Fire from Heaven Author:Mary Renault Story of Alexander's life from childhood to 20 when he succeeded his murdered father, King Philip of Macedon. Born in the 4th century BC, Alexander grew up in the great palace at Pella. His strength of character, his beauty, his bravery from an early age, are wonderfully conveyed. Torn between admiration, hatred, & love for his father, w... more »ary of the jealous adoring affection of his mother, Queen Olympias, Alexander soon exerts his independence. All his training , experiences, education, shows his natural ascendency over his companions, and the unquestioning trust and love in which they hold him. through it all, he has at his side his friend Hephaistion; the development of their affection, which was to last until the end of their lives.« less