Written in the Ashes

Jun 20, 2012 Chrissie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: egypt, hf, kindle, greece

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. BEFORE READING:

This book is currently available for $2.29 in Kindle format at Amazon. At this price and having checked the sample, I figured why not try it. Hypatia and the Alexandria library - the subject matter is interesting.

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ON COMPLETION:

I have the hardest time writing reviews for those books that neither anger me because they are so terrible nor excite me because they are so wonderful. This is such a book.

I wanted to learn more about the life of Hypatia, the famed w...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ancient-worlds, arc, e-book

While this book initially started out a little bit slow for me, it quickly picked up and I became instantly attached to the characters and the events that transpired. The characters were wonderfully written and I LOVED Hypatia. I had a vision of her in my head from the film Agora staring Rachel Weisz and I think my biggest issue was that I couldn’t match the Hypatia in the book with the one in the movie. But as far as looks go, that is my least concern. For someone who we don’t really know all t...more While this book initially started out a little bit slow for me, it quickly picked up and I became instantly attached to the characters and the events that transpired. The characters were wonderfully written and I LOVED Hypatia. I had a vision of her in my head from the film Agora staring Rachel Weisz and I think my biggest issue was that I couldn’t match the Hypatia in the book with the one in the movie. But as far as looks go, that is my least concern. For someone who we don’t really know all that much about I loved getting to know her. She was a very learned woman and it was entirely unfair that people didn’t understand the difference between science and witch craft and the world lost her much too soon. In terms of the leading men, I found myself intermittently in love with Gideon and Julian – both very good and brave men.

I enjoyed all of the drama brought about by the quest given to Hannah to find the Emerald Tablet. The exchanges between the characters in these scenes were some of my favorites. The scenes at the height of the novel were so action packed that I couldn’t put it down; I felt like somehow I would miss things unfolding while the cover was closed.

I have to give high praise to the author for the atmospheric world of Alexandria and beyond that she brought to the page. For a lighthouse and library that no longer stand – and which I have never seen any images of – I could certainly picture them in my mind. We also travel to two oracles – one at Delphi and one in Egypt, whose name escapes me right now. I had not ever read about oracles before and really didn’t know what to expect, however I enjoyed how van Zandt presented them. When they left Delphi I felt sad. After the fall of the Great Library I felt like I too was standing on the shore watching as the ash fell everywhere and again I felt the sadness that I am sure engulfed many at the time.

There were two small complaints that I have about this novel. The first I am not sure was an e-book issue or actually part of the novel – this is my first e-book on my Kindle. Sections were periodically divided with “So”. Sometimes it felt like this was appropriate as in, “and then this happened” while at other times is felt like some sort of glitch in the e-book process. If anyone has read the paper copy please let me know! The other issue I had was where periodically referenced was an angel. I’m not really sure of the angel’s purpose but it was distracting to me and I didn’t feel like it was a necessary addition.

Overall I thought that this was a wonderful read that I would highly recommend. Not only do we get treated to a beautiful view of Alexandria but the story is one that deserves to be told. I can’t wait for this to be brought to the screen!

This book was received for review from the author - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.(less)

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Oct 02, 2012 Lelia Taylor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: full-reviews

Way back in the Dark Ages when I was a teenager, I fell in love with history and, in particular, with the ancient lands of Egypt, Greece, Italy, Britain, etc. I seriously considered going into archaeology as a career but, fortunately, I figured out early on that I’m a couch potato at heart and really not cut out for all that sweat and hard work. Despite that setback, I’ve never lost my love for those places and their stories.

Then, in 1989, I had the great good fortune to go with my younger daugh...more Way back in the Dark Ages when I was a teenager, I fell in love with history and, in particular, with the ancient lands of Egypt, Greece, Italy, Britain, etc. I seriously considered going into archaeology as a career but, fortunately, I figured out early on that I’m a couch potato at heart and really not cut out for all that sweat and hard work. Despite that setback, I’ve never lost my love for those places and their stories.

Then, in 1989, I had the great good fortune to go with my younger daughter to visit my older daughter who was studying in Greece. We did the tourist thing in Greece and then went on to Egypt. I don’t expect to ever again experience anything like it and that wonderful trip confirmed my belief that those two countries, in particular, have history that’s magical.

That magic is what the reader finds in Written in the Ashes. From my first introduction to Hannah, I was captivated by her and by what happens to her, and she became a very real person in my imagination. I could feel her emotions, her fear, her strength. I could once again experience the heat, the red dust, the intense sun, the incredibly blue sky, the sense of being in a place that would have an immense effect on the rest of humanity for eons to come. And Hypatia—what an incredible woman she is in the author’s hands and must have been in real life. To think that she played such an integral role at a time when religions and the empire were in great turmoil, a time when an intelligent woman was looked upon with suspicion and distrust, is mesmerizing.

These two very different women and the secondary characters that touch their lives for good or bad, bring to life the story of what happened in Alexandria and the massive changes that occurred in the religious world of the 5th century. Whether the reader is Christian or Jewish or pagan or of any other belief—or even atheistic—really doesn’t matter because we all live today with the ramifications of those events. Ms. Van Zandt has done a masterful job of creating a compelling and absorbing story around a fascinating piece of history.

Ms. Van Zandt is also to be commended for her meticulous research but, most of all, for her flowing, striking prose that frequently caught my breath; I’d find myself re-reading passages just to see if they sounded the same a second time. (Hint: they did and, sometimes, were even better.) I really do hope this author will offer us either a sequel or another novel entirely without making us wait too long.

One note of caution for those readers who are easily offended—while you’ll find love and excitement and danger and even a little humor, the author does not hold back when it comes to scenes of violence and abuse and I applaud her for that. After all, slavery, rape, murder, arson and mob behavior are all about brutality and should be portrayed accordingly, but I highly recommend Written in the Ashes for any reader who enjoys tales from our past that are grounded in truth and written in beauty.(less)

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Sep 30, 2012 Cam rated it 4 of 5 stars

A compelling, ambitious work of historical fiction set around the time of the burning of Alexandria’s magnificent library. I like big books and I cannot lie.

Let me begin by saying how daunting it is to review a work of quite epic proportions (and this is only book 1!). Once upon a time, I did entertain dreams of being an Egyptologist, thanks to Henry Jones Jr., but I claim no formal qualifications—just a fascination with history in general because it has been said that ‘the past is never dead. I...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Joy Weese Moll rated it 4 of 5 stars

Summary: Hannah, a Jewish slave with a beautiful voice, finds herself in Alexandria at a tumultuous time. As Rome falls, religious and political turmoil threaten Egypt and the supporters of the Great Library, including Hypatia, the great female philosopher and mathematician.

Thoughts: To a librarian, the Great Library of Alexandria is what Verrocchio’s Florence workshop is to a painter or Shakespeare’s Globe Theater is to an actor — a time and place when the profession reached a height that, as a...more

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Sep 18, 2012 Anagha rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Historical fans and even contemporary readers!

Recommended to Anagha by: Teddy

"Save your hate for someone who deserves it."
This and other beautiful quotes fill the pages of Written in the Ashes :)

Written is the Ashes was at first refreshing because this is the first non-YA book I've read in weeks, which is highly unusual. It's also a historical novel, which I don't read very often.

Every once in a while, a book comes along that restores my faith in indie/small pub books. I read indies to discover books like this - brilliant, unique, original and well-written reads - gems t...more

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May 26, 2012 Teddy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Historical Fiction Lovers

Shelves: ancient-times, egyptian, historical-fiction, read-in-2012

Written In the Ashes takes place in the 5th century after the Roman Empire collapses, in Alexandria Egypt. It opens with teenager, Hannah, a shepherd girl roaming the desert with her father in search of a new place to live that has water for their sheep and themselves to live. One night Hannah sleeps close to the sheep to keep an eye on them but she is awakened by men who kidnap her and rape her. They bring her to Alexandria and auction her off as a slave to the highest bidder, Alizar.

Alizar rec...more Written In the Ashes takes place in the 5th century after the Roman Empire collapses, in Alexandria Egypt. It opens with teenager, Hannah, a shepherd girl roaming the desert with her father in search of a new place to live that has water for their sheep and themselves to live. One night Hannah sleeps close to the sheep to keep an eye on them but she is awakened by men who kidnap her and rape her. They bring her to Alexandria and auction her off as a slave to the highest bidder, Alizar.

Alizar recognizes the beauty and talent in Hannah for her intelligence and singing voice. He decides to give her the opportunity to buy back her freedom and sends her to the Library of Alexandria to get educated and is taken under the wings of Hypatia, the library's headmistress and other's. When Hypatia gives lectures, she invites Hannah to sing and the audience is mesmerized.

Meanwhile, the Bishop, Cyril vows to rid Alexandria of all he views as pagan, including Jews and Hypatia. Cyril does find a way to chase the Jews out and a great many are killed. How far will he go? Does he and his disciples have anything to do with the burning of the Great Library? How will Hannah fair in all of this?

You must read Written In the Ashes to find out! Yes, this is a must read for all historical fiction lovers. This is K. Hollan Van Zandt's first book but you would never guess it. It sung to me like the main character, Hannah with beautiful prose, gleaming characters and 5th century Alexandria, Egypt being brought to life. The words poured off the pages and as hard as I tried to savour each word, I could not put Written In the Ashes down. I cried at the end because I was so upset that the book ended!

Written In the Ashes is book one in what Van Zandt hopes to be a trilogy. It has been optioned by Mark R. Harris, Academy Award-Winning Producer (Crash, Gods & Monsters) for a TV mini-series! Van Zandt told me that one of the big publishers really loved the book but doesn't think that readers are interested in 5th century Alexandria, Egypt and the burning of the Great Library. I find that hard to believe and I hope you will help K. Hollan Van Zandt, I, and others prove them wrong. Written In the Ashes is in my top 5 books of all time, I hope it will be yours as well!(less)

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May 10, 2012 Sofia Greenberg rated it 5 of 5 stars

In K. Van Zandt’s Written in the Ashes, we follow young shepherd girl Hannah across the desert of Sinai, to the great city of Alexandria, through Egypt and to Greece in her initiation into womanhood and quest for the preservation of the works at the Great Library of Alexandria. An advocate for ancient cultures and a brilliant storyteller, Van Zandt passionately executes this heroine’s journey with rich humor, deep compassion, sexual vibrancy, and an acute respect for knowledge.
In this time of...more

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Feb 24, 2012 Stuart Volkow rated it 5 of 5 stars

K. Hollan Van Zandt’s debut novel about the burning of the Great Library of Alexandria is a fantastic page-turner. Anyone who starts this will be riveted from page one to the end.

I am a lover of epics, and this filled me with its wonderful, grand sweep of history, tantalizing detail and compelling characters making me feel like I was there. This is also an action-adventure with an epic scale complete with terrifying, high-stakes battles between nation states, rulers, and those devoted to a belo...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

I finished this book a few days ago and I wanted it to settle before I wrote my review. The novel, by the author's admission is part history, part imagination and part magic. Going back so far in time leaves an author with little written record to rely on for fact. The burning of the Great Library at Alexandria was a monumental loss to humanity. The facts of the matter aside, this novel was truly arresting and I had a hard time putting it down to get anything done.

Ancient history fascinates me....more

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May 20, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have ever read a book that takes place during the 400's, and it was definitely a well-written, well-researched book. I was impressed with the scholarship and research that was displayed in the book, and I came to love a good share of the characters. The story had a plethora of dramatic components, and very often I found myself either drawn in or repulsed. And I loved the strength of the women in these books--unusual for this time period, or so I thought!

I was quite impre...more This is the first time I have ever read a book that takes place during the 400's, and it was definitely a well-written, well-researched book. I was impressed with the scholarship and research that was displayed in the book, and I came to love a good share of the characters. The story had a plethora of dramatic components, and very often I found myself either drawn in or repulsed. And I loved the strength of the women in these books--unusual for this time period, or so I thought!

I was quite impressed with the realistic elements and description the author included in the book. I never felt that the book was too violent or gory, but there were moments that I was glad I was not watching a video. I found myself talking with others about the horrible punishments and deaths recorded in the book, and I marveled at the fact that much of the historical information was unfamiliar to me. Why had I never heard of the Jews being slaughtered during the 400's in Alexandria? That is the key right there--I know very little (if anything) of Eastern history. I only know marginally more when it comes to Western history. It amazes me how many things we do not teach students!

I found the author's description of the Christian religion quite intriguing and entirely accurate--unfortunately. And we wonder why the world hates and distrusts Christians! I always hate to see what people who have claimed my faith have done in the name of Christ! And the author's story of how the worship of Mary came about was fascinating--trust or not, it was plausible.

As much as I liked a lot of this book, I am afraid I do have a few criticisms. I will not be criticizing bedroom scenes--they were not detailed nor offensive. The language in the book was acceptable, but I would have preferred not reading slang terms for bodily functions--I did not feel that was appropriate for a book of this calibre, but that is just my opinion. I also did not like the parts that seemed to imply that the gods and goddesses were real. I don't want to give anything away, but at times I struggled to tell the difference between reality and fable. I am not well-versed in the portion of history, but I sometimes felt this story revered the pagan beliefs over anything else. I also had another pet peeve. Whenever the author got to a transition, the word "so" appeared. I found this annoying after a while. Sometimes I felt there was too much description. But all that is just my opinion. In fact, all of my criticisms are just that--my opinion.

I have given this book a 4-star rating. I loved the first section, did not care for the second section, but basically enjoyed the final section. I am not saying I definitely would not read a sequel--second books are often better than firsts--but it would not be on top of my "to do" list.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.(less)

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Mar 31, 2012 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-purchase, historical-fiction

The Library at Alexandria has always facinated me. What if it had not disappeared? What history of the ancient world might we know?

This book is a very interesting novel which looks at one scenario for the destruction of this famed library. As the author notes in the epilogue "It is most important to recognize that this novel in your hands is a synthesis of legend, history and imagination." Since so much of the actual history of this time was lost by the destruction of this famed library, I think...more

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May 17, 2012 Naomi rated it 5 of 5 stars

I finished the book, really, in no time...could not put it down. It was beautifully written and the detail was wonderful. I didn't know much about ancient Alexandria, and became so interested that I searched the internet for more details. The book is definitely worth reading, and I can't wait for number 2.

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May 21, 2012 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, for-review

I love ancient Egypt. I’m sorry, that sentence doesn’t accurately describe my feelings towards the subject. If I were standing in the same room with you, I would yell “I LOVE ANCIENT EGYPT THIS MUCH!” and spread my arms as wide as they could possibly stretch, just to give you a tiny taste of my enduring love. So I was really excited when I first read the premise of Written in the Ashes, as it is set in Alexandria after the fall of the Roman Empire.

The book revolves around Hannah, a young Jewish...more I love ancient Egypt. I’m sorry, that sentence doesn’t accurately describe my feelings towards the subject. If I were standing in the same room with you, I would yell “I LOVE ANCIENT EGYPT THIS MUCH!” and spread my arms as wide as they could possibly stretch, just to give you a tiny taste of my enduring love. So I was really excited when I first read the premise of Written in the Ashes, as it is set in Alexandria after the fall of the Roman Empire.

The book revolves around Hannah, a young Jewish shepherdess, who is kidnapped, sold into slavery and finds herself working in the house of a renowned wine maker and secret alchemist. When Hannah’s talent as a singer is discovered, she quickly lands in the Great Library, learning the ways of the bard. Hannah interacts with a few historic figures and groups of the era throughout the story, and finds herself on a quest to find an ancient tablet that could protect the Pagan and Jewish communities against the radical Christians who have taken over the city.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction that tries to fill in missing pieces of history, which is what K. Hollan Van Zandt does in Written in the Ashes. I also really love when a bit of fantasy or supernatural elements are part of the plot. Part of what intrigues me about ancient Egyptians is their spirituality and belief in an afterlife. I don’t want to give anything away, but I really enjoyed the storyline of Julian the monk and the twists Hannah’s quest took. I honestly didn’t think the author would go down that road, so-to-speak.

While I think the book contained all the fundamentals of a great and engaging story, as a reader I felt like I was held an arm’s length away from the characters and heart of the story. I couldn’t connect to Hannah or any of the other characters in the novel. There was also a point in the book where the story jumped ahead three years after a crucial plot point, which is fine, except the characters seemed to pick up everything right back up where they were a few pages ago. “Oh hey, that really important thing that happened three years ago? I just NOW thought of something relevant to that moment that will probably change everything. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before now!” Perhaps it was just me, but it felt a bit jarring.

Aside from those small quibbles, I thought the story was interesting and I really enjoyed the small supernatural elements woven into the novel. The writing and the descriptions are lovely; I just found it a bit cold. I never warmed up and fell in love with the book like I wanted and thought I would. It could be I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind to read this book when I did, which is perhaps why I didn’t connect with it as much as other readers. If you like historical fiction (and Egypt!), I would give it a read and see what you think.

Reviewed for Reflections of a Book Addict: http://wp.me/p18lIL-11g (less)

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Jul 27, 2012 Farrah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-reviews, e-books

Wonderful descriptions that made me feel like I was there in Egypt seeing and experiencing the life back then. For a first novel, it read beautifully and flowed well. I enjoyed the main heroine who despite becoming a slave after being captured and raped by men while she was watching her goats still remained beautiful, was intelligent, gifted with a voice, and of course noticed by others. She’s inspiring with her victory over her struggles. This is a novel packed with ancient history, religious h...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Marcie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Written in the Ashes by K. Hollan VanZandt is a historical fiction account inspired by true events. The story follows Hannah, a girl kidnapped and sold into slavery. Her journey takes her into the city of Alexandria where she meets some extraordinary people. Hannah has a beautiful voice and a thirst for knowledge. She meets Hypatia who is the keeper of the great library in Alexandria. Hypatia offers her a place at the library, but Hannah's life leads her into another direction first. This book h...more

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May 22, 2012 Dana Burgess rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Fans of historical fiction take note: you are going to want to head to your closest book store, amazon or wherever you get your books and pick this one up! Why, you ask? Here's why:

Set in Alexandria and the story is intricately woven together with the workings of the Great Library of Alexandria.
Strong, beautiful female protagonist.
Quests
Action
Nasty bad guys
Hot male protagonists.
Romance, Love and Passion
The little angel - who was in my heart from the very beginning.

I have only one bad thi...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Suzanne Lilly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Let me first make a confession. I joined this book review tour because the description for Written in the Ashes sounded intriguing. What might our world be like today if the Great Library of Alexandria hadn’t burned?

Once I received my copy, I put it on my Kindle, but didn’t start reading it until about two weeks ago. Now I regret waiting so long to begin this book. From the very first paragraph, no, the first sentence, I was in love with Van Zandt’s prose and her mastery of historical fiction. T...more
Let me first make a confession. I joined this book review tour because the description for Written in the Ashes sounded intriguing. What might our world be like today if the Great Library of Alexandria hadn’t burned?

Once I received my copy, I put it on my Kindle, but didn’t start reading it until about two weeks ago. Now I regret waiting so long to begin this book. From the very first paragraph, no, the first sentence, I was in love with Van Zandt’s prose and her mastery of historical fiction. The story begins:

All trees hold secrets.

How could I put it down after that opening sentence? If only I had started the book sooner, I could have read it once and read it again by now. Yes, this is one of those books to keep on your shelf or ereader to be enjoyed many times over.

Let me make another confession. I haven’t finished this book yet. However, it’s because I take my time with the best historical books, savoring the sensations and descriptions as I read. I found myself stopping to reread passages and leaning back in my chair, taking a moment to picture things the author had created on the page.

K. Hollan Van Zandt has a magical way with words that sweeps you into ancient Egypt so readily, and with such finesse, that not only can you picture the setting, you can smell the dusty clay earth floating into your nostrils as you walk the trails. Her writing evokes the taste of desert honey melting in the sun and dripping off your fingers as you lift them to your lips. For example, in this very short excerpt, I can feel the breeze and taste the salt in the air as I watch the wind lift the bed curtains.

A slight ocean breeze from a north-facing balcony nudged two sheer luminous veils draped around the bed, lifting them like the hands of a dancing phantom. The scent of the sea was stronger in that room than in any other Hannah had been in, sweet and salt-laden. She relished it, breathing in and licking her lips. She did not want to leave the woman’s bedside the way she would not want to draw her cold hands away from a fire.

Not only are the descriptions wonderful, the author makes the characters so lifelike, it’s hard to believe they’re not sitting nearby, waiting to share a meal with you. I instantly felt a connection with Hannah, a young girl sold into slavery in the opening chapters.
Written in the Ashes took Van Zandt a decade to write. My only hope is that it won’t take her another decade to write the sequel.
Here is what some people are saying about Written in the Ashes.

Disclosure: I received my review copy from Virtual Author Book Tours.
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May 27, 2012 Valentina rated it 4 of 5 stars

A beautiful historical fiction, this book will stay with you long after it’s over.
This is really historical fiction at its best. The writing is lush with details, leading the reader into a time that is not as well known, perhaps, as the usual Victorian or even Renaissance periods. There is an epic feel to the story which bodes well for having a sequel, or even a few books to follow it. There is enough action to keep most readers interested, even amidst the beautiful and rich descriptions, so don...more

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May 07, 2012 Siobian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, kindle, read-in-2012, review-copy

Alexandria, Egypt is a city of unrest and divided loyalties after the fall of the Roman empire. The rise of Christianity has made pagan rituals punishable by death and many Alexandrian citizens are caught between the rising tide of violence. Hannah is a Jewish shepherd girl when she is abducted and sold as a slave in this city filled with tension. She is bought by Alizar, a chemist and vintner, and she quickly rises to fame as her beautiful singing voice becomes very sought after and she becomes...more Alexandria, Egypt is a city of unrest and divided loyalties after the fall of the Roman empire. The rise of Christianity has made pagan rituals punishable by death and many Alexandrian citizens are caught between the rising tide of violence. Hannah is a Jewish shepherd girl when she is abducted and sold as a slave in this city filled with tension. She is bought by Alizar, a chemist and vintner, and she quickly rises to fame as her beautiful singing voice becomes very sought after and she becomes a bard in Alexandria's Great Library. While this sounds like a blessing, Hannah becomes the target of the city's bishop, Cyril, who is set on bringing down anything and everything that even breathes of what he believes to be paganism or heresy. Meanwhile, Alizar is working with the the headmistress of the Great Library, Hypatia, to safeguard the information stored in the library by copying the rare manuscripts and hiding them from the reach of Cyril and his followers. The religious tension of the city rises and Hannah leads the charge to save the pagan artifacts, rituals, and followers that are quickly being wiped out.

The first thing I noticed about this novel was how beautiful the writing is. Van Zandt is extremely talented at making what could be an ordinary description of a day turn into poetry. I was immediately drawn into the book and could not put it down because of how well written it was. After I fell in love with the writing, I fell in love with the characters. After being introduced to Hypatia in Selene of Alexandria, I was excited to see her in Written in the Ashes. She is a fascinating character who steals any scene she is in and, as with all of the characters in Van Zandt's novel, she was incredibly intriguing and realistic. Hannah and Alizar are equally wonderful while Cyril is the character you love to hate and who serves as the prime example of what happens when the love and want of power overrule reason and sense of humanity. The scene is set beautifully and I couldn't help but feel as though I were taken back in time and walking the streets of Alexandria and looking on the wonders held in the Great Library. Overall, this was a fascinating novel and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

*Please note, I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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Sep 22, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

To all the pagans out there, here is a book for you! Written in the Ashes does not over play the pagan side of the story or down play it.

To the history buffs, this is a book for you! The author spent ten years or more digging around doing the research for this book and it shows!

To all of the Rome fans out there, this is a book for you! Only better, in my humble opinion, for the shear fact that nothing was over the top drama but rather just right. Things unfold in the story line much the way li...more

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Jun 11, 2012 RivkaBelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, for-review, historical-fiction, ebooks

Review originally published at my blog: AWordsWorth.blogspot.com
eBook provided by author for review.

Hannah is a Jewish shepherdess, roaming the wilds of Sinai with her father, until her world is shattered by slave traders one night. Sold to a prestigious - and merciful - family in Alexandria, Hannah struggles to regain interest and enthusiasm for life, bearing scars on her body and her heart. As time begins to heal her wounds, Hannah finds her new life to be one of surprises. From private tutori...more Review originally published at my blog: AWordsWorth.blogspot.com
eBook provided by author for review.

Hannah is a Jewish shepherdess, roaming the wilds of Sinai with her father, until her world is shattered by slave traders one night. Sold to a prestigious - and merciful - family in Alexandria, Hannah struggles to regain interest and enthusiasm for life, bearing scars on her body and her heart. As time begins to heal her wounds, Hannah finds her new life to be one of surprises. From private tutoring in the Library of Alexandria, to finding a strangely patched-together new 'family' in her master's house, Hannah slowly settles into her life. But these are uneasy times, and nothing is permanent. Nothing is safe - not even life. Relations between the Bishop in Alexandria, Cyril, and the "traditional" population are tense and volatile. The Library itself is threatened, and anyone deemed in cahoots with "the pagan enemy" is placed on a watch list, or "questioned" as a preemptive measure. This is Hannah's new reality, and she finds herself playing a surprising role in the bloody 'negotiations.'

The story is engrossing. It's rough and brutal - very blunt, a little gory. It's not a light read, and if you're particularly sensitive some scenes could be disturbingly harsh. I loved the characters - Hannah stole my heart from the very beginning, still out on the plains of Sinai, and as I met new characters, I forged new alliances, even as she did. It's a detailed story, rich in ideas and images. The Library at Alexandria has long captured my imagination, as a librarian and as a story-loving history geek, and to read about its struggle for survival, to get a glimpse into how things could have been - it's beautiful, even as it's heart-wrenching. I feel as though I've learned much about Alexandria, the crossroads of culture and religion, the struggle to orient in a changing world. Written in the Ashes is a sweeping story to enjoy, but also one to think about. To pause and consider, to look at this particular presentation of the "ancient world" - and see how it reflects humanity. (less)

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May 18, 2012 Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: heroine-unusually-attractive, historical-figure-fictionalized, historicals, mood-too-inspirational, place-ancient-places, place-egypt, place-as-character, sense-of-place

A dramatic, plot-filled historical set in Alexandria Egypt in the 4th century, this novel follows Hannah, a Jewish goat herder who is kidnapped and sold as a slave in Alexandria. She's purchased on a whim but finds herself in the home of a vintner and alchemist who is friends with the infamous Hypatia, celebrated thinker and scholar. In this household, she's educated and encouraged to use her magnificent singing voice to become a bard of sorts, and it is her connection with Hypatia and the Libra...more A dramatic, plot-filled historical set in Alexandria Egypt in the 4th century, this novel follows Hannah, a Jewish goat herder who is kidnapped and sold as a slave in Alexandria. She's purchased on a whim but finds herself in the home of a vintner and alchemist who is friends with the infamous Hypatia, celebrated thinker and scholar. In this household, she's educated and encouraged to use her magnificent singing voice to become a bard of sorts, and it is her connection with Hypatia and the Library of Alexandria that leads her into further drama, adventure, and torment.

I'm not sure that summary even does this book justice, but I tried! At times, there might have been just a little too much plot for my tastes -- this had the feel of a Victorian potboiler in some ways, with one over-the-top turn after another -- and yet, the story didn't strain credulity. This is the tale of a woman growing up; the story of a slave who becomes greater than her bond; a woman at the crossroads of history, in a place where religion and science, history and politics all collided.

The cast is rather big for my tastes, but I found everyone pretty easy to know -- again, Van Zandt doesn't stint on details and everyone felt bigger than life. While I found our heroine Hannah a bit too perfect at the start of the novel -- she's exceptionally beautiful, regal in stature despite being a slave, gifted with a gorgeous voice, blue-eyed and fair skinned -- she grew on me as a character, and I found her reputation was warranted. She was smart, clever, a bit impetuous, and talented, and she behaved with courage and wisdom as the novel progressed. In the end, I wanted her as my friend.

Van Zandt's writing style reads easily; she describes everything, from food to clothes to scenery, and it's impossible not to feel immersed in ancient Alexandria. She doesn't shy away, either, from the grim reality of being a female slave, so FYI for those of you who don't like sexual violence. I was uncomfortable, but unsurprised. In the Epilogue, Van Zandt explains her rationale for the anachronistic decisions she made with the story and I appreciated that -- she aged Hannah to twenty rather than the more likely thirteen at the start of the novel -- and she played fast and loose a bit with history and myth. Since I'm not a well-versed in Egyptian history, this didn't bother me, but I don't know how someone who is wedded to the era will feel. For me, Van Zandt's choices worked with the story as she told it.

At 400+ pages this is an epic adventure, and Van Zandt has said she's planning two more books. However, this book ends very neatly, no cliff hanger to make you gnash your teeth, and I think it stands alone marvelously. Still, I'm looking forward to Van Zandt's next venture.(less)

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May 01, 2012 Meg - A Bookish Affair rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, fiction, historical-fiction, middle-east

Oh where to begin with this book? Where to begin? There were so many things that I loved in this book. First, one of the main stars of the show is the Great Library of Alexandria. As a voracious reader with a love for history, I've always felt a little sad when I think about the Great Library burning. While it may seem silly to still be upset about things that happened hundreds and hundreds of years ago, just think of all that information that was lost when that library burned. Think of everythi...more Oh where to begin with this book? Where to begin? There were so many things that I loved in this book. First, one of the main stars of the show is the Great Library of Alexandria. As a voracious reader with a love for history, I've always felt a little sad when I think about the Great Library burning. While it may seem silly to still be upset about things that happened hundreds and hundreds of years ago, just think of all that information that was lost when that library burned. Think of everything that was lost!!! Think of what we could have learned! Okay, now that I've made you a little bit sad about a building burning down many, many years ago, let's continue ;)

VanZandt does a fantastic job with recreating what it must have been like to live back in Alexandria during the 400s. You can see the sites of the port in your mind's eye. You can imagine the clothing of all of the different kinds of people that made their way to Alexandria. I love great settings and I love great characters but I love most of all when an author can give you a full bodied experience. And what I mean by that is when an author gives you everything you could want in a book. You feel like you could be in the setting. You know exactly what the characters look like. You can see yourself hanging out with them (oh, Hannah, you are so awesome) or punching them in the face (oh, Tareq, you're pretty terrible and have way too much for your own good). To say I got sucked into the book would be an understatement. In the interest of full disclosure, I found myself sneaking looks at my Kindle just to read another page or two whenever I could. And yes, this book almost made me miss my Metro stop (I didn't miss it but came very close to doing so; a mark of a great book).

Let me tell you about the characters too. Hannah, the main character, was a stand out for me. She's the type of person that I'd love to have a glass of wine with and just chat. She was from Sinai and was brought to Alexandria where she was sold as a slave. She's bright and is so nice to everyone who is nice to her. She also knows how to kick you-know-what and take names when she needs to. I love that she can do both. It's such a good balance.

Not only did this book take me to a place that I had never really been before (I've read historical fiction about Egypt but most of it seemed to take place elsewhere and not in Alexandria). I think I would have gotten on well in Alexandria. It seems like my kind of place with all of the education and philophizing going on. This was sooooo good!

Bottom line: Historical fiction lovers who want a full bodied experience must read this book (emphasis on the must; this is not optional)!
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Sep 30, 2012 Kat rated it 5 of 5 stars

Coming from a gal who first learned about the Great Library of Alexandria and mourned the loss of that special library as a girl was delighted to read this historical novel based on this library and 5th century. Growing up and even as an adult, I have always wondered what really happened since there is no historical fact to support any theory as to what may started the fire to this day. I had often fantasized of any what ifs stories. This book was wonderfully written, especially with the famous...more

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Dec 30, 2012 Carol Crigger rated it 3 of 5 stars

Set in Alexandria during the early days of Christianity, a young slave woman of uncertain origin makes her way in society. Lots of stuff about various gods and goddesses and pagan ceremonies, along with the great library. It's a bit repetitious and long, but very well-written.

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Mar 22, 2013 Mitch Pitt rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of The Best Historical Novel ever Written, In my oppinion! Just awaiting, Kaia Hollan Van Zandt's, Sequels, and a lot of her other works still in process....Hopefully, "written in The Ashes" will make it's screen debut, or a mini series! And It's About time!!! ('<>')

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Sep 29, 2012 Moira added it

Shelves: dnf, too-flowery, promising, history

I really wish I didn't have to say bad things about this story. I can see the writer has labored long and hard to say it all just so. And there are crisp metaphors (silver leaves like minnows, the shifting city life like a pendulum swing) and dramatic scenes but GAH, the info-dump. Pages and pages of the Alexandrine Library, of the Christian conflict, of scientific discoveries. You remember when you had to read something at school and you'd ask, "Why do I need to know this? How will this ever he...more

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Mar 14, 2012 Carol Harlow rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great book, it's one of those that you just don't want to put down. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the ancient world of Alexandra. I found this book to be quiet believable.

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Aug 25, 2012 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is so beautifully written and powerful that I hated to get to the end of it. If you love stories of powerful women, this is a must.

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Q&A with K. H...: My Bible Study Tie-In	2	5	Sep 17, 2012 11:41am
Q&A with K. H...: The Great Library of Alexandria	2	8	May 01, 2012 11:05am

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12248550-written-in-the-ashes?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340823847l/12248550.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12248550-written-in-the-ashes?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Written in the Ashes by K. Hollan VanZandt[/url]

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