About The Book:
After the death of her beloved husband and becoming a single parent to her nine-year-old son Alexander, overworked scientist Helen desperately needs an escape. So when Alexander proposes a trip to Greece—somewhere he’s always dreamed of visiting—Helen quickly agrees.
After spending several days exploring the tourist-filled streets, they stumble upon the ancient city of Mystras and are instantly drawn to it. Its only resident is Elias, a mysterious tour guide living on the city’s edges…both physically and temporally.
In 1237, Elias’s mother promised his eternal service to the Profitis Ilias in Mystras in exchange for surviving a terrible illness. But during his 800 years of labor, he’s had one common enemy: the noble Lusignan family. The Lusignan line is cursed by a deadly disease that worsens with each generation, and a prophecy hints that Elias’s blood is their only hope for a cure. He has managed to survive throughout the centuries, but the line has dwindled down to the last Lusignan and he is desperate to avert his family’s destiny.
When Elias runs into Helen, he meets his match for the first time—but he unwittingly puts both her and her young son in danger as a result. With time running out and an enemy after them, Elias and Helen are forced to choose between the city they love, and each other.
Review
Helen is an overworked and wounded scientist. Her husband has recently passed away and she is struggling to find the correct balance to raise her son. So, when an opportunity arises for her and her son to visit Greece, they jump at the chance. Little do they know this will change all aspects of their future.
Helen and her son are damaged and I felt and instant connection. Helen is smart and hard working. I love her scientific study on Huntington’s disease. This hooked me right from the start!
I did enjoy both time periods in this novel. I learned so much in both. But, and this is unusual for me, I liked the present day better than the Ancient Greece sections. Basically because I felt a better connection to the characters.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars is because it is a bit long and drawn out in places. But…that is minor because I so loved reading about Ancient Greece. Add in the science…and I was hooked.
This is a unique tale you do not want to miss!
Need a wonderful dual timeline novel…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
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About The Author:
Melodie Winawer is the author of THE SCRIBE OF SIENA (2017), which was praised by Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bustle, and Real Simple, and was declared a “Must Read Book” by the New York Post. SCRIBE has been translated into German, Czech, Polish, and Norwegian . Winawer is also the author of the recently published ANTICIPATION (November 2021), which was a starred review Publisher’s weekly “Pick of the Week”, called one of the “Best books released in November” and “Best Historical Fiction Fall 2021” by BuzzFeed, and is now a Target Recommends Pick. Melodie is also a contributor to WE ALL FALL DOWN; STORIES OF PLAGUE AND RESILIENCE, an anthology of short stories by nine historical fiction writers. A physician-scientist and associate professor of neurology at Columbia University, Melodie has published over fifty scientific articles. To find the energy to write, she relies on unflagging enthusiasm and green tea. Melodie lives with her spouse and their three children in both New York City and Vermont. http://melodiewinawer.com/
Social Media:
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