Over the next few weeks we'll be undergoing some changes to our line-up here at Unusual Historicals. This week I'd like everyone to welcome Stephanie Dray, who writes historical fiction with romantic and mystical elements set in the ancient world. Her debut, LILY OF THE NILE, is set in 30BC in Egypt and Rome, and will be available from Berkley in January 2011.With her parents dead, the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony is left at the mercy of her Roman captors. Heir to one empire and prisoner of another, it falls to Princess Selene to save her brothers and reclaim what is rightfully hers...
In the aftermath of Alexandria's tragic fall, Princess Selene is taken from Egypt, the only home she's ever known. Along with her two surviving brothers, she's put on display as a war trophy in Rome. Selene's captors mock her royalty and drag her through the streets in chains, but on the brink of death, the children are spared as a favor to the emperor's sister, who takes them to live as hostages in the so-called lamentable embassy of royal orphans...
Now trapped in a Roman court of intrigue that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, Selene can't hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her flesh. Nor can she stop the emperor from using her for his own political ends. But faced with a new and ruthless Caesar who is obsessed with having a Cleopatra of his very own, Selene is determined honor her mother's lost legacy. The magic of Egypt and Isis remain within her. But can she succeed where her mother failed? And what will it cost her in a political game where the only rule is win or die?
And here's a little more about Stephanie, who also writes as Stephanie Draven for Silhouette Nocturne:Stephanie graduated from Smith, a small women's college in Massachusetts where--to the consternation of her devoted professors--she was unable to master Latin. However, her concentration in Middle Eastern Studies gave her a deeper understanding of the consequences of Egypt's ancient clash with Rome, both in terms of the still-extant tensions between East and West as well as the worldwide decline of female-oriented religion.***
Using the transformative power of magic realism, Stephanie illuminates the stories of women in history so as to inspire the young women of today. She remains fascinated by all things Egyptian and has--to the consternation of her devoted husband--collected a house full of cats and ancient artifacts.
Join us Sunday when Carina Press author Susanna Fraser will be here to chat about her debut, THE SERGEANT'S LADY, set in France and Spain during the Napoleonic Wars. She'll also be giving away a digital copy to one lucky commenter! Be sure to join us then. ***
We'll also draw the winner of Liz Fichera's CAPTIVE SPIRIT guest appearance on Sunday. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.***
Stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Jeannie Lin, Lila DiPasqua, Christina Phillips, and Sarah Parr will be our guests. Join us!
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Have a good weekend! Remember, you don't have to be an Unusual Historicals contributor to submit good news to the weekend announcements. If it has to do with unusual historicals, we'd love to shout it out to the world! Send announcements to Carrie. See you next week...
