Description
KASSIA AND THE CURSE OF THE DROWNED
Book Summary
A historical fantasy novel that transports the reader to Constantinople in the year 825. Six young people, trapped in rivalries and romantic intrigues, find themselves caught up in a mysterious murder that triggers a literary contest whose stories invoke biblical plagues. Only Kassia, a talented composer silenced by history, will be able to unite them to save the imperial heir and the empire. A work that gives a voice to real women and combines supernatural suspense with historical drama.
What is it about?
The story begins on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, where six young people discover a corpse in the middle of a peaceful afternoon. This discovery leads them to participate in a literary contest, but their stories do not remain fiction: they trigger supernatural phenomena reminiscent of the ancient plagues of Egypt. As a curse looms over Constantinople, tension grows amid romantic rivalries and court intrigues. Kassia, a composer of exceptional talent, emerges as the only one capable of uniting the group and facing the dreaded plague of the firstborn, which threatens the imperial heir. Inspired by real figures, the plot vindicates women whom official history silenced, offering a powerful, feminine perspective within a context of crisis and mystery.
Main themes
- Romantic intrigues and youthful rivalries in the 9th-century Byzantine court.
- Supernatural phenomena and curses inspired by biblical plagues.
- Vindication of silenced historical female figures, such as the poet Kassia.
- The power of literature and creation as a catalyst for the real and the fantastic.
- Saving an empire through unity and individual talent.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers interested in historical fiction set in the Byzantine Empire, lovers of magical realism and supernatural suspense, and those seeking novels that rescue female voices from the past. It is also ideal for young adults and adults who enjoy plots with mystery, literary contests, and complex characters in a period setting.
What this book offers
- A unique vision of 9th-century Constantinople, combining historical rigor with fantastic elements.
- A real, inspiring, and little-known female protagonist who challenges the roles of her time.
- A plot that weaves together a murder mystery, a literary contest, and supernatural plagues.
- A reflection on the power of the written word and the resilience of women in history.
- An agile and immersive read in under 200 pages, perfect for an intense experience.
Technical specifications
- Author: de Mena, Rosa
- Publisher: EDICIONES CON M DE MUJER
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: FICTION AND RELATED SUBJECTS, FANTASY
- Collection: CON M DE MUJER
- Publication date: February 2025
- Number of pages: 184
- Weight: 215 g
Editorial review
An original proposal that fuses the historical genre with supernatural fantasy, standing out for its real protagonist and the detailed setting of Byzantine Constantinople. The author succeeds in giving a voice to a female figure silenced by history, creating a plot of mystery and suspense that sustains interest. It is a recommended read for those looking for a short but intense novel, with a fresh and vindicatory approach within historical fiction.