First published 2010
Lavinia stands in the sacred grove where a poet's ghost visits her with visions of the future. The daughter of Latium's king faces pressure to marry Turnus, the handsome ruler of Rutulia whom her mother favors. But the spectral poet tells her of Aeneas, the Trojan hero who fled his burning city with his father and son. Lavinia knows that rejecting Turnus means war will come to her father's peaceful kingdom. She also knows that marrying for political convenience will deny her true fate. The ghost shows her Aeneas carrying his father from Troy's flames, leading his people across the sea to find a new home. Lavinia must choose between the safe path her family expects and the dangerous love the poet's spirit reveals. Like Helen of Troy, she will cause a war, but unlike Helen, Lavinia refuses to be taken or given away. She will choose her own man and accept the consequences.
Genres: mythology, historical-fiction, fantasy, ancient, epic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: Latium, Rutulia, Troy
Period: Ancient
293 pages · Kindle Edition · Gateway