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Articles & News

Audiobook Production for the Empress Irini Series is Underway!

May 7, 2025
Janet McGiffin, author of the Empress Irini series has been working hard from the studio in Athens to produce the audio-versions of her books. Here are some behind the scenes glimpses of the process.

Janet Mcgiffin, author of the Empress Irini Series (Betrothal and Betrayal, Poison is a Woman's Weapon, Seizing Power & The Price of Eyes) has recently been spending time in Athens to record the audio-versions of her books. The Empress Irini series–a four-book tale of survival, ambition, and power set in the intrigue-filled byways of Constantinople in the Byzantine Empire.

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The books will be narrated by Melisanthi Mauvidou, who will be voicing Thekla, the protagonist of the series. Chosen from 13 amazing Greek actresses, Melisanthi's authentic voice embodies Thekla's strong spirit beautifully. Here is a short video to introduce our readers to Melisanthi:

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The team have been hard at work in the Athens studio to bring the incredible story of Thekla and Empress Irini to life.

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Jan and Melisanthi in the studio

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Sound Engineer Yianni at work in the studio

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The first two books of the Empress Irini series will be available as audiobooks in May.

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To prepare for the release of the audiobook we’re offering our readers the chance to download a PDF of the first chapter of Betrothal and Betrayal for free. Click the image below to download your copy now.

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books in this entry

Betrothal and Betrayal, Empress Irini Series, Book 1

Janet McGiffin
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Janet McGiffin

featured artists in this entry
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Harry Pizzey
Janet McGiffin, author of the Empress Irini series has been working hard from the studio in Athens to produce the audio-versions of her books. Here are some behind the scenes glimpses of the process.
featured stories
Articles & News
Praise for Julian Evans' 'Undefeatable: Odesa in Love and War'
May 6, 2025
Artist Profiles
An Interview with Harry Pizzey, Cover Designer and Illustrator for the Empress Irini Series
Harry Pizzey
February 7, 2024
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Slow down, here comes Langholm, birthplace of Hugh MacDiarmid
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July 30, 2023
Znak, speech bubble, book cover
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Graphic of Timothy Ashby featuring the book cover of Elizabethan Secret Agent
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featured artists in this entry
artist
Harry Pizzey
featured authors in this entry
Author
Janet McGiffin
books in this entry

Betrothal and Betrayal, Empress Irini Series, Book 1

Janet McGiffin