In the Mail (04.26)

Filed Under (New Books) by Morbid Romantic on Apr 26, 2009 @ 5:44 pm
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All the ETC:

Okay… maybe not ‘In the Mail’ since mail doesn’t come on Sunday… but I bought these books today. :D Cheers to the Barnes & Noble bargain aisle!


The Empress by Shan Sa
Reaching back in time to the seventh century, Shan re-creates a China ruled by the powerful Tang dynasty. Chosen to become one of the emperor’s royal concubines, a young girl known as Heavenlight is thrust into the exotic world of the Forbidden City, where she must learn to navigate politics, court intrigue, and petty jealousies. One among 10,000 girls and women, she eventually distinguishes herself from the others by relying on her intelligence, wit, and fierce determination. Chosen by the heir to the throne to be his first wife, she ascends to the throne after her husband’s death, becoming the first empress of China. Based on the controversial reign of Empress Wu, this fictional biography illuminates the life and times of one of the ancient world’s most powerful, capable, and overlooked women.


The Accusers by Lindsey Davis
Needing to re-establish their presence in Rome, Falco and Associates become embroiled in the legal manoeuvres of Silius Italicus and Paccius Africanus, real-life uppercrust informers who thrive on exploiting the sins of the rich. Rubirius Metellus, an average senator (corrupt, nasty, hated by his relatives and possibly incestuous) has committed suicide to avoid paying his bills. It’s a neat trick if you can get away with it, but he won’t because Silius wants his huge fees and Paccius is advising most of the family, including the favoured ex-daughter-in-law, while M Didius Falco is on hand to defend old-fashioned concepts like justice for the innocent. Aulus takes an interest in agnates, Quintus gains an heir, Helena distrusts the ingénue and Falco risks his future using oratorical skills we have never imagined he owns. With poisoned pills, magic practices, women in labour, old Senate scandals and an appearance from dumb judge Marponius lined up, things are tricky even before the impiety charge – and that may be the end of everything…

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One Response to “In the Mail (04.26)”

  1. 1
    . Elina (5 comments.) on 27 Apr 2009 at 7:09 am #

    The Empress sounds interesting. Have to put this on my TBR list.