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Imperial Passions
Tales of Byzantium: A Selection of Short Stories
Discover the world of the proud Byzantines at the height of the empire’s splendor in three sparkling stories of love, war, and finding your true destiny.A young empress wins the love of her husband. A charismatic soldier gambles to save the lives of thousands. And a forgotten princess creates a legacy that will stand through the ages.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2015
128 people are currently reading
1173 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Stephenson
6 books113 followersIf you enjoyed these stories, please check out my website, eileenstephenson.com for the one I call the Missing Story - The Blinding of Roussel.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee...
and Twitter @Byzyeileen
Be sure to follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee...
and Twitter @Byzyeileen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 17, 2016
I am something of a lover of all things Byzantine these days, and an avid reader of historical fiction, of course, and so it's no wonder really that this book came to my attention. Tales of Byzantium is a collection of three short stories, and so I shall deal with each individually briefly, and then the whole thing to finish.
The first story is primarily a love story. It is the tale of Constantine Porphyrogenitus and his lady Helena (he's one of my heroes, responsible for Tekfur Saray palace in Istanbul.) This story actually takes up more than half the whole book. Once I realised that this was a romantic tale, just a short way in, I thought I probably wouldn't like it - historical romance has to be done exceptionally well to hook me. But oddly I stuck with this, and am glad I did, for it is far more than a love story. It is an examination of the characters, of what it meant to be a member of one of the great dynasties, to be the empress, it's an examination of the dichotomy of the whole Byzantine world, in that they were such a cultured ancient people, who were the most powerful nation imaginable, and yet they were also riven by self-destructive tendencies and unable to come to terms with their both east and west and the changing world around them. Perhaps for me, most of all, I enjoyed the scenery, for Istanbul (Constantinople) is my heartland, and I could picture every location as it was brought forth. No. In honesty, it was the characters of Constantine and Helena. They were beautifully portrayed. So if romance is not your thing, brush that trend aside and read it anyway, paying attention to the people.
The second tale is more my usual fare, being a military story based around a siege involving another of my faves, Manuel Komnenos (or Comnenus in the tale). The characters in this (Manuel in particular) are immensely likeable and deeply realistic. The story is one that has something of a twist, and I liked the way it was framed as a retrospective view. There are action scenes, some humour, and a light exploration of the politics of the era. War fans will enjoy the moments of the actual siege. My one complaint about this tale is that it could so easily have been a much bigger story. It could have been played out slower and longer, as long as the first story, really, and that would have given us more tension over the events that are central to the story and more opportunity to come to know Manuel. All in all, it's a nice story and a good read. I just feel it was a slightly missed opportunity for something larger.
The third tale is of an exiled princess, who, trapped in a tedious life in a monastery, manages to live a life in almost solitude despite being in a city of millions. Demeaningly for a woman of her status, she is given the task of teaching a young nun to read and in doing so decides that an unfinished story should be finished. This is Anna Komnena, who wrote the great Alexiad which documented the empire at the time of the earliest crusades. Once more, this is a beautiful vignette well-written and lovingly-researched, with well-fleshed out characters and attention to detail. Once again, though, I felt that this came across more as the prologue of a much grander work than a tale on its own. If Stephenson decides at some point to write a grand epic of the eleventh and/or twelfth centuries in thew Byzantine world, this would make a lovely start to it.
Overall, then, the writing is lovely. The characters are presented just right, there is a depth and colour to the world that Stephenson has clearly treated as a labout of love. The stories are entertaining and intriguing and tell of some of the great characters of the Imperial dynasties with a great deal of historical knowledge and accuracy. The whole book is a very easy and enthralling read. My only issue was that of the three tales only one felt complete, the other two being a little brief for me. But at 99p in ebook form, it is well worth the money and worth a read nonetheless, and certainly made me appreciate the author's skill. I shall look out for further work by her.
The first story is primarily a love story. It is the tale of Constantine Porphyrogenitus and his lady Helena (he's one of my heroes, responsible for Tekfur Saray palace in Istanbul.) This story actually takes up more than half the whole book. Once I realised that this was a romantic tale, just a short way in, I thought I probably wouldn't like it - historical romance has to be done exceptionally well to hook me. But oddly I stuck with this, and am glad I did, for it is far more than a love story. It is an examination of the characters, of what it meant to be a member of one of the great dynasties, to be the empress, it's an examination of the dichotomy of the whole Byzantine world, in that they were such a cultured ancient people, who were the most powerful nation imaginable, and yet they were also riven by self-destructive tendencies and unable to come to terms with their both east and west and the changing world around them. Perhaps for me, most of all, I enjoyed the scenery, for Istanbul (Constantinople) is my heartland, and I could picture every location as it was brought forth. No. In honesty, it was the characters of Constantine and Helena. They were beautifully portrayed. So if romance is not your thing, brush that trend aside and read it anyway, paying attention to the people.
The second tale is more my usual fare, being a military story based around a siege involving another of my faves, Manuel Komnenos (or Comnenus in the tale). The characters in this (Manuel in particular) are immensely likeable and deeply realistic. The story is one that has something of a twist, and I liked the way it was framed as a retrospective view. There are action scenes, some humour, and a light exploration of the politics of the era. War fans will enjoy the moments of the actual siege. My one complaint about this tale is that it could so easily have been a much bigger story. It could have been played out slower and longer, as long as the first story, really, and that would have given us more tension over the events that are central to the story and more opportunity to come to know Manuel. All in all, it's a nice story and a good read. I just feel it was a slightly missed opportunity for something larger.
The third tale is of an exiled princess, who, trapped in a tedious life in a monastery, manages to live a life in almost solitude despite being in a city of millions. Demeaningly for a woman of her status, she is given the task of teaching a young nun to read and in doing so decides that an unfinished story should be finished. This is Anna Komnena, who wrote the great Alexiad which documented the empire at the time of the earliest crusades. Once more, this is a beautiful vignette well-written and lovingly-researched, with well-fleshed out characters and attention to detail. Once again, though, I felt that this came across more as the prologue of a much grander work than a tale on its own. If Stephenson decides at some point to write a grand epic of the eleventh and/or twelfth centuries in thew Byzantine world, this would make a lovely start to it.
Overall, then, the writing is lovely. The characters are presented just right, there is a depth and colour to the world that Stephenson has clearly treated as a labout of love. The stories are entertaining and intriguing and tell of some of the great characters of the Imperial dynasties with a great deal of historical knowledge and accuracy. The whole book is a very easy and enthralling read. My only issue was that of the three tales only one felt complete, the other two being a little brief for me. But at 99p in ebook form, it is well worth the money and worth a read nonetheless, and certainly made me appreciate the author's skill. I shall look out for further work by her.
September 27, 2015
3.5 stars. "Tales of Byzantium: A Selection of Short Stories" is a collection of three historical fiction stories set in and around some of the figures of Byzantium. Each of these stories are different and they cover some of the rulers as well as others who left their fingerprints on the era. The author uses a lot of great historical detail in order to bring each of the characters at the center of each of these three stories to life.
My favorite story was probably the last one, which covers Anna Comenena, a woman who is being punished for seeking to overtake her brother's throne, which she feels is rightfully hers. I did not know much about Anna Comenena or the other characters in these stories and this book really whet my appetite to read more about the Byzantines! I love when one book can lead you to wanting to read more on the subject!
The writing of the book was very good. I think one issue with short stories is that there can be the temptation to dump information in order to bring the reader up to speed. There was a little bit of that done here and it bogged down the narrative a little bit. That being said, the historical detail that was included is great and interesting. I just wish that the stories have been a little bit longer to spread all of the information out so it didn't feel like information was simply being dumped on the reader. It's clear that the author did a lot of thorough research into her subject.
Although the stories were great, I especially enjoyed the author's notes that are found at the end of each story. The author gives a little bit of context as to who the historical figures that she was talking about are and what happened to them. It gave me a greater appreciation for the characters that she chose to write about. I would love to see what this author does in the future, perhaps in a longer form novel!
My favorite story was probably the last one, which covers Anna Comenena, a woman who is being punished for seeking to overtake her brother's throne, which she feels is rightfully hers. I did not know much about Anna Comenena or the other characters in these stories and this book really whet my appetite to read more about the Byzantines! I love when one book can lead you to wanting to read more on the subject!
The writing of the book was very good. I think one issue with short stories is that there can be the temptation to dump information in order to bring the reader up to speed. There was a little bit of that done here and it bogged down the narrative a little bit. That being said, the historical detail that was included is great and interesting. I just wish that the stories have been a little bit longer to spread all of the information out so it didn't feel like information was simply being dumped on the reader. It's clear that the author did a lot of thorough research into her subject.
Although the stories were great, I especially enjoyed the author's notes that are found at the end of each story. The author gives a little bit of context as to who the historical figures that she was talking about are and what happened to them. It gave me a greater appreciation for the characters that she chose to write about. I would love to see what this author does in the future, perhaps in a longer form novel!
March 10, 2020
Like a mosaic triptych, the author gifts the reader here with three very satisfying short stories of Old Byzantium. Each narrative is a step back into time and place to different effects. “Ceremony of the Emperor” details an arranged marriage in which royals Helena and Constantine are caught up in a family web of power, one in which each is at cross purposes with the other. “The Red Fox” is a story of men suffering under a siege, whereby the wily leader plots a clever way to safety.”Alexiad” presents an exiled princess who leads a boring and unfulfilling life in the convent to which she has been consigned. Years pass before an event occurs that both gives meaning to her life as well as providing history with something very important.
Eileen Stephenson provides her well-crafted characters with a rich world of the past. The Byzantine world is a fascinating one, one that will capture and hold the reader. Highly Recommended.
Eileen Stephenson provides her well-crafted characters with a rich world of the past. The Byzantine world is a fascinating one, one that will capture and hold the reader. Highly Recommended.
June 7, 2018
One of my favorite authors of history is John Julius Norwich whose short history of the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman) influenced the author of this collection of three short stories based on the lives of actual historical persons within imperial families of the Byzantine Empire.
All three stories are set in the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries and take place in Constantinople (now modern day Istanbul) and Nicaea (Iznik, Turkey). I have read John Julius Norwich's trilogy about the Byzantine Empire, so I was very eager to read this book when I happened upon it. I've also been to Istanbul several times, and I've said the Nicene Creed at church, so this book meant a lot of me because of my own real life experiences. I really love it.
My favorite of the three stories was the first, Ceremony of the Emperor. The third, Alexiad, reminded me of an older YA read I enjoyed years back, Anna of Byzantium by Tracy Barrett. Here the main character is an adult unlike in the novel where she is still a girl. I have the actual Alexiad on my Kindle. It was written by the character in the story, Princess Anna Comnena who lived from 1083-1153 and who was a scholar, historian, rebel; she wore several hats.
Despite the author Eileen Stephenson using some Americanized expressions occasionally in some of the dialogue between mainly the military characters, surprising it didn't irritate me. I can be very snobbish about such things, but since I love Byzantine history so much and these stories I overlooked it.
The author obviously loves the era very much. She made ancient, obscure, historical personages live and breathe.
All three stories are set in the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries and take place in Constantinople (now modern day Istanbul) and Nicaea (Iznik, Turkey). I have read John Julius Norwich's trilogy about the Byzantine Empire, so I was very eager to read this book when I happened upon it. I've also been to Istanbul several times, and I've said the Nicene Creed at church, so this book meant a lot of me because of my own real life experiences. I really love it.
My favorite of the three stories was the first, Ceremony of the Emperor. The third, Alexiad, reminded me of an older YA read I enjoyed years back, Anna of Byzantium by Tracy Barrett. Here the main character is an adult unlike in the novel where she is still a girl. I have the actual Alexiad on my Kindle. It was written by the character in the story, Princess Anna Comnena who lived from 1083-1153 and who was a scholar, historian, rebel; she wore several hats.
Despite the author Eileen Stephenson using some Americanized expressions occasionally in some of the dialogue between mainly the military characters, surprising it didn't irritate me. I can be very snobbish about such things, but since I love Byzantine history so much and these stories I overlooked it.
The author obviously loves the era very much. She made ancient, obscure, historical personages live and breathe.
May 17, 2016
Three elegant vignettes of important episodes in Byzantine history during the high point of the empire in the tenth and early eleventh centuries - these stories operate as an entertaining and interesting introduction to some of the prominent personalities of the time - the emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, the general Manuel Comnenus and his descendant the princess Anna Comnena, author of the Alexiad.
I enjoyed these stories a lot, discovered a fourth on the author's website and look forward to further offerings from the same writer.
I enjoyed these stories a lot, discovered a fourth on the author's website and look forward to further offerings from the same writer.
October 5, 2020
Well this one took me by surprise! This is the first time I've read anything set in the Byzantine empire, so everything was new and fascinating to me. This book consists of three short stories, all fictionalized accounts of real historical events from the perspective of actual people spanning ~2 centuries (Helena Lekapene, Manuel Komnenos, and Anna Komnene respectively). It had me googling all of these people and events after each story because I became so invested in these characters.
Even though it takes places a couple centuries before the time period The Bear and the Nightingale is set in, I feel like people who enjoyed the historical elements in that will enjoy this as well. The Byzantines had an interesting relationship and influence on Kievan Rus, which is very briefly mentioned here.
Even though it takes places a couple centuries before the time period The Bear and the Nightingale is set in, I feel like people who enjoyed the historical elements in that will enjoy this as well. The Byzantines had an interesting relationship and influence on Kievan Rus, which is very briefly mentioned here.
December 24, 2015
I am a fan of short stories and especially those that bring in interesting locales and time periods. Tales of Byzantium takes us through three different time periods of Byzantine history and whets the reader’s appetite for more!
This is certainly not a location that receives a great amount of fictional treatment, and I think that is a disservice. Byzantine history is full of so many interesting figures and events that it is ripe for a novel – however I think what might keep some away from this time/place is that not as many people are familiar with it and because so much of what took place was intimately tied into religion. Having recently taken a course on Byzantine History for my Masters program, I was very familiar with the Emperors and characters featured in these stories, however many would not be. I find it interesting that when writing on a location that is not frequently visited in fiction, the author chose to write about some of the lesser known of the Byzantines. Very interesting choice, but well executed. Considering that these were just short stories, I appreciated that the author gave an Author’s Note after each chapter to set the story within history, considering that most people will be unfamiliar with the timeline, this is very helpful.
Of the three stories, I found the first and second to be the most interesting while I could have done without the third (this however does not seem to be the case with all readers). All three of the stories are essentially character studies, not too much really happens in any of them, however, the third I found plot to be relatively non-existent. The characters were intriguing and I would probably enjoy a whole story built around them, particularly the second story.
If you are at all interested in finding a different locale for your reading, I encourage you to check out this short story collection as well as explore Byzantine history. It is very similar to the Roman (Western) Empire that it will be familiar to you, but still new and exciting.
This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog after receipt of copy from author in exchange for an honest review.
This is certainly not a location that receives a great amount of fictional treatment, and I think that is a disservice. Byzantine history is full of so many interesting figures and events that it is ripe for a novel – however I think what might keep some away from this time/place is that not as many people are familiar with it and because so much of what took place was intimately tied into religion. Having recently taken a course on Byzantine History for my Masters program, I was very familiar with the Emperors and characters featured in these stories, however many would not be. I find it interesting that when writing on a location that is not frequently visited in fiction, the author chose to write about some of the lesser known of the Byzantines. Very interesting choice, but well executed. Considering that these were just short stories, I appreciated that the author gave an Author’s Note after each chapter to set the story within history, considering that most people will be unfamiliar with the timeline, this is very helpful.
Of the three stories, I found the first and second to be the most interesting while I could have done without the third (this however does not seem to be the case with all readers). All three of the stories are essentially character studies, not too much really happens in any of them, however, the third I found plot to be relatively non-existent. The characters were intriguing and I would probably enjoy a whole story built around them, particularly the second story.
If you are at all interested in finding a different locale for your reading, I encourage you to check out this short story collection as well as explore Byzantine history. It is very similar to the Roman (Western) Empire that it will be familiar to you, but still new and exciting.
This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog after receipt of copy from author in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2016
A collection of three delightful short stories about three important Byzantines. These three tales are a painless way to present some incidents in Byzantine history, dealing either with members of royalty and one soon-to-be royal family.
Chronologically arranged, each told of a key occurrence in the main characters' lives, that shaped him or her.
"Ceremony of the Emperor": a young empress stands firmly but tactfully against her formidable father.
"Red Fox": how an enemy is gulled by the deception of a Byzantine general and the saving of the population of a town. **This one was my favorite of the three.**
"Alexiad": a princess, shut away in a convent, finds meaning to her life.
I liked that each was written in a simple manner, making it easy to remember something of a period of history unfamiliar to many people. The characters were memorable and likeable. I liked the Author's Notes after each story, giving us a thumbnail sketch of the particular protagonist, short history of his or her importance, and how they all fit into Byzantine history. Cover is very stunning!
Heartfelt thanks go to the author for sending me a copy of her work to beta read.
Chronologically arranged, each told of a key occurrence in the main characters' lives, that shaped him or her.
"Ceremony of the Emperor": a young empress stands firmly but tactfully against her formidable father.
"Red Fox": how an enemy is gulled by the deception of a Byzantine general and the saving of the population of a town. **This one was my favorite of the three.**
"Alexiad": a princess, shut away in a convent, finds meaning to her life.
I liked that each was written in a simple manner, making it easy to remember something of a period of history unfamiliar to many people. The characters were memorable and likeable. I liked the Author's Notes after each story, giving us a thumbnail sketch of the particular protagonist, short history of his or her importance, and how they all fit into Byzantine history. Cover is very stunning!
Heartfelt thanks go to the author for sending me a copy of her work to beta read.
January 30, 2018
Each of the three short stories provided an interesting glimpse into Imperial Byzantine political life. This is a period of history that is not usually covered in fiction so I was excited to get a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. The first two stories were very compelling- one describing a blossoming romance in an arranged marriage of Imperial heirs and the other detailing a military siege and cunning strategy. Both of these stories could have been easily lengthened into full-length books to increase my interest. (More of Helena and Sophia's relationship, more of the furtive courtship, more of Helena's relationship with her father, etc for the first and more of the daily life of the average Byzantine citizen in Nicaea, more of a backstory behind the main characters, etc for the second) The last story, however, just seemed to be an afterthought. There wasn't enough story in there to keep my attention.
August 25, 2015
Excellent work
The very entertaining short stories, set in and around the court of the Byzantine Empire. The author does a good job of providing little details of material culture and of behavior that really immerse the reader in the historic period. The little epilogues with details of actual historical events and persons are extremely useful. I would love to see more of this kind of work from this author. An entertaining read for those with only a passing acquaintance (if any) with Byzantium.
The very entertaining short stories, set in and around the court of the Byzantine Empire. The author does a good job of providing little details of material culture and of behavior that really immerse the reader in the historic period. The little epilogues with details of actual historical events and persons are extremely useful. I would love to see more of this kind of work from this author. An entertaining read for those with only a passing acquaintance (if any) with Byzantium.
August 1, 2016
Nice read; put a human face on the age of Byzantium
I was skeptical initially, but after getting into it I had trouble putting it down. I enjoyed the human emotions you don't get when reading history
I was skeptical initially, but after getting into it I had trouble putting it down. I enjoyed the human emotions you don't get when reading history
July 2, 2018
Not bad it brought this era of history to life letting us glimpses of another world
Not bad it brought an era of history to life giving us glimpses of another world and time a good read
Not bad it brought an era of history to life giving us glimpses of another world and time a good read
December 19, 2021
Very Good!!!
I liked how this little book with it’s selection of short stories told tales that tied in so well with actual history. I found the stories both charming, believable, & well written.
I liked how this little book with it’s selection of short stories told tales that tied in so well with actual history. I found the stories both charming, believable, & well written.
July 4, 2019
So interesting!
I bumped into this book while reading reviews and it proved to be a great introduction to a historical period I was unfamiliar with. I lived in Turkey as a child but only learned a little history. Good writing that brought the characters to life!
I bumped into this book while reading reviews and it proved to be a great introduction to a historical period I was unfamiliar with. I lived in Turkey as a child but only learned a little history. Good writing that brought the characters to life!
July 29, 2021
I studied Byzantium history for 3 years, and was delighted to read these 3 stories which evoked the feeling and sights and turmoil of those days. Good writing, thanks.
July 24, 2016
Tales of Byzantium: A Selection of Short Stories, by Eileen Stephenson, offers three short stories of war, love and conflict in the Byzantine era. Book one tells of a young girl whose rightful position on the throne is usurped by her father who desires the throne for one of his sons. Helena had been betrothed as an infant to her scholarly husband. It was a marriage in name only until Helena decides she will no longer be overlooked.
Book two concerns a commander of military forces who is sent to save a town about to be under siege. The men under his command are nowhere near sufficient to handle the enemy's onslaught. Comnenus devises a very creative plan to outsmart the enemy, which allows him and his men to abandon the city (which is now without food and supplies) and travel home safely.
In the third book, Anna Comnena is consigned to a convent (royal speak for imprisoned at a convent). To occupy her mind she documents the history of her beloved father. Her tales remain critical to historians, providing valuable information on Byzantium to this day.
All three stories are told in a pleasant, matter-of-fact manner --likened to how a parent might explain complex history to their child. Horror, death, betrayal and deceit are explained simply and factually. This book offers a unique perspective on a fascinating era. This is the way history lessons should be taught. The stories are based on fact, yet are marvelously complex and enjoyable. Eileen Stephenson regales readers with delightful story telling. Anyone with an interest in ancient history will ravenously devour these tales. With only three short stories, this collection leaves the reader wanting for more.
November 3, 2015
Perhaps a more accurate title would be 'Tales from Byzantium Royal Families'.
This is well written historical fiction, based on what little is known about the closed world of the Byzantium ruling dynasties.
Unfortunately we have only three short stories making for a thin read, but better a little quality that reams of dross.
The stories centre on romance, military strategy, and power politics, combining to give the reader a very credible feeling for what life for the ruling families may have been like. Stephenson writes very well, maintaining interest and creating some very plausible speculative characters. Putting flesh on thin history is a skill, which these brief glimpses demonstrate with aplomb.
Perhaps a couple of speculative fictions, even if even less well glazed with known history, would have helped create a better rounded book. For example, we might have liked to read the story of a soldier at the Battle of Kleidion, or that of his mother, or of a priest at the time of the Great Schism, or of a boatman's family on the Bosphorus.
What we have been given is five star- but five stars of desperately little. Get writing, Eileen Stephenson.
This is well written historical fiction, based on what little is known about the closed world of the Byzantium ruling dynasties.
Unfortunately we have only three short stories making for a thin read, but better a little quality that reams of dross.
The stories centre on romance, military strategy, and power politics, combining to give the reader a very credible feeling for what life for the ruling families may have been like. Stephenson writes very well, maintaining interest and creating some very plausible speculative characters. Putting flesh on thin history is a skill, which these brief glimpses demonstrate with aplomb.
Perhaps a couple of speculative fictions, even if even less well glazed with known history, would have helped create a better rounded book. For example, we might have liked to read the story of a soldier at the Battle of Kleidion, or that of his mother, or of a priest at the time of the Great Schism, or of a boatman's family on the Bosphorus.
What we have been given is five star- but five stars of desperately little. Get writing, Eileen Stephenson.
February 21, 2016
Opening Tales of Byzantium is like lifting the lid on a casket of jewelry – a cache of finely wrought works, each with its own allure. The writer has crafted three fictional pieces from scholarly research into a beautifully accessible collection of short stories that bring to life a little known and overlooked historical age. Her clear prose and eye for detail brings alive the palaces and intrigue, the battle-weary soldiers, and the conflicts and political drama of the time.
I particularly enjoyed the growth of the characters in the first vignette – and would love to read this as a full-length historical fiction novel. There is an intense introduction to all the player which requires some concentration. However, once I was able to assign everyone to their rightful places, the story took over and is a fascinating reconstruction of a relationship that began as a political alliance and ended in true love.
The author’s notes at the end of the tales rounds out the perspective with clarity, and leaves us wanting more of this time and place. Ms. Stephenson has created a gem of a collection, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I particularly enjoyed the growth of the characters in the first vignette – and would love to read this as a full-length historical fiction novel. There is an intense introduction to all the player which requires some concentration. However, once I was able to assign everyone to their rightful places, the story took over and is a fascinating reconstruction of a relationship that began as a political alliance and ended in true love.
The author’s notes at the end of the tales rounds out the perspective with clarity, and leaves us wanting more of this time and place. Ms. Stephenson has created a gem of a collection, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
December 16, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy of short stories, although I have to say I favored the first out of the three the most. I almost wished the author had made it into a full length novel instead of a short story, as I feel there could have been much more build-up and intrigue behind Helena and Constantine's courtship. Overall, for a quick read and a glimpse into Byzantium life, I do recommend this novel. A solid four stars.
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November 1, 2015it's very well written and the stories are creative and wonderfully set out and told. recs for everyone!
August 20, 2016
Well, it wasn't awful.
June 6, 2022
The Byzantine Empire is a half-forgotten civilization, represented hardly at all in fiction. But, it is an elegant culture with well developed art and architecture and a long, interesting history, very suitable for historical fiction.
It was only a name to me in high school, but in college I took a course in it on my way to majoring in archaeology. Reading this book was like revisiting old friends because the names were familiar and I had some memory of who they were (from 40 years ago). The author has drawn her characters from the Imperial family of late Byzantium, and she has chosen these characters intelligently. Scholarship tells us the broad outlines of their lives, but the author fills in the details that makes them real people who had ambitions, loved or hated their families, and either enjoyed or loathed the pomp and majesty of the imperial court.
The author knows the layout of the Imperial city, Constantinople, and uses authentic names for the places that figure in the stories. The first story is a charming romance, very easy to like, but the third story is the outstanding one in my view. I was already aware that Anna Comnena (I thought her the world's first female historian, but since the author doesn't say that in her afterword, I'm no longer so sure), had written a history of her father's reign. I read it in translation and it's quite impressive; the Princess Anna had evidently read Thucydides and that's where she got her idea of what a history should be. The author provides motivation and opportunity for the princess, exiled to a nunnery, to set out to write her book that rings profoundly true. Like Mary Renault's Alexander, Ms. Stephenson's Anna Comnena has become the real Anna Comnena for me and it no longer matters if the author guessed right at every point.
I gave this book 5 stars even though, as short stories, it doesn't have the sophistication that's possible in a novel. It's a painless way to learn about the Byzantine Empire and perhaps to interest the reader in learning more about it.
I should add that the author skims over, probably deliberately, the role of religion in the life of her characters. My professor spent lot of class time on the "doctrinal controversies" that were of huge importance in shaping Byzantine culture. These "controversies" (the word is my professor's) were the counterparts of Plato's discussions of philosophy in ancient Athens. But in our post-religious age, the author made the right choice in leaving out this aspect, as modern readers wouldn't understand the issues. I had difficulty with these elements of the course myself.
The book has a useful author's note at the end, a feature that's becoming more common in historical fiction, telling the readers what's known to history about the characters. Since almost all the character here are attested in history, that's fairly important.
It was only a name to me in high school, but in college I took a course in it on my way to majoring in archaeology. Reading this book was like revisiting old friends because the names were familiar and I had some memory of who they were (from 40 years ago). The author has drawn her characters from the Imperial family of late Byzantium, and she has chosen these characters intelligently. Scholarship tells us the broad outlines of their lives, but the author fills in the details that makes them real people who had ambitions, loved or hated their families, and either enjoyed or loathed the pomp and majesty of the imperial court.
The author knows the layout of the Imperial city, Constantinople, and uses authentic names for the places that figure in the stories. The first story is a charming romance, very easy to like, but the third story is the outstanding one in my view. I was already aware that Anna Comnena (I thought her the world's first female historian, but since the author doesn't say that in her afterword, I'm no longer so sure), had written a history of her father's reign. I read it in translation and it's quite impressive; the Princess Anna had evidently read Thucydides and that's where she got her idea of what a history should be. The author provides motivation and opportunity for the princess, exiled to a nunnery, to set out to write her book that rings profoundly true. Like Mary Renault's Alexander, Ms. Stephenson's Anna Comnena has become the real Anna Comnena for me and it no longer matters if the author guessed right at every point.
I gave this book 5 stars even though, as short stories, it doesn't have the sophistication that's possible in a novel. It's a painless way to learn about the Byzantine Empire and perhaps to interest the reader in learning more about it.
I should add that the author skims over, probably deliberately, the role of religion in the life of her characters. My professor spent lot of class time on the "doctrinal controversies" that were of huge importance in shaping Byzantine culture. These "controversies" (the word is my professor's) were the counterparts of Plato's discussions of philosophy in ancient Athens. But in our post-religious age, the author made the right choice in leaving out this aspect, as modern readers wouldn't understand the issues. I had difficulty with these elements of the course myself.
The book has a useful author's note at the end, a feature that's becoming more common in historical fiction, telling the readers what's known to history about the characters. Since almost all the character here are attested in history, that's fairly important.
December 22, 2022
This was such a lovely collection of stories (vignettes I think I would have called them) of the Byzantine nobility at a particular moment in time. As a lover of Byzantine history, having been introduced to it in my early 20s, I was very excited to see another fictional engagement with this space and time, so often neglected in North American education. As a lover of everything medieval, I was doubly so. The collection is made up of three stories, the first surrounding imperial intrigue and marriage, the second centred on military concerns, and the third looking at the fate of an exiled princess. The stories and personages were well-researched and there were none of the glaring anachronisms that often disrupt tales set in less well-known eras. The writing was good, and pacing and length of each story were perfect. However, the plots and characters were a little weak. In the first and third stories particularly, very little actually happens, though the historical material is ripe with potential. It felt, at times, as if the historicity was suffocating the narrative and like a commitment to fictionalizing the ’truth’ of who these people were was hampering character development, and as a result they ended up feeling quite one-dimensional.
That said, this is a short and interesting read, illuminating, or perhaps spotlighting, an often misunderstood time and place in history.
That said, this is a short and interesting read, illuminating, or perhaps spotlighting, an often misunderstood time and place in history.
January 10, 2025
'Tales of Byzantium' by Eileen Stephenson chronicles three different eras of the Byzantine empire, encompassing incredible characters, both male and female.
The writing is beyond excellent; vivid and lively, breathing fire and passion into her protagonists. The action is swift, intriguing, and engaging - while each story is quite different in setting and pace from the others, all three still grab the reader's attention. The attention to historical detail is exquisite, and I found myself learning a lot about the Byzantines just from the seamlessly-woven detail in these short stories.
The saga of Helena and Constantine VII is the longest of the trio, and hooks you from the very beginning. I am very much looking forward to reading more about these characters in Stephenson's full-length novels!
If you are a fan of historical fiction and you haven't read this, then you simply must! A first-rate storyteller and historian works her magic in these tales.
The writing is beyond excellent; vivid and lively, breathing fire and passion into her protagonists. The action is swift, intriguing, and engaging - while each story is quite different in setting and pace from the others, all three still grab the reader's attention. The attention to historical detail is exquisite, and I found myself learning a lot about the Byzantines just from the seamlessly-woven detail in these short stories.
The saga of Helena and Constantine VII is the longest of the trio, and hooks you from the very beginning. I am very much looking forward to reading more about these characters in Stephenson's full-length novels!
If you are a fan of historical fiction and you haven't read this, then you simply must! A first-rate storyteller and historian works her magic in these tales.
June 27, 2020
I have been fascinated by the Byzantium Empire for a long time, yet somehow have rarely read about it. I saw this book somewhere (honestly I don't remember where I saw it mentioned) and picked it up on Kindle Unlimited.
The last four or five selections I found on Kindle Unlimited have been awesome ones, and this one kept the streak going.
Three fascinating, entertaining short stories that really give you a good window into the life and culture of the Byzantium Empire. My only complaint is that it meets the advertisement of being short. I want more and will be following this author in hopes of getting just that.
Seriously recommended. It is a quick read, I read it in about an hour.
The last four or five selections I found on Kindle Unlimited have been awesome ones, and this one kept the streak going.
Three fascinating, entertaining short stories that really give you a good window into the life and culture of the Byzantium Empire. My only complaint is that it meets the advertisement of being short. I want more and will be following this author in hopes of getting just that.
Seriously recommended. It is a quick read, I read it in about an hour.
October 29, 2020
Why did I put off reading this collection for so long? Perhaps I was influenced by a previous selection that was very disappointing. Because of my lack of familiarity with the Byzantines, it took a little while to adjust to the differences, but this is a delightful collection of stories from about the tenth century; reminded me a little of the Arabian Nights, except that there seems to be some dynastic connection among the three major stories. All are told from the point of view of the female narrators, which is in interesting perspective for this time period. Enjoyable, and not too long, it's creates a "light" interlude between heavier topics.
April 23, 2019
Out of all the epics influencing western culture Byzantine history blows me away
Having these true characters fleshed out with well written vivid stories about themselves infused me into their world.
The real gem was the unique historical footnotes as their interesting story ended..Ironically I wanting to learn more about them. Terrific period writing pulled together with unexpected journey into history lessons!
Having these true characters fleshed out with well written vivid stories about themselves infused me into their world.
The real gem was the unique historical footnotes as their interesting story ended..Ironically I wanting to learn more about them. Terrific period writing pulled together with unexpected journey into history lessons!
December 29, 2023
History brought to life
“Every page of history teems with dramas that should be put on paper.”
~ Robert E. Howard
I happen to enjoy the history of the Eastern Roman Empire but even if I didn't I'd still like this book. It requires no advance knowledge of the subject and yet manages to be both readable and informative. Really the only fault that could be found here is that the book ended all too soon. This is definitely an author worth following.
“Every page of history teems with dramas that should be put on paper.”
~ Robert E. Howard
I happen to enjoy the history of the Eastern Roman Empire but even if I didn't I'd still like this book. It requires no advance knowledge of the subject and yet manages to be both readable and informative. Really the only fault that could be found here is that the book ended all too soon. This is definitely an author worth following.
August 12, 2017
I always admire the amount of work and research that goes into writing really good historical fiction. It must require a lot of time and dedication. This felt like it was thoroughly researched (although I admit I'm no expert!) and was also a highly enjoyable read. I particularly liked the first of the three stories.
March 30, 2020
A deft touch makes history come alive!
Three vignettes from the rich history of the Eastern Roman Empire come alive in this delightful book. I heartily recommend it. The crown on the cover is the Crown of St. Stephen, which is pa Byzantine, but Bun. I'm second-generation Hungarian-American and recognized it.
Three vignettes from the rich history of the Eastern Roman Empire come alive in this delightful book. I heartily recommend it. The crown on the cover is the Crown of St. Stephen, which is pa Byzantine, but Bun. I'm second-generation Hungarian-American and recognized it.
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