Reviews – Priestess of Ishana
I don’t generally read high fantasy, but Starkston had me hooked from page one of this intricate novel. Based on historical events in the Bronze Age, Starkston wraps history and magic together in an unforgettable package. I was drawn in by the young heroine as she struggles to save her kingdom. Lovers of fantasy will do well to pick up this novel. I would also recommend it to any young adult readers who want to see a young woman learn who she is. I highly recommend this novel.
Toni Linenberger for The Book Review Crew
. . . when a book captures my attention from the first page and absolutely won’t let me go until the last page, I feel like I have experienced something amazing.
Amazon Reviewer
You guys. YOU GUYS! This novel is Hittite historical fantasy! Let me say that again:
Her Grace’s Library, Kristen McQuinn
HITTITE. HISTORICAL. FANTASY!
This is exactly the historical fantasy novel you were looking for to round out your 2018 reading! The world building is intricate and painstakingly drawn, which is always pleasing. The pacing has a nice blend of faster action sequences combined with complex (but not convoluted) politics and religious rites. Each character has depth and personality, some of whom you love to hate. I thought Tesha in particular was a complex person, a woman in her own right who had some power as a respected priestess, but who was also a woman in a very different and much earlier society who adhered to some patriarchal rules. It was fascinating to see her carry out her duties as well as her investigation within the scope of the limits her society imposed upon her. . . . I think Judith Starkston has struck on a totally unique niche within the historical fantasy genre, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with in her next installation in the series!
Priestess of Ishana grabbed my attention from the opening page
John Volk
This novel would be a pleasure to read even if it was only the product of the author’s fertile imagination, but it delights me that so much of it is based on real events and real people in the distant past – events and people we only know about through ancient clay tablets with cuneiform writing. Even the exotic fantasy elements have their roots in the beliefs of the Hittites. Starkston brings us Bronze Age magic, as well as vivid characters based on real historical people, and an exciting, multi-sensory panorama of Bronze Age life. Her creds as a classicist make her amply qualified to bring this story to life, and she does so very well indeed. I’m looking forward to more fast-paced adventures featuring the remarkable Tesha!
Tinney Heath, author of A Thing Done
Mystery, conspirators, and magic–what’s not to like? Well written and great entertainment, which is why I turn to fantasy thrillers. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it.
Dorothy Dirienzi
-Beth Cato, author of The Clockwork Dagger and Breath of Earth
“Priestess of Ishana evokes everything I love about historically-inspired fantasy with a strong and savvy heroine, a compassionate hero, and a world both blessed and cursed by the oversight of gods. Mystery, romance, action: this has it all.”