A curse, a conspiracy and the clash of kingdoms. A defiant priestess confronts her foes, armed only with ingenuity and forbidden magic. A malignant curse from the Underworld threatens Tesha’s city with fiery devastation. The young priestess of Ishana, goddess of love and war, must overcome this demonic darkness. Charred remains of an enemy of the Hitolian Empire reveal both treason and evil … magic. Into this crisis, King Hattu, the younger brother of the Great King, arrives to make offerings to the goddess Ishana, but he conceals his true mission in the city. As a connection sparks between King Hattu and Tesha, the Grand Votary accuses Hattu of murderous sorcery and jails him under penalty of death. Isolated in prison, Hattu’s only hope lies in Tesha to uncover the conspiracy against him. Unfortunately, the Grand Votary is Tesha’s father, a rash, unyielding man, and now her worst enemy. To help Hattu, she must risk destroying her own father.Step into this exotic world of historical fantasy, with its richly imagined details of the Bronze Age, evocative of the Near East. In a whirlpool of magic, politics, family crisis and love, Tesha pursues justice over the dark forces arrayed against her.
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I like my fantasy novels best when they spring from historical inspiration, and PRIESTESS OF ISHANA is a richly re-imagined world springing from Hittite history–and its fabulous, indomitable queens. It’s the first in a series, but never fear: PRIESTESS is free for the next few days, and the second in the series–SORCERY IN ALPARA–is already out! I can’t wait to dive in.
An entertaining tale – historical fiction mixed with magic and sorcery in an alternate Hittite world prior to the Achaean Invasion (Trojan War). Priestess of Ishana is not only a captivating look at that ancient empire, it is also the story of a young woman and her struggle to serve her goddess while in the middle of an investigation that could see her father and family destroyed. It is a complex plot, a conspiracy of hate and revenge, that had me engaged from the start. Characters that fit the time and place, giving the tale a realism. Even the magical element feels right; the sorcery believable and real, the demons full of power, the invocations full of danger to the user, the goddess a demanding one. It is also a tale of intense emotions, stressful situations. One in which Tesha must find strength she never knew she had, steadfastly clinging to her faith in Ishana in order to come to the truth whatever the outcome. 4 Stars
I don’t generally read high fantasy, but Priestess of Ishana by Judith Starkston had me hooked from page one of this intricate novel. Based on historical events in the Bronze Age, Starkston wraps history and magic together in an unforgettable package. I was drawn in by the young heroine as she struggles to save her kingdom. Lovers of fantasy will do well to pick up this novel. I would also recommend it to any young adult readers who want to see a young woman learn who she is.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
Judith Starkston’s Hand of Fire expertly re-imagined the tragic love triangle of Achilles, Patroclus and Briseis of Trojan War fame. In Priestess of Ishana, she recreates the Hittite civilization with a mixture of fantasy, romance and mystery. Quite an accomplishment. I admire her attention to historical detail which brings a little known culture of the ancient world alive. The priestess, Tesha, is a strong female character who is believable because Starkston makes her work within the constraints of her time with intellect and courage. Political machinations, magic, burgeoning love, and dramatic action all combine to make the plot compelling as Tesha races against the clock to save an unjustly accused man from execution at the risk of her own family being destroyed. Highly recommended.
This novel would be a pleasure to read even if it was only the product of the author’s fertile imagination, but it delights me that so much of it is based on real events and real people in the distant past – events and people we only know about through ancient clay tablets with cuneiform writing. Even the exotic fantasy elements have their roots in the beliefs of the Hittites. Starkston brings us Bronze Age magic, as well as vivid characters based on real historical people, and an exciting, multi-sensory panorama of Bronze Age life. Her creds as a classicist make her amply qualified to bring this story to life, and she does so very well indeed. I’m looking forward to more fast-paced adventures featuring the remarkable Tesha!
Grand Read
Starkston pens a grand historical fantasy story in Priestess of Ishana. This story reads like it would be perfect for young adults who enjoy fantasy. This story also add a historical element to the story, making it more interesting, and giving the story depth. It’s set in the Bronze Age, and adds a touch of magic and superstition to the plot. It’s an easy and fast-paced read, and it works. The story just works, and gives the reader a great story and wonderfully strong characters. I look forward to reading more by this author.