The Blood Throne of Caria - (Empire of the Nightingale) 2nd Edition by Roy Casagranda (Paperback)

About the Book

While the kings of Caria plot to use Princess Artemisia for their own ends, she outmaneuvers them in the palace and on the field of battle, cleaving the ramparts of patriarchy to become one of history's fiercest warriors and greatest rulers.

Book Synopsis

In the early fifth century BC, Artemisia is trained in medicine, the sword, and statecraft--and no one cares. Her marriage will cement an alliance for her father and make a prince heir to his throne. However, this Amazonian spitfire will not be reduced to a traded commodity.

When the Persian Emperor demands a hostage, Artemisia's father sends his thirteen-year-old daughter in her brother's place. Instead of succumbing to loneliness, Artemisia charms the Imperial Court and converts her exile into her own private tutelage.

Three years later, she returns to Caria as the heir to her father's throne. Princes pile upon each other to marry her. Dreading a life of submission, Artemisia delays the wedding--only to discover that her suitors are willing to kill for her hand. Brutally forced into wedlock, she outmaneuvers the kings of Caria in the palace and on the field of battle, cleaving the ramparts of patriarchy to become one of history's fiercest heroines.

Roy Casagranda is a professor of political science in Austin, Texas, where he gives monthly public lectures on politics, philosophy, and history (many can be found here: https: //www.youtube.com/channel/UCUGwVgtUewevtLvu7NaxVrw). He also contributes regularly to local news outlets about US and Middle East politics.

Review Quotes

"Casagranda's story is a bona fide page-turner that should have readers rooting for the tenacious Artemisia from beginning to end. A gripping, fast-paced adventure that delivers passionate writing."

- Kirkus Reviews

*****
"The Blood Throne of Caria delivers a magnificent heroine--Artemisia--a badass princess who maintains mastery over her own fate. This is a story of power in femininity that will inspire every woman to rise above her circumstances."

--Katherine L. Evans author of Rise and Unbreakable Love

*****

"Artemisia promises to inspire, empower, and uplift her readers with her courage and fearlessness. She absolutely refuses to be erased and forgotten--and Casagranda retells her story vividly and convincingly."

--Shehnaz Haqqani, PhD, Women's and Gender Studies, Ithaca College

*****

"A true historical thriller - The Blood Throne of Caria is a brilliantly researched, riveting read about Artemisia, whose struggle to direct her own destiny in a brutally patriarchal world is as relevant today as it was more than two thousand years ago."

--Sara Kocek author of Promise Me Something

*****

"The Blood Throne of Caria will shock over and over again in its audacity. Casagranda's Artemisia, masterfully crafted, is a woman warrior 21st century feminists can look up to."

-- Banafsheh Madaninejad, PhD, Department of Philosophy, Southwestern University

*****

"Riveting, brilliant, and engaging narrative! I couldn't put it down! Artemisia's story honors both power and womanhood to show that a 'female king' is no contradiction."

--Olivia Ott, student, Polymathic Scholars, The University of Texas at Austin

*****

"Roy Casagranda, a sharp observer of contemporary politics, has gone back twenty-five centuries to produce an epic for our times! Using the brilliant and relentless career of Artemisia, he offers keen insight, and lessons, about the nature of power, the role of women in ancient society, and the possibility of change through persistence. It's an important novel for those interested in larger social issues, of all ages."

--Robert Buzzanco, PhD, Department of History, University of Houston