Daughters of Fire - Hardcover

Erskine, Barbara

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007174268 ISBN 13: 9780007174263

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2006

Synopsis

The sweeping new novel from the bestselling author of Hiding from the Light and Whispers in the Sand switches between Roman Britain and the present day where history dramatically impacts on the lives of three women.

The Romans are landing in Britannia...

Cartimandua, the young woman destined to rule the great Brigantes tribe, watches the invaders come ever closer. Her life has always been a maelstrom of love, conflict and revenge, but it only becomes more turbulent and complicated with power. Her political skills are threatened by her personal choices, and Cartimandua finds she has made formidable enemies on all sides as she faces a decision which will change the futures of all around her.

In the present day, historian Viv Lloyd Rees has immersed herself in the legends surrounding the Celtic queen. Viv struggles to hide her visions of Cartimandua and her conviction that they are real. But her obsession becomes more persistent when she finds an ancient brooch that carries a curse. Bitter rivalries and overwhelming passions are reawakened as past envelops present and Viv finds herself in the greatest danger of her life.

About this title

Review:

DAUGHTERS OF FIRE
‘Riveting timeslip novel’ Fanny Blake, Woman and Home

‘A fascinating spotlight on a dark age’ Bella

Praise for Barbara’s other novels

'Her forte is mood, atmosphere and the toe-curling frisson.' Sunday Times

‘Readers of Barbara Erskine are held in thrall.’
Woman’s Realm

‘Stephen King meeting Ruth Rendell.’ Frank Delaney

'Barbara Erskine's storytelling talent is undeniable.' The Times

Synopsis:

The sweeping new novel from the bestselling author of "Hiding from the Light" and "Whispers in the Sand" switches between the past, and Roman Britain, and the present day where history dramatically impacts on the lives of three women. Two thousand years ago, as the Romans invade Britannia, the princess who will become the powerful queen of the great tribe of the Brigantes, watches the enemies of her people come ever closer. Cartimandua's world is, from the start, a maelstrom of love and conflict; revenge and retribution. In the present day, Edinburgh-based historian, Viv Lloyd Rees, has immersed herself in the legends surrounding the Celtic queen. She has written a book and is working on a dramatisation of the young queen's life with the help of actress, Pat Hebden. Cartimandua's life takes one unexpected turn after another as tragedy changes the course of her future. But the young queen has formidable enemies - among them Venutios, her childhood sparring partner, and Medb, a woman whose jealousy threatens not only her happiness but her life. Viv's Head of Department, Hugh Graham, hounds her as she struggles to hide her visions of Cartimandua and her conviction that they are real.

Her obsession grows ever more persistent and threatening as she takes possession of an ancient brooch that carries a curse. Both Pat and Hugh are drawn into this dual existence of bitter rivalry and overwhelming love as past envelopes present and the trio find themselves facing the greatest danger of their lives.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0007174268
• ISBN 13: 9780007174263
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 576