The society of ancient Greece was male-oriented; women had few, if any, rights and no political power. Because women play only a minor role in Alexander's life, the status of women is not emphasized. Teachers and parents may want to help young readers understand this society's treatment of women.

In addition, life in the ancient world could often be brutal. Standards of behavior that today are regarded as indefensibly cruel were the norm. But this cruelty and the violence inherent in war is mostly implicit in Conqueror and Hero.

Violence rarely occurs, but even when it must be mentioned, it is never described directly. Whenever possible, Krensky leaves any violence to the imagination.