In the heart of war, Lena will discover the rebel within. Lena's unwavering loyalty makes her an exemplary soldier. But when she's chosen as a hostage to a treaty, her courage and resilience are truly tested. Thrust from comfort to harsh captivity, Lena confronts not just the enemy, but the limitations placed upon her as a woman in cultures not her own . Fighting for her freedom, she forms an unlikely bond with a man with his own reasons to reject the expectations placed upon him. As her understanding of her world is turned upside-down, Lena will risk all for her own future – and that of her land. A story for those who dare to challenge the status quo and forge their own path. Silver Medal, Historical Fiction Box Set (2019), Coffee Pot Book Club Awards "A bold vision of historical fantasy written beautifully from start to finish; Empire's Hostage takes us on an epic journey that is at once intriguing, convincing, and deeply affecting." Jonathan Ballagh, author of The Quantum Door "a fantasy series for people who don't normally read fantasy." Bjorn Larssen, author of Storytellers 'a beautifully crafted book, easing you gently along as it lulls you into a false sense of security before reaching its dramatic climax.' Mai's Musings Reviews " a fantastic sequel...Empire's Hostage expands on the world building with cultures, beliefs and traditions. A rich set of characters who all have their own journey and place in the story delivered through purposeful writing style." Cover to Cover Reviews "A powerful and intense sequel to the impressive Empire's Daughter, this book is a remarkable story of one young woman's battle with an Empire and a kingdom...a delicate balance between historical novel and fantasy... precise and effectively written...' Joules Barham, Northern Reader Reviews For fifteen months, The Empire and the northern people have been at war, but a truce is finally at hand. As part of this treaty, Lena, now a Guardswoman on the Wall, is asked to stand as hostage, to go north to live and learn among the people of Linrathe. But not everyone there will welcome her. As Lena learns more of the history of both her land and the north, a new threat emerges, one that will test her loyalty to its limits, and in the end, demand a price she could not have envisioned. Marian L Thorpe lives in a small city in Canada with her husband and two cats. When not writing or editing, Marian can be found either birding, an avocation that has taken her to seven continents, or taking courses on the landscape archaeology of Britain.