In this fascinating, brilliantly written, and engaging new LGBTQ+ historical fiction novel, Justin Hebert brings readers to the islands of California, inhabited by a nation of powerful and capable Amazons allied with a band of griffins, in 1500 when a castaway from the Ottoman Empire seeks aid against the Greeks -- the sworn enemies of the Amazons. Following the Amazonian Queen Califia (inspired by the real story of the Indigenous woman who inspired the state’s name) and her people as they go to war against the Greeks as the allies of the patriarchal Ottoman Empire, readers become Amazons on this epic, sweeping tale of war, revenge, and power. With an excellent mix of warfare and personal narratives, readers follow Califia and her strengths and weaknesses as queen while learning about this fascinating Amazonian culture and their relationship with the griffins. The personal narrative element is brilliant because of the emotion and relatability present in the narrative, and readers will occasionally sympathize with Califia (and disagree with her in other parts) as she negotiates the personal and political problems (within the Amazons and with their temporary wartime allies) of ruling. Unique, engaging, and absolutely fascinating, fans of powerful female characters and Greek mythology will love this recent release.

Bad ass Amazons: Check
Political intrigue: Check
New allies and new enemies: Check
The fate of a civilization in the balance: Check

Califia was a mythical Amazon queen whose people inhabited the island of California. Her nation was lured into a wider battle between Muslims and Christians. Herbert took this myth and turned it into a new story. We get to know Califia intimately, which makes her a real person instead of a two dimensional myth. Herbert also provides a lot of detail and insight in the nations and wars of the time. There are also plenty of fantasy elements to keep things interesting and add a little otherworldliness to the story.

The thing that made this book hard for me to read was the immense amount of detail. I appreciated it when information was needed about battles, etc. That level of detail didn’t seem to be needed when a character’s day was described.

The book was entertaining, though and introduced me to a story I never knew existed.

Wow, this was an awesome read! Interesting and unique the story and characters grabbed your interest from the first chapter until the last!!