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Heirs to Byzantium #2
The Woman of Flowers
Alexa, princess of Byzantium, was destined to rule with her devoted brother Marric until the evil forces cast dark magic upon her and made her betray him. Thus, Marric fell under assault, the usurper seized the throne and, by means both magical and moral, defeated Alexa.
Saved by warrior allies, Alexa has been taken to an unfamiliar northern land. Convinced of Marric's death, she is consumed by guilt-and fear. Even from afar, the usurper's power reaches out to trap her. Savage dreams agonize her nights, prophecies of doom upset her days, and the fiery magic runs wild within her soul. Alexa's only hope lies amidst the Druids of the distant Misty Isles. They alone can cleanse her of the darkness that infects her and teach her to use her powers well.
But Alexa must learn more than just the secrets of the Druids, for within her hands and heart lie the very survival of Penilyn itself...and the fate of Byzantium.
Saved by warrior allies, Alexa has been taken to an unfamiliar northern land. Convinced of Marric's death, she is consumed by guilt-and fear. Even from afar, the usurper's power reaches out to trap her. Savage dreams agonize her nights, prophecies of doom upset her days, and the fiery magic runs wild within her soul. Alexa's only hope lies amidst the Druids of the distant Misty Isles. They alone can cleanse her of the darkness that infects her and teach her to use her powers well.
But Alexa must learn more than just the secrets of the Druids, for within her hands and heart lie the very survival of Penilyn itself...and the fate of Byzantium.
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
29 people want to read
About the author
Susan Shwartz
94 books19 followersWrites with Shariann Lewitt as Gordon Kendall.
She received her B.A. in English from Mount Holyoke College in 1972 and a PhD in English from Harvard University.
She received her B.A. in English from Mount Holyoke College in 1972 and a PhD in English from Harvard University.
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October 25, 2021
This continues the story of Alexa almost directly where the first book left off. As alternate history, I like this better than the first, in that here we get to travel to the North (to the domains of the "Vikings") and West to the land of the Britons - here depicted as the mystical and druid-ridden lands of mists. The second half of the book sees the return of Marric.
Like the first book, the character development (except on the main character) is paper-thin; and the resolution to the plot - while predictable - still felt rather too convenient. In general, I would say that I liked the journey of this book more than the first book in the series, but found the ending to be slightly less satisfying.
Like the first book, the character development (except on the main character) is paper-thin; and the resolution to the plot - while predictable - still felt rather too convenient. In general, I would say that I liked the journey of this book more than the first book in the series, but found the ending to be slightly less satisfying.
Displaying 1 of 1 review