Zenobia - Birth of a Legend

Review

by Julie Wallace
published on 13 August 2012

In the 3rd century a girl of uncommon abilities was born in the desert wilderness of Syria. Rescued from death by her courageous mother, Zenobia masqueraded as a boy to stay alive. She grew up to become one of the toughest, deadliest women who ever lived.
The historical novel Zenobia- Birth of a Legend by Russ Wallace traces Zenobia's life from age nine to fifteen, setting the stage for her amazing rise to power.
Young Zenobia dreams of becoming a warrior, a serious problem for a girl born into a male-dominated desert tribe. She has been forced to hide her gender to preserve her life. Her deception is unmasked, leading to an incredible turn of events.
Her wise mother envisions a different life for her daughter – that of a scholar – and takes her to Egypt for an education. Here a conflict of desires surges in Zenobia, for she finds that she loves both paths. As she feeds an emerging hunger for justice, the stirrings of a future political and strategic genius begin to manifest themselves. Growing into young womanhood, Zenobia feels an awakening attraction to two very different males – a vibrant young warrior from her own tribe and a brilliant bachelor scholar whose analytical mind cannot help from feeling romantically drawn to the most intriguing female he has ever met.
Meanwhile, Zenobia learns of the annual horse race in Alexandria. She decides to enter her powerful mare against the highly-bred stallions of the East. The power of a legend influences the surprising course of the contest to its thundering conclusion.

I've found a lack of historical information on the life of Zenobia. This book, even though it's historical fiction, has enough historical facts in it to give you a better understanding into the life of a strong female leader who fought against Rome. A great story about history and you get plenty of action and adventure. There is budding romances that makes me want to get into book two, which is supposed to come out later this year. The horse race had me holding my breath the whole time. I highly recommend this book for all ages. The character may be a young girl but her search for knowledge will stimulate all ages and gender. -Julie Martin Wallace. www.juliemartinwallace.blogspot.com

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