Legacy of Kings

In a magic-tinged reimagining of Alexander the Great’s formative years, the 16-year-old heir to the throne of Macedon becomes intrigued by a young woman, Kat, an orphaned peasant who meets the prince after the Blood Tournament, a brutal fighting competition. The sprawling cast in this opening book in the Blood of Gods and Royals series (adult nonfiction author Herman’s first novel) includes Kat’s love interest/adopted brother, Jacob; Alex’s deceptive sister, Cyn; and his mother, the conniving Queen Olympias, who has an unsettlingly erotic relationship with her snakes. The book is steeped in sorcery and historical detail, and—as might be expected from the author of Sex with Kings and Sex with the Queen—has its share of steamy liaisons. However, it is also let down by some cliché descriptions (“his name trembling on her lips”) and banter. Kat and Alex share an intriguing ability to read thoughts and feelings in people and animals, but repetitive hints diminish the impact of the eventual revelation behind their connection. A Paper Lantern Lit Property. Ages 14–up. Agent: Stephen Barbara, InkWell Management. (Aug.)