What is it that is so enthralling about fantasy's touch on history? Philip Griffin's Ursula is an exemplary model of a heroic protagonist who never stops revealing her earthy, practical and idealistic, almost supernatural personality traits.

Viewed in history as both of royal and saintly status, Ursula creates a maiden army, the First and Second Athena, a group of warriors who will battle Picts, Hibernians, and Saxons, later eventually destroyed by the invading Huns. But what is fascinating about this novel is the combination of obedience to Augustus Constantine III, "Emperor of the West and Grand Commander of all its armies," and the woman-warrior thinking, feeling, and action she takes as head of this amazingly powerful army.

She will both fall in love and then die because of her refusal to love an enemy of her people - a poignant, memorable ending for sure!

A fascinating read about loyalty, immense courage, and a heart dedicated to all that is noble and true! Nicely done!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on November 24, 2006

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