Anna of Byzantium by Tracy Barrett

I think ANNA OF BYZANTIUM might have been one of my first introductions to a ruthless, morally grey heroine. It's so sad that it's out of print because this was one of those books I read and reread over and over (which is why I still have my original childhood copy). The story is kind of modeled after one of those old-school epics that follows the main character from childhood into adolescence. Anna Comnena has been groomed for the monarchy since she was in the cradle, but her fortunes change with the advent of a new younger brother and potential rival, and her scheming grandmother's will for the throne.

Picture Game of Thrones for little kids, and that's basically what it is. Barrett does not spare the reader the horrors of ancient rule, or shirk from describing the brutality and machinations of emperors who act cruelly out of both desire and necessity. Nor does she gloss over the realities of slavery and how being so wholly in another's power is doomed to always lead to harm, no matter how "kind" someone thinks they are as a master. It has so many amazing lessons and talking points and it's a damn shame that it's out of print.

I've been meaning to revisit this one for a while now and I'm so glad I did. It helped while away an afternoon of being bedridden with the flu, and I enjoyed almost as much as I did the first time.

4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars