her father's acceptance. A king who cannot overcome the loss of his wife during childbirth. A country in the path of the Roman Empire. Can the daughter safeguard her father's kingdom, or will her efforts lead to its destruction?

Rome is marching. Cities and temples are falling. On the outskirts of the empire, Princess Andrada convinces her father to tutor her as his heir despite a taboo against women rulers. But her lifelong battle against entrenched customs shatters when she fails the King's Challenge and is sentenced to death.

To save Andrada from execution, her father marries her off to a neighboring king who doesn't care about governing. Devastated, the new queen resolves to watch over her country from exile, preparing for the inevitable Roman attack. Although the crystal bell she risked everything to claim during the challenge grants odd wishes, she's dangerously unarmed against an unloving husband who needs a son from her. Meanwhile, her worst enemy is plotting to kill her once and for all.

Will the queen unite all the warring factions in time to face the mighty Roman Empire?

The Exiled Queen is a gritty and grounded historical fantasy (no dragons or magic wands). Pulling together threads from the past of her native Eastern Europe, Roxana Arama reimagines a people on the brink of drastic change. If you like fierce female protagonists, speculative sagas, and dramatic twists, you'll love this sweeping adventure.

Buy this "rich and rousing...memorable historical fantasy" (Publishers Weekly) today to discover an idea whose time has come!