Written in the Ashes - by K Hollan Van Zandt (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Written in the Ashes is one of those rare novels that sets 'history' afire, to bathe readers in the glow of a greater, hotter truth. Fans of The Mists of Avalon will find this romantic/alchemical/feminist/spiritual epic equally captivating."--Tom Robbins, bestselling author of Tibetan Peach Pie: A True Account of an Imaginative Life and Villa Incognito

In the bloody clash between Christians and pagans in fifth-century Alexandria, a servant girl becomes the last hope for preserving peace in this evocative and thrilling tale--a blend of history, adventure, religion, romance, and mysticism reminiscent of The Mists of Avalon.

After she is abducted from her home in the mountains of Sinai, Hannah is enslaved and taken to Alexandria, where she becomes the property of Alizar, an alchemist and pagan secretly working to preserve his culture. Revered for her beautiful singing voice, the young slave is invited to perform at the city's Great Library, where she becomes friends with the revered mathematician and philosopher, Hypatia, as well as other pagans who curate its magnificent collections. Determined to help them uphold pagan culture and traditions, Hannah embarks on a dangerous quest to unite the fractured pieces of the Emerald Tablet--the last hope to save the pagans and create peace.

On this odyssey that leads her to the lost oracles of Delfi and Amun-Ra and to rediscovered ancient cities and rituals, Hannah will experience forbidden loves, painful betrayals, and poignant reunions. But her efforts may be in vain. Returning to Alexandria, Hannah finds a city engulfed in violence, even as her own romantic entanglements come to a head. Now, it's not only her future, but the fate of all Alexandria that is at stake.

Review Quotes

"Written in the Ashes is one of those rare novels that sets 'history' afire, to bathe readers in the glow of a greater, hotter truth. Fans of The Mists of Avalon will find this romantic/alchemical/feminist/spiritual epic equally captivating." -- Tom Robbins, Bestselling Author of Tibetan Peach Pie: A True Account of an Imaginative Life and Villa Incognito

"A stunning epic about the burning of the Great Library of Alexandria, Egypt from a brilliant young novelist whose depiction of the ancient world is sure to capture the hearts of readers everywhere." -- Mark R. Harris, Academy Award-Winning Producer (Crash, Gods & Monsters)

"Van Zandt's vivid description of the Great Library instantly transported me to a lush fifth century Alexandria. Her lyrical writing style and breakneck storytelling kept me riveted to the very last page." -- Robin Maxwell, Bestselling Author of Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan and Atlantos (The Early Erthe Chronicles)

"In her captivating debut novel, Van Zandt brings to life a fascinating and forgotten woman of history: Hypatia of Alexandria. If you've ever wondered what it was like to walk the streets of long ago Egypt, then look no further. You will be enthralled!" -- Michelle Moran, Bestselling Author of Rebel Queen and The Second Empress: A Novel of Napoleons Court

"Written in the Ashes is a story that could have been ripped from today's headlines. It opens the door into a magical, fascinating and frightening era in our history. With hope, it's one we will not be doomed to repeat." -- Josh Conviser, Executive Consultant on HBO's Rome, and Author of Echelon and Empyre

"I found the story, with its rich historical backdrop to be thoroughly engaging. Furthermore, the narrative is ripe with interesting; well-rounded characters that... appeal to a wide audience while being symbolically relevant to the time period." -- Mike Medavoy, Academy Award-Winning Producer (Apocalypse Now, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest)

"Engaging and provocative, this first volume of Van Zandt's Mediterranean Trilogy delivers a story filled with mystery and intrigue. Transporting the reader back to fifth century Alexandria when Christianity emerges as the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, it is a tale filled with suspense and delight." -- Patricia Selbert, author The House of Six Doors

"Van Zandt may well be the rightful heir to the literary throne of Lawrence Durrell." -- Stuart Volkow, Vice President of Media and Entertainment Technology, Strategy, and Business Development at The Institute

"As soon as Hannah's story began, I was completely hooked. Fierce, brave and full of hope, Hannah's character is instantly endearing. The journey that Hannah is sent on is full of high-stakes, adventure and cunning skill...History, magic, adventure and romance intersect in this epic tale." -- Stephanie's Book Reviews

"If you like to read about strong women, this is a book you will greatly enjoy." -- Lisa's Writopia

"Written in the Ashes is so unique because it follows the story of a woman in a world and culture that was entirely male dominated...so vividly detailed that readers are nearly transported to the world of ancient Egypt. Buy this book and read it!" -- Book Talk with Alana

"This book has all the elements of fantasy: magical tablets, pagan rituals, and science all intersect. I loved the blending of Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures portrayed in Alexandria. I highly recommend this book." -- The Musings of a Book Junkie

"An epic and magical tale... If you like intelligent historical fiction with strong female characters, a glimmer of magic, and a fairly unique setting, you will enjoy Written in the Ashes." -- Fresh-Scraped Vellum

"I haven't read a book that affected me this much since The Mists of Avalon. I never wanted it to end." -- Historical Novel Society

"A deftly crafted and absolutely riveting read from cover to cover, Written in the Ashes reveals K. Hollan Van Zandt's genuine talent as an original and impressively talented novelist." -- Midwest Book Review

"Just as intriguing and un-put-down-able as I hoped it would be! The perfect mix of action, adventure, mysticism, history, and a strong female protagonist. Highly recommended!" -- Passages to the Past Review

"Once in a very long while, there comes along a book that you wonder how you ever lived without it. Then Written in the Ashes comes along. I hate comparing any book to the great classics, but it wouldn't be fair if I didn't. It's really just that good." -- Second Book to the Right