Step into the enchanting world of the Heirs of Alexandria, where magic swirls through the canals of a reimagined 16th-century Venice, and political intrigue brews as fiercely as a storm at sea! This historical fantasy series, crafted by the dynamic trio of Mercedes Lackey, Eric Flint, and Dave Freer, invites readers into an alternate Renaissance where the survival of the Library of Alexandria reshapes history, blending sorcery, adventure, and heart-pounding drama.
In this universe, Hypatia of Alexandria’s conversion to Christianity by John Chrysostom in 415 CE saves the Library from destruction, setting off a cascade of changes that ripple into a vibrant 1530s Venice. With its winged lion guardian and a church split into Petrine and Pauline factions, this series is a spellbinding mix of alternate history and fantasy that captivates fans of rich world-building and complex characters.
How Heirs of Alexandria Began
The Heirs of Alexandria series was born in 2002, a brainchild of three authors whose unique styles melded into something extraordinary. Eric Flint, known for his masterful alternate history in the 1632 series, brought a keen sense of historical divergence. Mercedes Lackey, a fantasy icon with her Valdemar saga, infused the series with themes of tolerance and magical depth. Dave Freer, an ichthyologist-turned-author, added vivid storytelling and a touch of humor. Together, they envisioned a Venice where magic is as real as the gondolas gliding through its canals, inspired by the era’s political machinations and the allure of a world where Hypatia’s legacy thrives.
The Heart of Heirs of Alexandria
The series kicks off with The Shadow of the Lion (2002), where brothers Marco and Benito Valdosta navigate a Venice teeming with magic and danger. As the demon Chernobog schemes to topple the city, the brothers’ fates intertwine with spies, mages, and the mystical Winged Lion. This Rough Magic (2003) shifts to Corfu, where Benito and Maria Garavalli face a Hungarian siege and ancient goddess powers, weaving Greek mythology into the mix. Much Fall of Blood (2010) explores Romania and Ukraine, with Prince Manfred and Erik battling supernatural threats. Burdens of the Dead (2013) returns to Venice and Constantinople, where Benito confronts the goddess Hekate to save his daughter and thwart Chernobog’s fleets.
The series shines through its themes of tolerance, resilience, and the clash between faith and sorcery. Venice’s alternate history is meticulously crafted, with a church divided into the tolerant Petrines, inspired by Hypatia, and the rigid Paulines. The authors’ use of contemporary vernacular keeps the prose lively, while their blend of historical figures like Enrico Dell’este and mythical elements like the Strega witches creates a world that feels both familiar and fantastical. Fans of Dorothy Dunnett’s historical epics will find a similar depth in the series’ intricate plots and vivid characters, from canalers to courtesans.
Why Heirs of Alexandria Resonates
Though not as mainstream as some fantasy giants, Heirs of Alexandria has carved a niche among readers who crave immersive alternate histories. Its blend of magic and Renaissance politics appeals to fans of historical fantasy, while its complex characters—like the roguish Benito and the fierce Maria—offer emotional depth. The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a Venice where every alley hides a spell or a secret, earning praise for its “luscious bouillabaisse of politics, intrigue, love, and black magic” from Publishers Weekly. Despite Eric Flint’s passing in 2022, the series remains a testament to the trio’s collaborative genius.
- Publication Years: 2002–2018
- Number of Books: 5 main novels, plus a solo novella by Dave Freer
- Key Authors: Mercedes Lackey, Eric Flint, Dave Freer
Ready to sail into a Venice brimming with magic and mystery? Grab The Shadow of the Lion and dive into the Heirs of Alexandria’s spellbinding world!