What do you think?
Rate this book
Imperial Passions #1
The Porta Aurea
At the center of Byzantine society, fifteen-year old orphaned Anna Dalassena lives with her grandparents among the most powerful men and women in Constantinople. But the cutthroat politics of the Great Palace sends the family into exile in a distant corner of the empire. Her bleak situation finally turns promising after meeting a handsome young soldier, John Comnenus, and his brother Isaac, before they are finally permitted to return home.
The vicious power struggles, uprisings, and betrayals at the highest levels of the empire push Anna and John unwillingly into its center as they struggle to deal with their own tragedies. When rebellion puts her life and those of everyone she loves at risk, is the reward-- a throne for her family--too big a gamble?
The vicious power struggles, uprisings, and betrayals at the highest levels of the empire push Anna and John unwillingly into its center as they struggle to deal with their own tragedies. When rebellion puts her life and those of everyone she loves at risk, is the reward-- a throne for her family--too big a gamble?
386 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2018
112 people are currently reading
2003 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 29, 2020
Marvelous evocation of middle Byzantine [11th century] history and civilization through the memoirs of Anna Dalassena, sister-in-law to one emperor and mother to another. Anna gives us a window into the lives of aristocratic Byzantines--mostly her own and her extended family--and others close to the throne. I really felt I was transported to that time and place and really got a feeling for the characters' lives and emotions. The story covered the exile of Anna and her grandparents until the start of her brother-in-law's reign, that of Emperor Isaac Comnenus. We see the various family personal stories, upheavals, and reigns of various incompetent or profligate emperors until Isaac and others in the army band together and force the abdication of his predecessor and banishment to a monastery. The author described beautifully that whole milieu. I appreciated the detailed physical descriptions. The coronation scene was outstanding, also how the author had a small incident happen and then how a similar incident or object later in the narration called up memories or lessons learned. The glossary and list of persons really helped me. I could make some sort of sense of the history of the Constantinople of that day.
Highly recommended. I thank the author for giving me a copy of her novel. As far as Anna, I feel this novel was more her background and she will become more important in affairs of state later in the continuation. I look forward eagerly to the next volume[s] and the rest of Anna's story.
Highly recommended. I thank the author for giving me a copy of her novel. As far as Anna, I feel this novel was more her background and she will become more important in affairs of state later in the continuation. I look forward eagerly to the next volume[s] and the rest of Anna's story.
December 16, 2021
With this novel of a woman with simple longings, but a greater fate, the Byzantine world of the eleventh century will open its gates to you. In her teenage years, Anna Dalassena looks forward to love, marriage, children, and keeping a home for a worthy husband. She will experience so much more and the reader will experience it from the first person point of view.
Byzantine history is a labyrinth of ambitious men and women, politics, schemes, treason, compacts, and yes, passions into which Anna is drawn. Her character and those of the other main players are as well drawn as are the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the world Stephenson has created. Whether ordinary family happenings or scenes of great import, sweet or violent, all occur with depth and well-researched historical detail.
Along the way, you get the impression that bigger things are coming for Lady Anna Dalassena. “Imperial Passions: the Porta Aurea” leads the reader through the Golden Gates into Byzantium. Alas, “Imperial Passions: The Great Palace” has just recently been released and its title tells us that Anna’s world is about to get wider.
Byzantine history is a labyrinth of ambitious men and women, politics, schemes, treason, compacts, and yes, passions into which Anna is drawn. Her character and those of the other main players are as well drawn as are the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the world Stephenson has created. Whether ordinary family happenings or scenes of great import, sweet or violent, all occur with depth and well-researched historical detail.
Along the way, you get the impression that bigger things are coming for Lady Anna Dalassena. “Imperial Passions: the Porta Aurea” leads the reader through the Golden Gates into Byzantium. Alas, “Imperial Passions: The Great Palace” has just recently been released and its title tells us that Anna’s world is about to get wider.
November 21, 2018
Imperial Passions is the first book I have read by Eileen Stephenson. It will not be the last. I thought this was a great historical. I enjoyed the vivid details of the Byzantine era. I am not too familiar with this era, so it was a refreshing to read something new.
I give Imperial Passions four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. It is one that should not be missed.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give Imperial Passions four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. It is one that should not be missed.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
November 21, 2018
4.5 stars. "Imperial Passions: The Porta Aurea" is the story of Anna. Although when the book opens, Anna is an orphan, her star rises throughout the book. Taking place in the 11th century Byzantine Empire, this book is full of palace intrigue and interesting characters. Anna is a great character to follow through all of the difficulties that her family faces. I really enjoyed this book!
Anna and the other secondary characters were great. I loved seeing how things shifted for Anna and her family throughout the book. We get to see the triumphs and the tragedies. I loved following Anna. Although on the surface, particularly in the beginning of the book, it doesn't seem like Anna has much of a choice rather than following wherever the wind might take her but we soon see that she understands her power well and is able to use it in such a way to move through the world successfully.
I loved all of the drama of the book. Anna and her family are intrinsically connected to the leaders and politics of the day and this really drives the story line throughout the book. Although this is quite a large book, reading about the intricate power struggles of the Byzantine Empire kept me interested and wanting to see how things turned out for some key characters.
This was a fascinating book! I don't know much about the Byzantine Empire during this time period and I loved the way that Stephenson used historical detail to create a very vivid setting, which I loved. I was impressed with how much historical detail the author was able to pack in without the book feeling like a laundry list of what Anna's world was like. This is a great book with fantastic detail! What a treat for historical fiction lovers!
Anna and the other secondary characters were great. I loved seeing how things shifted for Anna and her family throughout the book. We get to see the triumphs and the tragedies. I loved following Anna. Although on the surface, particularly in the beginning of the book, it doesn't seem like Anna has much of a choice rather than following wherever the wind might take her but we soon see that she understands her power well and is able to use it in such a way to move through the world successfully.
I loved all of the drama of the book. Anna and her family are intrinsically connected to the leaders and politics of the day and this really drives the story line throughout the book. Although this is quite a large book, reading about the intricate power struggles of the Byzantine Empire kept me interested and wanting to see how things turned out for some key characters.
This was a fascinating book! I don't know much about the Byzantine Empire during this time period and I loved the way that Stephenson used historical detail to create a very vivid setting, which I loved. I was impressed with how much historical detail the author was able to pack in without the book feeling like a laundry list of what Anna's world was like. This is a great book with fantastic detail! What a treat for historical fiction lovers!
July 3, 2018
This book is not a quick, easy read, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Much of vocabulary of the book is foreign to me - I'm not up on the structure of the ancient Roman government, names of articles of clothing, etc... - so trying to understand and get contextual clues slowed down my progress. It wasn't until I finished the book that I discovered the glossary in the back of the book, but it wouldn't have been practical to keep flipping to it while reading anyway.
The love story of Anna and John is so sweet, and all of the relationships in the book are well developed. You truly get a feel for the bonds and personality clashes between the characters in the book.
Any good historical fiction (in my opinion) leaves you wanting to know more, so this book sent me to Google in search of info on Constantinople, the characters in the book (since most are real historical figures), and pictures of the gorgeous temple described so well. It's always fulfilling to read a great story and realize you know a little bit more about history from doing so.
The love story of Anna and John is so sweet, and all of the relationships in the book are well developed. You truly get a feel for the bonds and personality clashes between the characters in the book.
Any good historical fiction (in my opinion) leaves you wanting to know more, so this book sent me to Google in search of info on Constantinople, the characters in the book (since most are real historical figures), and pictures of the gorgeous temple described so well. It's always fulfilling to read a great story and realize you know a little bit more about history from doing so.
September 14, 2018
We are proud to announce that IMPERIAL PASSIONS: The Porta Aurea by Eileen Sedphenson is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 25, 2022
I am always impressed by an author who takes a chance on a truly NEW story. Stephenson has done this--and she uses real individuals from the historical record. BRAVA!
The Byzantine Empire has always been over-shadowed by the Western Roman Empire. Few writers have bothered to unravel its history, but now there is this lovely tale about young Anna--an orphan in a noble family who really doesn't want the spotlight. She simply wants peace and safety. That is, until she begins to discover real life, her own courage, and how sly and evil some men can be.
Stephenson has a knack for world-building and characters that roll right off the page and straight into your imagination. Tragic little Xene, noble and upright Isaac, his younger and stalwart brother John, the dark and threatening Ducas, and gentle Donya. Each of these people orbit around Anna, leading her to adulthood in what in many ways is a coming of age story.
My congratulations to Stephenson for illuminating a period that, for me, was not well-known and doing it in a sensible and entertaining fashion. There are a lot of Byzantine names, but the main characters are easy to pinpoint and there is a glossary in the back of the book. There are some stray typos, but honestly, the excellent story-telling triumphs over any of that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and fully intend to acquire the next, as it's a series! A major thanks to Ms. Stephenson for introducing me to such a colorful and fascinating world.
The Byzantine Empire has always been over-shadowed by the Western Roman Empire. Few writers have bothered to unravel its history, but now there is this lovely tale about young Anna--an orphan in a noble family who really doesn't want the spotlight. She simply wants peace and safety. That is, until she begins to discover real life, her own courage, and how sly and evil some men can be.
Stephenson has a knack for world-building and characters that roll right off the page and straight into your imagination. Tragic little Xene, noble and upright Isaac, his younger and stalwart brother John, the dark and threatening Ducas, and gentle Donya. Each of these people orbit around Anna, leading her to adulthood in what in many ways is a coming of age story.
My congratulations to Stephenson for illuminating a period that, for me, was not well-known and doing it in a sensible and entertaining fashion. There are a lot of Byzantine names, but the main characters are easy to pinpoint and there is a glossary in the back of the book. There are some stray typos, but honestly, the excellent story-telling triumphs over any of that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and fully intend to acquire the next, as it's a series! A major thanks to Ms. Stephenson for introducing me to such a colorful and fascinating world.
September 18, 2018
Fabulous historical novel
A fascinating look at the 11th century Byzantine empire through the eyes of a young orphan in a powerful family. The rise and fall of leaders, fortunes and empires are intertwined with our protagonists and the detailed knowledge of the author about this era. Food, fashion, travel, communication- all the details of daily life are included as are the roles and rights of men and women. I look forward to reading more by this author.
A fascinating look at the 11th century Byzantine empire through the eyes of a young orphan in a powerful family. The rise and fall of leaders, fortunes and empires are intertwined with our protagonists and the detailed knowledge of the author about this era. Food, fashion, travel, communication- all the details of daily life are included as are the roles and rights of men and women. I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 14, 2021
I'm no great student of Byzantine history but the Eastern Roman Empire has always intrigued me. It always seemed to me (maybe wrongly) that here was an advanced "modern" state sitting alongside an 11th Century Western Europe still trapped in the latter days of the Dark Ages. And Eileen Stephenson's novel somehow reinforced that for me. It's written in a modern style that doesn't use any of that silly "antiquity" dialogue employed by too many other writers. The politics - and yes, they are truly Byzantine - feel authentic. The world of the protagonist, Anna Delassena, feels authentic too. Here is a rounded character, living in a real world. Yes, it's true that I would have liked to have "seen" some of the action elsewhere - on the battlefields, for example - that we only get to know about through news that Anna receives. But that, of course, is also reality, faithful to Anna's role in that complex society. Maybe not a page-turner, though the story and characters absorbed me completely. More a pleasurable read than fast-paced. A story to be savoured and, to be honest, I'd read this one again. Highly recommended!
November 3, 2021
Byzantine Political Play
This was a refreshing read that captivated with the high tension of never knowing what the Emperor would do next. Roman soldiers are tired of being ground down by the over spending, paranoid, and oft times unrewarding ways of the different Emperors. We watch Anna find her way across the metaphorical chess board of life during this time.
This was a refreshing read that captivated with the high tension of never knowing what the Emperor would do next. Roman soldiers are tired of being ground down by the over spending, paranoid, and oft times unrewarding ways of the different Emperors. We watch Anna find her way across the metaphorical chess board of life during this time.
July 16, 2018
Spectacular
An excellent and engaging tale. While it is set in a historical era many may not be familiar with, it is very accessible. The only reason I hesitated to give it 5 stars was that it ended so suddenly; I wanted more.
An excellent and engaging tale. While it is set in a historical era many may not be familiar with, it is very accessible. The only reason I hesitated to give it 5 stars was that it ended so suddenly; I wanted more.
October 7, 2020
Good historical fiction
I really enjoyed this book there are lots of political twist and turns. It follows the life of a young woman,coming of age in Constantinople
I really enjoyed this book there are lots of political twist and turns. It follows the life of a young woman,coming of age in Constantinople
July 28, 2021
I was given a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
Do not use the length of time it took me to read the book as an indicator of the quality of the book - I started the book just as my work schedule went into overdrive.
Eileen Stephenson writes about a fascinating period of history and culture that is unfamiliar to English-speaking cultures. The story is written around the year of the Great Schism in the Catholic Church in Constantinople. The main character, Anna Dalassena, has been near enough to the sphere of influence living first in the family of a general and later married to the brother of another military leader. It's an interesting look into the lifestyle of the times as well as the power struggles of the Byzantine empire. There will be titles and terms that are totally unfamiliar to Western Christendom readers, but the author graciously added a glossary at the end of the book.
Do not use the length of time it took me to read the book as an indicator of the quality of the book - I started the book just as my work schedule went into overdrive.
Eileen Stephenson writes about a fascinating period of history and culture that is unfamiliar to English-speaking cultures. The story is written around the year of the Great Schism in the Catholic Church in Constantinople. The main character, Anna Dalassena, has been near enough to the sphere of influence living first in the family of a general and later married to the brother of another military leader. It's an interesting look into the lifestyle of the times as well as the power struggles of the Byzantine empire. There will be titles and terms that are totally unfamiliar to Western Christendom readers, but the author graciously added a glossary at the end of the book.
May 15, 2019
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Stephenson writes a fast-paced and gripping narrative. "
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Stephenson writes a fast-paced and gripping narrative. "
December 25, 2021
Eileen Stephenson’s Imperial Passions: Porta Aurea is a very special book – unique even- in that it’s a historical fiction set in Medieval Byzantium that chronicles the life of an extraordinary woman, a powerful political figure, a wife, mother, granddaughter and orphan, and is told by a woman.
Byzantine fiction doesn’t feature prominently in ranges of historical fiction. It’s almost the forgotten history of Europe. It gets trundled out as an afterthought to the retelling of the Crusades or as a footnote to the fall of the (Western) Roman Empire. Its obscurity to the general reading public have made it a rich treasure trove of colour, politics, medieval weaponry and war tactics for fantasy novelists to explore – just ask George R .R. Martin.
Writers who come to it are almost invariably male and tell its history from a male perspective – i.e., wars, thrones, battles, insurgency and religious upheavals. Men writing about men with women crossing t’s on marriage contracts. However, Byzantium had quite a few powerful women – wives of caesars and mothers of emperors and a few others who lived amazing lives that re-charted history.
Anna Dalassena (c1020 – c1102 CE) was one of these women. Made Augusta (Empress) by her son, Alexius Comnenus, she ruled the Empire in his stead when he was on campaign. It was not a role she was born to but one that she rose to and some may say orchestrated for herself. This history is a personal one – passing through the gynaecium (women’s quarters) and the insular concerns of a young Byzantine girl as she matures.
Eileen Stephenson’s retelling of her life begins with Anna the orphaned teenager from a powerful military family, hoping for marriage so she can take her place in society. Instead, she flees the capital with her family to endure exile as her their favour is lost and re-established in the royal court.
We see Anna being groomed to the role of household matriarch by her grandmother. She has to overcome prejudices of servants as she grows into her responsibilities and learn the family trade at the docks. We see her fall in love and navigate the dictates of decorum in her courtship with John Comnenus, procuring the approval of both families, as well as enduring delays caused by political intrigues. We see the plight she has avoided by marrying a good man when we witness, through her eyes, the beating and mistreatment of her cousin at the hands of the future emperor, Constantine Doukas.
The colourful mosaic that was Byzantium (Constantinople) is brought to life through Anna’s everyday dealings– its monasteries, court intrigues, riots, exorbitant taxes and family alliances. We travel its market streets on litters and experience the important world of the docks in her activities warehousing goods for trade. We are treated to cameos of famous personalities of her era e.g., Harold Hardrada, Empress Zoe, the future Empress Evdokia, the future Emperor Romanus Diogenes. In the case of Evdokia – she is written in as a personal friend and Romanus as a family member. Attention is paid to infusing the story with the culturally important religious dictates that shaped the calendar year for this highly religious society.
What’s engagingly lovely about this story is that it’s a woman’s tale. We see and understand as much political intrigue a noblewoman of her day would have been privy to while living through its consequences on the ground. We live in the microcosm of a woman’s life. We mature with her and at the end of the novel are left behind with her as a waiting woman to the new Empress when her brother-in-law takes the throne. The ending is just the beginning of the story and the world building is so complete that it is hard to leave it after the final page has been turned.
This story has a lot of characters with long and unusual names and, being historical fiction, the same name is often repeated. A list of the main characters is given as well as a glossary of nouns and a map of Constantinople to help orientate the reader. Regardless, I can’t help wanting genealogical trees – with so many names and unusual ones they would help as a reminder of relationships.
Eileen Stephenson well deserves the accolades she has accrues for Imperial Passions: Porta Aurea. (1) This is a well written book, clear and direct in its delivery– it’s the start of a saga. If it begins with a bit of a YA feel, it grows beyond it with its main character as she matures. Anna Dalassena is portrayed as a keen observer of her day. By including Constantine Doukas and Evdokia Makrembolitissa, Eileen Stephenson is teasing us with what is to come. Will his reign be covered in the next book or will it be in a future one? Anna Dalassena was a witness to many changes on the Imperial throne. Will Romanus Diogenes take the narrative to the fateful Battle of Manzikert and beyond? With the sequel coming out later this year it will be interesting to see Anna in a more pro-active role as the saga continues.
IndieBRAG medallion; Discovered Diamond; Historical Novel Society-Editor’s Choice Award; Semi-finalist – Chanticleer Book Reviews Chaucer Award for Pre-1750 Literature
Byzantine fiction doesn’t feature prominently in ranges of historical fiction. It’s almost the forgotten history of Europe. It gets trundled out as an afterthought to the retelling of the Crusades or as a footnote to the fall of the (Western) Roman Empire. Its obscurity to the general reading public have made it a rich treasure trove of colour, politics, medieval weaponry and war tactics for fantasy novelists to explore – just ask George R .R. Martin.
Writers who come to it are almost invariably male and tell its history from a male perspective – i.e., wars, thrones, battles, insurgency and religious upheavals. Men writing about men with women crossing t’s on marriage contracts. However, Byzantium had quite a few powerful women – wives of caesars and mothers of emperors and a few others who lived amazing lives that re-charted history.
Anna Dalassena (c1020 – c1102 CE) was one of these women. Made Augusta (Empress) by her son, Alexius Comnenus, she ruled the Empire in his stead when he was on campaign. It was not a role she was born to but one that she rose to and some may say orchestrated for herself. This history is a personal one – passing through the gynaecium (women’s quarters) and the insular concerns of a young Byzantine girl as she matures.
Eileen Stephenson’s retelling of her life begins with Anna the orphaned teenager from a powerful military family, hoping for marriage so she can take her place in society. Instead, she flees the capital with her family to endure exile as her their favour is lost and re-established in the royal court.
We see Anna being groomed to the role of household matriarch by her grandmother. She has to overcome prejudices of servants as she grows into her responsibilities and learn the family trade at the docks. We see her fall in love and navigate the dictates of decorum in her courtship with John Comnenus, procuring the approval of both families, as well as enduring delays caused by political intrigues. We see the plight she has avoided by marrying a good man when we witness, through her eyes, the beating and mistreatment of her cousin at the hands of the future emperor, Constantine Doukas.
The colourful mosaic that was Byzantium (Constantinople) is brought to life through Anna’s everyday dealings– its monasteries, court intrigues, riots, exorbitant taxes and family alliances. We travel its market streets on litters and experience the important world of the docks in her activities warehousing goods for trade. We are treated to cameos of famous personalities of her era e.g., Harold Hardrada, Empress Zoe, the future Empress Evdokia, the future Emperor Romanus Diogenes. In the case of Evdokia – she is written in as a personal friend and Romanus as a family member. Attention is paid to infusing the story with the culturally important religious dictates that shaped the calendar year for this highly religious society.
What’s engagingly lovely about this story is that it’s a woman’s tale. We see and understand as much political intrigue a noblewoman of her day would have been privy to while living through its consequences on the ground. We live in the microcosm of a woman’s life. We mature with her and at the end of the novel are left behind with her as a waiting woman to the new Empress when her brother-in-law takes the throne. The ending is just the beginning of the story and the world building is so complete that it is hard to leave it after the final page has been turned.
This story has a lot of characters with long and unusual names and, being historical fiction, the same name is often repeated. A list of the main characters is given as well as a glossary of nouns and a map of Constantinople to help orientate the reader. Regardless, I can’t help wanting genealogical trees – with so many names and unusual ones they would help as a reminder of relationships.
Eileen Stephenson well deserves the accolades she has accrues for Imperial Passions: Porta Aurea. (1) This is a well written book, clear and direct in its delivery– it’s the start of a saga. If it begins with a bit of a YA feel, it grows beyond it with its main character as she matures. Anna Dalassena is portrayed as a keen observer of her day. By including Constantine Doukas and Evdokia Makrembolitissa, Eileen Stephenson is teasing us with what is to come. Will his reign be covered in the next book or will it be in a future one? Anna Dalassena was a witness to many changes on the Imperial throne. Will Romanus Diogenes take the narrative to the fateful Battle of Manzikert and beyond? With the sequel coming out later this year it will be interesting to see Anna in a more pro-active role as the saga continues.
IndieBRAG medallion; Discovered Diamond; Historical Novel Society-Editor’s Choice Award; Semi-finalist – Chanticleer Book Reviews Chaucer Award for Pre-1750 Literature
July 20, 2025
I so enjoyed this story of young Anna Dalassena’s life! Stephenson’s prose is very rich and detailed, immersing the reader thoroughly in ancient Byzantium.
While several key historical events take place through the years covered, with the Dalassenus family keeping one watchful eye on the happenings at the palace, how the characters experience the repercussions of those events is what truly drew me in. Anna, her family, and the Comnenus family are all exquisitely complex and real. I found myself having to read on just to find out what happened to them next! The story of Anna’s cousin Xene is absolutely heartbreaking, and I applaud Stephenson for coming up with a very compelling backstory for Anna’s hatred of Constantine Ducas.
Wonderful book set in an era that receives so little treatment from historical fiction authors. I highly recommend you check it out - you will be swept up in these imperial passions, and you won’t be left disappointed!
While several key historical events take place through the years covered, with the Dalassenus family keeping one watchful eye on the happenings at the palace, how the characters experience the repercussions of those events is what truly drew me in. Anna, her family, and the Comnenus family are all exquisitely complex and real. I found myself having to read on just to find out what happened to them next! The story of Anna’s cousin Xene is absolutely heartbreaking, and I applaud Stephenson for coming up with a very compelling backstory for Anna’s hatred of Constantine Ducas.
Wonderful book set in an era that receives so little treatment from historical fiction authors. I highly recommend you check it out - you will be swept up in these imperial passions, and you won’t be left disappointed!
December 10, 2018
3,5 stars
I’m not very familiar with Byzantine so this was an interesting read. At times it was rather difficult trying to keep the characters in order since everyone seems to be named either Anna or Michael…
We see the young orphaned girl grow into a confident and strong woman. Her family is connected enough to the rulers to be caught up in the power struggles. The book covers Anna’s life from a teenager until her brother-in-law Isaac Comnenus’ coronation. Last year I read a book about Anna Dalassena’s granddaughter, also called Anna, and it was interesting to learn more about her younger years.
This was my first book from the author and I’m looking forward to reading more.
I’m not very familiar with Byzantine so this was an interesting read. At times it was rather difficult trying to keep the characters in order since everyone seems to be named either Anna or Michael…
We see the young orphaned girl grow into a confident and strong woman. Her family is connected enough to the rulers to be caught up in the power struggles. The book covers Anna’s life from a teenager until her brother-in-law Isaac Comnenus’ coronation. Last year I read a book about Anna Dalassena’s granddaughter, also called Anna, and it was interesting to learn more about her younger years.
This was my first book from the author and I’m looking forward to reading more.
December 27, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is a really good historical historical novel about the Byzantine empire in the mod 1000's. It follows the life of a woman from an important family, from
her betrothal through her marriage and raising a family of 7 children. It follows the intrigues of the imperial family. the author follows history very closely. A welcome book about a little examined time and empire. Highly recommended. Good reading.
her betrothal through her marriage and raising a family of 7 children. It follows the intrigues of the imperial family. the author follows history very closely. A welcome book about a little examined time and empire. Highly recommended. Good reading.
March 29, 2022
This book is a great work of historical fiction, set in the Byzantine Empire in the early 1000s. I loved that it was in a place and time period that don't often get a lot of attention. I really liked the main character, Anna. It was a little challenging at times to keep all the characters straight, especially because they liked to use the same names over and over. Overall, this book really brings people from long ago into vivid life.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
October 5, 2022
An excellent book
As an acid reader of historical fiction, it was so great to read about Anna and her time period in Byzantium. I am not familiar with the characters or the history of this area, but the author has made all of the characters seem so real, that I was unable to put the book down. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Thank you and please keep your stories coming - I truly enjoy your stories so far!
As an acid reader of historical fiction, it was so great to read about Anna and her time period in Byzantium. I am not familiar with the characters or the history of this area, but the author has made all of the characters seem so real, that I was unable to put the book down. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Thank you and please keep your stories coming - I truly enjoy your stories so far!
December 10, 2019
Very well researched and enthralling
It is clear that a lot of research went into this great story. Scenes are vividly described and characters have true dimension. The pace is slow at times but stick with it. You will be well rewarded with a glimpse inside Constantinople during a period most of us barely covered in history class.
It is clear that a lot of research went into this great story. Scenes are vividly described and characters have true dimension. The pace is slow at times but stick with it. You will be well rewarded with a glimpse inside Constantinople during a period most of us barely covered in history class.
January 8, 2023
I really loved this book, it was well researched and well written. I am looking forward to rereading the sequel: Imperial Passions - The Great Palace, which I read first and liked it so much I purchased this one, the first one. It is probably better to read them in the correct order, lol.
July 4, 2019
Excellent historical novel. Well written and exciting.
February 7, 2020
Don't be out off by poor title
This is an excellent work of historical fiction. Fully researched and we'll told it is just reading for those interested in the medieval period.
This is an excellent work of historical fiction. Fully researched and we'll told it is just reading for those interested in the medieval period.
February 21, 2021
A well written and entertaining read of the Byzantine Empire and the history of the Comnenus family.
September 24, 2023
The author has hit on a neglected period in history as well as a glittering, exotic yet somewhat familiar civilization in which to set her novel. It seemed like it was a natural match for my own interests and knowledge. I'd studied the Byzantine Empire in a college course, as well as learned ancient Greek as a result of being an archaeology major. So, I had a smattering of familiarity. I'd even read one of the primary sources the author mentions in the historical note at the end.
However, the book reads as something fresh and new, as it certainly will to those without any previous knowledge of the empire. There is a list of characters at the beginning, and it is long and confusing. Here's where a printed paper book might help the reader compared to the Kindle e-book that I used. Frequently referring back to the character list might have helped keep them straight. The problem is made worse by the fact that there were only a limited number of names current in the time period, so it's necessary to keep track of the kinship relations and last names of a large number of characters. Being familiar with some of them from history helped -- the action takes place among the Imperial family and the protagonist is Anna Dalassena, who is related to the Imperial family of the period.
The author has truly mastered the lore of Constantinople in the 11th century. She uses the contemporary names for places that are now often no longer in existence, and she knows all the court gossip of the period. Most of the action centers around the Imperial scandals and power politics, which was intricate and complex yet somehow familiar, with similar issues of budgets and deficit spending that have bedeviled many civilizations. It's also a love story between Anna and her husband, who, in the decadence of the Empire, nevertheless carve out their own stories. The characters are well enough developed to satisfy me. I see character, plot and theme as the three foundations of literature and I like all three to be present. This one has that. It helps that anna's husband is a soldier, as was her father and grandfather. They are involved in the grand strategy as well as the tactics of the Empire's twilight struggle to hold back the Turks, who, readers are aware, eventually overran the Empire.
The plot is from history and sticks close to actual events. Like many authentic novels, it's tempting to learn the history from it and in this case you probably won't go wrong doing that, although I often find that gives a reader a wrong impression. But, we come to care what happens to Anna and her family. They are more like us than different. And that's what a historical novel should be. The author is trying to tell a complex story and while it's possible to get lost in the details, it's fast moving and kept me interested to the end. This is a new voice in literature and one very much worth reading. I'm going to "follow" her.
However, the book reads as something fresh and new, as it certainly will to those without any previous knowledge of the empire. There is a list of characters at the beginning, and it is long and confusing. Here's where a printed paper book might help the reader compared to the Kindle e-book that I used. Frequently referring back to the character list might have helped keep them straight. The problem is made worse by the fact that there were only a limited number of names current in the time period, so it's necessary to keep track of the kinship relations and last names of a large number of characters. Being familiar with some of them from history helped -- the action takes place among the Imperial family and the protagonist is Anna Dalassena, who is related to the Imperial family of the period.
The author has truly mastered the lore of Constantinople in the 11th century. She uses the contemporary names for places that are now often no longer in existence, and she knows all the court gossip of the period. Most of the action centers around the Imperial scandals and power politics, which was intricate and complex yet somehow familiar, with similar issues of budgets and deficit spending that have bedeviled many civilizations. It's also a love story between Anna and her husband, who, in the decadence of the Empire, nevertheless carve out their own stories. The characters are well enough developed to satisfy me. I see character, plot and theme as the three foundations of literature and I like all three to be present. This one has that. It helps that anna's husband is a soldier, as was her father and grandfather. They are involved in the grand strategy as well as the tactics of the Empire's twilight struggle to hold back the Turks, who, readers are aware, eventually overran the Empire.
The plot is from history and sticks close to actual events. Like many authentic novels, it's tempting to learn the history from it and in this case you probably won't go wrong doing that, although I often find that gives a reader a wrong impression. But, we come to care what happens to Anna and her family. They are more like us than different. And that's what a historical novel should be. The author is trying to tell a complex story and while it's possible to get lost in the details, it's fast moving and kept me interested to the end. This is a new voice in literature and one very much worth reading. I'm going to "follow" her.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews