Rating: 
Summary: Fire from Heaven
Review: I'm sorry, but I was quite disapointed with this book, I wanted to read about an Alexander "Great Military Leader", but apparently the author is more focused on Alexander's sexual inclination, and reading throughout the book about his Homosexuality, wasn't what I had in mind. As for action, there are authors with much more emphasis in regards to the actual battles, than what Mary Reanult handles. In very few words, the historical content is non impressive, the action is missing, and the homosexual content is constant, if any of those aspects bother you, DONT READ THIS BOOK.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent study of one of histories greatest men
Review: In Fires from Heaven, Mary Renault crafts an extremely well told story about Alexander the Great and his succession to the Macedonian throne in his early twenties after the assassination of his father. Missing are the successive years in which Alexander crosses the Hellespont on a mission to conquer Persia and the rest of the known world as the book ends after Alexander is crowned, however, Renault does a superlative job in developing the character of Alexander from early childhood to early manhood in a way that makes it understandable how he managed to achieve such monumental greatness beyond the borders of Macedonia. Therein lies the genius of Fires From Heaven as it shows the development of Alexander's iron will, considerable magnetism and boundless ambition. At an age when most boys are engrossed with capturing frogs to scare girls with, Alexander had already killed his first man. By sixteen he had earned the respect of the grizzled soldiers of his father's army, and was leading a division of them into full scale combat. Fires From Heaven chronicles these events and many others, offering us a well woven tapestry of the boy that would become the king of all the known world by the age of 33. These things are foremost, but this novel offers many more jewels as well. Not the least of which is beautiful prose, hard-bitten, believable dialogue, and a compelling plot that is rife with intrigue and political machinations. This is one of the greatest works of historical fiction I've ever read. Absolutely worth every moment I spent reading it.
Rating: 
Summary: History brought vividly, and accurately, to life.
Review: Mary Renault was one of the most successful historical novelists of the 20th Century and her Alexander novels were her masterpiece. "Fire From Heaven" is the first of the trilogy that includes "The Persian Boy" and "Funeral Games", and tells us the story of Alexander the Great, one of the most fascinating and complex characters in all history, from early childhood to the age of twenty, when he succeeded his father as king of Macedon. Renault brings us into Alexander's world and presents us to him in all his multifaceted personality: his all-consuming ambition, his sensitivity, his insatiable drive for excellence, and his love-hate relationship with his father (hate inexorably, and inevitably, won out) which was so influential in shaping his character and the course of his life. Renault also brings us into the lives of Alexander's family, especially his mother Olympias, one of the most ruthless and devious characters in ancient history; totally wrapped up in her son and willing to stop at nothing to protect his interests. Olympias might have eaten Alexander alive if it hadn't been for the influence of his friend and lover Hephaistion of whom she was wildly jealous; and Renault narrates the growing affection and love between the two boys as a natural development in their lives. Homosexuality and bisexuality were normal in the ancient world (Julius Caesar himself was described by his contemporaries as "every woman's man and every man's woman") and Renault doesn't flinch at it, and neither should anyone who reads this book. Renault's greatest strength as a historical novelist was her insistence on keeping it real, which was especially difficult in writing about Alexander's early life as almost nothing is known about him before his accession; but her research into the time and the place has the feel and sense of painstaking accuracy. There is only one thing that makes me give this book four stars instead of five, and it's that, unlike her earlier novels, Renault wrote this one in the third person. It doesn't work quite as well. What was so magical about her earlier works was that when you read them in the first person, you don't just read them, you dive right into them and live them; you're right there in the middle of the action and it's totally exhilarating from the first page to the last. Reading "Fire From Heaven" is like watching the action through a clear sheet of plate glass instead of being on the other side where the action is really happening. Renault got it right in her second book, "The Persian Boy", which told about Alexander's life from his accession as king to his death at the age of 32; "Fire From Heaven" is an excellent prequel to what was to come.
Rating:
Summary: History brought vividly, and accurately, to life.
Review: Mary Renault was one of the most successful historical novelists of the 20th Century and her Alexander novels were her masterpiece. "Fire From Heaven" is the first of the trilogy that includes "The Persian Boy" and "Funeral Games", and tells us the story of Alexander the Great, one of the most fascinating and complex characters in all history, from early childhood to the age of twenty, when he succeeded his father as king of Macedon. Renault brings us into Alexander's world and presents us to him in all his multifaceted personality: his all-consuming ambition, his sensitivity, his insatiable drive for excellence, and his love-hate relationship with his father (hate inexorably, and inevitably, won out) which was so influential in shaping his character and the course of his life. Renault also brings us into the lives of Alexander's family, especially his mother Olympias, one of the most ruthless and devious characters in ancient history; totally wrapped up in her son and willing to stop at nothing to protect his interests. Olympias might have eaten Alexander alive if it hadn't been for the influence of his friend and lover Hephaistion of whom she was wildly jealous; and Renault narrates the growing affection and love between the two boys as a natural development in their lives. Homosexuality and bisexuality were normal in the ancient world (Julius Caesar himself was described by his contemporaries as "every woman's man and every man's woman") and Renault doesn't flinch at it, and neither should anyone who reads this book. Renault's greatest strength as a historical novelist was her insistence on keeping it real, which was especially difficult in writing about Alexander's early life as almost nothing is known about him before his accession; but her research into the time and the place has the feel and sense of painstaking accuracy. There is only one thing that makes me give this book four stars instead of five, and it's that, unlike her earlier novels, Renault wrote this one in the third person. It doesn't work quite as well. What was so magical about her earlier works was that when you read them in the first person, you don't just read them, you dive right into them and live them; you're right there in the middle of the action and it's totally exhilarating from the first page to the last. Reading "Fire From Heaven" is like watching the action through a clear sheet of plate glass instead of being on the other side where the action is really happening. Renault got it right in her second book, "The Persian Boy", which told about Alexander's life from his accession as king to his death at the age of 32; "Fire From Heaven" is an excellent prequel to what was to come.
Rating:
Summary: "Fire From Heaven" a tale of hero-worship
Review: Mary Renault's Alexandriad begins with "Fire From Heaven," a novel that encompasses the childhood and youth of Alexander the Great, King of Macedon and Persia. Alexander's character has fascinated historians and novelists from the time of his conquest to the present day. Currently, a movie is in the works that is said to owe much to Ms. Renault's work. Mary Renault's love of ancient Greek culture was displayed in her previous novels, "The Last Of The Wine" and the Theseus duology, "The King Must Die" and "The Bull From The Sea." Her admiration for Alexander is also on display. Most authors of historical fiction are fond of their subjects, but the reader can tell Renault adored her chosen hero and found in him an ideal that may have been more imagined than real. Still, Renault's work is superb. She was a master of language and craft, and her novel touches the key points of the Alexander legend without turning them into precious showpieces. (I particularly enjoyed the depiction of the taming of Boukephalos, with various characters facing different outcomes of the horse's purchase). She shines when depicting characters, and offers a fascinating interpretation of the relationship between Alexander, his father King Philip II of Macedon, and his mother, Queen Olympias. History tells us Philip and Olympias were at war with each other until Philip was assassinated, which Olympias probably had a hand in. The war included their son, who is shown as an intelligent, preternaturally observant child who absorbs his mother's hurts and grievances well before he's old enough to understand them. Alexander is never allowed to be at peace as far as his loyalty to either parent is concerned; torn between a father who resents any resemblance in him to his mother, and a mother who has made him her defender and prize, Alexander's mystical bent is made plausible as the defense of a child who literally had no one else but God (or in his case, the gods) to turn to. A psychiatrist would have had a field day with the entire family, let alone with Alexander himself. Perhaps Renault wanted to show Alexander as being able to rise above the turmoil his household was in, but she doesn't dwell on his vulnerability. That is a weakness in this book; Alexander is brilliant and bright, but rarely falls or missteps. The one time he makes a true mistake, leading to the arrest of a friend, is a scene of white-hot intensity, including the aftermath of the scene. If Renault had shown more of Alexander's weaknesses--his humanity--this book would have been a scorching testament to the beginnings of this complex man. It is still a very good novel, particularly when Hephaistion enters Alexander's life. The man who may or may not have been Alexander's lover is portrayed as that by Renault, and her reasons are as good as any to believe the two men were lovers. Hephaistion is written well here, as the person Alexander trusted more than anyone, and who did all he could to deserve that trust. His single-minded devotion is a little annoying--surely Renault could have had him win an argument once instead of always giving in?--but Hephaistion still draws much sympathy, in light of all he goes through in order to remain at Alexander's side. Renault wrote good battle scenes, and the Battle of Cheironeia (Chaeronea) is one of her best efforts. So, too, are the snippets from the Thracian wars and the Argive revolt in which Alexander saved his father's life (although the language is a little high-flown in the last). She had an eye for telling detail, making the reader visualize an entire scene from one small description. Two wonderful examples would be the aftermath of Cheironeia and the assassination of Philip. I recommend "Fire From Heaven" because it's a beautifully written book and its history is portrayed with accuracy and skill. It's not quite as good as its successors, "The Persian Boy" and "Funeral Games," but it's like comparing fine apples to equally high-quality oranges. Enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: "Fire From Heaven" a tale of hero-worship
Review: Mary Renault's Alexandriad begins with "Fire From Heaven," a novel that encompasses the childhood and youth of Alexander the Great, King of Macedon and Persia. Alexander's character has fascinated historians and novelists from the time of his conquest to the present day. Currently, a movie is in the works that is said to owe much to Ms. Renault's work. Mary Renault's love of ancient Greek culture was displayed in her previous novels, "The Last Of The Wine" and the Theseus duology, "The King Must Die" and "The Bull From The Sea." Her admiration for Alexander is also on display. Most authors of historical fiction are fond of their subjects, but the reader can tell Renault adored her chosen hero and found in him an ideal that may have been more imagined than real. Still, Renault's work is superb. She was a master of language and craft, and her novel touches the key points of the Alexander legend without turning them into precious showpieces. (I particularly enjoyed the depiction of the taming of Boukephalos, with various characters facing different outcomes of the horse's purchase). She shines when depicting characters, and offers a fascinating interpretation of the relationship between Alexander, his father King Philip II of Macedon, and his mother, Queen Olympias. History tells us Philip and Olympias were at war with each other until Philip was assassinated, which Olympias probably had a hand in. The war included their son, who is shown as an intelligent, preternaturally observant child who absorbs his mother's hurts and grievances well before he's old enough to understand them. Alexander is never allowed to be at peace as far as his loyalty to either parent is concerned; torn between a father who resents any resemblance in him to his mother, and a mother who has made him her defender and prize, Alexander's mystical bent is made plausible as the defense of a child who literally had no one else but God (or in his case, the gods) to turn to. A psychiatrist would have had a field day with the entire family, let alone with Alexander himself. Perhaps Renault wanted to show Alexander as being able to rise above the turmoil his household was in, but she doesn't dwell on his vulnerability. That is a weakness in this book; Alexander is brilliant and bright, but rarely falls or missteps. The one time he makes a true mistake, leading to the arrest of a friend, is a scene of white-hot intensity, including the aftermath of the scene. If Renault had shown more of Alexander's weaknesses--his humanity--this book would have been a scorching testament to the beginnings of this complex man. It is still a very good novel, particularly when Hephaistion enters Alexander's life. The man who may or may not have been Alexander's lover is portrayed as that by Renault, and her reasons are as good as any to believe the two men were lovers. Hephaistion is written well here, as the person Alexander trusted more than anyone, and who did all he could to deserve that trust. His single-minded devotion is a little annoying--surely Renault could have had him win an argument once instead of always giving in?--but Hephaistion still draws much sympathy, in light of all he goes through in order to remain at Alexander's side. Renault wrote good battle scenes, and the Battle of Cheironeia (Chaeronea) is one of her best efforts. So, too, are the snippets from the Thracian wars and the Argive revolt in which Alexander saved his father's life (although the language is a little high-flown in the last). She had an eye for telling detail, making the reader visualize an entire scene from one small description. Two wonderful examples would be the aftermath of Cheironeia and the assassination of Philip. I recommend "Fire From Heaven" because it's a beautifully written book and its history is portrayed with accuracy and skill. It's not quite as good as its successors, "The Persian Boy" and "Funeral Games," but it's like comparing fine apples to equally high-quality oranges. Enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: A fascinating, lush and completely irresistable novel ...
Review: Mary Renualt's tale of the youth and rise to power of Alexander the Great (the first of an amazing trilogy) is not to be missed. The characters are deliciously complicated, as decisively drawn as they are interesting to follow, and her intuition in exploring their desires and motivations is a joy. Renault's descriptions of customs, places and events are superb and effortless, her prose flawless. The entire book is more like a first-hand account than a novel, really. She has obviously researched her subject exhaustingly, but completely avoids the downfall of many historical fiction authors -- showing off their knowledge of the facts and/or oppressing the reader with their minutae while sacrificing the drama of the story. Renault weaves her tale with such skill that you can never quite tell where fact ends and fiction begins. Her interpretation of what is known of Alexander hits the mark on every page, and none of the dramatic license she takes rings false or feels contrived. I try not to believe anyone's hype until I can make my own judgement, and Mary Renault has proven herself an incredible talent beyond her impressive reputation.
Rating: 
Summary: Mixed feelings
Review: Meticulously researched and brimming with detail, "Fire from Heaven" the first of Mary Renault's Alexander the Great trilogy ("The Persian Boy" and "Funeral Games") is ultimately too cumbersome and daunting to be fully appreciated by the average reader. This novel is, no doubt, a fascinating read and is more than educational, however, I feel it was written with the classics scholar in mind. Everything is hurled at the reader at an unrelenting pace and in the end serves to distract rather than entice. Ultimately, reading it became more a chore than a diversion. If you have a degree in ancient history or a serious student of the Hellenic age, you're certain to devour this book. All others, proceed with caution. May I suggest reading a few pages at your local library prior to spending your hard-earned money?
Rating:
Summary: A superb retelling of Alexander's chidlhood
Review: Ms Renault's Fire From Heaven which is the first in a three part series of novels around Alexander The Great
must surely rank as one of the best triologies ever written.
Fire From Heaven chronicels Alexander's life from the
time he was five up to the assisination of his father after
which he was proclaimed King.
Ms Renault has an ingenious way of presenting the past
so much so it becomes like a movie where we the readers
become privellieged intruders who are given a secret look
at what went on then. So it is with this book. After reading it
one can't but help saying that, "Yes, this is how it must have been."
Alexander comes out as a real life human being whom wh have
come to know on a personal basis instead of just another distant
figure from the past. A really entertaining read which will be greatly loved by history buffs and by those who are in
a constant search for something good to read.
Rating:
Summary: A superb retelling of Alexander's chidlhood
Review: Ms Renault's Fire From Heaven which is the first in a three part series of novels around Alexander The Greatmust surely rank as one of the best triologies ever written.Fire From Heaven chronicels Alexander's life from thetime he was five up to the assisination of his father afterwhich he was proclaimed King. Ms Renault has an ingenious way of presenting the pastso much so it becomes like a movie where we the readersbecome privellieged intruders who are given a secret lookat what went on then. So it is with this book. After reading itone can't but help saying that, "Yes, this is how it must have been." Alexander comes out as a real life human being whom wh havecome to know on a personal basis instead of just another distantfigure from the past. A really entertaining read which will be greatly loved by history buffs and by those who are ina constant search for something good to read.
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