The exotic flavor of the east is resonating and glowing off every page of this novel! In sixth century Constantinople there is a woman who will change history. A woman who comes from nothing, rising above numerous struggles to become one of the most powerful women in the Roman Empire. Theodora’s family isn’t exactly wealthy. Her father trains bears and her mother is an actress and dancer. Though they aren’t completely destitute, money isn’t exactly in abundance but they are managing. That is until Theodora’s father dies. Next thing she knows, they are penniless. Soon, she is faced with starving on the street. Theodora vows to not let this happen.…

If you have spent any time in the historical fiction section of your local library or bookstore you will find that most of the genre is dominated by Tudor era and WWII era fiction mostly set in England. Let’s face it, those are the post popular periods and settings for HF. So if you are like me, you probably get really excited when you spot something of a new setting and era! That’s exactly what happened when I discovered Equal of the Sun! Since I don’t know much about near/middle eastern history I was really excited to read this book! What a refreshing read! Princess Pari is an Iranian princess…