Shadow of the Lion: Blood on the Moon

Shadow of the Lion #1

by W. Ruth Kozak

How blind ambition and greed brought down a world power. After the death of Alexander the Great, his generals quarrel over his empire. What will happen to Alexander's only heir, born after his death and named joint-king with Alexander's mentally deficient brother? Book one covers the journey of the kings from Babylon to Macedon amid the conniving and quarreling of Alexander's Successors.

Hardcover

First published July 28, 2014

Reviews

[Suzi Stembridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander the Great dies in Babylon under mysterious circumstances. He is only 33 years old. This is a particularly strong account, with exceptionally detailed research and is very well written with plausible characters. Each of these will find that nothing will ever be the same again. The colourful Middle-Eastern world is brought to life by the author, a triumph in bringing this historical and complicated era to paper. Furthermore for a book of scholarship it is an easy read. Geographically it covers a vast area of the Middle-Eastern world taking the huge cast of characters from Babylon to Egypt and via Syria to present-day Turkey and up to Samothraki and Macedonia. This is a praiseworthy feat in itself and the essential list of characters includes a short bio. Perhaps this bio represents a spoiler since it details death and perhaps the cause of it to be seen by the reader before they have reached that point in the account! A small criticism. The author has shown confidence in tackling the horrors and violence of war as well as skilfully drawing the characters, especially the women and the child. Kozak also vividly paints the beautiful scenery as she magnificently portrays the fighting elephants. A fascinating story but be aware this book is only half the tale and to find out what happens to the joint kings, their entourage of difficult Royalty, particularly the boyish warrior wife of the feeble-minded Phillip III and the highly-strung mother of the infant Alexander IV you will need to read Volume 2.