The third book in a brand new series charting the extraordinary rise to power of Irini of Athens, Empress of the Byzantine Empire.
Seizing Power
Constantine’s father dies unexpectedly, making Constantine emperor at age nine with Irini as Regent. Abbess Thekla’s loyalty to Irini shifts to Constantine as she watches Irini block his authority and keep the power herself. Irini makes Constantine wed the disliked Maria, prevents the Senate from naming him Emperor in his own right at age 18, and imprisons him when he tries to stop her henchmen from amassing wealth and power. Constantine’s army friends free him, arrest her, and raise him to the throne. Resourceful as ever, Irini will not be thwarted. Can Thekla prevent them from murdering each other?
The Empress Irini Series
History tells us that Irini of Athens, a young orphan, married into the Byzantine royal household in 769 AD. History also tells us that within eleven years, two Emperors died suddenly and in quick succession, making Irini Empress and ruler of Byzantium. In this series, Janet McGiffin unearths what history forgot — the complete, unabridged story of Irini of Athens: her vulnerabilities, her pursuit of power, and her revenge.
The third book in a brand new series charting the extraordinary rise to power of Irini of Athens, Empress of the Byzantine Empire.
Seizing Power
Constantine’s father dies unexpectedly, making Constantine emperor at age nine with Irini as Regent. Abbess Thekla’s loyalty to Irini shifts to Constantine as she watches Irini block his authority and keep the power herself. Irini makes Constantine wed the disliked Maria, prevents the Senate from naming him Emperor in his own right at age 18, and imprisons him when he tries to stop her henchmen from amassing wealth and power. Constantine’s army friends free him, arrest her, and raise him to the throne. Resourceful as ever, Irini will not be thwarted. Can Thekla prevent them from murdering each other?
The Empress Irini Series
History tells us that Irini of Athens, a young orphan, married into the Byzantine royal household in 769 AD. History also tells us that within eleven years, two Emperors died suddenly and in quick succession, making Irini Empress and ruler of Byzantium. In this series, Janet McGiffin unearths what history forgot — the complete, unabridged story of Irini of Athens: her vulnerabilities, her pursuit of power, and her revenge.