This installment was so enjoyable! I sped-read this novel and loved every single page. I found it faster-paced, and also felt more connected to the various characters than in books one and two, and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Despite the many POVs I never felt lost, and always felt invested in the characters and their emotions. Really enjoyed this book and will be rereading again soon.

This original blend of history and fantasy has me eagerly wanting to know what happens next in the series!

I have to admit that when I asked to review this book on Netgalley I thought it was a standalone novel – not realizing it was actually the third book in a series of four books – and I hadn’t heard of Eleanor Herman. But even though I hadn’t read the first two books in the series, I quickly became absorbed in Herman’s world – a unique blend of history and fantasy, with mythological creatures and real historical figures like Alexander the Great and Aristotle – and came to love her writing style; sparse and quick-paced but packed with emotion.

The book is told through many different POV characters and I loved the shifting perspectives and geographical locations – at times Persia, then Macedonia, or a desert island in the Meditterranean. Herman writes in third person limited, giving us close access to her characters’ emotions and thoughts. The magic system was interesting – particularly Smoke Blood which can only be acquired by an act of betrayal. There is a possession – Alexander by his father, the God Riel – oracles and philosophers, courtesans, soldiers, Kings and Queens, princes and princesses. What more could you want! This book delivered on all fronts – characters, suspense, fantastical elements, historical intrigue, writing style. To put it simply – I loved it!

Herman’s blend of history and fantasy made for such a rich tale – real fact woven with fantasy (Greek mythological creatures and Gods brought to life) that had my inner history geek mesmerized! My only criticism is that I wanted more! I read Reign of Serpents so quickly but lucky for me I get to now go back and read the first two novels in the series (Legacy of Kings and Empire of Dust) before Dawn of Legends, the final book in the series, is released.

I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction and fantasy (and who love good writing, great intrigue and a fast-pace that makes it hard to put down!)

Reign of Serpents is out now from Harlequin Australia http://www.harlequinbooks.com.au/product/9781489239259

Rather than specifically reviewing Reign of Serpents I thought I'd tell you a bit about the series in general, and what I loved about it (since it's tricky to review a single book that comes midway through a series!). I should note, there are also two novellas which I haven't read yet (but am looking forward to!)

The series is historical fiction fantasy, set in the time of a teenaged Alexander the Great, and centres largely around his story, but with a helping of magic and myth added in. The books have a similar feeling to Game of Thrones, but with the violence, sex, and swearing pulled right back to fit comfortably into the YA genre. The story feels epic, and we pick up and put together the plot from bits and pieces told to us by a range of characters through POV that changes with the chapters.

So, what were some of my favourite things about these books?
* the range of characters we get to know - there is a good mix of male and female characters, each of whom is both strong but flawed (no perfect princesses here!)
* the author notes in the back of each book, which talk about what inspired Herman to write these books, what we know about the culture of the time and actual events that occurred, and how they have been used in the stories
* historical fiction! I love feeling like I'm learning something while I read!
* the lack of full on sexiness, swearing, graphic violence, and kind of romance in general. Don't get me wrong - I'm not against these things in a book, but sometimes they can feel a bit gratuitous, and it just felt kind of refreshing to read a full on epic adventure series like this without them. Also sometimes the preoccupation of female protagonists especially can distract from the story for me. There is a tiny bit of love in the air in these books, but it isn't in your face all the time.

It is probably no surprise that I am currently recommending this series to EVERYONE, and I expect will continue to do so for some time. I rated the first book 4/5 stars, and the other two 5/5 stars please go and read them now!