Achtriel's home is Rouen, a place of which I'd never heard. Her time is 7th century AD. The cover overlooks a valley fenced in by far off mountains, and a path on which are pictured two young women: a blonde not looking particularly comfortable, and a darker girl with black every-where hair holding fabrics, with an "i-dare-you" look on her face. For these shallow reasons, I requested this ARC, and was so granted.

I liked the character of Achtriel, who has been abandoned in an alley by her mother. Two days later Tahto, an elderly man of learning who has a following, finds the infant and takes her in. He renames her after an angel who "frequented the outlying realms". Tahto becomes her adopted "grandfather" holding back nothing as he teaches this new student so thoroughly that at age 3 she can read and write Latin, Greek and Hebrew. For me that was a reach, but I stayed in. . .other complications in her life - it is thought she was disabled in the birthing process that result in a clenched right hand, and twisted right foot. Tahto and his other family members help Achtriel to overcome (except for a limp and ungraceful physical presentation) challenges as she can.

Within a few pages, the origin is told, and Achtriel is 8 and 1/2. And so begins the life path of Achtriel living in 603 AD in Rouen, France. It goes to page 589. . .where she may be 11? There is a hint of womanly shaping, but nothing firm, and ends with "to be continued. . ." A long read, about the time and community which has Christian and Jewish members, and where conflicts abound on a personal level.

*A sincere thank you to Jeannie Troll, Page Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

I enjoyed this novel. I do not usually read about this time period, but I enjoy Medieval historical fiction. This one is probably more "Dark Ages" which made it interesting to me.
The author established the atmosphere very well. She must have researched the time period to create situations that felt realistic and believable.
I liked the main character and found her life and interactions with others interesting. I felt for her. I both felt sorry for her but also happy for her. Because of her disability she avoided many of the miseries of female life. The author contrasted her with other women who were considered beautiful and led very different lives with different challenges.
Well done. Recommended to readers who enjoy historical fiction and women's fiction. I would read this author again.

This captivating historical fiction novel will transport you back to the seventh century AD near Rouen, where the young prodigy Achtriel resides. From the moment you open the book, you'll be hooked by the author's masterful storytelling and the compelling journey of our protagonist. Achtriel's struggles and triumphs, as she grapples with her own limitations and clashes with the enigmatic Tirzah, will keep you on the edge of your seat, yearning to unravel the secrets that lie beneath the surface. It is a tale that not only entertains but also delves into the depths of human emotion and resilience.

Prepare to be transported to a vivid and mesmerizing world in Achtriel!

The author beautifully weaves a tale of historical fiction, immersing readers in the fascinating setting of seventh-century AD near Rouen. The protagonist, Achtriel, is a remarkable character who captivates from the very beginning. Her intelligence, independence, and resilience make her instantly relatable and engaging. The addition of Tirzah to her life brings forth a series of challenges and conflicts, driving the plot forward with intensity and emotion.