"In a time of ancient gods, warlords and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power. The passion. The danger. Her courage will change the world." Not quite, in fact it's way more brutal, but I couldn't help hearing Xena's war cry every time this heroine's eyes spewed fire. Katerina's Cossack village is slaughtered and their prized cosars (horses) stolen. Daughter of the headman and trained as a warrior, she's determined to get them back and avenge her people at any cost. I can MAYBE accept her falling for a man who raped her, but it's hard to swallow her considering it a victory when young girls are basketed off to slavers. Guess I can't really judge a woman from 16th century Russia on her values. Either way, welcome and engaging distraction. ( )