Donna Gillespie, Lady of the Light

Lady of the Light

Donna Gillespie

Berkley, November 2006, $15.00

ISBN: 0425212688

By 105 CE, years have passed since Germanic Chattian tribe "princess" Auriane was taken prisoner by the Romans and survived as a gladiator, before meeting and marrying Marcus Arrius Julianus (see THE LIGHT BEARER). They live a comfortable life with their two offspring Avenahar and Arria Juliana in the Germania Superior province.

However, over the years together, Auriane has funded the Chattian resistance movement by stealing from her wealthy husband. Now her tribesmen plead with her to return home to lead them in war against another Germanic tribe, the Cheruscans. She wants to, but decides not to. However, her seditious activity is uncovered, and Auriane goes on trial and is convicted for acts of treason at the same time her teenage daughter Avenahar, who learns she is not of Marcus' seed, joins the Chattian resistance and a political adversary abducts their other daughter.

This is an exciting historical fiction that continues the saga of Auriane, and sets up the next warrior woman generation Avenahar for a future tale. The tale is filled with action, while also bringing to light life on a frontier province of the Roman Empire. However, the LADY OF THE LIGHT predominantly is owned by the larger than life heroine who must choose between the love and loyalty to her family, especially her spouse or her heritage.