Three Queens

"The Holy Roman Empire is the setting for [this] historical romance . . . focusing on the Byzantine princess who ruled as regent for her son, Otto III."-Kirkus Reviews The powerful story of the tenth-century Byzantine princess Theophano, who was sent to be the wife and Empress of Otto II, son of Otto the Great, the Holy Roman Emperor. It is a long journey from the surviving Roman Empire in the East to the devastated Empire in the West. Theophano must apply all her Byzantine skills to truly become the Empress of the West, winning first her new husband's devotion, and then the love of her new people. But when Otto II dies unexpectedly, leaving the empire to his four-year-old son, the Empress Theophano must fight one of the greatest wars of succession of the Dark Ages. For Otto II's cousin, Henry of Burgundy, would have the Regency for himself and the Throne as well-if he can take them. Brimming with suspenseful battles and seductive court politics, the second book in Judith Tarr's Three Queens series is perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Kate Quinn.

Queen in all but name, one woman's battle to rule her kingdom, from the Court of Jerusalem to the glorious city of Byzantium. Melisende was the oldest daughter of Baldwin of Jerusalem, a princess of the Franks and, since she had no brothers, heir to the Crusader Kingdom. The crown would go to the man who married her, and after to her son. But Melisende was a strong woman; the law that forced her to marry instead of taking the crown in her own name was a thorn in her side. It was she who ruled the City and who juggled the politics of church and court. The knights of Jerusalem fought in her honour, many of the best sworn to her personal service. She would not submit easily to a husband's rule, but must she to secure her kingdom? A gripping adventure telling the forgotten story of the notorious matriarch of 12th-century Jerusalem, this third book in Judith Tarr's Three Queens series is perfect for fans of Elizabeth Chadwick and Conn Iggulden.

Passion and politics, Rome and Egypt, clash in an epic recreation of the story of Cleopatra, Egypt's last queen, and her lover, Anthony. Cleopatra's priestess cousin Dione, standing in the shadows, is witness to all Cleopatra's romantic and military alliances. The queen is determined to maintain her hold on the throne of Egypt despite Rome's persistent attacks. But what happens when a queen falls in love with the man she intended only to use for his political power? A dark and enthralling reimagining of the ancient tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra, this first book in the Three Queens series is perfect for fans of Michelle Moran and Wilbur Smith.