Theodora (The Byzantine Tales)

This book is sublime and utterly absorbing. A gritty tale of innocence lost, intrigue, and adventure - and... unusually for books set in this era... the role of the central character is taken a woman... and what a woman!Theodora yearns to escape her tawdry existence as an actress and courtesan, but her path to freedom is marred by all manner of challenges and dangers. No shrinking violet, nothing sways Theodora's steely resolve and, to achieve her goal, her wit, knowledge, and resourcefulness will be tested to their limits.Rob Bauer's tale is intense, harsh, and confronting - and I was left breathless all too frequently by Theodora's escapades - but it is also a tale of love and hope, and a dogged determination to beat the odds. Be prepared for a wild ride! Excellent book... highly recommended.

I was already a fan of Rob Bauer and looked forward to reading this, his latest, novel. I was not disappointed.Bauer weaves true history with intriguing, exciting, and all around excellent storytelling.This novel revolves around a young actress trying to make her way during an Era that considered actresses little more than prostitutes. Theodora is no average girl, however, as she battles through one hurdle after another. Rape doesn't stop her. Being abandoned by family, friends, and patrons doesn't slow her down. She is a true warrior, and heroine, that makes a life for herself during a time where women were property and did as they were told.This is a stunning, exciting, well written novel that I'll be recommending to my friends.Simply excellent.

A strong female heroine , Theodora, an actress and courtesan becomes involved with a spy network and has many exciting escapades surviving a kidnapping, a shipwreck , and attempted murder during this thrilling well written romp through ancient ConstantinopleRob Bauers brilliant description and narrative keep you turning the pages!

I bought this book by accident, mistaking it for a different series by native Greek authors. When I read the author's note, which starts with a warning to readers that "women were treated differently" during this period, my heart sank a little but I decided to soldier on. Lo and behold, the very opening paragraphs of the book drive this point home with an uncomfortably voyeuristic description of an underage girl in the nude and on public display. By now I knew what I was in for, but I'd paid for it and the author has credentials as an historian, so I figured if I just skipped the weirdly fetishist sexism, I might stumble across something interesting. Indeed, there are some descriptions of historical events and conflict that might have been interesting if they received a fraction of the attention devoted to being creepy about young women.

Fantastic novel that follows a strong female heroine on wild adventures. Brilliant, descriptive narrative including powerful themes throughout this medieval adventure. Highly recommend this read!I have always been impressed by Rob Bauer, and this novel is no exception.

Theodora took me on a ride I was not expecting. I’d never read or even heard of this woman, since I’m not usually one to read historical novels. But this one opened my eyes to a life, culture, era that existed that I think everyone should learn about. Women were treated horribly, especially those who had no power. It’s an intriguing story and I really have to hand it to any woman who lived during that time.The book is very well written, so much so that I felt I was living Theodora’s life as she dealt with blow after blow, trying to knock her down. But she’s a strong and intelligent woman, very capable of using her talents in ways to overcome what life threw her way. And by the end of the story, she was worldly and knowledgeable about religion, hierarchies, and political maneuverings. I assume this serves her well for the rest of her life, and I can’t wait for the next chapter in this magnificent woman’s journey.

I love the historical accuracy that Bauer brings to his books, even when some of that history is at times hard to believe. Like when he weaves religion in, it's hard to think that early Christianity wasn't as loving as it is now.Theadora is a great read with the female lead being so strong as to work her way through everything thrown at her, in a time when women didn't have the rights to forge their own paths! Bauer brings history to brutal life once again!