Realm – Book Tour and Giveaway

A sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.

Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.

In a war-torn era, a single misstep could tear a country apart and a single misspoken word could mean beheading. Thrown into a marriage she did not want or seek, Realm is the highly stylized story of Roxana, the brave and cunning wife of Alexander the Great. Based on the true life story of Alexander and Roxana, we are immediately taken to when the beautiful and defiant daughter of Baron Oxyartes meets Alexander for the very first time. Theirs was an instant attraction and a love that built over time. Was it a political agenda to combine both Persia and Greece? Or was there true love between Alexander and Roxana? In the story of Realm, author Alexandrea Weis tells the unknown tale between the great ruler and his beloved and beautiful wife, Roxana.

Life as ruler and royalty certainly wasn’t easy back then. With threats and lives in danger at every turn, only the most cunning and brave could survive. Realm is delightfully written from the point of view of Roxana, and interwoven between rich history and lore, is the tale of heartbreak, bravery, and an abiding love. If you’ve never heard of Roxana before, then you’ll get to know her quite well in Realm. After all, Roxana was the first wife of Alexander the Great, and perhaps his only true love.

Reading Realm made me want to learn more about Roxana and Alexander. Having studied in some capacity of the great ruler in ancient times, Realm made me fascinated about Roxana and all that she had to deal with while being the wife of Alexander. In the story, she is described as his first wife and his only true love. There were rumors of Alexander’s other love being his longtime and childhood friend, Hephaistion, but the author did not delve into that, rather, the deep friendship between Alexander and Hephaistion was just that – a deep and loyal friendship. While Alexander had several close confidantes, it was Roxana who held his heart and supported him on the side. Without Roxana, would Alexander have succeeded in taking over other countries and ruling over them? Certainly a mere wife of a great ruler, let alone a woman, couldn’t have influenced Alexander’s military plots?

Whether you know the history of Roxana or not, the author puts the young and beautiful woman in true light of a warrior princess. Bred to be strong and independent, Roxana did not suffer fools and her intelligence and kindness brought Alexander much peace, as well as his undying loyalty to her. I loved reading the dialogue between Roxana and Alexander and was pleased that he was written to be fair and just with people – both men and women. In a sense, Alexander was very respectful of women although history dictates that men – in particular the King – could do as he wished to any woman, at any time. Fortunately, Alexander did not believe in such barbaric thoughts and actions. And perhaps that was what had won Roxana over as well, the fact that Alexander treated her as an equal in some caliber.

Realm is very well written in a steady and stylized pace. There is not a dull moment in the story and you are led through a history lesson as well as the intricate details of warfare and love blossoming in dangerous times. You will admire Roxana for her bravery and wit and you will root for her to triumph in the end. I was happy to read that Alexander confided in Roxana and trusted her with his secrets, as well as guided her through the treacherous games played by enemies, rulers, and even close friends. The minor characters were also well written, with their personalities companionship to Roxana’s plights and victories. Overall, Realm is a story you must not miss and will definitely be a celebratory addition to my repertoire of historical realism. There is romance in the story of course, and some detailed descriptions of intimate moments so this book would be better for those over 18 years old, in my opinion. Nevertheless, if you want a tale rich with descriptive prose and insights into the lives of Alexander’s young wife and consort, then be sure to pick up Realm, by author Alexandrea Weis.

***Realm is published by Vesuvian Books and a contest is currently running with the book tour. Prizes include a $20 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of Realm: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251233053/

 

 

Synopsis:

Based on a true story.

When her homeland is conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, Roxana—the daughter of a mere chieftain—is torn from her simple life and thrown into a world of war and intrigue.

Terrified, the sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.

Without formal education or noble blood, Roxana is chosen by the Greek conqueror to be his bride. Soon she comes to know profound happiness and unyielding desire in her warrior’s arms.

However, being the king’s consort comes at a heavy price. To survive her husband’s treacherous kingdom, she must endure continuous warfare, deadly plots, jealous rivals, victory-hungry generals, and the stigma of being a barbarian. Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.

History tells his story. This is hers.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43185532-realm

Purchase:

Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/bOGkDK?store=amazon

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/realm-alexandrea-weis/1129903703

Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/realm/id1442915317?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/realm-8

Author’s Bio:

Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author of over twenty-seven novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers Association, Weis writes mystery, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.

Author links:

http://alexandreaweis.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authoralexandreaweis/

https://twitter.com/alexandreaweis

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1211671.Alexandrea_Weis

*** Thank you to Xpresso Booktours and Alexandrea Weis for this book tour opportunity.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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