In a country called Palmyria in the 260s A.D, there was a queen named Zenobia. And what a queen!! She can out fight, outdrink, outride, and outwit any man. When the Romans kill her husband, she lives for revenge and fights to keep the throne for her sons. She answers Egypt's call for aide. She ensures that traveling merchants are protected from raiders. She increases trade and brings prosperity to her people. Meanwhile, in Rome, a man named Aurelian is killing one emperor after another in hopes of attaining the title of emperor for himself. He also has Zenobia in his deadly sights. They will have to meet in battle.

Zenobia is not the only strong woman in the story. There is also a Jewish woman named Rebekeh that many female readers will like and relate to. Miriam is another female character that exhibits strong traits. Both of these women play major roles in Zenobia's life and kingdom.

Can Zenobia keep control of Palmyria for her sons? Can she keep her sons safe until they are grown and able to rule? It is obvious that Aurelian is going to be a formidable foe.

I loved this book and the strong women in it. It is not just war tho. There is love and romance between Zenobia and her husband and later, her general. There is drama, a love triangle, a crazy grieving mother, and Zenobia's love for her sons as she watches them grow. A fine novel. I will be reading more of Haley Elizabeth Garwood. ( )

Garwood's Warrior Queen series is great historical fiction. Not on the level of Morgan Llywelyn, but still enjoyable. There is a touch of romance. She chooses little known, real-life female rulers who were remarkable in that they actually ruled--in a time when women did not (a queen always had a king to rule her).

Zenobia was a third-century queen of Palmyra. She fought against Rome, like Boudica of England. A good series for anyone looking to learn about little known history. ( )