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The Theodora Duology #2
Too Soon the Night
Palace eunuch and secretary Stephen records Empress Theodora's life as she navigates wars, political and religious crises, a citywide rebellion, and the first world plague pandemic, all in a male-dominated world. As the most powerful woman of the Byzantine Empire, one-time prostitute Theodora installs her own candidate for pope, legislates women's rights, and shuts down a massive riot, saving the empire.
In sixth century Constantinople, Theodora has become Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. She has climbed from actress to prostitute to mistress to wife and equal partner of Emperor Justinian. As the most important woman in Byzantine history, she influences, religion, politics, and the laws that affect thousands. She is known for having installed her own papal candidate and for supporting policies and laws that favor women. In one decidedly brutal episode wherein the capital erupts in citywide rebellion, it is Theodora who saves the Theodora-Justinian regime. Theodora could have been the sixth century prototype for Eva Peron of Argentina.
In sixth century Constantinople, Theodora has become Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. She has climbed from actress to prostitute to mistress to wife and equal partner of Emperor Justinian. As the most important woman in Byzantine history, she influences, religion, politics, and the laws that affect thousands. She is known for having installed her own papal candidate and for supporting policies and laws that favor women. In one decidedly brutal episode wherein the capital erupts in citywide rebellion, it is Theodora who saves the Theodora-Justinian regime. Theodora could have been the sixth century prototype for Eva Peron of Argentina.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2021
109 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
James Conroyd Martin
11 books323 followersAh, Fate~
The seed for "Fortune's Child" started some years ago when I was taking an Art Appreciation course at a community college in Los Angeles. One day we were studying the exquisite mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora from the Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, and the professor pointed to Theodora and said, “I’m not a writer, but if I were, that is the woman I would write about.”
Little did he know what he had unloosed.
What a fascinating woman, frailties and all! She could have been the prototype for Eva Peron. I started the novel right then and there; however, life and other books got in the way.
But Fortune's Child has finally found her way.
Fate goes ever as it must.
I am also the author of THE POLAND TRILOGY, beginning with "Push Not the River," a novel based on the diary of Anna Berezowska, a Polish countess who lived through the rise and fall of the Third of May Constitution. After working on the project for some years without raising interest within the publishing community, I self-published in 2001. Just one year later, St. Martin’s Press purchased the book and released a hard cover edition in September 2003. Polish and German rights sold almost immediately.
The Polish edition, "Nie ponaglaj rzeki," was released in May of 2005, became a bestseller and sold out in a matter of months. Anna's story had come full circle: Polish to English to Polish! "Pod purpurowym niebem," the translation of "Against a Crimson Sky," also became a bestseller when published in December of 2007.
"The Warsaw Conspiracy" followed, as did "The Boy Who Wanted Wings."
Martin, who holds degrees from St. Ambrose and DePaul Universities, is a retired English and Creative Writing teacher now living and writing in Portland, Oregon.
The seed for "Fortune's Child" started some years ago when I was taking an Art Appreciation course at a community college in Los Angeles. One day we were studying the exquisite mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora from the Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, and the professor pointed to Theodora and said, “I’m not a writer, but if I were, that is the woman I would write about.”
Little did he know what he had unloosed.
What a fascinating woman, frailties and all! She could have been the prototype for Eva Peron. I started the novel right then and there; however, life and other books got in the way.
But Fortune's Child has finally found her way.
Fate goes ever as it must.
I am also the author of THE POLAND TRILOGY, beginning with "Push Not the River," a novel based on the diary of Anna Berezowska, a Polish countess who lived through the rise and fall of the Third of May Constitution. After working on the project for some years without raising interest within the publishing community, I self-published in 2001. Just one year later, St. Martin’s Press purchased the book and released a hard cover edition in September 2003. Polish and German rights sold almost immediately.
The Polish edition, "Nie ponaglaj rzeki," was released in May of 2005, became a bestseller and sold out in a matter of months. Anna's story had come full circle: Polish to English to Polish! "Pod purpurowym niebem," the translation of "Against a Crimson Sky," also became a bestseller when published in December of 2007.
"The Warsaw Conspiracy" followed, as did "The Boy Who Wanted Wings."
Martin, who holds degrees from St. Ambrose and DePaul Universities, is a retired English and Creative Writing teacher now living and writing in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 29, 2021
I liked it but didn't love it as much as I did the first book. I found myself skipping ahead as it was a bit boring. Theodora was still an amazing woman far ahead of her time.
January 4, 2022
As James Conroyd Martin stated in his afterword, he did not originally intend to write two books about Empress Theodora. Impossible! Her story was so complicated I’m almost surprised he didn’t require three volumes. As with book one, much of the story is told from the point of view of the eunuch Stephen, her friend/secretary/confidant (before she carelessly sent him to prison for five years…as we know from book one). His part, written in first person, is interspersed with her story told in third person. We get the background of the conflict between the empress and Procopius, who we know—also from book one—intends to write a scathing expose about her and Justinian. This unlikely rags-to-riches story about Theodora is one of history’s most amazing traditions, and her accomplishments stand as proof that anything is possible given the right circumstances. Theodora’s meeting with the future emperor Justinian might have been attributed to luck, but she deserves credit for her future successes. To rule side-by-side as an equal with an emperor in a world that negates women is a major statement of intelligence and audacity. And Theodora has both “in spades”:
Not one to suffer stage fright in her acting years, she had often bolstered the courage of fellow actors so that now she took her gaze from Justinian and peered into the faces of those around the table. Turning back to her husband, she smiled, drew herself up, as if she could attain the height she once longed for, and said, “For myself, I think the purple makes the best shroud.”
When she next looked down the table, she saw Belisarius leaning over toward Mundus in whispered conversation. After no more than two minutes, both generals stood.
“Master,” Belisarius said, “the words of the mistress ring in our ears like blasts from Joshua’s trumpet. If it is your will, our armies are prepared to stand and fight.” Mundus nodded in support.
Theodora brought her gaze back to Justinian. He was looking at her with the oddest hint of a smile, as if in wonderment.
The above excerpt came from the most frightening crisis in their reign, so alarming that they considered running for their lives. They are not the most popular of rulers, and it seems they hang onto their power mostly because of the loyalty of their generals. It’s an ongoing question whether those loyal generals might have an eye to the diadem itself, and Theodora is continually deep in covert plots to ensure their allegiance or uncover the lack of it. And, naturally, our Stephen is usually drafted to do her dirty work. Because of his devotion to her, he always agrees—even though we know his fidelity will eventually lead to his imprisonment. Without his selfless love for her, I think Theodora might not have come across in such a good light because she has many undesirable attributes—selfishness, insensitivity, disregard for anything that might reflect badly on her. But Stephen constantly reminds us of her admirable qualities as well—loyalty to her friends being at the top of the list. It’s an interesting character study of a very complicated historical person.
Not one to suffer stage fright in her acting years, she had often bolstered the courage of fellow actors so that now she took her gaze from Justinian and peered into the faces of those around the table. Turning back to her husband, she smiled, drew herself up, as if she could attain the height she once longed for, and said, “For myself, I think the purple makes the best shroud.”
When she next looked down the table, she saw Belisarius leaning over toward Mundus in whispered conversation. After no more than two minutes, both generals stood.
“Master,” Belisarius said, “the words of the mistress ring in our ears like blasts from Joshua’s trumpet. If it is your will, our armies are prepared to stand and fight.” Mundus nodded in support.
Theodora brought her gaze back to Justinian. He was looking at her with the oddest hint of a smile, as if in wonderment.
The above excerpt came from the most frightening crisis in their reign, so alarming that they considered running for their lives. They are not the most popular of rulers, and it seems they hang onto their power mostly because of the loyalty of their generals. It’s an ongoing question whether those loyal generals might have an eye to the diadem itself, and Theodora is continually deep in covert plots to ensure their allegiance or uncover the lack of it. And, naturally, our Stephen is usually drafted to do her dirty work. Because of his devotion to her, he always agrees—even though we know his fidelity will eventually lead to his imprisonment. Without his selfless love for her, I think Theodora might not have come across in such a good light because she has many undesirable attributes—selfishness, insensitivity, disregard for anything that might reflect badly on her. But Stephen constantly reminds us of her admirable qualities as well—loyalty to her friends being at the top of the list. It’s an interesting character study of a very complicated historical person.
January 21, 2024
This was a slow read for me. I enjoyed learning about the time, but it took me awhile to finish.
December 28, 2021
I have been interested in the topic of Justinian and Theodora for months, and I have also read some relevant materials on that (e.g. "The Empress Theodora" by J.A.S. Evans). Therefore, although I didn't read the previous work, I do have high expectations for it.
In all, it is a brilliant novel, the interwoven narration between the eunuch and the empress gives the readers a perfect picture of the plots. It also describes the details (moods, movements, environment) in-depth. It even makes me interested in reading its predecessor. However, I feel it fails to illustrate the personalities of some supportive (maybe even important) characters clearly. Throughout the book, only the personalities of the empress and Procopius have left a deep impression on me. Even the emperor Justinian himself seems a little bit “pale” when compared with his spouse.
The first two parts are delivered perfectly, especially the second part handling on the “Nika Riot”. The intensity of the insurrection is demonstrated vividly through dates, and finally ending with the famous speech of the empress. One point that I appreciate most is that the author also interweaves the process of finding her daughter with the beginning of the revolt, which depicts how Theodora operates on public/personal issues.
Yet the plot starts to get boring after that. Admittedly it is a relatively peaceful period for the empress, and the author also mentions her tactics with the pope, which I think should be another highlight of Theodora’s political life.
My major disappointment comes from the section about the emperor being in koma, when the empress acts single-handedly on politics but not merely an advisor of the emperor. The crisis of the plague should be much more urgent and serious than the revolt, as well as the political threats to the empress (and it also continues a longer time). In my opinion, it should have depicted her bravery and decisiveness perfectly. But the author spends a relatively little portion on that, and the protagonist seems to be a little timid and fragile (especially compared to her assertiveness and cruelty before that). Her actions of walking around and praying might sound okay for a sorrowful wife (and mother), but she is the empress, she should be more like a politician. The part in the Silence is just as I expected, yet she requires so much “reminding of her duties” before that, and I consider those reminders to weaken her characteristics.
Nevertheless, I am glad that I can see such highly-rated novels about Justinian and Theodora . Personally speaking, I think they ought to be an excellent topic for historical novels, given what they have hoped for (or planned to), what they experienced throughout their lives, and their love affair as well :)
In all, it is a brilliant novel, the interwoven narration between the eunuch and the empress gives the readers a perfect picture of the plots. It also describes the details (moods, movements, environment) in-depth. It even makes me interested in reading its predecessor. However, I feel it fails to illustrate the personalities of some supportive (maybe even important) characters clearly. Throughout the book, only the personalities of the empress and Procopius have left a deep impression on me. Even the emperor Justinian himself seems a little bit “pale” when compared with his spouse.
The first two parts are delivered perfectly, especially the second part handling on the “Nika Riot”. The intensity of the insurrection is demonstrated vividly through dates, and finally ending with the famous speech of the empress. One point that I appreciate most is that the author also interweaves the process of finding her daughter with the beginning of the revolt, which depicts how Theodora operates on public/personal issues.
Yet the plot starts to get boring after that. Admittedly it is a relatively peaceful period for the empress, and the author also mentions her tactics with the pope, which I think should be another highlight of Theodora’s political life.
My major disappointment comes from the section about the emperor being in koma, when the empress acts single-handedly on politics but not merely an advisor of the emperor. The crisis of the plague should be much more urgent and serious than the revolt, as well as the political threats to the empress (and it also continues a longer time). In my opinion, it should have depicted her bravery and decisiveness perfectly. But the author spends a relatively little portion on that, and the protagonist seems to be a little timid and fragile (especially compared to her assertiveness and cruelty before that). Her actions of walking around and praying might sound okay for a sorrowful wife (and mother), but she is the empress, she should be more like a politician. The part in the Silence is just as I expected, yet she requires so much “reminding of her duties” before that, and I consider those reminders to weaken her characteristics.
Nevertheless, I am glad that I can see such highly-rated novels about Justinian and Theodora . Personally speaking, I think they ought to be an excellent topic for historical novels, given what they have hoped for (or planned to), what they experienced throughout their lives, and their love affair as well :)
October 2, 2021
I would give this a 2.5 star rating if possible. After reading and thoroughly enjoying this book's predecessor, FORTUNE'S CHILD, I was highly motivated to read this continuation of the saga of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. However, as in so many cases of the first book being outstanding, followed by a less than stellar second book, that was the disappointing case here. For reference, I just reread my review of FORTUNE'S CHILD, and while many of the same good stylistic choices, language, settings, clean romance, are still found here, the narrative itself suffered woefully. It sounds much more like a repetitive Young Adult story, complete with "he said, she said," and speculation on what's going on behind closed doors! There is one section that deals with a rebellion called The Nika Riots which is gripping and is, by far, the best section of the book. After that, it becomes the adolescent version of the story of The Byzantine/New Roman Empire.
Even though the story line is consecutive, it is still often confusing, due to the fact that is so redundant, with the same people being in and out of favor, doing the same things over and over, and the same situations keep cropping up, i.e. warfare in far-flung parts of the Empire, fighting against interchangeable foreign kings. A strong recurring theme is the fact that Theodora wants to have an heir to the throne but never does. This would be an interesting plot element except that it never goes anywhere and just fizzles out. That happens a lot in this book.
On the plus side though, is the representation of Theodora as a fighter for strong laws giving rights and protection to women and families. Unfortunately, the portrayal of Justinian is the opposite: he comes across as a wimpy, hen-pecked husband.
Bottom line: this second installment of the Theodora story is unnecessary, if not detrimental to the first book, which is fresh and complete on its own. The division between the religious factions is not resolved or explained here any further than it was in FORTUNE'S CHILD, so one of the main reasons I had for reading it was not forthcoming. If you should happen to read this one first, do yourself a favor and be sure to read the first one ASAP!
Even though the story line is consecutive, it is still often confusing, due to the fact that is so redundant, with the same people being in and out of favor, doing the same things over and over, and the same situations keep cropping up, i.e. warfare in far-flung parts of the Empire, fighting against interchangeable foreign kings. A strong recurring theme is the fact that Theodora wants to have an heir to the throne but never does. This would be an interesting plot element except that it never goes anywhere and just fizzles out. That happens a lot in this book.
On the plus side though, is the representation of Theodora as a fighter for strong laws giving rights and protection to women and families. Unfortunately, the portrayal of Justinian is the opposite: he comes across as a wimpy, hen-pecked husband.
Bottom line: this second installment of the Theodora story is unnecessary, if not detrimental to the first book, which is fresh and complete on its own. The division between the religious factions is not resolved or explained here any further than it was in FORTUNE'S CHILD, so one of the main reasons I had for reading it was not forthcoming. If you should happen to read this one first, do yourself a favor and be sure to read the first one ASAP!
July 12, 2021
This book is very different from its predecessor, because Theodora’s life as an empress was so vastly different from the struggles of her early years. But the characters are the same complex, deftly drawn, multifaceted people I came to care about in the first book, and it has been fascinating to watch them grow and change with their changing circumstances. Both POV characters, Theodora and Stephen, seem to have unlimited depths, which the author probes to good effect. The simple technique of writing Stephen’s parts in first person and Theodora’s in third is remarkably effective, and the result is there is never a moment’s confusion about whose viewpoint we are in.
The author’s vivid descriptions conjure up an almost cinematic picture of magnificent churches and palaces, crowds in the Hippodrome, and city streets. He also sketches a picture of Rome at the same time, and the contrast between Rome and Constantinople is really striking.
It would be possible to read this book without reading the earlier book first, and all the information the reader needs to understand exactly what is going on is here. But if you do read this one first, I’m guessing that you’ll want to go back and pick up the first one, because you’ll want to understand more about these interesting characters. Highly recommended!
The author’s vivid descriptions conjure up an almost cinematic picture of magnificent churches and palaces, crowds in the Hippodrome, and city streets. He also sketches a picture of Rome at the same time, and the contrast between Rome and Constantinople is really striking.
It would be possible to read this book without reading the earlier book first, and all the information the reader needs to understand exactly what is going on is here. But if you do read this one first, I’m guessing that you’ll want to go back and pick up the first one, because you’ll want to understand more about these interesting characters. Highly recommended!
July 2, 2021
I received an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've read a number of historical novels about Empress Theodora, but Martin's two books about her come out at the top of my list. This second one covers the drama-filled years after her husband Justinian becomes emperor, with Theodora ruling beside him. We hear Theodora's story through the eyes and voice of a fictional eunuch, Stephen, who was devoted to her. The story of their renowned general, Belisarius, a man brilliant in battle but cuckolded by his wife and nephew, is recounted is lavish detail. The author describes the tumult of the Nike riots that resulted in the destruction of the then extant Hagia Sophia and the deaths of many thousands in the hippodrome and throughout the city with a remarkable clarity few writers have achieved. Of course, for people familiar with this period, the villains in all this are the scurrilous historian, Procopios, and the greedy tax-collector, John the Cappadocian.
This novel, as well as the first one, "Fortune's Child", tell Theodora's story both sympathetically and with an eye to historical accuracy. I can highly recommend both novels!
I've read a number of historical novels about Empress Theodora, but Martin's two books about her come out at the top of my list. This second one covers the drama-filled years after her husband Justinian becomes emperor, with Theodora ruling beside him. We hear Theodora's story through the eyes and voice of a fictional eunuch, Stephen, who was devoted to her. The story of their renowned general, Belisarius, a man brilliant in battle but cuckolded by his wife and nephew, is recounted is lavish detail. The author describes the tumult of the Nike riots that resulted in the destruction of the then extant Hagia Sophia and the deaths of many thousands in the hippodrome and throughout the city with a remarkable clarity few writers have achieved. Of course, for people familiar with this period, the villains in all this are the scurrilous historian, Procopios, and the greedy tax-collector, John the Cappadocian.
This novel, as well as the first one, "Fortune's Child", tell Theodora's story both sympathetically and with an eye to historical accuracy. I can highly recommend both novels!
July 21, 2021
The second part of Theodora's life is as compelling, accurate historically speaking as the first novel. I discovered here Theodora as an Empress reigning beside her husband and diligently fighting for women's rights. Appearing very loyal to her husband, family and close friends, Theodora is subjected to intrigues so that I long wondered whether I liked her or not... The novel gave me the answer... Written both in the third person and first person through Theodora's favoured eunuch 's voice, I got closer to Theodora's personal dilemmas and character and gave the story a very human touch.
The book also covers religious disputes, war and proves impressive as to its accuracy without being in the least boring! Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction novels!
Thank you so much, James for sending me a copy of this novel for free which enabled me to discover a really fascinating world on many levels!
The book also covers religious disputes, war and proves impressive as to its accuracy without being in the least boring! Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction novels!
Thank you so much, James for sending me a copy of this novel for free which enabled me to discover a really fascinating world on many levels!
December 26, 2021
A continuation from the first book titled Fortune’s Child about Empress Theodora of Constantinople in the 6th century.
Stephen had every reason to hate Empress Theodora. Not only had she placed his life in danger multiple times but she had also imprisoned him for five years without even a explanation. He had every right and yet, he didn’t hate her at all, he loved her. Now days after her untimely death, Stephen resumes the task his Empress entrusted to him and records Theodora’s life, all the good and the bad to ensure that history knows what truly happened.
Theodora may have started from very humble beginnings but she ended up the most powerful woman in Bazintine history, however she was still left wanting. I enjoyed the story very much, the trials that Theodora faced were daunting at times but she never gave up. Her one fault was that she failed to give her husband an heir but as fate would have it her legacy would live on. A remarkable tale that I’m glad the author wrote!
Stephen had every reason to hate Empress Theodora. Not only had she placed his life in danger multiple times but she had also imprisoned him for five years without even a explanation. He had every right and yet, he didn’t hate her at all, he loved her. Now days after her untimely death, Stephen resumes the task his Empress entrusted to him and records Theodora’s life, all the good and the bad to ensure that history knows what truly happened.
Theodora may have started from very humble beginnings but she ended up the most powerful woman in Bazintine history, however she was still left wanting. I enjoyed the story very much, the trials that Theodora faced were daunting at times but she never gave up. Her one fault was that she failed to give her husband an heir but as fate would have it her legacy would live on. A remarkable tale that I’m glad the author wrote!
September 11, 2021
Enjoyable
I liked this sequel to his previous book about Theodora, it follows the same timeline as the previous book, but tells the story from a different perspective. I was glad to see that this book was more in depth regarding her life as the Empress of the Roman empire and showed just how much she and Justinian ruled as one...she being an equal to him, not just eye candy on his arm.
I liked this sequel to his previous book about Theodora, it follows the same timeline as the previous book, but tells the story from a different perspective. I was glad to see that this book was more in depth regarding her life as the Empress of the Roman empire and showed just how much she and Justinian ruled as one...she being an equal to him, not just eye candy on his arm.
January 15, 2023
There's a lot more of interest in Book 2 of the Empress Theodora. The highlight was the description of the Nika Riots and the efforts Theodora took to provide women more rights. She seemed to be the power behind the throne and when Justinian becomes a plague victim she rises to the challenge. I did think the author could have made more of her accomplishments rather than the focus on all of her plotting and scheming.
May 21, 2023
I really enjoyed the first installment of this series. However, I kept waiting for something to happen in this book and it just never did. And I didn't care for how the ending wrapped things up. The burning question of why the main character went through the trials and tribulations he did was ridiculously hand fed to the reader in the last page or two with what basically becomes his own reflections.
August 28, 2021
The reign of Justinian and Theodora was filled with conflicts and terrible events. Justinian is steadfast in his resolve to win back the empire. Again, while I enjoyed the book, it took me 5 days to read it which is a long time for me.
November 10, 2021
Spellbinding!
I was spell bound from cover to cover! Truth / life really is more amazing than fiction! The book is well researched and I learned a lot, while being mezmerized by the characters and the drama. I wish there was more to read.
I was spell bound from cover to cover! Truth / life really is more amazing than fiction! The book is well researched and I learned a lot, while being mezmerized by the characters and the drama. I wish there was more to read.
June 12, 2022
A simple biography of Empress Theodora , told through the eyes of her palace secretary.
More about impressions and relationships rather than a detailed account.
This is the second book of the series,
More about impressions and relationships rather than a detailed account.
This is the second book of the series,
August 17, 2022
Strong Sequel
The sequel equals or even surpasses the first novel. The story travels back to the beginning of Empress Theodora’s reign, Weaving in more detail and answering some questions that were left hanging in the first novel. Highly recommend it!
The sequel equals or even surpasses the first novel. The story travels back to the beginning of Empress Theodora’s reign, Weaving in more detail and answering some questions that were left hanging in the first novel. Highly recommend it!
August 6, 2023
An excellent sequel to Fortune’s Child. If you enjoy historical novels set in the Roman Empire, you’ll enjoy this. James Gillie has a great voice reminiscent of George Guidall. I always enjoy books that make me want to know more about the characters real lives.
May 16, 2024
I thought too dragging in places. I didn't like as much as the other in the series. However, Theodora was a very interesting and revolutionary character for her times. At times though, I considered her a meddler in others' lives and events.
September 24, 2021
Kept Me Spellbound!
Very entertaining. I learned more about eunuchs than I ever wanted to know. Theodora could be really awful to her friends and enemies alike
Very entertaining. I learned more about eunuchs than I ever wanted to know. Theodora could be really awful to her friends and enemies alike
December 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book about Theodora, one of the most powerful women in The Byzantine Empire and a Empress who was interested in the rights of women.
December 17, 2022
I wanted to like it as much as I liked Fortune's Child, but as is frequently the case, it just didn't feel as fresh. Still glad I read it, though.
January 28, 2023
another good one.
July 25, 2024
Couldn’t wait for the sequel!!!! Was not disappointed! Would love for it to be made into a movie.
December 15, 2024
The author said he didn’t plan on writing two books, and it shows. I read this one because the first one didn’t include the Nika Riots, but it dragged so badly.
March 5, 2025
10/10
August 24, 2021
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT
Once again James Conroyd Martin has done it again- NO SURPRISE WITH THAT.
Too Soon the Night has been well researched.
The book starts where the first one Fortune's Child finished.
The eunch, Stephen, continues the story of the Empress Theodora and husband Justinian Emperor from Constantinople. Then Stephen and Theodora's voices each echoing through history, the good times and bad times, more bad than good.
Love, Power, Roiots, Spying,Religion, and the Plague, we see it all happening and feel past history come to life through those who, loved, suffered, and hatred.
Now long dead through history- they come to life again, thanks to James Conroyd Martin.
A Highly recommended read.
Once again James Conroyd Martin has done it again- NO SURPRISE WITH THAT.
Too Soon the Night has been well researched.
The book starts where the first one Fortune's Child finished.
The eunch, Stephen, continues the story of the Empress Theodora and husband Justinian Emperor from Constantinople. Then Stephen and Theodora's voices each echoing through history, the good times and bad times, more bad than good.
Love, Power, Roiots, Spying,Religion, and the Plague, we see it all happening and feel past history come to life through those who, loved, suffered, and hatred.
Now long dead through history- they come to life again, thanks to James Conroyd Martin.
A Highly recommended read.
August 13, 2023
2.5
I really enjoyed Fortune's Child so I'm not happy at all about this rating for the second book the duology but I can't find a reason to rate it any higher.
The truth is, this book didn't need to exist. The only interesting parts of the story were those about how Theodora passed laws to protect women, including sex workers, and yet those were only briefly mentioned.
The rest of the story was about Theodora's lack of an heir, her sisters and friend's relationships and threats to her and Justinian's rule that maybe were supposed to elicit feelings of *something* but that I personally just found boring. Even if I had been more invested I'm sorry if I don't feel terrible for a couple of what seemed to be tyrants.
That's another thing, Theodora's flaws completely took over her character. I understand that she became an empress but her constant lack of empathy, the way she used people and her insistence on seeing others prostrate themselves at her feet turned her into an annoying and insufferable character.
Lastly, this book just felt pointless. Like I said, I feel that it didn't need to exist. Theodora's story is fascinating because she came from nothing and became empress of one of the biggest empires in history. On the first book we follow her through that journey, we then see a bit of her life as empress and then we learn that she died. Why write another book focusing on her as a ruler? There wasn't enough interesting information here to justify it, and in a way it took away from the great work that was the first book.
I really enjoyed Fortune's Child so I'm not happy at all about this rating for the second book the duology but I can't find a reason to rate it any higher.
The truth is, this book didn't need to exist. The only interesting parts of the story were those about how Theodora passed laws to protect women, including sex workers, and yet those were only briefly mentioned.
The rest of the story was about Theodora's lack of an heir, her sisters and friend's relationships and threats to her and Justinian's rule that maybe were supposed to elicit feelings of *something* but that I personally just found boring. Even if I had been more invested I'm sorry if I don't feel terrible for a couple of what seemed to be tyrants.
That's another thing, Theodora's flaws completely took over her character. I understand that she became an empress but her constant lack of empathy, the way she used people and her insistence on seeing others prostrate themselves at her feet turned her into an annoying and insufferable character.
Lastly, this book just felt pointless. Like I said, I feel that it didn't need to exist. Theodora's story is fascinating because she came from nothing and became empress of one of the biggest empires in history. On the first book we follow her through that journey, we then see a bit of her life as empress and then we learn that she died. Why write another book focusing on her as a ruler? There wasn't enough interesting information here to justify it, and in a way it took away from the great work that was the first book.
August 17, 2023
Having read five of James Conroyd Martin's books, I would definitely read anything he publishes, he's that good a writer. This was the second of the duology and it is an amazing book. Well researched and written, it is a fascinating telling of the life of Theodora, Empress of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th. century. I can recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historic fiction. I can't praise this book enough.
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