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Agathon's Daughter #1
Hetaera
Hetaera--suspense in ancient Athens, is Book One of the Agathon's Daughter Trilogy.
Born a bastard and a slave, Hestia has a gift: the power to read people's hearts. And yet, the secrets of her own heart remain a mystery. Hestia's keen intellect makes her a match for any man. But even a literate slave has little control over destiny. Sold to a prominent statesman with sadistic tendencies, Hestia becomes his hetaera (consort). As her wealth and fame increase so does her despair. She dreams of freedom, but she faces enemies at every turn. When Hestia is accused of murder, the mystery of her past unravels and fate takes another turn.
Hetaera: Agathon's Daughter was awarded third place in the Maui Writers Rupert Hughes writing competition.
Due to the subject matter, there are some sexual scenes--suggestive rather than explicit.
Born a bastard and a slave, Hestia has a gift: the power to read people's hearts. And yet, the secrets of her own heart remain a mystery. Hestia's keen intellect makes her a match for any man. But even a literate slave has little control over destiny. Sold to a prominent statesman with sadistic tendencies, Hestia becomes his hetaera (consort). As her wealth and fame increase so does her despair. She dreams of freedom, but she faces enemies at every turn. When Hestia is accused of murder, the mystery of her past unravels and fate takes another turn.
Hetaera: Agathon's Daughter was awarded third place in the Maui Writers Rupert Hughes writing competition.
Due to the subject matter, there are some sexual scenes--suggestive rather than explicit.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2011
12 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Tyrpak
6 books50 followersSuzanne Tyrpak ran away from New York a long time ago to live in Colorado. She works for an airline which allows her to travel and do research for her books. When she’s not writing, she enjoys riding her bike, swimming, skiing, and dancing. In her next life she would like to be a belly dancer or her cat.
Her new novel, Rosy,—is an urban story set 1970s New York City. Her historical novels, Vestal Virgin—suspense in ancient Rome, and Hetaera—suspense in ancient Athens, book one of the Agathon’s Daughter trilogy, are best sellers on Amazon in several categories. Her (short) short story collections, Dating My Vibrator (and other true fiction) and Ghost Plane and Other Disturbing Tales are available on Kindle, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and Smashwords.
Her short story Downhill was first published in Arts Perspective Magazine. Rock Bottom is published in the Mota 9: Addiction Anthology, available on Kindle. Her short story Ghost Plane was published by CrimeSpree Magazine. Venus Faded appears in the anthology Pronto! Writings from Rome (Triple Tree Publishing, 2002) along with notable authors including: Dorothy Allison, Elizabeth Engstrom, Terry Brooks and John Saul.
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers awarded her first prize in the Colorado Gold Writing Contest, and Maui Writers awarded her third prize in the Rupert Hughes writing competition.
Her new novel, Rosy,—is an urban story set 1970s New York City. Her historical novels, Vestal Virgin—suspense in ancient Rome, and Hetaera—suspense in ancient Athens, book one of the Agathon’s Daughter trilogy, are best sellers on Amazon in several categories. Her (short) short story collections, Dating My Vibrator (and other true fiction) and Ghost Plane and Other Disturbing Tales are available on Kindle, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and Smashwords.
Her short story Downhill was first published in Arts Perspective Magazine. Rock Bottom is published in the Mota 9: Addiction Anthology, available on Kindle. Her short story Ghost Plane was published by CrimeSpree Magazine. Venus Faded appears in the anthology Pronto! Writings from Rome (Triple Tree Publishing, 2002) along with notable authors including: Dorothy Allison, Elizabeth Engstrom, Terry Brooks and John Saul.
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers awarded her first prize in the Colorado Gold Writing Contest, and Maui Writers awarded her third prize in the Rupert Hughes writing competition.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 27, 2012
When a follower of Socrates dies, he leaves behind an illegitimate daughter he raised as a slave, Hestia. His bitter, manipulative, self-serving widow Melaina sells Hestia to keep her away from Diodorus, her son by another man. Hestia becomes a concubine to her new wealthy but cruel master, Lycurgus, who also happens to be the lover of Melaina and secret father of Diodorus.
It’s a regular Greek soap opera and it was going good up until about a third of the way through. The writing was good, the characters were believable. And then, suddenly, Diodorus arrives in a mining town and within moments, the first person he just happens to run into is the very man who, 17 years ago, just happened to have inscribed a ring that belonged to Hestia’s mother. I found this very unrealistic - too big of a coincidence to be believable. And since it was not even very important to the plot, I don’t understand why it was put in.
It then turned rather predictable when Lycurgus buys Hestia as his slave. I had a feeling he would be the one but at the same time, I didn’t understand his motives for it for. I felt like his motives were contrived for the sake of the story and couldn’t work out whether he was supposed to be cruel or caring. He seems to go back and forth. Maybe the author was trying to make him multi dimensional but it didn’t work because, like I say, his motives didn't make sense to me.
It continued to go downhill from here. I had expected Hestia’s gift of seeing into the hearts and souls of people would somehow aid her in her hardships but she fails to see what a cruel man her new master is. She also winds up under the impression that Diodorus doesn’t really love her and has abandoned her but if she can see into people’s hearts, she should have known that wasn’t true. For someone who can read into the hearts of people, she was often in the dark about them. Her gift only seemed useful on side characters who didn’t really matter much to the plot.
I also took issue with the way the book was represented in the summary versus what it really was. For starters, while this wasn’t necessarily an issue for me as I am not easily offended, but I’m not sure I agree with the author’s note in the book’s summary about the sexual scenes being “suggestive rather than explicit”. There was at least one scene which seemed rather explicit to me. While this didn’t bother me, I know it might bother others if they have been promised there’s no explicit sex.
Additionally, the book blurb makes the novel sound very mysterious but in truth, the reader finds out about most of the secrets of the character’s pasts pretty early on. Then the reader is left to frustratingly watch as the characters fumble around clueless. It’s described as “suspense” but it did not feel suspenseful to me. It came across as more of a love story since most of the book was centered on Hestia and Diodorus’ love and the forces and people who kept them apart.
So it started off well but went downhill and I wound up being disappointed - I had looked forward to it because it gets such positive reviews. At least it was a Kindle freebie.
It’s a regular Greek soap opera and it was going good up until about a third of the way through. The writing was good, the characters were believable. And then, suddenly, Diodorus arrives in a mining town and within moments, the first person he just happens to run into is the very man who, 17 years ago, just happened to have inscribed a ring that belonged to Hestia’s mother. I found this very unrealistic - too big of a coincidence to be believable. And since it was not even very important to the plot, I don’t understand why it was put in.
It then turned rather predictable when Lycurgus buys Hestia as his slave. I had a feeling he would be the one but at the same time, I didn’t understand his motives for it for. I felt like his motives were contrived for the sake of the story and couldn’t work out whether he was supposed to be cruel or caring. He seems to go back and forth. Maybe the author was trying to make him multi dimensional but it didn’t work because, like I say, his motives didn't make sense to me.
It continued to go downhill from here. I had expected Hestia’s gift of seeing into the hearts and souls of people would somehow aid her in her hardships but she fails to see what a cruel man her new master is. She also winds up under the impression that Diodorus doesn’t really love her and has abandoned her but if she can see into people’s hearts, she should have known that wasn’t true. For someone who can read into the hearts of people, she was often in the dark about them. Her gift only seemed useful on side characters who didn’t really matter much to the plot.
I also took issue with the way the book was represented in the summary versus what it really was. For starters, while this wasn’t necessarily an issue for me as I am not easily offended, but I’m not sure I agree with the author’s note in the book’s summary about the sexual scenes being “suggestive rather than explicit”. There was at least one scene which seemed rather explicit to me. While this didn’t bother me, I know it might bother others if they have been promised there’s no explicit sex.
Additionally, the book blurb makes the novel sound very mysterious but in truth, the reader finds out about most of the secrets of the character’s pasts pretty early on. Then the reader is left to frustratingly watch as the characters fumble around clueless. It’s described as “suspense” but it did not feel suspenseful to me. It came across as more of a love story since most of the book was centered on Hestia and Diodorus’ love and the forces and people who kept them apart.
So it started off well but went downhill and I wound up being disappointed - I had looked forward to it because it gets such positive reviews. At least it was a Kindle freebie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2012
st finished another book and it was so good I had to review it immediately~ Hetaera–Suspense in Ancient Athens (Agathon’s Daughter), by Suzanne Tyrpak.
I received a copy of the ebook after entering a giveaway on LibraryThing (I think)-my memory isn’t what it used to be. Some of you may remember that I reviewed Susan’s other novel, Vestal Virgin, some time ago, and after seeing that this novel was historical in nature too (and because Susan writes that sooo well) I just had to read it.
Unlike Vestal Virgin, Hetaera is a bit tamer, and the steamy moments mostly happen off-camera. But this second novel of Tyrpak’s is just as full of suspense, intrique and carefully constructed (i.e. real and flawed) characters as her debut novel. Like any good suspense novel, there are bad guys and good guys, guys that are good but do dumb things, meddlers and other unfortunate obstacles, and of course a heroine down on her luck.
But Tyrpak does more than just craft a page-turning read– she brings ancient Athens to life through her prose. So much so, that I could practically see it in my head. (Ok, so occasionally Spartacus tried to worm his way into my mind-movie too. What can I say, I’m a Blood and Sand fan.) My only gripe is that I have to wait for the next book in the series to be released. Hope it comes out soon!
Five Daggers,uh, I mean Stars!
I received a copy of the ebook after entering a giveaway on LibraryThing (I think)-my memory isn’t what it used to be. Some of you may remember that I reviewed Susan’s other novel, Vestal Virgin, some time ago, and after seeing that this novel was historical in nature too (and because Susan writes that sooo well) I just had to read it.
Unlike Vestal Virgin, Hetaera is a bit tamer, and the steamy moments mostly happen off-camera. But this second novel of Tyrpak’s is just as full of suspense, intrique and carefully constructed (i.e. real and flawed) characters as her debut novel. Like any good suspense novel, there are bad guys and good guys, guys that are good but do dumb things, meddlers and other unfortunate obstacles, and of course a heroine down on her luck.
But Tyrpak does more than just craft a page-turning read– she brings ancient Athens to life through her prose. So much so, that I could practically see it in my head. (Ok, so occasionally Spartacus tried to worm his way into my mind-movie too. What can I say, I’m a Blood and Sand fan.) My only gripe is that I have to wait for the next book in the series to be released. Hope it comes out soon!
Five Daggers,uh, I mean Stars!
February 19, 2012
I won this book on Librarything in exchange for an honest review.
There are a lot of wonderful things about this book. It introduces us to a fascinating world that I only had minimal knowledge about-- ancient Athens and the intricate politics and culture of both the elevated classes and the slaves that work for them. Hestia, in particular, is a terrific character- strong and yet vulnerable at the same time. The whole system of the Hetaera and the discussion of what true freedom is with the interplay of overall philosophy were very well done and interesting.
I will reveal some mild spoilers now, so beware! I can't tell if this book is going to have a sequel or not. Everything is wrapped up nicely except the less compelling story of the romance, which I don't care as much about because let's face it, her love interest is not half as interesting as she is. But I will be less compelled to find out if they ultimately get together unless a whole new story is developed in the meantime.
That said, I was impressed by this effort by the author, and I will definitely be keeping Suzanne Tyrpak on my radar!
There are a lot of wonderful things about this book. It introduces us to a fascinating world that I only had minimal knowledge about-- ancient Athens and the intricate politics and culture of both the elevated classes and the slaves that work for them. Hestia, in particular, is a terrific character- strong and yet vulnerable at the same time. The whole system of the Hetaera and the discussion of what true freedom is with the interplay of overall philosophy were very well done and interesting.
I will reveal some mild spoilers now, so beware! I can't tell if this book is going to have a sequel or not. Everything is wrapped up nicely except the less compelling story of the romance, which I don't care as much about because let's face it, her love interest is not half as interesting as she is. But I will be less compelled to find out if they ultimately get together unless a whole new story is developed in the meantime.
That said, I was impressed by this effort by the author, and I will definitely be keeping Suzanne Tyrpak on my radar!
January 20, 2012
This book is not what you would consider a normal suspense. Really, it's a love story. No murder mystery, no thriller, nothing like that. What you have is a story a lot like a Greek play. Whether it is a comedy or tragedy has yet to be determined as this is the first book of, I believe, three. Like Oedipus, we, the readers, know most everything. The characters don't. And like Oedipus, if the chracters had the correct information, most of the bad stuff in the book would not have happened. Though the plot wouldn't be considered slow, I think the main reason I gave this book 3 stars is because if she had known "this" and he had known "that," they would have been able to live happily ever after by the end of the first chapter. Drawing out this ending to more than one book seems a little too much for me. I'd recommed it though, as the prose is beautifully written and anyone who has studied classic literature can appreciate the various themes Tyrpak has taken from Greek plays and even Shakespeare and written a book in modern prose. (Modern PROSE, not modern setting).
January 19, 2012
I have been a fan of Suzanne Tyrpak since reading her knockout debut album, The Vestal Virgin. I anxiously awaited this book hoping that the author could maintain the quality of writing that she started. The verdict - she absolutely did.
Suzanne has the ability to take historical elements and weave them into highly entertaining stories that are gripping.
This book tells me a bit of the author. This is only her second book but both share the same underlying premise. In each book, she has taken lesser know historical classes of women that are not what we would expect. The heroine's in her books are educated, intelligent, worldly, strong, etc. In short, they are today's modern women from a time long ago when women had no real standing in society.
I urge you to read Ms. Tyrpak's books. Everyone I have recommend her books to have really enjoyed her writing style.
This book is a bit short which I can understand since it is the first of a trilogy. The end of this book comes at a good point so I don't feel cheated - I am left wanting more. Enthusiastic recommend this author.
Suzanne has the ability to take historical elements and weave them into highly entertaining stories that are gripping.
This book tells me a bit of the author. This is only her second book but both share the same underlying premise. In each book, she has taken lesser know historical classes of women that are not what we would expect. The heroine's in her books are educated, intelligent, worldly, strong, etc. In short, they are today's modern women from a time long ago when women had no real standing in society.
I urge you to read Ms. Tyrpak's books. Everyone I have recommend her books to have really enjoyed her writing style.
This book is a bit short which I can understand since it is the first of a trilogy. The end of this book comes at a good point so I don't feel cheated - I am left wanting more. Enthusiastic recommend this author.
January 1, 2012
I have to say this is the first book of Suzanne's I've read, not the kind of novel I usually read but I'm so glad I took the plunge.
Suzanne has a wonderful way with words that places the reader within the depths of the story.
From the outset, as a reader your sympathies lie with Hestia, a slave whose background is a mystery. When her master dies her world is turned upside down.
She falls in love with the wrong person and is forced to become the hetaera of a man she detests, while her former master's wife continues to blight her life.
A great suspense mystery set long ago in ancient Athens.
A recommended five star read.
Suzanne has a wonderful way with words that places the reader within the depths of the story.
From the outset, as a reader your sympathies lie with Hestia, a slave whose background is a mystery. When her master dies her world is turned upside down.
She falls in love with the wrong person and is forced to become the hetaera of a man she detests, while her former master's wife continues to blight her life.
A great suspense mystery set long ago in ancient Athens.
A recommended five star read.
January 7, 2026
incomplete
The book makes the characters seem really simple because the sentences are short and simple. In addition, this was meant to be a series, but no other books were written. There are a lot of unanswered questions. It’s a weird book.
The book makes the characters seem really simple because the sentences are short and simple. In addition, this was meant to be a series, but no other books were written. There are a lot of unanswered questions. It’s a weird book.
January 3, 2015
Set in ancient Athens, this is a mix of mystery and romance. Hestia was born a bastard and has lived a life of servitude as a house slave. Her master, Agathon, reveals certain secrets upon his deathbed. Agathon’s widow, Melaina, sells Hestia to a local slaver. She in turn is bought by a wealthy man, Lycurgus, who was Agathon’s best friend. Toss in a love interest between Hestia and Diodorus, and you have an entertaining Greek soap opera.
I very much enjoyed this book even with its flaws. While the characters and the plot were a bit predictable, it was also easy to get attached to the main characters. Hestia has an intuition about people and is often blunt enough to speak her observations. Some praise her for this and others curse her. While a slave, she doesn’t simply allow life to happen to her. She makes choices throughout the book, some of which put her in danger. She does, at times, seem a bit too innocent. She has been a house slave all her life, but that doesn’t mean that she was kept locked in doors. She could go to the market, chat with other slaves from other households, etc. Despite this tendency towards obliviousness, she was an engaging character.
Diodorus is also a person who makes choices, though he is under a heavy, life-long manipulation by his mother Melaina. She is the villain of this story and I have to say, there are times where she steals the scene. She was an excellent villain to hate! Lycurgus comes off as a secondary character, though he plays a few crucial cards to keep the storyline moving forward. There were a few times that I felt certain events were contrived, were a little too convenient in popping up when they did. There were 2 chance meetings that I felt were unlikely to have happened without the author’s pen pushing them forward. Still, even with that, it was a fun listen.
The setting was a lot of fun too. I definitely felt like the characters were in ancient Athens. There were plenty of references to clothing, social customs, government policies, and food from that time period. The setting itself was so well done it was a character itself. Over all, I very much enjoyed this book. If Suzanne Tyrpak is this good today, imagine how refined and entertaining her stories will be in the future.
Narration: Laura Jennings was an excellent pick for this story. She made Hestia come to life. I have to say that her performances as Melania were excellent too. She also had a range of male voices which made it easy for the listener to keep all the characters separate.
I very much enjoyed this book even with its flaws. While the characters and the plot were a bit predictable, it was also easy to get attached to the main characters. Hestia has an intuition about people and is often blunt enough to speak her observations. Some praise her for this and others curse her. While a slave, she doesn’t simply allow life to happen to her. She makes choices throughout the book, some of which put her in danger. She does, at times, seem a bit too innocent. She has been a house slave all her life, but that doesn’t mean that she was kept locked in doors. She could go to the market, chat with other slaves from other households, etc. Despite this tendency towards obliviousness, she was an engaging character.
Diodorus is also a person who makes choices, though he is under a heavy, life-long manipulation by his mother Melaina. She is the villain of this story and I have to say, there are times where she steals the scene. She was an excellent villain to hate! Lycurgus comes off as a secondary character, though he plays a few crucial cards to keep the storyline moving forward. There were a few times that I felt certain events were contrived, were a little too convenient in popping up when they did. There were 2 chance meetings that I felt were unlikely to have happened without the author’s pen pushing them forward. Still, even with that, it was a fun listen.
The setting was a lot of fun too. I definitely felt like the characters were in ancient Athens. There were plenty of references to clothing, social customs, government policies, and food from that time period. The setting itself was so well done it was a character itself. Over all, I very much enjoyed this book. If Suzanne Tyrpak is this good today, imagine how refined and entertaining her stories will be in the future.
Narration: Laura Jennings was an excellent pick for this story. She made Hestia come to life. I have to say that her performances as Melania were excellent too. She also had a range of male voices which made it easy for the listener to keep all the characters separate.
January 21, 2012
This is the first book in a trilogy and I cannot wait for the next installment! This tale of a strong willed, strong minded slave Hestia will hold you from the very first pages. The women of ancient Athens were not exactly free no matter their status. The only woman that had any freedom at all were the Hetaera - the educated courtesans of prominent men.
Hestia is a slave in the household of Agathon. As he dies she learns a secret that will change the course of her life. Agathon's wife is a most unpleasant woman; unhappy with her lot and looking to change it. The choices she makes send her on a very dangerous path. Agathon's son thinks he will be in control of his life after his father's death but soon learns that is not the case. He has strong feelings for Hestia but his mother's plans for him do not include his loving a slave.
Such a delightful, tangled mass of both good and conniving characters! I was drawn in from the very beginning and I stayed up until 4AM to finish the book. While I don't thank Ms. Tyrpak for my lack of sleep I do thank her for a great story. I can't say it was page turner since I read it on my Nook - it was a page clicker! I couldn't click those pages fast enough. heh. The writing was descriptive of time, place and emotion and the characters very well drawn. I am most convinced that I would not want to be a woman in Ancient Athens! But that does not mean I don't want to keep reading about them....I will wait most anxiously for the next installment of this series. I want to see Hestia discover just who she is and get the love she so deserves. I am sure it is not going to come easy but I am sure she will get what she deserves
Hestia is a slave in the household of Agathon. As he dies she learns a secret that will change the course of her life. Agathon's wife is a most unpleasant woman; unhappy with her lot and looking to change it. The choices she makes send her on a very dangerous path. Agathon's son thinks he will be in control of his life after his father's death but soon learns that is not the case. He has strong feelings for Hestia but his mother's plans for him do not include his loving a slave.
Such a delightful, tangled mass of both good and conniving characters! I was drawn in from the very beginning and I stayed up until 4AM to finish the book. While I don't thank Ms. Tyrpak for my lack of sleep I do thank her for a great story. I can't say it was page turner since I read it on my Nook - it was a page clicker! I couldn't click those pages fast enough. heh. The writing was descriptive of time, place and emotion and the characters very well drawn. I am most convinced that I would not want to be a woman in Ancient Athens! But that does not mean I don't want to keep reading about them....I will wait most anxiously for the next installment of this series. I want to see Hestia discover just who she is and get the love she so deserves. I am sure it is not going to come easy but I am sure she will get what she deserves
July 10, 2016
Agathon's daughter is historical fiction, following Hestia, a slave in the household of Agathon and Melaina in Athens with the gift of seeing people's hearts. At Agathon's death, he informs her that she is actually his daughter, one of the reasons Melaina hates her so much. This causes problems for Hestia: she is in love with Diodorus, the son of Melaina and Agathon. She has now two obstacles in her path: she is not Athenian or free, and he is her half-brother. Combined with Melaina's hatred, and the scheming of Lycargus, Agathon's old business partner, trouble ensues...
Analyzing the story, I'm actually surprised that I liked the book, since it has a lot of (thwarted) romance, intrigue and murder, which is usually not my thing. I did like the book, though, it was an easy read, and I wanted to know how the book would end. I didn't think the bad guys (Melaina and Lycargus) were very interesting or entirely believable, and I'm not a fan of Diodorus (his personality was a bit flat to me, and I didn't like the parts where he was the main character), but I did rather like Hestia and her friends, Calonice and Aspasia. I was sorry that Hestia's gift didn't play a larger role, but perhaps this'll happen in the next book...
Analyzing the story, I'm actually surprised that I liked the book, since it has a lot of (thwarted) romance, intrigue and murder, which is usually not my thing. I did like the book, though, it was an easy read, and I wanted to know how the book would end. I didn't think the bad guys (Melaina and Lycargus) were very interesting or entirely believable, and I'm not a fan of Diodorus (his personality was a bit flat to me, and I didn't like the parts where he was the main character), but I did rather like Hestia and her friends, Calonice and Aspasia. I was sorry that Hestia's gift didn't play a larger role, but perhaps this'll happen in the next book...
January 18, 2012
This was a well researched and well written historical fiction book set in ancient Athens and apparently is the first of a trilogy of books. The writing style is such that it grabbed me from the first page of the book and kept me hooked on the story line throughout.
The central character, Hestia, is a slave and discovers that the is the daughter of the prominent Agathon. Within the story, she falls in love with Agathon's son (who is not really his blood son). However, after Agathon's death, the son is sent to work away from the household and Hestia is sold into another wealthy household and is made the Hetaera of her new owner. Naturally there is a lot of drama and famous historical characters are highlighted throughout.
I can't wait for the next book in the triology as I am now hooked on the story line!
Reader received a complimentary copy of the book from Good Reads Member Giveaways. This is no way affected my review.
The central character, Hestia, is a slave and discovers that the is the daughter of the prominent Agathon. Within the story, she falls in love with Agathon's son (who is not really his blood son). However, after Agathon's death, the son is sent to work away from the household and Hestia is sold into another wealthy household and is made the Hetaera of her new owner. Naturally there is a lot of drama and famous historical characters are highlighted throughout.
I can't wait for the next book in the triology as I am now hooked on the story line!
Reader received a complimentary copy of the book from Good Reads Member Giveaways. This is no way affected my review.
April 17, 2012
Hetaera is an intriguing and and at times, harsh story of the life of a woman in ancient Greece.
Brought up as a slave in her father's home, Hestia is at the mercy of her ambitious and quite frankly bitch mistress/step mother after her Father Agathon dies under mysterious circumstances.
What ensues is a story of spite, hatred, intrigue and self survival.
I was hoping to have more of her gift explained in the book as it initially sounded as though this was a pivotal part of the book.
Sadly, it didn't really play a huge role in the story, as surely it would of helped her steer clear off some of the obstacles that came her way.
The writing of author Suzanne Tyrpak is smooth and easily engrossing in its descriptions of everyday life in Ancient Greece, even when encountering unsettling subject matter.
Overall, I really enjoyed some elements of this story but wasn't fussed with others.
An interesting 3 Star read :]
Brought up as a slave in her father's home, Hestia is at the mercy of her ambitious and quite frankly bitch mistress/step mother after her Father Agathon dies under mysterious circumstances.
What ensues is a story of spite, hatred, intrigue and self survival.
I was hoping to have more of her gift explained in the book as it initially sounded as though this was a pivotal part of the book.
Sadly, it didn't really play a huge role in the story, as surely it would of helped her steer clear off some of the obstacles that came her way.
The writing of author Suzanne Tyrpak is smooth and easily engrossing in its descriptions of everyday life in Ancient Greece, even when encountering unsettling subject matter.
Overall, I really enjoyed some elements of this story but wasn't fussed with others.
An interesting 3 Star read :]
January 13, 2012
I was excited to read this book because I love historical fiction. This book did not disappoint. Suzanne Tyrpak blew life into all her characters and had me rushing to turn each page to find out what was going to happen. Her blending of fictional and historical figures was seamless. The main character, Hestia, begins the book as she finds out the mystery surrounding her birth. From that point on, her life spirals out of control and she is not sure who she can trust. Hestia has a "gift" but I am not sure where it came from. Was it something she had since birth or did it just kick in when the story started? Perhaps it will be explained in the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely read the next two books when they come out.
*I received this book from a Member's Giveaway on Librarything, that in no way affects the content of my review.*
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely read the next two books when they come out.
*I received this book from a Member's Giveaway on Librarything, that in no way affects the content of my review.*
May 20, 2012
Hestia is a slave in the household of Agathon. As he dies she learns a secret that will change the course of her life. Agathon's wife is a most unpleasant woman; unhappy with her lot and looking to change it. The choices she makes send her on a very dangerous path. Agathon's son thinks he will be in control of his life after his father's death but soon learns that is not the case. He has strong feelings for Hestia but his mother's plans for him do not include his loving a slave.
His mother sells her to an evil man who turns out to be the father of the man Hestia thinks is Agathon's son--Hestia is really Agathon's daughter.
His mother sells her to an evil man who turns out to be the father of the man Hestia thinks is Agathon's son--Hestia is really Agathon's daughter.
January 12, 2012
This book reads well after the first battles with learning the Greek terms. Hestia, the slave, and the political and murderous intrigues of those about her keep the reader involved and curious. Some editing could help with the odd repetitiveness, and spelling errors like "summersaults" and Barnes and "Nobel" - but the book, one of a planned trilogy, is well worth a read. It's a visual read and would translate well to a visual format. Enjoyed it and will keep my eyes open for the rest of the series.
March 22, 2016
I love Ancient Greece. Just about everything about Greek history fascinates me.
Hestia is a strong female lead. She is interesting and has depth of character. She went through a great deal throughout the pages of this story.
I liked the way Tyrpak was able to seamlessly mix fictional characters with historical characters.
This book is well researched and well written. I look forward to more books by Suzanne Tyrpak. As the title reads 'book one', I anticipate more volumes to Hestia's story
Hestia is a strong female lead. She is interesting and has depth of character. She went through a great deal throughout the pages of this story.
I liked the way Tyrpak was able to seamlessly mix fictional characters with historical characters.
This book is well researched and well written. I look forward to more books by Suzanne Tyrpak. As the title reads 'book one', I anticipate more volumes to Hestia's story
October 1, 2013
I love good, well-researched historical fiction and this book didn't disappoint. I found myself transported back to ancient Greece and although I thought I knew a faitr bit about that period having studied Ancient Greek Civilisation as an option at Uni, I was bowled over by the attention to detail. At the same time there is a great story unfolding and the characters are so well portrayed. In fact, I could almost visualise it as a film, a kind of Ancient Greek version of 'I Claudius'. Thoroughly enjoyed it as this book is informative with a great plot but not at all onerous to read.
January 6, 2012
I guess I expected that this would be a mystery because mystery author Tess Gerritsen wrote the preface. It wasn't. I liked the fact that historical personages such as Pericles, Aspasia and Thucydides appear in the book. I did like it, but it seemed familiar. I've read other books with these plot elements and in a similar setting. It's possible that the next book may interest me more.
January 15, 2012
It seems that Hestia has been doomed since her birth. Not only was she abandoned of a hill as a baby to die but she is a female slave. Hestia also has a special "gift". This gift lets her see the true person. It seems that whenever she is almost happy something happens to tear her world apart.
I really like this book and am looking forward to its continuation.
I really like this book and am looking forward to its continuation.
June 4, 2012
It was okay and well enough written, but it didn't grab me enough to make me want to read the rest of the series. The characters were too cliched, the plot was predictable, and the setting didn't really come alive. If you haven't read many of this type of book, you'll probably like it, but I was disappointed.
November 13, 2013
I was giving this 4 stars until the end. The ending was left so open - I am assuming a sequel is out there. Other than that I really enjoyed this book. The writing was great and it was so interesting to learn about ancient Greece. If there is a sequel I will be reading it. And Yay(!) to me - this was my 90th book goal for the year!
January 21, 2021
I loved this story, can't wait to read second book in series.
The story of Hestia and Diodorus. Two young people in love, who must find out the truth about themselves and each other to make love work. Many people try to stand in their way, and to keep them apart. Whether by social circumstance, family ties, or just physical distance: they work to overcome all obstacles
The story of Hestia and Diodorus. Two young people in love, who must find out the truth about themselves and each other to make love work. Many people try to stand in their way, and to keep them apart. Whether by social circumstance, family ties, or just physical distance: they work to overcome all obstacles
January 17, 2012
Was a very good book to read. Kept my interest and did not want to put it down. I hope the next one comes out soon. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about stories from the ancient days.
January 15, 2013
Eh, I didn't finish it. The characters were alright, but I didn't necessarily care about them. They seemed a little too stereotypical and predictable. It's a good plane/commuting book. I'm not a big fan of those.
August 11, 2015
I've been rereading my classic Greeks specifically Plutarch and thought this would be a nice bit of fiction set in ancient Athens would compliment this.
Alas, the plot is juvenile and it reads like a bad young adult work.
Alas, the plot is juvenile and it reads like a bad young adult work.
November 28, 2012
Loved reading this tale of ancient Greece. Tyrpak brings you back in time and can really spin a yarn. Can't wait for the sequel.
January 16, 2012
This was Book One. I'm not sure I would have started it until I learned about subsequent books. As a result, it left me hanging and for that I'm not happy. But it was a good story
January 23, 2012
I liked this book. I found it mostly interesting, and I love reading about that time in history. I'm glad I read it, but I'm not sure if I will read the next installment in the series.
December 9, 2012
Tyrpak does a fantastic job of bringing ancient Greece alive. Very engrossing read.
January 13, 2013
Good start to a series. I'd recommend to others and I'm drawn in enough to continue with the series. That said conclusion was not satisfying. Forces you to get the next book.
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