ABOUT THIS BOOK

Anna Comnena has every reason to feel entitled. She's a princess, her father's firstborn and his chosen successor. Someday she expects to sit on the throne and rule the vast Byzantine Empire. So the birth of a baby brother doesn't perturb her. Nor do the "barbarians" from foreign lands, who think only a son should ascend to power. Anna is as dismissive of them as are her father and his most trusted adviser--his mother, a manipulative woman with whom Anna studies the art of diplomacy. Anna relishes her lessons, proving adept at checkmating opponents in swift moves of mental chess. But as she matures into a young woman, her arrogance and intelligence threaten her grandmother. Anna will be no one's puppet. Almost overnight, Anna sees her dreams of power wrenched from her and bestowed on her little brother. Bitter at the betrayal, Anna waits to avenge herself, and to seize what is rightfully hers.


From the Paperback edition.


REVIEWS

"Set in an exotic time and place, [this story] is a fascinating mix of history, mystery, and intrigue."--The Horn Book Magazine

"The Byzantine Empire is often neglected in studies of the Middle Ages. This exciting read will help change that oversight."-Booklist, Boxed Review

"Although separated from contemporary readers by foreign custom, social rank, and almost a millennium of Western history, Barrett's protagonist nonetheless commands YA empathy."--The Bulletin, Recommended


From the Paperback edition.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracy Barrett holds a Ph.D. in Italian from the University of California at Berkeley.


From the Paperback edition.


AWARDS

WINNER 2000 - ALA Best Books for Young Adults