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Historical Collection #1
The High Priestess
The Eastern Network is owned by the wealthy Tradesmen and Landowners, so uneducated witch Vittoria Gutia isn't about to make any waves. She either works as a lavanda maid, or she and her beloved nephew starve to death.
That sort of math is pretty simple.
When an unexpected savior lands in her lap, fate falls with him. La Salvatorra—Giver of Justice and Savior of the Impoverished—beckons her with him.
To save her nephew, Vittoria takes the reckless Trademen's soon-to-be-disastrous offer. She's thrust into a glittering new court, a world without conscience, and the burden of saving her entire Network.
Can Vittoria save her witches by focusing on what matters most? Or will the world of power and men cast her aside like the lavanda maid she was raised to be?
THE HIGH PRIESTESS is the first novel in the Historical Collection. This exhilarating tale of first love and tyranny will sweep you to a new place.
That sort of math is pretty simple.
When an unexpected savior lands in her lap, fate falls with him. La Salvatorra—Giver of Justice and Savior of the Impoverished—beckons her with him.
To save her nephew, Vittoria takes the reckless Trademen's soon-to-be-disastrous offer. She's thrust into a glittering new court, a world without conscience, and the burden of saving her entire Network.
Can Vittoria save her witches by focusing on what matters most? Or will the world of power and men cast her aside like the lavanda maid she was raised to be?
THE HIGH PRIESTESS is the first novel in the Historical Collection. This exhilarating tale of first love and tyranny will sweep you to a new place.
- GenresFantasy
398 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2021
25 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Katie Cross
102 books777 followersMy world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 16, 2021
Katie is an absolute wonder. She has created this amazing world of Alkarra that I adore and feel like I know so much about after her wonderful Network Series and Dragonmasters Trilogy, yet The High Priestess has shown me how much more I still have to learn! There is so much about the other Networks that I don't know. Vittoria and Mateo are a match made in heaven! I adore them so much and they really are a force to be reckoned with! How a poor bottom of the bottom worker, a lavanda maid of all things, can become a force of HOPE and faith in the future. I could not put it down. I honestly can't wait to start all over and read it again. It had some amazing twists that totally surprised me! I loved every second!
March 8, 2021
Once again, Katie takes my expectations and knocks them out of the park! As a HUGE fan of the Network Series and all books that deal with anything in the world of Alkarra, I was greatly anticipating this book. She did not disappoint (like that was even a possibility...)! True to form, it was one of those where I started it and, “just one more chapter” turns into finishing the book!
Vittoria will have you amazed at the strength she finds within herself and Mateo is the man I wish I could be! And the way these two work together to try a bring peace and unity to the Eastern Network is nothing short of brilliant. The loyal friends that Katie has created for these characters are as good as any she has written this far. You find yourself yelling at Vittoria for some things and mad that Mateo doesn’t realize until it may be too late. Then you yell at Mateo and wonder if things will work out as he thinks and hopes they will!
I have read all of Katie’s books and this is in my top 3! (Full transparency, I’m a big Bianca fan so the Network Series will always have top billing with me!) You definitely will be hooked after the first page, that’s just Katie’s gift. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again... she is a maestro of the written word. She is the GOAT of writers. She is pure literary magic.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Just read it! Then email Katie and tell her how much you loved it! You’ll want to!!
Vittoria will have you amazed at the strength she finds within herself and Mateo is the man I wish I could be! And the way these two work together to try a bring peace and unity to the Eastern Network is nothing short of brilliant. The loyal friends that Katie has created for these characters are as good as any she has written this far. You find yourself yelling at Vittoria for some things and mad that Mateo doesn’t realize until it may be too late. Then you yell at Mateo and wonder if things will work out as he thinks and hopes they will!
I have read all of Katie’s books and this is in my top 3! (Full transparency, I’m a big Bianca fan so the Network Series will always have top billing with me!) You definitely will be hooked after the first page, that’s just Katie’s gift. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again... she is a maestro of the written word. She is the GOAT of writers. She is pure literary magic.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Just read it! Then email Katie and tell her how much you loved it! You’ll want to!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
Wow. What a brilliant read this is. I can't even begin to describe the plot there is so much happening. An evil father. Two brothers. A dead mother. A beautiful woman. Living in poverty. Spies. Guardians. Rebels. Witches. Need I go on? As I said there is heaps going on. What a fantastic beginning to a new series. Love this author.
March 25, 2024
“She was quiet, lovely grace.” But she’s a lavanda maid. What difference can she make?
The Eastern Network is in turmoil. Workers have no rights, no education. High Priest Hodei’s reign is leaving a legacy of cruelty. The workers need a savior. They need La Principessa – Giver of Hope. How can a lavanda maid be what the workers need?
Vittoria’s story is a story of struggle and perseverance. She faces unimaginable tests of her courage and her own beliefs. Everything Vittoria does is for her family and the other workers. But how far is she willing to go?
Mateo is Hodei’s oldest son and the rightful heir to the throne. However, Romeo, the son who actually grew up in Magnolia Castle with The High Priest, is willing to fight Mateo to the death in order to become the next High Priest when Hodei dies. The years with Hodei have made Romeo just as evil as his father – maybe even more. Mateo knows he will have to kill his brother in order to save his own life and the Network. But can he kill his own brother? What does a simple lavanda maid have to do with this battle for the thrown and control of the Network?
The High Priestess is a story about survival. It is a story about love and deceit. Above all else, Vittoria’s story is about family and love and compassion and faith. Katie Cross has given us a book that encompasses the full spectrum of emotions. There are surprises in every chapter. This is just Book 1 of The Historical Collection. I can hardly wait to see where Katie Cross takes Vittoria next.
The Eastern Network is in turmoil. Workers have no rights, no education. High Priest Hodei’s reign is leaving a legacy of cruelty. The workers need a savior. They need La Principessa – Giver of Hope. How can a lavanda maid be what the workers need?
Vittoria’s story is a story of struggle and perseverance. She faces unimaginable tests of her courage and her own beliefs. Everything Vittoria does is for her family and the other workers. But how far is she willing to go?
Mateo is Hodei’s oldest son and the rightful heir to the throne. However, Romeo, the son who actually grew up in Magnolia Castle with The High Priest, is willing to fight Mateo to the death in order to become the next High Priest when Hodei dies. The years with Hodei have made Romeo just as evil as his father – maybe even more. Mateo knows he will have to kill his brother in order to save his own life and the Network. But can he kill his own brother? What does a simple lavanda maid have to do with this battle for the thrown and control of the Network?
The High Priestess is a story about survival. It is a story about love and deceit. Above all else, Vittoria’s story is about family and love and compassion and faith. Katie Cross has given us a book that encompasses the full spectrum of emotions. There are surprises in every chapter. This is just Book 1 of The Historical Collection. I can hardly wait to see where Katie Cross takes Vittoria next.
March 23, 2021
The Best Alkarra Novel So Far
Don’t get me wrong – I love Bianca Monroe from The Network Series with a passion. I adore Sanna and especially Isa from the Dragonmaster Trilogy. I love their fierceness and stubborn determination. But Vittoria Gutia has fierceness, too – a quiet, regal fierceness (though she is of low birth) that is strong enough to inspire nations and move worlds. And, oh, Mateo…. Hearts go aflutter (mine included) when faced with his indominatable, honorable soul.
Most of all, though, in The High Priestess, Katie Cross bring to life the world of Alkarra – in this case the Eastern Network - like I’ve never seen her do before. Every neighborhood, alley, beach, and catacomb crackles with burning intensity, desperation and hope. Everything about this book is both beautiful and harrowing, both heartbreaking and, ultimately, joyful.
Don’t get me wrong – I love Bianca Monroe from The Network Series with a passion. I adore Sanna and especially Isa from the Dragonmaster Trilogy. I love their fierceness and stubborn determination. But Vittoria Gutia has fierceness, too – a quiet, regal fierceness (though she is of low birth) that is strong enough to inspire nations and move worlds. And, oh, Mateo…. Hearts go aflutter (mine included) when faced with his indominatable, honorable soul.
Most of all, though, in The High Priestess, Katie Cross bring to life the world of Alkarra – in this case the Eastern Network - like I’ve never seen her do before. Every neighborhood, alley, beach, and catacomb crackles with burning intensity, desperation and hope. Everything about this book is both beautiful and harrowing, both heartbreaking and, ultimately, joyful.
March 18, 2021
"My name is Vittoria," she finally said. Although her voice trembled, it didn't detract from her power. "One day, you may call me Majesty."
As a lavanda maid, Vittoria has always been in poverty and struggled to find enough food for herself and her family. Despite her struggles, Vittoria is kind and generous, giving any extra food she finds to others. Her generosity impresses La Salvatorra, Giver of Justice, and her life is changed. If she can survive, she can save far more people than just her family. Failure is not an option.
Although in an unfamiliar and sometimes dangerous situation, Vittoria is not a damsel in distress. She is a strong woman who stays true to herself in the face of challenges could never even dream of. Nevertheless, the romance woven into the plot is quite swoony. The characters and the plot are so compelling. They have complex desires that Katie Cross masterfully weaves together into a story that I could not put down until I knew how it ended.
I love all of Katie Cross's books, and this is among her best!
My rating: 5/5
As a lavanda maid, Vittoria has always been in poverty and struggled to find enough food for herself and her family. Despite her struggles, Vittoria is kind and generous, giving any extra food she finds to others. Her generosity impresses La Salvatorra, Giver of Justice, and her life is changed. If she can survive, she can save far more people than just her family. Failure is not an option.
Although in an unfamiliar and sometimes dangerous situation, Vittoria is not a damsel in distress. She is a strong woman who stays true to herself in the face of challenges could never even dream of. Nevertheless, the romance woven into the plot is quite swoony. The characters and the plot are so compelling. They have complex desires that Katie Cross masterfully weaves together into a story that I could not put down until I knew how it ended.
I love all of Katie Cross's books, and this is among her best!
My rating: 5/5
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January 21, 2025i’m sorry guys but i cannot for the life of me read fantasy i’m so bored. dnfing this whole series 😭
March 15, 2021
The High Priestess ~ This is one book you will not want to pass up. Katie J Cross at her best! Twists, turns and surprises await you as you follow Vittoria and Mateo on the road that leads to change. Watch as Vittoria finds her courage to step up to her full potential and power. You won’t want to put this book down. Excellent!
February 20, 2022
For me this is such a wonderful story about courage, family and love. If you’ve read The Network series, it’s very interesting to learn a bit more about the Eastern Network and how things moved in the past. If you haven’t, this is such a lovely story packed with so many emotions, and amazing characters.
Thank you maltea for this story, I really enjoyed it!
Thank you maltea for this story, I really enjoyed it!
Read
March 22, 2021Oh my goodness!!! The Historical Collection has started with a winner! The High Priestess grabs you at Chapter 1 and doesn't let go until the last word. The twists and turns that the book takes leaves you wanting more with each turn of the page. I highly recommend this book!!
April 2, 2021
Oh My Goodness!
So good! I loved how the story flowed. Even if you have not read the Network series or the Dragon Master Trilogy, this story will make sense. This is a prequel.
The surprise toward the end was completely unexpected. LOVED it all!
So good! I loved how the story flowed. Even if you have not read the Network series or the Dragon Master Trilogy, this story will make sense. This is a prequel.
The surprise toward the end was completely unexpected. LOVED it all!
April 5, 2022
Wow! I feel like I just finished watching an awesome movie that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! So many unexpected twists and turns. So many emotions and suspense. I feel this is my favorite book by Katie Cross so far!
March 21, 2021
I’m not generally a 5-star-reader, but since I read this book in one sitting, I feel it was earned.
So enjoyed it, especially as a fan of Alkarra and the stories within.
So enjoyed it, especially as a fan of Alkarra and the stories within.
April 8, 2021
I have read every single book written by Katie Cross. I started reading her books to escape my stress of the Covid19 Pandemic and to replace my Harry Potter addiction. All of Katie Cross' books provide the same high quality level of escape from reality and into a intricately described world of fantasy, magic, danger, and intimate love and passion, without becoming inappropriately sexual for young readers. I get hooked into each character that she brings to life. I even think about and worry about the characters, as if I know them, when I must put the book down to do my real life!
The High Priestess takes the reader back in history many hundreds of years before the other book series by Katie Cross. If you are new to Katie Cross and want to read her books chronologically, read this book first and then go to the Dragonmaster Trilogy and then The Network Series! The High Priestess may be historical, but it is absolutely NOT boring! You will instantly love (well almost) every character in this book. In this world, there is extreme poverty and extreme wealth and some dream of a better life with equality of all the witches. There is civil unrest and danger and surprise plot twists during the story adding suspense all the way till the end. At the end of every Katie Cross book, I want to know what happens next, and The High Priestess is no different! I am looking forward to the next book in The Historical Collection.
Thank you Ms. Cross, for allowing me to escape the ongoing reality of the Covid19 Pandemic and into your exciting and beautiful fantasy world, yet again!!
The High Priestess takes the reader back in history many hundreds of years before the other book series by Katie Cross. If you are new to Katie Cross and want to read her books chronologically, read this book first and then go to the Dragonmaster Trilogy and then The Network Series! The High Priestess may be historical, but it is absolutely NOT boring! You will instantly love (well almost) every character in this book. In this world, there is extreme poverty and extreme wealth and some dream of a better life with equality of all the witches. There is civil unrest and danger and surprise plot twists during the story adding suspense all the way till the end. At the end of every Katie Cross book, I want to know what happens next, and The High Priestess is no different! I am looking forward to the next book in The Historical Collection.
Thank you Ms. Cross, for allowing me to escape the ongoing reality of the Covid19 Pandemic and into your exciting and beautiful fantasy world, yet again!!
March 18, 2021
Once again, Katie has painted with words a picture perfect story of intrigue, betrayal, compassion and strength. Her characters portray both the good and evil found in mankind (manifested in witches!), and take us through scenes of competition, strife, family loyalties, benevolence and love. Behind the intertwining storylines of power struggles and developing friendships, you’ll find moments ranging from laughter to pondering the meaning of honor. Visit Necce in “The High Priestess” and learn about Vittoria and Mateo’s history that precedes events relayed in Katie’s Network Series and the Dragonmaster Trilogy. If you haven’t read those books, yet, you’ll still enjoy “The High Priestess.” Treat yourself to all of Katie’s books!
August 4, 2021
I WANT MORE!!! What happens next?! Will we ever find out what happens to our two heroes in a few years? Who is descended from Vittoria?
Of all the series books by Katie Cross, this was my second favorite (Dragons, people. How can you top dragons?)! It's only one book in many about the History of an incredible world that Cross has invited us to. Her ability to draw the world around the reader is so vivid that I swear i was watching a movie and actually transported there!
After the flooding of the... well, I won't say so as not to spoil things... I felt like I myself had just come out of it! I was cold and drenched and was catching my breath! And then my kids interrupt, and I'm on the couch in my dry cozy living room. MAN that's good writing!!
Of all the series books by Katie Cross, this was my second favorite (Dragons, people. How can you top dragons?)! It's only one book in many about the History of an incredible world that Cross has invited us to. Her ability to draw the world around the reader is so vivid that I swear i was watching a movie and actually transported there!
After the flooding of the... well, I won't say so as not to spoil things... I felt like I myself had just come out of it! I was cold and drenched and was catching my breath! And then my kids interrupt, and I'm on the couch in my dry cozy living room. MAN that's good writing!!
March 20, 2021
This opening story in the Historical Collection is an adventure full of energy, courage, and hope. The problems of class distinction and oppression in the Eastern Network come to a head when the rightful heir to the title of High Priest, must face his past and family in order to save the Network from collapsing in on itself. A lavanda maid, Vittoria, must become a partner and find her strength in order for his plan to work. Can they do it?
While we get a little background on Vittoria in The Dragonmaster Trilogy, this book brings to light so much more about her and the Eastern Network. I enjoyed this story immensely, as will all Network Series fans. However, anyone who has not read the other books in Katie's YA fantasy series will find this book a strong stand alone. You will find charachters to root for, battles to worry over, and a better future to dream of.
While we get a little background on Vittoria in The Dragonmaster Trilogy, this book brings to light so much more about her and the Eastern Network. I enjoyed this story immensely, as will all Network Series fans. However, anyone who has not read the other books in Katie's YA fantasy series will find this book a strong stand alone. You will find charachters to root for, battles to worry over, and a better future to dream of.
January 23, 2023
Katie does a wonderful job drawing her reader into a unique world addressing some familiar challenges humanity has faced over time when it comes to equity and class struggle. She expertly crafts a complex plot with a few surprises without bumping the reader out of the narrative at any time. Vittoria is a strong heroine with a good heart. Mateo is an intriguing hero whose tenacity complements Vittoria’s growing courage and inner strength. I love the theme of being kind and caring for others that continually runs throughout the book. The slow burn romance between Vittoria and Mateo is sweet and takes the entire book to develop which definitely makes this book YA audience friendly while adults can also enjoy the narrative.
March 16, 2021
Katie Cross has worked her magic again with book one of a new series! "The High Priestess," just released, is about Vittoria, and her story is a delight to read! The lovely thing about Ms Cross' writing is that words fade away while the story blooms, and shortly Vittoria and Mateo are friends I'm quite attached to and I'd nearly forgotten I was reading a book. This is the kind of writing books wish for. I did not want to put it down.
March 19, 2021
This is one of those books that you can’t read fast enough—as you want to find out what will happen next— and one you don’t want to end because it keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more! If you haven’t read a book by Katie Cross before, what are you waiting for? This book takes you on an amazing journey with Vittoria and Mateo. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
April 8, 2021
Best book by Katie yet
A very good story with many layers to unravel and guess how the pieces fit together. A little long but I didn't want to put it down or stop reading. I loved the characters and how each was crafted with depth.
A wonderful stand alone story. I think her best writing so far.
A very good story with many layers to unravel and guess how the pieces fit together. A little long but I didn't want to put it down or stop reading. I loved the characters and how each was crafted with depth.
A wonderful stand alone story. I think her best writing so far.
April 25, 2021
This was the backstory I didn’t know I needed. I didn’t expect to be so interested in Vittoria and Matteo, but I was. The characters and the story for this book were so intriguing that I could barely put it down. And I just love seeing this world expand as each book explores new sections of the Networks. I hope we get to see how they get to the place they’re at in Freedom!
March 16, 2021
This story had me riveted, I wanted to keep turning the pages to see what happened next. Great twists and turns, intrigue and adventure, full rich characters that i cared what happened to them, magic, love, betrayal and the need to find out what happened. I was not disappointed...
March 23, 2021
This is my favorite of the Alkarra books so far. Katie Cross has created a wonderful, magical world and this particular book dives back into the history of this world. I was rooting for Vittoria and Mateo throughout and stayed up way too late to see what would happen. Highly recommend!
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April 2, 2021This was a good read. I have come to love Katie Cross' many novels and characters, this doesn't disappoint. Irony, plot twists, and what I love most truths and story's of sacrifice, loyalty, and love.
I hope, to read more about Mateo and Vittoria. Should Katie continue their stories.
I hope, to read more about Mateo and Vittoria. Should Katie continue their stories.
May 2, 2024
Another great novel by Katie, but not my favorite. I mostly enjoyed the story and the characters, however the experience was not my favorite. I listened to the audiobook, which I probably won’t do again. I look forward to reading the next installment of the series.
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March 15, 2021Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
October 19, 2021
Not just for teens! Such a wonderfully told story. This author has a firm grasp on the English language and the (almost lost) art of storytelling.
November 11, 2023
Was a bit leary going back in time in Alkarra but wow what an amazing stand alone story. Absolutely loved it.
September 7, 2025
A lovely story of courage, determination, trust, and growing love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews