Margarett Mirley The Leave-Takers

Once I got into The Leave-Takers - and the pair that come afterwards because it is the first of a trilogy I was engrossed. But as I said, this is a long read.

Set in ancient Greece, it begins with children leaving mysterious a warrior woman who soon turns out to be more than they and the others know. As she seems to get more depressed the reasons become clearer as her story unfolds. She is a former priestess of Delphi and the High priest wants her back for her unusual skills.

It being the time of war with the Persians, the tension mounts because she does not quite trust him. Along the way she gains the support of a man whose raped daughter is being protected by the warriors. It is an interesting insight into ancient Greek life and a bit of readable history.

The characters are strong and well drawn with humour. Enough to make me want to read the next when most of them ship up in Gaul. That is another story and needs a different review I guess.