The story of Alexander the Great's early years, from his childhood in Macedonia through such periods as his tutoring by Aristotle and his first battles FIRE FROM HEAVEN is a fascinating and thoroughly researched historical novel.

Starting with Alexander's early childhood, being raised until the age of seven by his mother Olympias and father King Philip of Macedonia, it shows the youngster's precociousness and intelligence along with the early appearance of his ability to emphasise with and charm his troops. From there through his tutoring by the Greek philosopher Aristotle and on to his first battles and the courage and leadership he shows, the book continues to evoke the culture of ancient Greece, including social and sexual relationships modern society would find very strange.

Although little is known about the early Alexander, the book gives a very convincing tale of how one of the greatest leaders in history was partly formed by his upbringing. The characters of his mother and father are explored and his relationship with his boyhood friend, later to be one of his generals, Hephaiston is also covered, with Renault showing how close they were by using the account of the Roman writer Arrian of how on Hephaistons death Alexander had his doctor, Glaucias, executed for his lack of care.

FIRE FROM HEAVEN is a thoroughly engrossing read about one of the most famous figures in history, highly recommended.