by Anne Fortier
First published 2014
Diana Morgan teaches Greek mythology at Oxford, but her colleagues dismiss her research into Amazon warriors. Her grandmother once claimed to be an Amazon before she disappeared without explanation. A wealthy foundation approaches Diana with funding for her work. She travels to North Africa and partners with Nick Barran, a local guide with unclear motives. They decode inscriptions in a newly discovered temple that reveal the story of Myrina, the first Amazon queen. Myrina sailed across the Mediterranean to rescue her captured sisters from Greek pirates and became caught up in the Trojan War. Diana and Nick follow clues to locate treasure that Myrina and her warriors took from Troy. Someone follows Diana as she searches, and she realizes Nick has his own secret plans. The hunt takes her from England through North Africa to Greece and the ruins of Troy. Diana uncovers parallel stories spanning centuries as she races to prove the Amazons were real.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, archaeology
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: secret-history, treasure-hunt
Setting: Oxford, North Africa, Greece, Troy
Period: Ancient
585 pages · Hardcover · Ballantine Books