The Sun at Twilight
by N.L. Holmes
GENRE: Historical Fiction
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/21/2021
DESCRIPTION:
In the twilight years of the Hittite Empire (13th century BC), Tudhaliya IV comes to the throne as a usurper's younger son, determined to rule according to the traditional values of justice and clemency, despite the harder advice of his ambitious mother, his sensual, foreign wife, and his questionably loyal older brothers. Surrounded by a rising tide of defections from within and threats from abroad, the king finds his cousin, Kurunta, with whom he was raised as someone dearer than a brother, is the only person he can trust. But when Tudhaliya's tortured sense of duty forces him to put aside as a luxury his cousin's love, Kurunta decides his own claim to the throne is stronger than Tudhaliya's. The latter must decide whether to apply the brutal pragmatism of his advisors or risk appearing weak, and how to manage to leave his own son an empire that is finally free from civil war. The cost will be the sacrifice of his deepest friendship.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who has also been a cloistered nun, an artist, the administrative assistant of an educational foundation, and an interior decorator. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel, and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun.
REVIEWS:
"Great dramatic power and subtlety... A historically rigorous and captivating tale of royalty."--Kirkus.
"Something for everyone: action, political intrigue, military and diplomatic strategy, romance, secrets and schemes, betrayal... Holmes’ writing is lush and, at times, lyrical. Her characters are well-defined and interesting... A breath of fresh air."--BookTrib.
"Will delight historical fiction readers with its astute blend of history-backed events and
psychological introspection."--Midwest Book Review.
"An intriguing tale of political conspiracy amongst those in line for the throne, but also a heartfelt and heart-wrenching drama of friendship, sacrifice, and duty."--Readers' Favorite
COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:
Cold Mountain, Troy
CASTING:
Tudhaliya, the reluctant king--Max Von Sydow (at age 35); Kurunta, his cousin/lover--Boris Terral (at age 40); Puduhepa, T's mother--Helena Bonham Carter (in her 50s)
PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:
Turkey to inland Syria, mostly mountainous. Also coastal Syria.
BOOK EXCERPT:
Download an Excerpt
Enter your name and email address to download an excerpt of this book.