Moving history of the life of Empress Theodora, a woman who went from child prostitute to become the most powerful woman in the Byzantine world, and the focus of a great love story. Wonderfully written story of survival and the heartbreaking moments that make up Theodora's infamous, mysterious, endlessly unknowable life. ( )

From the opening chapters, Stephanie Thorton and Theodora grabbed me and I decided I would start following this author who gives life to forgotten women in history. It was a raw rags to riches story in which a lowly actress rose to become Empress. Back then, actresses were looked down upon and just one rank above prostitute.

I loved Theodora's fire and venomous tongue along with her friend Antonia. Frenemies to the end, their banter were some of my favorite passages in the book.

This book pulls no punches in describing 6th century hard scrabble life. This can be described as a historical romance book but life was in no way romantic by then.

I fully support Stephanie's mission to shed light on forgotten women in history and look forward to what else she will dig up in the future. ( )

I am sad to say that for all my knowledge of history, I really know almost nothing of Empress Theodora. What a story I have missed out on! A woman who rose from less than nothing to become the most powerful woman in the Byzantine empire. A truly inspiring story.I am very impressed that this is Stephanie Thornton's first novel. It is an excellent piece of historical fiction. The reader can tell that she has a passion for history...the research she put into this novel really shows. But it's not only the historical aspects that really shine. The characters are interesting and engaging. Theodora especially is a heroine to root for again and again. I mean, who doesn't love a rags to riches story? But this is a story that beats all stories of that type, in my opinion. When we look at a character like Theodora, what she had to overcome to rise so far, our hardships in life seem to pale in comparison.It's a rare treat to read a novel that is not only interesting and entertaining, but also an inspiration that all things can be overcome with a little faith and a lot of pluck. I'm so glad that I was given the opportunity to review Stephanie's first book and I'm so looking forward to her next release.
 
Read more of my reviews at http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/ ( )

- Enjoyable, well-written debut novel about Byzantine Empress Theodora, wife of Emperor Justinian I.

- A long novel that doesn't feel like one given that the narrative moves quickly and there are no lulls in the story.

- Stephanie Thornton does a great job developing Theodora's character. Theodora is portrayed as an intelligent, ambitious and politically savvy woman who rises from humble beginnings to become the most powerful woman in the Byzantine empire.

- The book also features some memorable secondary characters, many of whom are just as interesting as Theodora.

- The novel is rich in historical detail, giving the reader a feel for the time period and place in which the story is set (6th century Constantinople). It is obvious a good deal of research went into the writing of this book and, thanks to Thornton's efforts, I'm now interesting in reading more novels set during this era of Byzantine history.

- Reading this novel I was reminded of the works of Kate Quinn, so if you enjoy Quinn's novels I highly recommend you give The Secret History a try.

- Do I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Thornton? Most definitely! ( )

Book was received for free through Goodreads First Reads program.

Right along with such greats as Kate Quinn and Elizabeth Chadwick, Stephanie Thornton knows how to bring the past to life in vivid and mind-boggling detail. You feel like you are transported in some awe-inspiring feat of time travel though her words and pen. I could literally smell the briny air of Constantinople's docks, hear the thunder of the chariots as they race for glory on the track, feel the silks of the vivid stolas on my skin, and see the glittering of the ancient Eastern Roman court. If an individual is going to write about the past, then they really need to do their best in setting their drama or romance into a world that the reader can experience, not just read about. Stephanie Thornton has done this in spades. And she does it in such a way that I don't feel like I'm reading a textbook, but it's interwoven into the story so I experience the world as I read about our determined heroine.

The character of Theodora is amazingly brought to life in the author's hands. I loved reading about her resilience, intelligence, and determination to better her lot in life, no matter what fate decided to throw at her. She took chances, sometimes very scary ones, and gambled at making her life better. Sometimes the gambles paid off and sometimes not, but she never stopped trying. And even after she made it to the top as powerful Empress, the struggles and dangers still came at her; all of which she handled with a spirit and brain that I only wish I could have had if faced with similar circumstances.

Another beautiful, if that word can be used, part about this book is how Stephanie Thornton doesn't shy away from the harsh and ugly realities that existed in the world of ancient Byzantium. It wasn't all roses and glitz, even in the court itself. Life was often short and harsh, sometimes filled with unimaginable horrors to today's brains and with not else. Some of the situations that Theodora found herself in is enough to make the reader sit back and just contemplate our fortune at being born in the era that we are. Just brings to light even more the beauty that is Theodora that she overcame all the loss, pain, and ugliness to reach the heights that she did.

Stephanie Thornton has given us a heroine that shines bright and glorious in her very capable writer hands. I felt with the heroine through every page, experienced the world with her and felt like I was living her life with her. This is an author that I will eagerly await all her new books. Definitely one for the favorites shelf! A lovely introduction to the Goodreads First Reads program. ( )