By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy and Cookies Policy for more information.
red cross sign

get in touch

Interested in reviewing one of our books?
Use this form to request a Review Copy.
Submissions will next be welcomed in February 2022.
More information on our submissions process is available here.
work with us
We welcome enquiries regarding business collaborations. For information on Permanent Vacancies and Internships/Placements, visit out About page.
Thanks for getting in touch. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
white icon of a shopping bag
0
Book bag

Betrothal and Betrayal, Empress Irini Series, Book 1

Out of Stock
No items found.
TRANSLATED BY
sorry but this book is out of stock. Please check back soon.
£ 9.99 
This title will be released
May 1, 2023
- pre-order today! 

** Shortlisted for the Historical Association's Young Quills Prize 2024 **

The first book in a brand new series charting the extraordinary rise to power of Irini of Athens, Empress of the Byzantine Empire.

Betrothal & Betrayal

Seventeen-year-old Thekla needs her quick wits and knife to track down her betrothed, a soldier who has left her at the altar for the third time. Elias the monk travels with her to Constantinople where she meets Irini of Athens, an extraordinarily beautiful orphan who has been brought by powerful Emperor Constantine to marry his son, Co-Emperor Leon. The two women join forces to survive this vigorous, glittering capital of the Roman Empire of the East, rocked by division and strife. But will Thekla help the ambitious and ruthless Irini of Athens find the power that she craves?  

The Empress Irini Series

History tells us that Irini of Athens, a young orphan, married into the Byzantine royal household in 769 AD. History also tells us that within eleven years, two Emperors died suddenly and in quick succession, making Irini Empress and ruler of Byzantium. In this series, Janet McGiffin unearths what history forgot — the complete, unabridged story of Irini of Athens: her vulnerabilities, her pursuit of power, and her revenge.

Hide Details
jump to reviews
Release Date |  
May 2023
ISBN | 
978-1-910895-78-8
Pages | 
248

Betrothal and Betrayal, Empress Irini Series, Book 1

Out of Stock
No items found.
TRANSLATED BY
£ 9.99 
This title will be released
May 1, 2023
- pre-order today! 

** Shortlisted for the Historical Association's Young Quills Prize 2024 **

The first book in a brand new series charting the extraordinary rise to power of Irini of Athens, Empress of the Byzantine Empire.

Betrothal & Betrayal

Seventeen-year-old Thekla needs her quick wits and knife to track down her betrothed, a soldier who has left her at the altar for the third time. Elias the monk travels with her to Constantinople where she meets Irini of Athens, an extraordinarily beautiful orphan who has been brought by powerful Emperor Constantine to marry his son, Co-Emperor Leon. The two women join forces to survive this vigorous, glittering capital of the Roman Empire of the East, rocked by division and strife. But will Thekla help the ambitious and ruthless Irini of Athens find the power that she craves?  

The Empress Irini Series

History tells us that Irini of Athens, a young orphan, married into the Byzantine royal household in 769 AD. History also tells us that within eleven years, two Emperors died suddenly and in quick succession, making Irini Empress and ruler of Byzantium. In this series, Janet McGiffin unearths what history forgot — the complete, unabridged story of Irini of Athens: her vulnerabilities, her pursuit of power, and her revenge.

show DetailS

reviews

A stunning YA historical read set in 8th century Byzantium Empire...  I would binge all the sequels if I had them in my possession.

Karla Black McClatchey, Reviewer and Great Reads Award 2023 panelist

A strong feminine story that packs a punch.

Emma Hardy, Goodreads Reviewer

Empress Irini of Athens is perhaps one of the most fascinating women from the Byzantine era, if not all of medieval history...  I look forward to reading the next in the series, “Poison is a Woman’s Weapon’.

Miriam Smith, Goodreads Reviewer

Oh I absolutely adored this one! It sucked me in from the very first page... The book really immerses you in Thekla’s world, it reads a bit like a fantasy in some ways, the mentions of the old Roman empire etc are very evocative.

Lisa, Goodreads Reviewer

Janet really had me hooked from the start... With vivid descriptions of what the characters were wearing to the scenes that surrounded them you can feel yourself going back in time while devouring this story.

Tyler Marshall, Goodreads Reviewer

Thekla is an absolute gem of a character and I loved her spirit and attitude to life... I would definitely recommend [Betrothal and Betrayal] to history enthusiasts of all ages.

Mai Taylor,  blogger

Full of mystery, intrigue, political shenanigans... the descriptions are often so vivid you can almost see and smell the places.

Paula Neesam, blogger

I love the setting... It’s really well researched, focusing on the daily life of people in the eastern Roman Empire.

Damien, Goodreads Reviewer

Never before have I had such a beautiful detailed book, well besides a Tolkien book... totally immersive reading.

Debbie, blogger

As someone who loves reading about other ancient cultures this ticked all the boxes... Janet is a wordsmith when it comes to really elevating your surroundings.

Joe, blogger

more about this title

author

Janet McGiffin

artist

Harry Pizzey

about the author
Janet McGiffin has written three Dr. Maxine St. Claire mysteries, for Fawcett Press, US, featuring an ER doctor in an inner-city hospital. She has also written two graded readers for Cambridge University Press. She divides her time between Manhattan and Athens.
by the author
No items found.
about the artist
Harry Pizzey is multi-disciplinary designer and artist who lives and works between Cardiff and Bristol. He has designed set and costume for a number of theatre and opera productions and worked as a model maker, puppet maker and event designer.
illustrated by this artist

you might also like...