In this stunning work of historical fiction, Mary Renault vividly imagines the world of this charismatic leader whose drive and ambition created a legend. Fire from Heaven tells the story of Alexander's childhood, when the young boy's defiant character was molded into the makings of a king. His mother, Olympias, and his father, King Philip of Macedon, fought each other for their son's loyalty, teaching Alexander politics and vengeance from the cradle. His love for the youth Hephaistion, on whom he depended for the rest of his life, taught him trust, while Aristotle's tutoring provoked his mind and Homer's Iliad fueled his aspirations. He killed his first man in battle at the age of twelve and became the commander of Macedon's cavalry at eighteenby the time his father was murdered and he acceded to the throne, Alexander's skills had grown to match his fiery ambition. In Fire from Heaven and two subsequent novels about Alexander's world, The Persian Boy and Funeral Games, Mary Renault has provided a thrilling and intimate portrait of one of history's most fascinating figures.