Legacy of Kings

Gr 9 Up—Multiple characters share the limelight in a fast-paced historical fantasy chronicling the rise of Alexander the Great. Sixteen-year-old Alexander wants to leave the kingdom with his best friend Hephaestion to find the Fountain of Youth and prove himself a man and capable leader. Kat seeks to kill Queen Olympias to avenge her mother, but stumbles upon a revelation about her own birth and the magical abilities she keeps secret. Jacob will do anything to win Kat's love, even if it means siding with the enemy. Zofia, Alexander's Persian fiancée, steals away from her father's palace and risks her life to find the Spirit Eaters, who can change her destiny and give her the life, and love, she desires. So many points of view may leave readers confused about what exactly is happening in the narrative, but most likely won't mind in the face of liberal amounts of action, romance, and conspiracy. Kat is a smart, tough heroine, Heph a loyal friend, and Alexander a likable young leader intent on proving himself. These well-developed characters make up for the other relatively flat, two-dimensional ones, and as their stories intertwine and the action ramps up, teens will eagerly continue turning pages.