Where Theodora went, trouble followed… In sixth century Constantinople, one woman, Theodora, defied every convention and all the odds, and rose from being a common theater tart to become empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the Roman Empire would ever know. But the woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was, in fact, a scrappy, clever, conniving, flesh-and-blood woman full of sensuality and spirit whose real story is as surprising as any ever told… When her father dies suddenly, Theodora and her sisters face starvation on the streets. Determined to survive, Theodora makes a living any way she can—first on her back with every man who will have her, then on the stage of the city’s infamous amphitheater in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. When her daring performance grants her a back-door entry into the halls of power, she seizes the chance to win a wealthy protector—only to face heartbreak and betrayal. Ever resilient, Theodora rises above such trials and by a twist of fate, meets her most passionate admirer yet: the Emperor’s nephew. She will thrive as his confidant and courtesan, but many challenges lie ahead. For one day, this man will hand her a crown. And all the empire will wonder—is she bold enough, shrewd enough, and strong enough to keep it?
Biography
Stephanie Thornton is a writer and history teacher who has been obsessed with infamous women from ancient history since she was twelve. She lives with her husband and daughter in Alaska, where she is at work on her next novel. Visit her website at www.stephanie-thornton.comBlog | Goodreads | Facebook
This is not a book that I would normally have grabbed. But I loved the cover! So I grabbed it from Night Owl Reviews and finally made it on my list! So it took me three days to finish as we were running around! At the time that I started this book I had no knowledge that Empress Theodora was a real person at all. But was happy to find that out! Before I get into my review. I wanted to let everyone know that although the Empress in this book lives until the age of 45 the real woman died at 21 which is very young of course. Of course dying at 45 isnt something that normally happends in this time either. So my fav character would have to be Antonia because she did as she pleased and didnt let anything stand in her way! I did love Theodora and believe that she made a lot of mistakes but in the end everything turned out. I dont think that I could ever leave my children once let alone twice. I think that really made me disapprove of her. But standing up to John really made me lover her more! Her taking the high road and desiding that she didnt want to be a prostitute anymore! I think it is an amazing thing that in her life (real) she created a house for woman that were prostitutes, she made it illeagle for men to beat their wives and was making sure that woman had rights as well. She was a very amazing person! I also loved Justinian not only is he a good man but a wonderful husband. In that time period being married didnt mean you couldnt sleep around with other woman and with him not doing that well that makes him golden in my eyes. I think that them as a couple really made his ruling all the better. I would have hated to see what their world would have been like if Theodora wouldnt have been there. The only thing that I think she really should have changed was Theodora should have trusted her husband. I think a lot of things would have been different if she would have told him that she had two children. And maybe little John would have survived. This story tore out my heart taped it back together to tare it to sheds at the end. But I loved it! I really love that the book includes not only a not from the author about Theodora but also a Reader's Guide. So it is ready for any bookclub to use! And as question 12 asks. "What do you hope to remember about this novel?" I hope to remember the struggles that not only Theodora went through but everyone in this book. I hope to remember that you should trust your loved ones to believe in you and to not stab you in the back. "*I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own."
PS sorry guys this one will NOT be in my monthly giveaway as it will have a wonderful spot on my bookshelf!
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