Rating: 
Summary: Reasonably interesting
Review: A popular rendition of the Alexander's history. A bit kitsch a times, but still good if you cannot digest standard history text.
Rating: 
Summary: Alexander Grows Up
Review: I am about half way through reading the last of the three books in the "Alexander" trilogy. "The Sands of Ammon" delves deeper into Alexander's journey to conquer the world and we are taken from Macedonia to the gates of the Persian Empire. Unfortunately, I have to say, the second book, while an integral part of the series, was not as interesting as the first book, "Alexander: Child of a Dream". I admit at times some of the writing was corny, particularly the cheesy "love scenes". In any case, the book is still fairly enjoyable, and if you are like me and plan to read all three books, this is a must. I found Alexander's nemesis Memnon of Rhodes an interesting character in the book and I wish the author spent more time developing his character. All I know is Alexander sure had his fair share of the local women (and boys for that matter) which he conquered as well.Regardless of some of the cheesy writings, the book still does manage to get deep into the mind of Alexander and his fellow Macedonian soldiers. I feel I dont have too much to write about since I am almost finished with the third book, which as a teaser (sorry, you will have to wait for the review) is far more interesting and tends to close the loop on this adventure. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Alexander Grows Up
Review: I am about half way through reading the last of the three books in the "Alexander" trilogy. "The Sands of Ammon" delves deeper into Alexander's journey to conquer the world and we are taken from Macedonia to the gates of the Persian Empire. Unfortunately, I have to say, the second book, while an integral part of the series, was not as interesting as the first book, "Alexander: Child of a Dream". I admit at times some of the writing was corny, particularly the cheesy "love scenes". In any case, the book is still fairly enjoyable, and if you are like me and plan to read all three books, this is a must. I found Alexander's nemesis Memnon of Rhodes an interesting character in the book and I wish the author spent more time developing his character. All I know is Alexander sure had his fair share of the local women (and boys for that matter) which he conquered as well. Regardless of some of the cheesy writings, the book still does manage to get deep into the mind of Alexander and his fellow Macedonian soldiers. I feel I dont have too much to write about since I am almost finished with the third book, which as a teaser (sorry, you will have to wait for the review) is far more interesting and tends to close the loop on this adventure. Enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: Maybe something got lost in the translation
Review: I found Manfredi's first volume in his Alexander triology interesting enough to proceed with this, the second volume. Rarely would I abandon an author, but after reading The Sands of Ammon, I will not finish the trilogy. I've considered that maybe something got lost in the translation, but I am not convinced of that theory. Alexander and his companions are presented as NSYNC, or maybe the Backstreet Boys; I was expecting Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table or something equally as Wagnerian. Throughout the volume, Alexander seems to make off-the-wall, uninformed decisions that just happen to work out. The fact that he was schooled by Aristotle hardly enters into the formula. The romantic escapades that Manfredi inserts actually detract from the progress of the story and only interfere with the meat of the tale: how did this young man conquer the world. Clearly, it wasn't by luck or reliance on chance and uninformed decisions. Whether it was Halliday's translation or Manfredi's lack of research, this just doesn't cut the mustard. No thanks. I'm content to wait two years for Steven Pressfield's next book.
Rating:
Summary: Maybe something got lost in the translation
Review: I found Manfredi's first volume in his Alexander triology interesting enough to proceed with this, the second volume. Rarely would I abandon an author, but after reading The Sands of Ammon, I will not finish the trilogy. I've considered that maybe something got lost in the translation, but I am not convinced of that theory. Alexander and his companions are presented as NSYNC, or maybe the Backstreet Boys; I was expecting Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table or something equally as Wagnerian. Throughout the volume, Alexander seems to make off-the-wall, uninformed decisions that just happen to work out. The fact that he was schooled by Aristotle hardly enters into the formula. The romantic escapades that Manfredi inserts actually detract from the progress of the story and only interfere with the meat of the tale: how did this young man conquer the world. Clearly, it wasn't by luck or reliance on chance and uninformed decisions. Whether it was Halliday's translation or Manfredi's lack of research, this just doesn't cut the mustard. No thanks. I'm content to wait two years for Steven Pressfield's next book.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not the best
Review: I had a hard time deciding whether to give this three or four stars, but in the end, it wasn`t that bad. Mary Renault is a bit truer to the facts, especially in her history of Alexander, but this book still makes an interesting read. Some of the ideas are a bit far-fetched, but readers should keep in mind that this is first and foremost, a "novel". It:s main object is not to present a historically perfect Alexander, for which you had better consult other sources, but to provide an interesting story for those not so interested in the exact facts. It will still give you a fairly accurate idea of the life and times of Alexander though. I would recommend it for someone not too critical who just wants a good book to read.
Rating: 
Summary: awesome historical fiction book
Review: If you like historical fiction, you'll love these books. Great storytelling. Couldn't wait to read the next book and then the next. It makes you appreciate the minds of ancient generals.
Rating:
Summary: Mary Renault you have nothing to fear...
Review: Just because you might have an archeological degree does not necessarily mean you're a very good Alexander historian or Makedon expert. The first book in this series was boring-something even Alexander's worst enemies never claimed he was. This book is only slightly better because Alexander led a life of action. From the laugh out loud sexual encounters, to the cries of the Macedonians "Alexandre! Alexandre!" (excuse me Mr. Translator, but that would be "Alexandros, Alexandros" - in Greek please) to the incredibly stupid-appearing generals of Alexander, this book will make you wonder how Alexander ever figured out how to get out of Makedon.
Rating:
Summary: Alexander- The Sands of Ammon
Review: Manfredi continues what he started in Alexander- 'Child of a Dream' with the same great style and majesty.
The ships of the army land on Anatolia- and the great struggle against the Persian Empire has just begun. Darius II of Persia will stop at nothing to defend the Empire, and Memnon of Rhodes- a valiant Greek mercenary is more than a match for Alexander's army. Follow the conqueror and his army first along the coast of Anatolia, and then across the Near East into the sands of Egypt. But all is not as easy at it seems.
The city of Halicarnassus puts up a strong fight, and so does the legendary city of Tyre. To say nothing of the towers of Gaza. But a great revelation is waiting for Alexander at the Oracle of Ammon- as if his life isn't amazing enough already.
Manfredi's research- tactical, strategic, and archeological deserves the highest applause, especially at the Battle of Issus, where the writer made a field visit during his research. The second volume is as intriguing as the first. Its epic grandeur is enough to take the reader by storm. A must read.
Rating:
Summary: alexander grown up
Review: not as good as the first book in this series
i was a little disappointed in the second one here but would still read the third one just to finsih the series
|
