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Flights of Treason
Treason threatens the thrones of the Hitolian Empire and the griffin realm. An unlikely ensemble of heroes must save them.
As rulers of a vassal kingdom within the Hitolian Empire, Tesha and her husband Hattu have propped up a treacherous Great King. But balancing on the blade of a royal dagger is only half the problem. Unknown to them, Tesha’s blind sister is communicating with the king of the human-hating griffins.
Then hidden foes tip their lives toward disaster, and crises in both worlds collide.
The heroes fight battles with swords, claws, and sorcery. Tesha faces a choice. Use the magic that fatally drains her daughter or lose the fight for the survival of the empire—and her family.
Escape into the final book of this historical fantasy series, inspired by the true-life of a remarkable Hittite queen who ruled for decades over one of history’s most powerful empires.
“Starkston wraps history and magic together in an unforgettable package.”—the Book Review Crew
As rulers of a vassal kingdom within the Hitolian Empire, Tesha and her husband Hattu have propped up a treacherous Great King. But balancing on the blade of a royal dagger is only half the problem. Unknown to them, Tesha’s blind sister is communicating with the king of the human-hating griffins.
Then hidden foes tip their lives toward disaster, and crises in both worlds collide.
The heroes fight battles with swords, claws, and sorcery. Tesha faces a choice. Use the magic that fatally drains her daughter or lose the fight for the survival of the empire—and her family.
Escape into the final book of this historical fantasy series, inspired by the true-life of a remarkable Hittite queen who ruled for decades over one of history’s most powerful empires.
“Starkston wraps history and magic together in an unforgettable package.”—the Book Review Crew
- GenresHistorical Fiction
522 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2024
About the author
Judith Starkston
8 books146 followersJudith Starkston writes historical fantasy and mythic retellings set in the Bronze Age of the Greeks and Hittites. Her six novels bring women to the fore—whether Deidamia or Briseis from the Trojan War cycle of myths or a remarkable Hittite queen whom history forgot, even though she ruled over one of the greatest empires of the ancient world. Judith has degrees in Classics from the University of California, Santa Cruz and Cornell and lives in Davis, California. Find her newsletter sign-up (and a free novella), book reviews, and posts about archaeology and history on her website JudithStarkston.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 7, 2024
BLURB
Treason threatens the thrones of the Hitolian Empire and the griffin realm. Can an unlikely ensemble of heroes save them?
As rulers of a vassal kingdom within the Hitolian Empire, Tesha and her husband Hattu have propped up a treacherous Great King. But balancing on the blade of a royal dagger is only half the problem. Unknown to them, Tesha’s blind sister is communicating with the king of the human-hating griffins.
Then hidden foes tip their lives toward disaster, and crises in both worlds collide.
The heroes fight battles with swords, claws, and sorcery. Will Tesha be forced to use the magic that might kill her daughter? Who truly unleashed these lethal strands of chaos? Will the empire—or Tesha’s family—survive?
Escape into the final book of this historical fantasy series, inspired by the true-life of a remarkable Hittite queen who ruled for decades over one of history’s most powerful empires.
“Starkston wraps history and magic together in an unforgettable package.”—the Book Review Crew
522 pages, ebook
Published May 7, 2024
REVIEW
If you’re looking for a tale that is chock full of emotional turmoil, shocking treason, blood-curdling terror, bravery, and a twisted plot-line road, then this installment fits the bill. Mixing Hitolian history with a well-conceived magical fantasy, the author has created a series that is hard to put down once the first page has been read. Character depth, descriptive imagery, and a penchant for surprises will have you hard-pressed to resist turning the page. If you haven’t read the previous volumes in this series, I highly recommend them. Tesha and Hattu are a remarkable duo. 5 Stars
June 1, 2024
Who knew the Ancient Hittite Empire could be so engaging. These books educate while keeping the reader stuck to their seat following the challenges of the characters and hoping for the best. As a Classicist, Judith knows the history and locations. This series is a great starting point to go do your own research.
April 15, 2024
Full review is on My Blog
I'm also on Twitter and Instagram
Flights of Treason, the 4th and final book in Judith Starkston’s Tesha historical fantasy series, takes place about 3 years after the end of book 3, Of Kings and Griffins. Queen Tesha of Alpara and her husband, King Hattu, are facing off against Hattu’s corrupt and incompetent nephew, Great King Urhi. Adding to this already tense political situation is the fact that Traj, one of the griffin cubs from the previous book, has been lured to Hattusa where he was bound with evil magic and nearly killed. The griffin king is enraged by the harm to his son and vows to kill the sorceror who hurt Traj. Unfortunately, that person appears to be Tesha and Hattu’s 4-year-old daughter, Arinnel. Magic, demons, griffins, and more converge into this exciting final novel in the Tesha series!
I loved this book so much! In the spirit of full transparency, Judith is a friend of mine. However, that doesn’t change the fact that this was an awesome read. The characters all have a great deal of growth throughout this book as well as the series overall. Flights of Treason is filled with exciting battles ranging from fighting with human armies, facing off against sorcerors, or making a stand against fantastical beasts. These scenes are all vividly depicted and they played out like a movie in my mind.
Starkston absolutely excels at the historical details in this book, as she does in all her other books as well. The series might be marketed as historical fantasy, but it is solidly based in actual Hittite history. Many of the spells and incantations are actual documented parts of ceremonies and rituals found on clay tablets from the Hittite Empire. Her skill lies in taking those snippets of historical fact and weaving them into a fascinating new story that is both unique and also remains true to the remarkable, ancient people who provided the inspiration.
As with the three preceding books in the series, I highly recommend Flights of Treason for the amazing world-building, complex characters, and fascinating historical details woven into every page. You will not be sorry you read this!
I'm also on Twitter and Instagram
Flights of Treason, the 4th and final book in Judith Starkston’s Tesha historical fantasy series, takes place about 3 years after the end of book 3, Of Kings and Griffins. Queen Tesha of Alpara and her husband, King Hattu, are facing off against Hattu’s corrupt and incompetent nephew, Great King Urhi. Adding to this already tense political situation is the fact that Traj, one of the griffin cubs from the previous book, has been lured to Hattusa where he was bound with evil magic and nearly killed. The griffin king is enraged by the harm to his son and vows to kill the sorceror who hurt Traj. Unfortunately, that person appears to be Tesha and Hattu’s 4-year-old daughter, Arinnel. Magic, demons, griffins, and more converge into this exciting final novel in the Tesha series!
I loved this book so much! In the spirit of full transparency, Judith is a friend of mine. However, that doesn’t change the fact that this was an awesome read. The characters all have a great deal of growth throughout this book as well as the series overall. Flights of Treason is filled with exciting battles ranging from fighting with human armies, facing off against sorcerors, or making a stand against fantastical beasts. These scenes are all vividly depicted and they played out like a movie in my mind.
Starkston absolutely excels at the historical details in this book, as she does in all her other books as well. The series might be marketed as historical fantasy, but it is solidly based in actual Hittite history. Many of the spells and incantations are actual documented parts of ceremonies and rituals found on clay tablets from the Hittite Empire. Her skill lies in taking those snippets of historical fact and weaving them into a fascinating new story that is both unique and also remains true to the remarkable, ancient people who provided the inspiration.
As with the three preceding books in the series, I highly recommend Flights of Treason for the amazing world-building, complex characters, and fascinating historical details woven into every page. You will not be sorry you read this!
May 7, 2024
Judith Starkston writes a fantastical tale with Flights of Treason
In Flights of Treason, the reader is introduced to the Hitolian Empire and griffin realm built so impressively by Judith Starkston. Flights of Treason is part of the Tesha Series, and this is volume four. I am a big fan of Judith Starkston and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Tesha and Hattu are rulers of Hitolian, and have to deal with treachery, survival, and other beings. It's full of sorcery, magic and swords. There is an amazing way that this story is built, and I love how this world and its characters were put together. She was inspired by history, and brings together the real magic of the era into the magic of the sorcery. It is an incredible read, and a bit long, but perfect for this story. I've read the other stories in this series, and I liked each one of them, and now, I believe this one is my favorite. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. This story is incredible, filled with action, and intrigue in the most fantastical way! Flights of Treason is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
In Flights of Treason, the reader is introduced to the Hitolian Empire and griffin realm built so impressively by Judith Starkston. Flights of Treason is part of the Tesha Series, and this is volume four. I am a big fan of Judith Starkston and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Tesha and Hattu are rulers of Hitolian, and have to deal with treachery, survival, and other beings. It's full of sorcery, magic and swords. There is an amazing way that this story is built, and I love how this world and its characters were put together. She was inspired by history, and brings together the real magic of the era into the magic of the sorcery. It is an incredible read, and a bit long, but perfect for this story. I've read the other stories in this series, and I liked each one of them, and now, I believe this one is my favorite. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. This story is incredible, filled with action, and intrigue in the most fantastical way! Flights of Treason is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
May 12, 2024
The characters in FLIGHTS OF TREASON are nicely developed, the historical period is well researched, the plot's intriguing and the writing impeccable. But what most appealed to me throughout this fantastical book and the three that preceded it was Judith Starkston’s talent for world-building.
The Tesha series is an eye-opener for readers (and also for authors like me) who understand and appreciate the cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans but know far less about the historical era that came before them. Fortunately, Starkston is a classically trained author with a firm grasp of the culture of the Hittites, who lived in what is now Turkey long before anyone in the world had heard of Greeks and Romans.
And then, based on that solid foundation, Starkston turns loose her creative powers. It takes considerable skill to bring to life a people whose existence is dominated by superstitions, magic potions, spells, curses, griffins, and other sorts of beings, both fearsome and fanciful, both human and imagined.
Without spoiling the ending, I can say that Starkston wraps up her four-part series with a punch worthy of all the other punches that preceded it. I recommend the entire Tesha series to those who enjoy spell-binding stories set in a time that few of us could even begin to imagine, much less write about so compellingly.
The Tesha series is an eye-opener for readers (and also for authors like me) who understand and appreciate the cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans but know far less about the historical era that came before them. Fortunately, Starkston is a classically trained author with a firm grasp of the culture of the Hittites, who lived in what is now Turkey long before anyone in the world had heard of Greeks and Romans.
And then, based on that solid foundation, Starkston turns loose her creative powers. It takes considerable skill to bring to life a people whose existence is dominated by superstitions, magic potions, spells, curses, griffins, and other sorts of beings, both fearsome and fanciful, both human and imagined.
Without spoiling the ending, I can say that Starkston wraps up her four-part series with a punch worthy of all the other punches that preceded it. I recommend the entire Tesha series to those who enjoy spell-binding stories set in a time that few of us could even begin to imagine, much less write about so compellingly.
May 6, 2024
With this book, Starkston has brought her series to a brilliant conclusion. This fast-paced historical fantasy has much to love, with non-stop action, warm and believable personal relationships among the characters, and a well-developed magic system that feels entirely authentic in the context of Bronze Age civilizations. Though it does draw the series to a satisfying close, it could also be read and enjoyed by someone who has not yet had the pleasure of reading the first three books. And don’t skip the author note at the end – you’ll be amazed how much of the tale is drawn from known history and archaeology.
One strength I want to mention is Starkston’s characterization of her mythical creatures, the griffins. These powerful magical beasts are every bit as individual and have as much depth as her human characters. I’ve read a lot of fantasies where the people aren’t nearly as real and vivid as these griffins.
Highly recommended, for readers of both historical fiction and fantasy.
One strength I want to mention is Starkston’s characterization of her mythical creatures, the griffins. These powerful magical beasts are every bit as individual and have as much depth as her human characters. I’ve read a lot of fantasies where the people aren’t nearly as real and vivid as these griffins.
Highly recommended, for readers of both historical fiction and fantasy.
May 9, 2024
A satisfying ending to an addictive historical fantasy series
In Flights of Treason, Starkston has provided the readers of this historical fantasy series a nail-biting finale. Replete with palace intrigue, shifting external alliances, and family drama in both the human and the griffin worlds the author weaves a complicated plot with a satisfying conclusion. Did I mention griffins? They have a parallel story line. And magic? In this book, protagonist Tesha (inspired by the true-life of a remarkable Hittite queen who ruled for decades over one of history’s most powerful empires) struggles not only with her own magic, but that of bevy of untrained youngsters in a land where magic is feared and punished harshly. It is a fun and addictive read. Highly recommended.
In Flights of Treason, Starkston has provided the readers of this historical fantasy series a nail-biting finale. Replete with palace intrigue, shifting external alliances, and family drama in both the human and the griffin worlds the author weaves a complicated plot with a satisfying conclusion. Did I mention griffins? They have a parallel story line. And magic? In this book, protagonist Tesha (inspired by the true-life of a remarkable Hittite queen who ruled for decades over one of history’s most powerful empires) struggles not only with her own magic, but that of bevy of untrained youngsters in a land where magic is feared and punished harshly. It is a fun and addictive read. Highly recommended.
May 26, 2024
Normally, I start a series with book 1, but I only discovered this fantasy saga when the fourth book was released. Book 4 works as a stand-alone but now I want to go back and read all the books in this series! "Flights of Treason" is written from the point of view of three different women. Queen Tesha is a reluctant sorceress who is afraid to use her magical powers. Her sister, Daniti, doesn't let her blindness keep her from living a full life. And then there is my favorite character, Abi, a young griffin, who surprises herself and her family with her heroic action. My favorite books have strong female heroines and in this book there are three terrific women, each with their own distinct stories. Together, their stories make for a fascinating read!
May 11, 2024
Starkston wraps up the Tesha series in dramatic fashion. I was carried off by the vivid descriptions and fascinated by the inner workings of Starkston’s world. Definitely start at the beginning but this historical fantasy series is not to be missed.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews