Fortune's Child: A Novel of Empress Theodora

The Theodora Duology, Book One

By: James Conroyd Martin

Narrated by: James Gillies

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

Critic reviews

"A meticulously researched historical account presented in the form of a thrilling political drama". (Kirkus Reviews)

I love Theodora

I’ve always had a fascination of Empress Theodora. I’ve listened to other historical fiction novels about her. This duology is amazing. It took a little bit to get used to the male narration of her voice but the story was so engrossing. I highly recommend this book and the second. I will leave a review for it as well. I first came across this author in the audiobook Push Not the River. He’s a great author. I highly recommend this 2 book series on Theodora.

Terrible

This book should be labeled for Young Adults, young-young adults. Story is juvenile and the narration is over the top, as it would be for children. I only finished it because it cost me a credit.