For eight years, the besieged city of Troy withstood the relentless might of Greek invaders. But now Achilles, mightiest of the Greek warriors and legendary Greek champion, seeks to conquer not only the fabled city but the realm of the Amazons as well. One woman rises to thwart him and defend Troy and her homeland.
Penthesilea, leader of the warrior defenders of the realm of the Amazons, watched her mother die upon Achilles' sword. She is a fiery, red-haired tigress of tremendous passion and courage, the revered defender of her own nonviolent society. She vows to lead her army to Troy, to challenge her mother's killer and defend the city's people and defeat the foreign invaders.
Her lover, Damonides, a formidable warrior in his own right, long ago put away the sword, repelled by the death and destruction of war. Now he yearns only to live in peace with the beautiful Amazon leader. He refuses her plea of help. But can he stand idly by while the woman he loves risks everything to defend the people of Troy from the ruthless invaders.
Praise for Judith Hand's previous historical epic from this ancient Bronze Age world:
Like Dorothy Dunnet and Mary Renault, Judith Hand re-creates a lost world with clarity . . . top-notch historical writing from an author with great promise. Romantic Times
A remarkable book! A moving love story, in a unique and beautifully imagined setting. Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series.
. . . . a richly detailed epic. San Diego Book Awards, Winner 2004