Review: Realm by Alexandrea Weis

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Summary:

When her homeland is conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, Roxana—the daughter of a mere chieftain—is torn from her simple life and thrown into a world of war and intrigue.

Terrified, the sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.

Without formal education or noble blood, Roxana is chosen by the Greek conqueror to be his bride. Soon she comes to know profound happiness and unyielding desire in her warrior’s arms.

However, being the king’s consort comes at a heavy price. To survive her husband’s treacherous kingdom, she must endure continuous warfare, deadly plots, jealous rivals, victory-hungry generals, and the stigma of being a barbarian. Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.

History tells his story. This is hers.

Review

Based on a true story, Realm gives the reader an exciting perspective that focuses on the wife of Alexander, Roxana. I haven’t come across any books that give us something to takeaway that leaves such a strong imprint of her fierce loyalty to Alexander. This was one page turner that I had to take my time because I didn’t want to miss anything.

In the back of my mind, as I was reading this book all I could think about was how this would be a great movie. You know those books where you can visualize the action playing out, well this was one of those experiences. We all know how much Olympias had a role in his life, so it was refreshing putting the spotlight on Roxana. She was fierce, bold and while endured humiliation and suffering remained strong and authentic.

Without a formal education or nobility, she earned the respect that would’ve been denied based on her heritage. We see her from a young woman with no interest in marriage, learning to love, thrown in a life of war, revenge, deadly plots to earning her right as queen despite the stigma of where she came from. This book has action, drama, love, family and plot that keeps on turning. The ending left me feeling a little torn but overall, I found this a really wonderful interpretation of this period in history and hope you add it to you tbr.