Reviews

Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault

readeranew's review against another edition

I was overwhelmed and confused. 
I do not have the calibre of knowledge to keep up with this book.

akelbley2's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

thesingingbook's review against another edition

adventurous challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

forestfae's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

kelley_ag's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

lbarsk's review against another edition

4.0

I FINALLY FINISHED THE BOOK WOW!

Eight-month hiatus notwithstanding, I really enjoyed this book! A fascinating (fictionalized) look into Alexander the Great's childhood and a solid entry point into (fictionalized) Greek history to spark interest and make me want to learn more.

I liked how easily Renault switches POVs and narrators — it adds depth and differing opinions to what could otherwise be a one-sided story.

AND I LOVE MY BOYS ALEXANDER AND HEPHAISTION!!!!!!!!!!!! Would that I had half of Alexander's discipline and drive; would that I had half of Hephaistion's devotion and faith.

merisaurum's review against another edition

Soft DNF. Beautiful poetic writing but a little hard to read while coming out of a reading slump. I heard the audiobook is good so I might give that a go.

paio's review against another edition

challenging informative tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

morgonwashere's review against another edition

challenging mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

eluz's review

challenging emotional informative mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

mary renault is unmatched in historical retelling - every one of her books feels distinctly beautiful, but i believe her alexander trilogy is truly her greatest achievement. the way she balances a sort of mystical trance like tone with raw humanity is so well done and sets her writing apart. this book can be felt in your ribs long after you’ve finished reading it.

arguably, without my previous knowledge of alexander and phillip’s lives i think i would’ve struggled to finish the book as it is deeply entrenched in history, which evidences renaults commitment. absolutely do not write this book off, but recommend some research beforehand.