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In this sophisticated thriller, the action starts on page one and doesn’t flag until the end. Ingeniously, the story is set in a modern Britain still ruled by the Roman Empire. After the death of her father, Livia is told by her friend Max that they are both in danger, just before she hears that Max is wanted for murder and she is being sent to the exclusive Ishtar school, designed to produce compliant, well-mannered wives for officers. She is essentially in prison, watched at all times, and after the one person who tries to help her is killed, she takes her chance to escape. Now she is on the run, friendless, outside the comfortable upper class life she has taken for granted, and she must find out who is after her and what they think she knows.
Award-winning children’s author Frances Thomas has produced an exciting, intelligent story with great characters and a real sense of danger. There is a touching love story between Livia and the one person she meets she can trust, Cai, but this never slows down the action. The way modern life and the ancient Roman Empire have been blended is convincing, intriguing and very well handled. Livia is an excellent heroine, brave but realistically shocked and frightened by all that is thrown at her. All in all, this is a gripping, hugely enjoyable novel, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
Janet Thomas
It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.
Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.
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