Horses of Heaven by Gillian Bradshaw is a historical fantasy novel. Set in Central Asia circa 140 BC. the story is told by Tomryis who at age 18 is chosen by King Mauakes of Ferghana to be a handmaiden to his new wife, Heliokleia, who comes from the country of Bacria. Ferghana and Bacria have been enemies for some time but at the current time the two countries have an uneasy alliance due to the greater threat of an invasion by the Tochari. Tomryis doesn’t look forward to serving the new Queen and her enthusiasm is dampened even more when it becomes clear the that king expects her to spy on his new Queen.

The new young Queen is trapped in a mismatched marriage to the much older ruler of Ferghana but she realizes too late that the king’s son, Itaz, is her true soulmate. Itaz, the King’s grown son is devoted to his father but cannot stop his feelings of love for the beautiful Heliokleia. Eventually, Heliokleia and Itaz must confront the embittered Mauakes and then endure a horrible confrontation with a supernatural creature.

I am a fan of Gillian Bradshaw and have read a few of her books where she mixes real history with fantasy. Horses of Heaven is a detailed, well researched historical novel of the ancient world, with a fantasy element added to the plot. The book touches upon love, war, cultural and religious customs of the period and highlights the magic of the gods. ( )

This is the novel that made me a fan of Bradshaw's historical fiction. Set in the ancient world (present day Afghanistan), it has a rich tapestry of setting, well-developed characters and an exciting story. The author has obviously done her research as the book is filled with intricate details on clothing and locations, and the story comes alive because of it.

King Mauakes of Ferghana makes a political alliance by marrying Heliokleia, from the Greek kingdom of Bactra. The story is told by her new handmaiden, Tomryis. Heliokleia is almost completely isolated in this foreign land, until she begisn to fall in love with Mauakes' son, Itaz. Though both are loyal to the King and would not betray him, Mauakes is paranoid and begins a reign of terror against them. Though this is historical fiction, it does have a slight supernatural element often found in very ancient history (like the gods in the Illiad and Odyssey).

I have read a LOT of historical fiction over the years, and this is still one of my top five. A real shame it is out of print. ( )