Island of Ghosts

A thoughtful and compelling novel of the clash of cultures as Roman conquerors sweep across second-century EuropeIn the second century A.D., the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius made a deal with the barbarian Sarmatians: The fighting would stop if they supplied Rome with eight thousand horsemen. Left with no choice, the Sarmatians complied. Thus began the Roman life of Ariantes, a warrior-prince in a land not his own. While his fellows chafe under Roman rule, appalled at the Romans' clumsiness with horses, and resistant to any and every command, Ariantes alone realizes that in order to preserve his regiment's culture and customs, in order to preserve the happiness of his men, he must sacrifice some of his own."Bradshaw is a classics scholar as well as an excellent writer.... History comes alive in her expert hands". -- The Philadelphia Inquirer"Poetically clear and carefully researched, with an energy that carries it right along". - Kirkus Reviews on The Bearkeeper's Daughter"Well researched, lively...engrossing". - Publishers Weekly on the Beacon at Alexandria"Ms. Bradshaw's supreme talent of combining history and fiction as a treat for anyone who enjoys escape to the opulence of mankind's past". - Rave Reviews