Empress Irini Series, Volume 2
Janet McGiffin takes us on a thrilling adventure through the perils of ancient Byzantium, led by the indefatigable young nun Thekla, through whose eyes we experience the streets of Constantinople. The temples, the food, the warriors, in all their glory and misery, are brought to life for today's young readers with a deft and knowledgeable hand.

The second book in The Empress Irini Series, charting the extraordinary rise to power of Irini of Athens.

Irini’s conniving mother-in-law, her five jealous step-brothers, and her own husband, Co-Emperor Leon, threaten Irini’s safety in Constantinople. She summons Abbess Thekla, her knife-wielding friend, to bring her sharp wits and courage to get Irini safely through childbirth in the Great Palace. Thekla owes Irini her life and thus her loyalty but she is staggered by Irini’s powerful ambitions which far exceed being docile wife and mother. Can Thekla survive Irini’s vengeful nature and the bloody aftermath of Irini’s ruthless ambition?

More from the Empress Irini Series

Betrothal and Betrayal

Seizing Power