From Publishers Weekly
Ancient history and violent religious myth collide in this romantic fantasy-tinged biography of Myrtale, the imposing, powerful mother of Alexander the Great. Tarr (
Queen of the Amazons) opens with a weak segment on the queen's early days as Polyxena, an impossibly beautiful and rather childish acolyte of the Mother goddess. Once she seduces Philip of Macedon, who calls her Myrtale (crowned one) and promises her a kingdom to go with her queenly new name, the story becomes far more compelling and suspenseful. As temples and kingdoms plot and quarrel, Myrtale mercilessly wields the authority of the retiring goddess and her own sexuality to further her ambitions for her husband and her son. (The book ends with Alexander's birth, leaving unmentioned the complex and bloody intrigues of Myrtale's later life as the dowager empress Olympias.) Occasionally confusing but often vibrant, this romantic story warms into a strong narrative about a fascinating woman.
(June) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Tarr excels at bringing historical events to life." --Publishers Weekly on Queen of Swords
“This well-written novel about loyalty, passion, and the search for understanding between different kinds of people showcases Tarr’s ability to create fascinating, passionate characters and to bring their unique cultures to life. Highly recommended.” --Library Journal on White Mare's Daughter
“Seduction, power and politics are the order of the day.” --Library Journal on Throne of Isis
“Tarr spins an entertaining and often enlightening tale...In keeping with the distances she must travel, historical and otherwise, Tarr travels light. Her prose is lean and powerful, and she exerts admirable control over an impressive cast of characters.” --Washington Post Book World on Lord of Two Lands
