I enjoy all sub-genres of historical fiction– unless it is graphic or violent, I will most likely give it a try. However, I find I am always drawn to those based on historical people and events. (Probably because it gives me an excuse to research more…?) Stephanie Marie Thorton is a must-read author for me. She brings the people of the past to life, and I can’t put her books down. Read on for Book Bite: The Secret History…
The Secret History, Stephanie Marie Thornton
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?
Why You Should Read This…
Stephanie Marie Thornton is an incredible historical fiction author- she does an incredible amount of research, and it truly shows in her novels. Empress Theodora is one of the most interesting women in history, but due to many factors, she is largely forgotten. (You can find her in Secret History, written by Greek scholar Procopius- her contemporary- but it’s not widely read…)
She rose to the position of Empress from a poor child, and Thornton skillfully takes us through that rise. It can be gritty and dark at times, as you might expect, but it’s never graphic. I really appreciated that Thornton also covered her whole life. It makes for a longer novel, but Theodora’s life was never boring, and I would have hated to miss out.
Have you read Stephanie Marie Thornton’s The Secret History?
Cheers,
The Historian
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