I Am the Great Horse

I Am the Great Horse recounts the epic journey of Alexander the Great through the perspective of his legendary warhorse Bucephalas. The story begins when the young prince Alexander tames the fierce, one-eyed stallion in Macedonia. A stable girl named Charmia and Bucephalas form an unexpected bond as she tends to him, while Alexander leads them both on a path of conquest across the ancient world. The narrative tracks their adventures from Greece to Persia and beyond, combining historical events with elements of fantasy. The novel blends documented history with fictional characters and supernatural elements, including Bucephalas's ability to see ghosts. Through the horse's unique viewpoint, readers experience the triumphs, challenges, and personal relationships that shaped one of history's most famous military campaigns. The story explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the complex bonds between humans and animals, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure.

Readers report this historical novel provides an engaging perspective on Alexander the Great's campaigns through the eyes of his war horse, Bucephalas. What readers liked: - Fresh take on a well-known historical figure - Authentic details about ancient cavalry and warfare - Horse's voice feels distinct without being gimmicky - Appeal to both teens and adults - Historical accuracy while remaining accessible What readers disliked: - Pacing drags in middle sections - Some found the horse's viewpoint limiting - Battle scenes too violent for younger readers - Too much focus on military campaigns versus character development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (139 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (21 ratings) Amazon US: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Review quotes: "A unique way to tell Alexander's story - the horse's perspective works better than expected" - Goodreads reviewer "Great historical detail but loses momentum halfway through" - Amazon reviewer

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🔸 Bucephalus, Alexander's actual war horse, was reportedly purchased for 13 talents (roughly $3.5 million in modern currency) when Alexander was just 12 years old. 🔸 As a teenager, Alexander was the only person able to tame Bucephalus, who was considered too wild to ride. He noticed the horse was afraid of its own shadow and turned it toward the sun to calm it. 🔸 Katherine Roberts has written over 20 books, including the Seven Fabulous Wonders series, and spent time working with horses before becoming an author. 🔸 Alexander and Bucephalus traveled approximately 20,000 miles together during their campaigns, from Macedonia to the edges of India. 🔸 When Bucephalus died in 326 BC in present-day Pakistan, Alexander founded a city called Bucephala (modern-day Jhelum) in his horse's memory.