría a ser una precuela).
Si simplemente con contar la historia ya tienes una buena trama y además la novelas bien tienes como resultado un gran libro sobre una epoca de la historia a la que ni el género literario ni cinematográfico le han echado las manos. Además juega muy bien con los puntos de vista de varios personajes trascendentes, así como con el paso del tiempo, consiguiendo que no te pierdas pensando si lo que se está narrando es un día o dos meses después.
Muy recomendable si te gusta esta parte de la historia, así como si te gustan los libros sobre intrigas.
Recomendable saber un poco sobre la vida de Alejandro(lo que vendría a ser una precuela).
August 6, 2022
I loved every aspect of the book. The writing, how immersive it was, the historical accuracy,... if this book is sitting on your to read shelf i advise you read it as soon as possible and not let it collect any more dust. It'll be worth every page!
November 28, 2021
Mal eine Epoche, von der ich noch nicht viel gelesen habe.
Wer Verwicklungen, Irrungen und Wirrungen mag, ist hier richtig! :)
Wer Verwicklungen, Irrungen und Wirrungen mag, ist hier richtig! :)
February 13, 2020
This is one of the strongest historical novels I have read.
I know about Alexander the Great, but I know nothing about what happened after his death. Now, thanks to Fabbri, I have been educated and have enjoyed the lesson to boot.
There are many characters, making the struggle for power a complex issue. I found the chapters, organised into character perspective, made for an easier read than some historical novels and made it easier to keep track of what everyone is up to. All of the characters are powerfully written and well rounded – it is easy to pick out one’s own ‘favourites’, although nothing is beneath any of them.
There is so much here. Politics, land and sea battles, a good glimpse into the lives of ancient Greeks and Macedonians, all topped off with an astounding array of treachery. There are powerful women and strong men (some of whom still have a softer side ). All of this is well balanced and the novel never gets bogged down in one aspect or the other.
The author pulls no punches. I appreciate that, but it might be too graphic for some.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I know about Alexander the Great, but I know nothing about what happened after his death. Now, thanks to Fabbri, I have been educated and have enjoyed the lesson to boot.
There are many characters, making the struggle for power a complex issue. I found the chapters, organised into character perspective, made for an easier read than some historical novels and made it easier to keep track of what everyone is up to. All of the characters are powerfully written and well rounded – it is easy to pick out one’s own ‘favourites’, although nothing is beneath any of them.
There is so much here. Politics, land and sea battles, a good glimpse into the lives of ancient Greeks and Macedonians, all topped off with an astounding array of treachery. There are powerful women and strong men (some of whom still have a softer side ). All of this is well balanced and the novel never gets bogged down in one aspect or the other.
The author pulls no punches. I appreciate that, but it might be too graphic for some.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
January 6, 2020
I like the way this is written. The chapters are short and the language is easy.
However the names and place names are all so difficult to read and pronounce. And they are all spelt very similar.
The 8 bodyguards all have similar names and I am finding it really difficult to stay on track with who is who.
It also hops around a lot from lots of different peoples points of view.
I was sceptical about this to begin with as it is not my usual type of book. But I have enjoyed reading the likes of the hobbit and lord of the rings so did wonder whether this would fall into a similar vein. It doesn’t however.
I am half way through and finding reading it quite difficult. I am not excited about picking it up to read and that is unusual for me. Not sure I will be able to push on through it
However the names and place names are all so difficult to read and pronounce. And they are all spelt very similar.
The 8 bodyguards all have similar names and I am finding it really difficult to stay on track with who is who.
It also hops around a lot from lots of different peoples points of view.
I was sceptical about this to begin with as it is not my usual type of book. But I have enjoyed reading the likes of the hobbit and lord of the rings so did wonder whether this would fall into a similar vein. It doesn’t however.
I am half way through and finding reading it quite difficult. I am not excited about picking it up to read and that is unusual for me. Not sure I will be able to push on through it
August 3, 2023
Mi primera "novela histórica", cuya historia per se es bastante interesante y truculenta y no necesita muchos añadidos.
Al principio me he sentido perdido con tanto nombre, tanto lío y tanto hijo de perra, pero te acabas haciendo con tanto nombre y lugar, he aprendido bastante.
Lo más importante es que va de Alejandro Magno y yo le amo, como se puede amar a una persona de antes de Cristo que asesinó a miles de personas para obtener el mayor imperio de la historia y llenarse de gloria. Por eso, tiene siempre mis 5 estrellas. Fuck puristas históricos.
Es curioso que la misma ansia de poder, la estupidez, el patriotismo radical y demás mamarrachadas sigan prácticamente igual en la actualidad.
Al principio me he sentido perdido con tanto nombre, tanto lío y tanto hijo de perra, pero te acabas haciendo con tanto nombre y lugar, he aprendido bastante.
Lo más importante es que va de Alejandro Magno y yo le amo, como se puede amar a una persona de antes de Cristo que asesinó a miles de personas para obtener el mayor imperio de la historia y llenarse de gloria. Por eso, tiene siempre mis 5 estrellas. Fuck puristas históricos.
Es curioso que la misma ansia de poder, la estupidez, el patriotismo radical y demás mamarrachadas sigan prácticamente igual en la actualidad.
January 7, 2020
I had the good fortune of reading this through the Pigeonhole app, though I will be purchasing it. And the sequels.
This is a really fascinating and little known period of history, obviously being overshadowed by Alexander the Great’s exploits. I had done some reading on this period quite a while back, and was familiar with quite a few of the characters, but there was a great richness in the telling of the story and it moved along at a cracking pace. The violence of a culture that had built an all conquering army was always close to the surface and the politics and motives of the key players was very realistic.
I can’t wait for the sequels.
This is a really fascinating and little known period of history, obviously being overshadowed by Alexander the Great’s exploits. I had done some reading on this period quite a while back, and was familiar with quite a few of the characters, but there was a great richness in the telling of the story and it moved along at a cracking pace. The violence of a culture that had built an all conquering army was always close to the surface and the politics and motives of the key players was very realistic.
I can’t wait for the sequels.
March 26, 2020
Al zijn hele leven lang heeft Robert Fabbri een passie voor de klassieke oudheid, maar het Romeinse keizerrijk heeft zijn absolute voorkeur. Na vijfentwintigjarige als regieassistent in de film- en televisiewereld te hebben gewerkt, besloot hij het over een andere boeg te gooien en startte hij in 2008 een carrière als auteur. Hij begon aan een negendelige serie over de Romeinse keizer Vespasianus, waarvan eind 2012 het eerste deel verscheen: Tribuun van Rome. Het begin 2020 uitgekomen De sterkste wint is het eerste deel van de nieuwe reeks ‘Alexanders erfenis’, waarin de nalatenschap van Alexander de Grote het thema is.
Het is 323 voor Christus wanneer Alexander de Grote op sterven ligt. In zijn laatste uren wordt hij bijgestaan door zijn zeven lijfwachten. Ieder van hen wil Alexanders opvolger worden, maar de koning van Macedonië wijst tot hun ongenoegen echter niemand aan. Na diens overlijden ontstaat er al snel een enorme machtsstrijd. Door middel van verraad, bondgenootschappen, politieke spelletjes en uithuwelijking probeert ieder van hen de felbegeerde troon te bemachtigen. Zij zijn echter niet de enigen die hierop uit zijn. Want ook andere bloedverwanten mengen zich in het conflict.
De oorzaak van de dood van Alexander de Grote is door mysterie omgeven en tevens een bron van talloze theorieën. Fabbri geeft hier geen uitsluitsel over, maar Alexanders overlijden heeft hem wel geïnspireerd om een tiendelige serie rond zijn nalatenschap te schrijven. De sterkste wint is het eerste deel en bij het schrijven daarvan is de auteur niet over één nacht ijs gegaan. Het is van meet af aan te merken dat er een zorgvuldige en uitgebreide research aan vooraf is gegaan. Ook Fabbri’s enorme feitenkennis over die periode uit de geschiedenis draagt bij aan een goed onderbouwd verhaal dat bijzonder geloofwaardig overkomt. Dat de meeste personen die erin voorkomen werkelijk bestaan hebben, is daarbij eveneens van groot belang.
Het enorme aantal personages zorgt echter ook voor veel onduidelijkheid. Ondanks dat de auteur achter in het boek een namenlijst heeft opgenomen (er is tevens een inlegvel bijgevoegd), duurt het niet alleen vrij lang tot de lezer doorheeft wie nu wie is, maar ook wat zijn of haar rol in het verhaal is. Deze te uitgebreide gewenningsfase, alsook de lastige geografische benamingen, zorgen er aanvankelijk voor dat het verhaal niet zo toegankelijk is. Als de lezer dit stadium gepasseerd is, treedt er een kentering op. Het verhaal wordt een stuk interessanter, het tempo gaat aanzienlijk omhoog en er ontstaat zo nu en dan een spanningsveld waardoor het steeds boeiender wordt.
Een erg sterk punt van Fabbri is zijn schrijfstijl. Die is beeldend, zelfs op het filmische af. Zo kan de lezer zich er bijvoorbeeld een prima voorstelling van maken dat een aanzienlijke kudde olifanten met toenemende snelheid een groep van honderden gevangen verplettert. Wat daarna van de arme stakkers overblijft, is niet veel meer dan een bloederige massa. Dergelijke gedetailleerde beschrijvingen worden Fabbri nog wel eens verweten, maar, zo zegt de auteur zelf: ‘dat is nu eenmaal wat en hoe ik schrijf.’ Situaties als deze zijn echter wel een realistische weergave van hoe het er in die periode aan toeging.
Politieke intriges en de daaraan gerelateerde machtsspelletjes zijn van alle tijden. Ze kwamen in het rijk van Alexander voor, maar ook tegenwoordig schuwen sommige leiders ze niet. Je zou dus kunnen zeggen dat er in al die duizenden jaren niets is veranderd, behalve dan de manier waarop. In De sterkste wint, dat prima is vertaald door Joost Zwart, komt die nietsontziende machtsstrijd goed tot uiting. Ondanks dat het wat stroef begint, wint het gedurende de plot alleen maar aan kracht. Daarmee is het een veelbelovend begin van de nieuwe reeks rond Alexanders erfenis.
Het is 323 voor Christus wanneer Alexander de Grote op sterven ligt. In zijn laatste uren wordt hij bijgestaan door zijn zeven lijfwachten. Ieder van hen wil Alexanders opvolger worden, maar de koning van Macedonië wijst tot hun ongenoegen echter niemand aan. Na diens overlijden ontstaat er al snel een enorme machtsstrijd. Door middel van verraad, bondgenootschappen, politieke spelletjes en uithuwelijking probeert ieder van hen de felbegeerde troon te bemachtigen. Zij zijn echter niet de enigen die hierop uit zijn. Want ook andere bloedverwanten mengen zich in het conflict.
De oorzaak van de dood van Alexander de Grote is door mysterie omgeven en tevens een bron van talloze theorieën. Fabbri geeft hier geen uitsluitsel over, maar Alexanders overlijden heeft hem wel geïnspireerd om een tiendelige serie rond zijn nalatenschap te schrijven. De sterkste wint is het eerste deel en bij het schrijven daarvan is de auteur niet over één nacht ijs gegaan. Het is van meet af aan te merken dat er een zorgvuldige en uitgebreide research aan vooraf is gegaan. Ook Fabbri’s enorme feitenkennis over die periode uit de geschiedenis draagt bij aan een goed onderbouwd verhaal dat bijzonder geloofwaardig overkomt. Dat de meeste personen die erin voorkomen werkelijk bestaan hebben, is daarbij eveneens van groot belang.
Het enorme aantal personages zorgt echter ook voor veel onduidelijkheid. Ondanks dat de auteur achter in het boek een namenlijst heeft opgenomen (er is tevens een inlegvel bijgevoegd), duurt het niet alleen vrij lang tot de lezer doorheeft wie nu wie is, maar ook wat zijn of haar rol in het verhaal is. Deze te uitgebreide gewenningsfase, alsook de lastige geografische benamingen, zorgen er aanvankelijk voor dat het verhaal niet zo toegankelijk is. Als de lezer dit stadium gepasseerd is, treedt er een kentering op. Het verhaal wordt een stuk interessanter, het tempo gaat aanzienlijk omhoog en er ontstaat zo nu en dan een spanningsveld waardoor het steeds boeiender wordt.
Een erg sterk punt van Fabbri is zijn schrijfstijl. Die is beeldend, zelfs op het filmische af. Zo kan de lezer zich er bijvoorbeeld een prima voorstelling van maken dat een aanzienlijke kudde olifanten met toenemende snelheid een groep van honderden gevangen verplettert. Wat daarna van de arme stakkers overblijft, is niet veel meer dan een bloederige massa. Dergelijke gedetailleerde beschrijvingen worden Fabbri nog wel eens verweten, maar, zo zegt de auteur zelf: ‘dat is nu eenmaal wat en hoe ik schrijf.’ Situaties als deze zijn echter wel een realistische weergave van hoe het er in die periode aan toeging.
Politieke intriges en de daaraan gerelateerde machtsspelletjes zijn van alle tijden. Ze kwamen in het rijk van Alexander voor, maar ook tegenwoordig schuwen sommige leiders ze niet. Je zou dus kunnen zeggen dat er in al die duizenden jaren niets is veranderd, behalve dan de manier waarop. In De sterkste wint, dat prima is vertaald door Joost Zwart, komt die nietsontziende machtsstrijd goed tot uiting. Ondanks dat het wat stroef begint, wint het gedurende de plot alleen maar aan kracht. Daarmee is het een veelbelovend begin van de nieuwe reeks rond Alexanders erfenis.
September 30, 2020
The first in a new series by the author of the Vespasian novels (which I really need to finish reading), this one attempts to portray the chaos that broke out after Alexander died. The story starts at his death-bed, his closest friends all listening intently in the hope of hearing themselves named his successor. But none of them are. Perdikkas has Alexander's ring and believes that puts him in charge, while others such as Ptolemy realise none of them are capable of ruling such a huge empire alone and prefer to grab their own part of it. Alexander left behind two children, one unborn at the start of the novel, the other very young and even though Roxanna is his wife, many of the Macedonians refuse to accept her as having any authority as she is not Macedonian.
Egos, prejudice and greed are the order of the day, then. Some parts of the story are well-known if you're familiar with the period; we know Ptolemy will found a dynasty in Egypt that will last until the Romans get there, and Seleukos will give his name to a dynasty in Persia. In this book, the author does his best to depict how that all happened - and what happened to everyone else. There are times when it gets hard to keep track of who is who and who is on which side, although there is a list of characters at the back of the book to help. Some of the characters feature in novels by other authors covering the same period, which helps if you've read those. There is also a map at the start of the book to help keep track of locations.
Although this is the first book in a series, it does a good job of telling enough of the story that the ending feels like a decent ending - plenty certainly happens in this first book and it will be interesting to see how much there is left to tell. The author notes that he has made use of what few surviving sources there are from the period - but has also inevitably altered a few things for dramatic purposes. But it all feels plausible enough, which is the main thing. The characters feel realistic and we can understand their emotions, motives and conflict.
If I have one gripe, it is an issue with the formatting. There are occasions when the text would have benefitted from a space being left between paragraphs to indicate significant passage of time and changes in location. At times, it gets a little confusing realising that time has passed, but the text is squished together so that it initially reads like we're still in the previous scene. Hopefully this can be sorted out for the paperback edition.
Apart from that, I enjoyed the book and look forward to eventually reading the next part.
Egos, prejudice and greed are the order of the day, then. Some parts of the story are well-known if you're familiar with the period; we know Ptolemy will found a dynasty in Egypt that will last until the Romans get there, and Seleukos will give his name to a dynasty in Persia. In this book, the author does his best to depict how that all happened - and what happened to everyone else. There are times when it gets hard to keep track of who is who and who is on which side, although there is a list of characters at the back of the book to help. Some of the characters feature in novels by other authors covering the same period, which helps if you've read those. There is also a map at the start of the book to help keep track of locations.
Although this is the first book in a series, it does a good job of telling enough of the story that the ending feels like a decent ending - plenty certainly happens in this first book and it will be interesting to see how much there is left to tell. The author notes that he has made use of what few surviving sources there are from the period - but has also inevitably altered a few things for dramatic purposes. But it all feels plausible enough, which is the main thing. The characters feel realistic and we can understand their emotions, motives and conflict.
If I have one gripe, it is an issue with the formatting. There are occasions when the text would have benefitted from a space being left between paragraphs to indicate significant passage of time and changes in location. At times, it gets a little confusing realising that time has passed, but the text is squished together so that it initially reads like we're still in the previous scene. Hopefully this can be sorted out for the paperback edition.
Apart from that, I enjoyed the book and look forward to eventually reading the next part.
January 27, 2023
One of the most fascinating and agonizingly complex periods in history was treated with deft clarity in this book and it’s sequel. I look forward to reading the third installment.
One could almost have sympathy for the untenable predicament left by Alexander upon his death. Perhaps an amicable settlement could have been reached, were it not for the lust for power that infected a few key people.
So few of the characters are even remotely likable! Even Ptolemy and Eumenes, the least objectionable, are schemers!
If you can take one main theme from this period that pertains all down through history, it this: that men and women in power can NEVER be trusted to do ANYTHING but that which will KEEP them in power.
I gave these books only four stars because, although they are well-written and eminently readable, as well as historically accurate, he has almost entirely neglected the descriptive aspect of storytelling. All those evocative elements that are usually woven into a narrative that enable the reader to feel themselves in a scene are lacking…no descriptions of landscape, architecture, clothing, food, sounds, smells…the list goes on.
I quickly resigned myself to the fact that this was a novel about political machinations and scheming amongst the highest echelons of power, NOT one focused on anything else. But had he added more description, it’s likely to have been a better book.
He was good at including the characters thoughts during conversations, even if virtually all the thoughts were unpleasantly rapacious! Olympia’s scenes alone were enough to make this a horror novel!
Oh, and what happened to Barsine??? Not a single mention of her!
One could almost have sympathy for the untenable predicament left by Alexander upon his death. Perhaps an amicable settlement could have been reached, were it not for the lust for power that infected a few key people.
So few of the characters are even remotely likable! Even Ptolemy and Eumenes, the least objectionable, are schemers!
If you can take one main theme from this period that pertains all down through history, it this: that men and women in power can NEVER be trusted to do ANYTHING but that which will KEEP them in power.
I gave these books only four stars because, although they are well-written and eminently readable, as well as historically accurate, he has almost entirely neglected the descriptive aspect of storytelling. All those evocative elements that are usually woven into a narrative that enable the reader to feel themselves in a scene are lacking…no descriptions of landscape, architecture, clothing, food, sounds, smells…the list goes on.
I quickly resigned myself to the fact that this was a novel about political machinations and scheming amongst the highest echelons of power, NOT one focused on anything else. But had he added more description, it’s likely to have been a better book.
He was good at including the characters thoughts during conversations, even if virtually all the thoughts were unpleasantly rapacious! Olympia’s scenes alone were enough to make this a horror novel!
Oh, and what happened to Barsine??? Not a single mention of her!
September 10, 2024
Als historisch Begeisterter finde ich den Kontext nach dem Tod Alexanders des Großen höchst interessant, sodass ich mich entschieden habe, einem Roman (mit anschließender Reihe) in dieser Epoche eine Chance zu geben um abseits von wissenschaftlicher Lektüre in die Zeit eintauchen zu können.
Zwar mag ich schroffe Wortwechsel, drastische Kriegsdarstellungen und den direkten Schreibstil, den der Autor oft fährt. Daher habe ich es nicht übers Herz gebracht, das Buch abzubrechen.
Leider liest sich das Buch wie ein krampfhaft in Figuren gegossener Lexikonartikel. Dies liegt zum einen daran, dass die Handlung nach sehr kurzen Kapiteln (meist 3-8, nur manchmal über 10 Seiten) oft wechselt. Eine richtige Charaktertiefe und "mitfiebern" gibt es bei keinem der Charaktere. Auf einer Strecke von 550 Seiten führt das leider auf Dauer zu Gleichgültigkeit gegenüber der Handlung und den Figuren.
Die Handlung spielt leider auch nur auf höchster politischer Ebene und wirkt, trotz der spannenden Epoche, daher sehr generisch. Ein richtiges Eintauchen in die antike Welt gibt es daher auch nicht. Gefühlt könnte auch alles in jeder anderen Epoche spielen, nur mit anderen Namen, Militär- und Ortsbezeichnungen.
Das ständige namedropping von Orten und Namen macht alles noch komplizierter und trägt ebenso dazu bei, dass das Buch wie ein Lexikon in Romanform daherkommt.
Insgesamt also ein Buch, das zwar schreibstiltechnisch meinen Geschmack getroffen hat, aber einfach zu oberflächlich ist und für mich einfach irgendwie mittelmäßig erschien. Die Charaktere werde ich wahrscheinlich spätestens alle auf der Hälfte meines nächsten Buches vergessen haben. Schade...
Zwar mag ich schroffe Wortwechsel, drastische Kriegsdarstellungen und den direkten Schreibstil, den der Autor oft fährt. Daher habe ich es nicht übers Herz gebracht, das Buch abzubrechen.
Leider liest sich das Buch wie ein krampfhaft in Figuren gegossener Lexikonartikel. Dies liegt zum einen daran, dass die Handlung nach sehr kurzen Kapiteln (meist 3-8, nur manchmal über 10 Seiten) oft wechselt. Eine richtige Charaktertiefe und "mitfiebern" gibt es bei keinem der Charaktere. Auf einer Strecke von 550 Seiten führt das leider auf Dauer zu Gleichgültigkeit gegenüber der Handlung und den Figuren.
Die Handlung spielt leider auch nur auf höchster politischer Ebene und wirkt, trotz der spannenden Epoche, daher sehr generisch. Ein richtiges Eintauchen in die antike Welt gibt es daher auch nicht. Gefühlt könnte auch alles in jeder anderen Epoche spielen, nur mit anderen Namen, Militär- und Ortsbezeichnungen.
Das ständige namedropping von Orten und Namen macht alles noch komplizierter und trägt ebenso dazu bei, dass das Buch wie ein Lexikon in Romanform daherkommt.
Insgesamt also ein Buch, das zwar schreibstiltechnisch meinen Geschmack getroffen hat, aber einfach zu oberflächlich ist und für mich einfach irgendwie mittelmäßig erschien. Die Charaktere werde ich wahrscheinlich spätestens alle auf der Hälfte meines nächsten Buches vergessen haben. Schade...
January 4, 2020
Robert Fabbri's latest book fulfils its promise and certainly lives up to my expectations. It is meticulously researched and supported by as much additional information as possible without overburdening the reader. It is beautifully written with different tones as the perspective slides from one protagonist to another. It has the author's characteristic focus on politics with all too frequent breathtaking descents into viciousness, crime, violence, bloodshed and sudden death. Robert Fabbri doesn't write for the faint of heart.
Treachery is the norm, cunning plans fall apart, naivety leads to death. We could hardly expect peoples from pre-Christian times to share our world view but the power-hungry world at the time of Alexander's death seems to have no morality or conscience. These are rulers, military leaders or fortunate opportunists. In those times they had less need to dissemble or hide their motives.
This is a great start to a new series. So it's worth putting the effort in to understand the people, the armies and the nations. There's a map at the beginning which also includes logos for each of the 11 characters from whose viewpoint we see the story unfold. These logos and names helpfully identify each chapter as we dart around the Alexandrian Empire as it adjusts to the death of its king. I would have liked a glossary of terms too as I'm not familar with the names of weapons and armour but these technical words were few; food, clothing and furniture are described using familiar language.
Treachery is the norm, cunning plans fall apart, naivety leads to death. We could hardly expect peoples from pre-Christian times to share our world view but the power-hungry world at the time of Alexander's death seems to have no morality or conscience. These are rulers, military leaders or fortunate opportunists. In those times they had less need to dissemble or hide their motives.
This is a great start to a new series. So it's worth putting the effort in to understand the people, the armies and the nations. There's a map at the beginning which also includes logos for each of the 11 characters from whose viewpoint we see the story unfold. These logos and names helpfully identify each chapter as we dart around the Alexandrian Empire as it adjusts to the death of its king. I would have liked a glossary of terms too as I'm not familar with the names of weapons and armour but these technical words were few; food, clothing and furniture are described using familiar language.
June 28, 2020
Boek beschrijft de beginperiode na de dood van Alexander de Grote t/m het einde van de eerste Diadochenoorlog (322 - 320 v Christus). Alexander heeft vlak voor zijn dood geen opvolger aangewezen , maar heeft wel zijn ring aan Perdikkas gegeven. Aanvankelijk lijkt deze het enorme rijk redelijk te kunnen verdelen over de 7 lijfwachten van Alexander, waartoe hij zelf ook behoorde, maar al snel ontstaat een machtsstrijd waarin genoemde Perdikkas, Antipatros en Ptolemeus (uit Egypte) de hoofdrollen spelen. Het is een ingewikkeld boek met vele namen (ruim 80) van hoofd- en bijrol spelers. In ieder geval veel te veel om te onthouden wie er allemaal een rol spelen. Wat blijft hangen is het meedogenloze machtspel waarin mensenlevens niets betekenen en dat alles draait om de overheersing. Verder geeft het een aardige inkijk in hoe legers vochten in die tijd, waarbij generaals altijd rekening moeten houden met soldaten en officieren die zomaar kunnen overlopen naar de hoogste bieder of de overwinnaar. Ik had wat moeite om er doorheen te komen met al die namen, maar het zat in werkelijkheid ook ingewikkeld in elkaar.
April 6, 2021
This is a book that didn't quite work for me.
The subject matter--the chaos and scramble for power after Alexander the Great's death--is fascinating, and there is never a dull moment here. I only know the bare-basics about this period of history and so there was a lot of interesting information, even in a fiction book.
While I had a hard time "rooting" for most of them (I did like Eumenes, Ptolemy, and Antipatros the most) the characters were all dynamic, and the scheming/shifting alliances between them all is well-presented.
My two main problems were prose related. First, I do not consider myself particularly squeamish but some of the violence and sexual activity is too graphic for me. When a book makes you cringe about once every chapter or so it greatly lessens the enjoyment. Second, for reasons I cannot fathom Fabbri does not use scene breaks! From one paragraph to the next will sometimes be weeks later and in an entirely different geographic area and this kept confusing me that such a shift had occurred. This was very, very annoying, and this is easily avoidable when a simple extra space or few dots or whatever will suffice, as it has for every other book I have ever read.
The subject matter--the chaos and scramble for power after Alexander the Great's death--is fascinating, and there is never a dull moment here. I only know the bare-basics about this period of history and so there was a lot of interesting information, even in a fiction book.
While I had a hard time "rooting" for most of them (I did like Eumenes, Ptolemy, and Antipatros the most) the characters were all dynamic, and the scheming/shifting alliances between them all is well-presented.
My two main problems were prose related. First, I do not consider myself particularly squeamish but some of the violence and sexual activity is too graphic for me. When a book makes you cringe about once every chapter or so it greatly lessens the enjoyment. Second, for reasons I cannot fathom Fabbri does not use scene breaks! From one paragraph to the next will sometimes be weeks later and in an entirely different geographic area and this kept confusing me that such a shift had occurred. This was very, very annoying, and this is easily avoidable when a simple extra space or few dots or whatever will suffice, as it has for every other book I have ever read.
January 2, 2020
It is Babylon 323 BC and Alexander is dying, his empire is the largest in the world and it is now looking for a new leader.
His bodyguards are arrayed and waiting for his final breath and the ultimate decision of who he will choose to take over once he is gone as there is no natural heir to be his successor.
But he refuses to name the next to reign and without a decision this man's unexpected death is plunging the world as they know it into turmoil.
Factions are forming amidst plots, counter plots, devious scheming to commit murder and cause wars and rifts over who will win the throne.
Amidst all the contenders there is Perdikkas, he believes himself "half chosen" as he too, Alexander's ring upon his death, the Antigonos the "one eyed," Roxanna "the wild cat" Antipatros "the regent" and many more.
But the question all of them and the whole world wants to know, who will be the victor...?
An amazingly well researched novel rich in historical detail and a wonderful start to a new series.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
His bodyguards are arrayed and waiting for his final breath and the ultimate decision of who he will choose to take over once he is gone as there is no natural heir to be his successor.
But he refuses to name the next to reign and without a decision this man's unexpected death is plunging the world as they know it into turmoil.
Factions are forming amidst plots, counter plots, devious scheming to commit murder and cause wars and rifts over who will win the throne.
Amidst all the contenders there is Perdikkas, he believes himself "half chosen" as he too, Alexander's ring upon his death, the Antigonos the "one eyed," Roxanna "the wild cat" Antipatros "the regent" and many more.
But the question all of them and the whole world wants to know, who will be the victor...?
An amazingly well researched novel rich in historical detail and a wonderful start to a new series.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
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