[.ca] The Conqueror (ISBN 0505525712)

This "Mary Sue" is not for fans of historical accuracy!!:
"Mary Sue": a story in which the author (usually a female) puts too much of her own wishes/daydreams and physical attributes (or wannabe attributes) into a tale, allowing herself to become the heroine that "saves" the hero and--of course--wins his love in the end. And a "Mary Sue" is exactly how to describe this book! It had me rolling my eyes so often I thought they were going to spin right out of my head! Much of the plot was laughable, with Roxanne needing rescuing far too many times, and Alexander's near obsessive attraction to her was simply unbelievable. Without revealing any spoilers, I will say that the author clearly projected herself into her Xena-like heroine, and stretched all plausibility by not only making her a fair-skinned redhead (like herself), but by also giving her far too much importance in Alexander's life, putting her front and center into very significant events where the real Roxanne probably played no role. (Of course, in all fairness, without this inflated role we would have a rather boring Roxanne-related book.) More often than not her Alexander wasn't a terribly likeable character, and I only found myself reading it to the end just to find out how many times the author would change known historical facts just to suit her plot. This is not a book I would place on an Alexander 'must-read' list, except for *really* die-hard romance fans, as the author did follow the usual schlock romance formula. And Alexander was a blonde, so what's with the brunette on the cover?? Just one more historical inaccuracy that had me shaking my head!

The Conqueror:
This book is phenomenal. It is the first and only book I have read by this author thusfar. Actually, the photo on the front cover was the first thing to catch my eye. Talk about handsome!!! (I would love to know who posed for the cover.) This book is well written and flows at a good, even pace. I find myself continuing to re-read it because it is just that good. It is one of those books one holds onto because it is timeless in its subject matter and just a comfortable, intelligent read. It is worth buying for the cover alone!!!

The Conqueror ... Romance that Breaks the Mold!:
Judith French has outdone herself again with this "broke the mold" romance novel! I've enjoyed her works for over ten years, and I must say, this one soars to my favorites list! Her imagery is incredible; I could visualize every nuance of a setting, character, clothing, etc. In addition, as history major, I was impressed with the time that she obviously placed into her research. I'm not sure that the random reader would recognize her accuracy and understand the amount of cross research done as well, so I laud her efforts. Although I love the romance genre as a method of escape from daily life, this does not mean that I want the exact same plot and ending in every story. Face it, we know what happens to Alexander and Roxanne as history indicates, but we've never had so much thrill and intrigue getting to that end. I was delighted with her ability to weave a romance that allows the reader to "know" Alexander and Roxanne intimately, in a way we would not otherwise have had the pleasure. Yet, Ms. French did not corrupt their compelling and tragic history with a trite, dime store novel fictional ending. Yes, Ms. French... kudos to you. You've worked a piece of history in a way that no other author I know can do.

I want my 6 hours back!!:
I was very disappointed in this book. I didn't like the way the "hero" acted and I did not enjoy how he treated his "heroine". It may have been historically accurate, but if you read romance novels for warm and fuzzy tales of true love, DON'T BOTHER READING THIS BOOK. The hero, and I use this term very loosely in this case, is arrogant, selfish, delusional, politically nieve twards his companions, and completely clueless about the inner workings of women. The heroine is childish and prideful, but is good with weaponry which may be of some interest to feminists. I was surprised that it didn't have a traditional type ending, but historcally it remained true. To a point. (If my memories of high school are correct, Alexander the Great died of VD) The only thing worse than paying full price for this book, is that I wasted the time to read it. If you want to read this book, please go to a library.

I loved this book!!!:
I really loved this novel. It was the first time I have read a novel from this time period and setting. Ms. French's attention to detail helped me "see" in my mind's eye the people, palaces, war, and opulance of that time period. I couldn't put the book down. I read it in 2 1/2 days (that's hard for me to do with 3 kids). I cried at the end of this book and once you read it you will understand why. I'm not used to my books ending that way, but that's ok. I REALLY LOVED this book!!