Fortune's Child: A Novel of Empress Theodora cover art

Fortune's Child: A Novel of Empress Theodora

The Theodora Duology, Book One

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Fortune's Child: A Novel of Empress Theodora

By: James Conroyd Martin
Narrated by: James Gillies
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About this listen

Theodora: Actress, prostitute, mistress, feminist. And Byzantine Empress of the civilized world. Stephen: Handsome Syrian boy, wizard's apprentice, palace eunuch. And Secretary to the Empress. How does this unlikely pair become such allies that one day Empress Theodora asks Stephen to write her biography?

From a very young age, Theodora, daughter of a circus bearkeeper in Constantinople, sets her sights well above her station in life. Her exquisite beauty sets her apart on stages and in the eyes of men.

Stephen, a Syrian lad of striking good looks, is sold by his parents to a Persian wizard, who teaches him a skill in languages that will serve him well.

By the time Destiny brings them together in Antioch, Theodora has undergone heart-rending trials and a transformation, while Stephen has been sold again...and castrated.

Discover the enduring bond that, however imperfect, prompts Theodora - as Empress - to request palace eunuch Stephen to write her biography.

©2019 James Conroyd Martin (P)2021 James Conroyd Martin Biographical Fiction European Fiction Genre Fiction World Literature Biography Heartfelt Magic Magic Users Wizardry

Critic Reviews

"A meticulously researched historical account presented in the form of a thrilling political drama". (Kirkus Reviews)
All stars
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Overblown American accent aligned with Americanisms makes an otherwise good story a pain to listen to. Oh and by the by, the Byzantines did not call Autumn ‘fall’. That also belongs firmly to America.

Excruciating Narration

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