Book Launch at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore

The day is finally here!

Join Judith Starkston for the

Official book launch of Hand of Fire

September 10, 2014
7:00pm

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore
4014 N. Goldwater Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ

Champagne and brownies to celebrate!

Hand of Fire will be available on Amazon by early September. You may also buy it at the book launch at the Poisoned Pen.

About Hand of Fire:

In the Iliad, Homer gives only a few lines to Briseis, the captive woman who sparked the bitter conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon. Hand of Fire brings Briseis to life against this mythic backdrop. Thrust into leadership as a young woman, she must protect her family and city. Sickness and war threaten. She gains much-needed strength from visions of a handsome warrior god, but will that be enough when the mighty, half-immortal Achilles attacks?

Advance Praise for Hand of Fire:

“In Hand of Fire, Starkston’s careful research brings ancient Greece and Troy to life with passion and grace. This haunting and insightful novel makes you ache for a mortal woman, Briseis, in love with a half-god, Achilles, as she fights to make her own destiny in a world of capricious gods and warriors. I devoured this page-turning escape from the modern world!” — Rebecca Cantrell, New York Times bestselling author of The World Beneath

“Suspenseful, tragic, surprising and sexy” –Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Crown and The Chalice

“Briseis steps out from the handful of lines she gets in Homer’s epic, and fearlessly tells her own story as healer, war prize, and partner to the famous Achilles–here a godlike hero who manages to be all too human. Recommended!”–Kate Quinn, author of Empress of the Seven Hills

“In her portrayal of Briseis, Judith Starkston has cast a bright light on one of the Iliad‘s most intriguing sub-plots. With her fast-paced story, three-dimensional characters, and fascinating cultural details, Starkston has given historical fiction fans a tale to remember.” –Priscilla Royal, author of Covenant with Hell and 9 other Prioress Eleanor mysteries

“Starkston breathes new life into an age-old tale in this masterful retelling of the Iliad. The reader experiences the terror, bravery and heartbreak of Briseis who now takes center stage in one of the most famous love triangles of all time.” Elisabeth Storrs, author of The Wedding Shroud and The Golden Dice

“Absolutely loved the book. Couldn’t put it down. Wonderful writing. And, I see no errors whatsoever as regards the history.” –Professor Eric Cline, Chair of the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, George Washington University

“Ms. Starkston’s fascinating novel tells the story of Briseis, famed beauty and war prize to demi-god, Achilles. Backed by meticulous research, Starkston weaves an intriguing tale about a brave woman who must bury her heartache, survive amid those who destroyed her family, and rise above the confines of her station to create her own destiny. A must read for fans of ancient Greece, and lively tales of historical fiction.” –Heather Webb, author of Becoming Josephine