For generations, the women of the coastal fishing village of Tirvan have lived separately from the men. The elders decided long ago that the men were needed to defend the northern wall and fight foreign wars, while the women would provide food and clothing, and raise the children. Only once a year would the men visit the village during a time of festival. During festival, mates were chosen to ensure that there would be future generations of soldiers and women to provide for them.

But a new threat is threatening Tirvan. Raiders from the island of Leste are preparing to attack the peaceful and unprotected coast. An emissary from the empire has come to Tirvan bearing the grave news, and to instruct the women in the ways of war, and the use of sword, bow and spear.

Like Marian L. Thorpe’s longer epic Empress & Soldier, the author skillfully draws the reader into the tale, and the reader can smell the sea and feel the coarse ropes of the fishing nets against their hands as if they were living the story. This is the first book of the Empire’s Legacy series, and it keeps the reader hungering for more.

Can the women of Tirvan find the resolve to defend their homes against the invaders, or will war tear apart their peaceful lives? Read this highly recommended book and find out.