Flights of Treason
Treason threatens the thrones of the Hitolian Empire and the griffin realm. An unlikely ensemble of heroes must save them.
As rulers of a vassal kingdom within the Hitolian Empire, Tesha and her husband Hattu have propped up a treacherous Great King. But balancing on the blade of a royal dagger is only half the problem. Unknown to them, Tesha’s blind sister is communicating with the king of the human-hating griffins.
Then hidden foes tip their lives toward disaster, and crises in both worlds collide.
The heroes fight battles with swords, claws, and sorcery. Tesha faces a choice. Use the magic that fatally drains her daughter or lose the fight for the survival of the empire—and her family.
Escape into the final book of this historical fantasy series, inspired by the true-life of a remarkable Hittite queen who ruled for decades over one of history’s most powerful empires.
“Judith Starkston has brilliantly written both the world and the characters of the Hittite Empire. Her characters are wonderfully engaging and her world richly detailed….you will dive into her world and you won’t want to come up for breath…Tesha and Hattu are unforgettable…The griffins are magical, powerful, and beautifully written…The worldbuilding is perfect, a blend of magical and real that works in such harmony you can’t imagine a world without both.”~The Nameless Zine, journal of the Western SFA
“Prepare to be transported to an ancient realm where vengeful gods speak to mortals, miraculous beasts soar through the sky, and kings, spies, and sorcerers vie for influence and power. Judith Starkston does a fine job of creating a fantasy world thoroughly grounded in the history of the ancient Middle East. The complex and intriguing plot, set in a dramatic world where magic and sorcery affect everyday life, draws the reader in. Readers who enjoy fantasy and royal machinations should enjoy this inventive novel of a magical ancient empire.”~Historical Novels Review
“Judith Starkston writes brilliantly of the Bronze Age, bringing a rich setting and unforgettable characters to life. Fans of historical fiction with ancient settings shouldn’t miss this exciting new novel.” ~Olivia Hawker, author of The Ragged Edge of Night
“What George R.R. Martin’s ‘Game of Thrones’ did for the War of the Roses, Starkston has done for the lost Hittite civilization. Mystery, romance, political intrigue, & magic…”~Amalia Carosella, author of Helen of Sparta
“…everything I love about historically-inspired fantasy with a strong and savvy heroine, a compassionate hero, and a world both blessed and cursed by the oversight of gods. Mystery, romance, action: this has it all.” ~Beth Cato, author of Breath of Earth
(Wordcount 160,000; available as ebook and print)