I received a free copy of this book from Paper Lantern Lit/Harlequin Teen in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows on with the adventures of a 16-year-old Alexander the Great as he struggles to become the great leader we know he will become. His friend Hephaestion is sent on a mission with Katherine, who has a special bond with Alex and a growing affection or Heph but their life may be in danger. Persian princess Zofia is struggling to return to her soldier love while Kat’s sweetheart Jacob is dealing with his decision to join an army that fights magic which means he should kill Kat.

I’m really glad I finally picked this one up as I ended up really enjoying it and I absolutely flew through it. It;s been a couple of months since I read Legacy of Kings but I had no problem falling straight back into the story and connecting with all the characters i loved the last time around. I was able to deal with the character changes and shorter chapters this time around, probably because I expected them this time so I wasn’t feeling a bit disoriented when something would happen but then the next chapter switch. I actually liked being able to see a broad view of every thing that was going on this time.

One of my favourite characters after this book is definitely Cynane. I think she is terrific and I hope she has some chapters in the next book as i can’t wait to see what she does (or indeed her own spin off series). I believe she is based on Cleopatra which I love, and I just love how fierce, independent and unapologetic Cynane is, especially considering the time era she is living in as a woman. I would probably choose Cynane over Kat many a time as Kat comes across a little bit Mary Sue sometimes - she’s just too perfect! I do think it’s funny though seeing Heph, who is a very macho, warrior guy, become very soppy and romantic when he thinks about her. He’s so angsty though.

I was also 100% shipping Alex and Kadmus. There’s always been a feeling of a gay romance between Alex and Heph but then Kadmus came along, and just so much chemistry. However, I’m not sure I’m correct but I think Alex came out as asexual in this book (unless i read that wrong). If so, I do love it and I do hope there might be some romance between him and Kadmus even if it can;t become anything more.

Overall. thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next one!