"Great Greek mythos tale"

Princess Lysandra respects the ways of her people the Amazons except for the killing of male babies even if they are sacrificed to Artemis. She vows that one day when she is queen she will stop that practice. For now Lysandra must pray that her firstborn is female for her mother Queen Medorawould would kill a baby grandson, but cherish a granddaughter.

Queen Medora selects prisoner Zarak, King of Thrace and a former thief, to mate with Lysandra. He proves no chains can bind him and informs his Amazon that he willingly was caught because he plans to impregnate her as he needs a male heir. Nine months later, Zarak rejoices as Lysandra gives birth to a boy, but must act fast because Queen Medora plans to sacrifice the male tot. As the two join forces to save the child through the completion of a dangerous quest, only one of them can win with the people of the loser in jeopardy. The last thing either can afford is to fall in love, but that emotion is as capricious as the Gods they worship.

No one does the Greek mythos justice like the fantastic Elizabeth Rose does. THIEF OF OLYMPUS is the third delightful such novel that this reviewer has had the pleasure reading by this mythologist and like the first two (see THE ORACLE OF DELPHI and KYROS' SECRET) is a powerful tale that tells the story of the Amazons. The plot is filled with action and moral dilemmas that impact the lead couple. Fans of Greek mythology will enjoy this tale and look forward to the next book, THE PANDORA CURSE.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 29, 2003

Master thief and king of Thrace, Zarek couples with an Amazon warrior princess, Lysandra. When their baby is born and stolen by Artemis, they are set a challenge - to steal from the gods. Only one will win and regain their son, the other's nation will die.

Summary

An Amazon

Warrior Lysandra, princess of the Amazon nation will never surrender her heart and future to a mere man. At her coming of age ceremony her mother's chosen for her a king to couple with and sire her child. Now she only hopes for the stronger of the genders - a daughter.

An Infamous Thief

Zarek, King of Thrace, is better known for his past profession - the most infamous thief of all Greece. He needs a son and heir, but not a wife, and decides Lysandra, the princess of the Amazons, will serve him fine.

A Horrific Sacrifice

When the baby is born and must be sacrificed to Artemis, two enemies are suddenly brought together. Lysandra and Zarek are paired against each other to retrieve the lyre of Apollo, a thunderbolt of Zeus and the golden chalice of the wine god, Dionysus in order to secure their baby's fate.

One contestant will win.

One kingdom or tribe will die.

And with promises broken, one baby will perish unless the Thief of Olympus can steal back from the gods the most precious gift of all.