I am thrilled to be on the tour for this read. Do check out the other bloggers on these days.
Detangling the plot
The first book in a brand new series charting the extraordinary rise to power of Irini of Athens, Empress of the Byzantine Empire.
Seventeen-year-old Thekla needs her quick wits and knife to track down her betrothed, a soldier who has left her at the altar for the third time. Elias the monk travels with her to Constantinople where she meets Irini of Athens, an extraordinarily beautiful orphan who has been brought by powerful Emperor Constantine to marry his son, Co-Emperor Leon. The two women join forces to survive this vigorous, glittering capital of the East, rocked by division and strife. But will Thekla help the ambitious and ruthless Irini of Athens find the power that she craves?
Bobs and Books honest review:
A strong feminine story that packs a punch.
Whilst recognising that this is a YA read, I did still find it quite a young read even with the YA badge.
An interesting and unusual time period chosen, and one I've not previously read about, so hats off to the author for daring to do something a little bit different.
Overall an enjoyable read.