Customer Reviews

Traces: Birth of Alexander the Great (Son of the Bracelet)

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Set in the world of Ancient Greece, this book gives an alternative view of the rise of Alexander the Great.

Told through the eyes of a fictional physician named Wallis, this looks at the political and social climate of the time. Traveling all around the Aegean and Adriatic Seas, he brings food that is desperately needed by an Athens suffering from a major drought. He organizes the Merchant's and Artisan's Guild of Athens into something like a labor union; together they can get better prices for their wares than separately. Trained as a physician by Hippocrates himself, Wallis (also known as Daneion Pelos) heals the sick as best he can.

Wallis spends much of his time worrying about Olympias, a Princess of Epirus. She is living in the court of Philip II, and she is pregnant with Alexander the Great (the gods have said so). It's no secret to anyone that it would not be good for Olympias to produce a female baby. Wallis gets word of a very high-level plot brewing in Philip's court. If Olympias produces a male heir, it will be switched at birth with another newborn. At some point, Philip will publicly decree that this is his rightful heir. Suddenly, the real heir will be produced, Philip will be publicly humiliated, and will be forced to give up the throne. During all this, Olympias will mysteriously "die during childbirth." Wallis is Olympias' only friend in the area, so it is up to him to keep anything peculiar from happening while Olympias is busy with giving birth.

This is a good piece of historical fiction. My only problem with this book has nothing to do with the actual book. When reading a series, I am one of those who has to do it in order; I don't like starting in the middle (this is Part 2). For those who are interested in ancient history, this has plenty of good writing, and is worth reading.

Reviewed by Nancy Young for Reader Views (10/06)

"Traces- Birth of Alexander the Great: Book 2 Son of the Bracelet" is a wonderful reading experience. In spite of the fact that I had not previously read the first book in the series, and had little knowledge of Greek history, I was completely captivated by "Traces." The author, Faye Turner, does an excellent job of writing for a broad audience. She provides us with a history lesson, and at the same time captivates us with a story of love and devotion. This book is for all the historical fictions lovers, as well as anyone interested in a story of love, deception, family and politics.

In "Traces" the author, Faye Turner, focuses on a man who would not normally be featured in our history text books. Wallis, who is also known by many other names, is the physician, friend, and lover of the Olympias- the mother of Alexander the Great. Through his eyes we see how the events that precluded the birth of Alexander fall into a pre-determined destiny. It is as if Wallis was "sent" to care for and love Olympias, and perhaps even father the child. Wallis is seen by his peers as a great man, a hero even. He is a healer, learned by Hippocrates, and seeks no personal wealth. As great men generally do, he denies his own greatness, and is genuinely humble. And he is human as well, as is evident with his own troubled relationship with his mother.

What I loved the most about this book is how the author sets such an intense mood. So much is resting on the shoulders of Wallis, the birth of Alexander the Great is practically in his hands. I could feel Wallis' agony. He could not publicly show his love for Olympias. He felt it was wrong to love her, at the same time knew that he needed to protect her and give her the love she needed. I also loved the spirituality. Wallis communicates with his companion Jakardos without speaking, as well as his dead grandmother. He even confronts the spirit of Alexander, The Great, before he is even born. The scenery of the coastal villages is also so captivating. The author paints such a clear picture of the times.

I wouldn't change a thing in this book; the writing style, the story line, they are all superb. The hard work and research are evident in "Traces". I recommend "Traces" for anyone interested in great literature and history.

Book received free of charge.

First and foremost, Faye Turner is a researcher. Ms. Turner takes the reader on wonderful adventure! The incredible becomes real under the pen of this mystifying writer.
Now I'm hooked. I am compelled to read "Before the Dawn".
Thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction!