Twilight Empress

Theodosian Women #1

“…the book is an addictive, fun, fast read. Justice chooses her key moments wisely, weaving a decades-long narrative about Placidia’s layered life as she rises to eventual leadership.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Dawn Empress

Theodosian Women #2

"I loved the cinematic writing and focused scenes...fast-paced and engaging, one of those novels that will keep fans of historical novels reading through the night."

Readers' Favorite (5-stars)

Rebel Empress

"A truly remarkable heroine in a truly compelling story." -- Stephanie Cowell, American Book Award Recipient, author of The Boy in the Rain and Claude and Camille: a novel of Monet.

Sword of the Gladiatrix

“Readers will care very much about both these women—fans of Roman historical fiction should not miss this title."

— The Historical Novel Society

Selene of Alexandria

 

“Readers will be captivated. Fans of Gillian Bradshaw’s classic The Beacon at Alexandria may especially enjoy Selene and find a promising new historical novelist who shares the same gift for wonderfully researched, vividly evoked, good old-fashioned storytelling.”

The Historical Novel Society

News and Events

Updated September 28, 2024

 

Twilight Empress cover

News Release (September 26, 2024):

Author’s book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the five-star review (available here) of the Fiction – Historical – Personage book Rebel Empress by Faith L. Justice. Excerpt: “Rebel Empress is a towering saga of love, loss, betrayal, and political machinations in the Imperial Court of the Eastern Roman Empire in the fifth century… This is a fantastic read and a candidate for my book of the year so far. I highly recommend it.”

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

 Author Event: September 24, 2024

Faith L. Justice joins panel on:

Researching Historical Fiction.

How much history? How much fiction?

The New York City Chapter of the Historical Novel Society presents this program from September 24, 2024 on “Researching Historical Fiction.”  Susan Wands is in conversation with editor Andrea Robinson and authors Faith L. Justice (Rebel Empress: A Novel of  Imperial Rome) and Radha Vatsal (A Front Page Affair) explore the task of an author and editor’s job in balancing research with good storytelling. You can watch the video here or listen to the audio here.

News Release

August 21, 2024:

Faith L. Justice is pleased to announce the August 28, 2024 publication of Rebel Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome (Theodosian Women Book Three). The blurb:

A beautiful pagan. A ruler searching for a wife. Can a marriage of expedience change the course of an empire?

 Constantinople, AD 419. Athenais holds faint hope for her future. When the impoverished orphan’s male relatives offer her up as a consort for the emperor, she reluctantly agrees to study the philosophical arguments for the required conversion to Christianity. But while the accomplished scholar quickly falls for her imperial husband, she struggles with the court’s cutthroat political maneuvering and stubborn religious fanaticism.

Raised to Augusta after birthing her first daughter, Athenais consolidates her influence to build an entourage of skilled artists, writers, and thinkers, despite her jealous sister-in-law’s protests. But just when the protective philosopher thinks she’s won the fight for her spouse’s respect and affection, a series of catastrophes threatens to undermine her hard-earned position.

Can she withstand the storm and claim the throne she so rightly deserves?

Rebel Empress is the insightful third tale in the Theodosian Women biographical historical fiction series. If you like learning about forgotten heroines and immersing yourself in past times, you’ll love Faith L. Justice’s path through tragedies and triumphs.

EBook on pre-order now at Amazon. Hardback and trade paperback editions will be available on August 28 wherever books are sold or inquire at your local library. Audiobook coming soon.

 

 Author Event: July 13, 2024

Faith L. Justice joins panel on:

Researching Your Novel

The New York City Chapters of the Historical Novel Society and Romance Writers of America present this joint program from July 13, 2024 on “Researching Your Novel.”  Ursula Renee of RWA is in conversation with HNS authors Faith L. Justice (Twilight Empress: A Novel of  Imperial Rome), Stephanie Cowell (The Boy in the Rain), and Loretta Goldberg (The Reversible Mask) about the tricks, tools, pitfalls, and delights of doing scholarly, library, internet, and site visit research. You can watch the video here or listen to the audio here.

News Release

April 1, 2024:

Faith L. Justice is pleased to announce the April 15th, 2024 publication of Becoming the Twilight Empress — a prequel novella to her Theodosian Women series. The blurb:

In a tumultuous time of violence, betrayal, and ruthless evil, can one charismatic young woman survive the bloodshed?

Ravenna, A.D. 408. Placidia is watching her family fall apart. When her emperor brother accuses their powerful foster father of treason, the naive imperial princess tries to reason with her sibling to no avail. And after her foster father is lured out of sanctuary and brutally executed, she flees the toxic court to avoid a forced marriage… but to dubious safety.

Can she rise above an empire descending into chaos? If you like tenacious heroines, vivid settings, and nail-biting drama, then you’ll love Faith L. Justice’s captivating coming-of-age adventure.

 

 Author Event: November 1, 2023

Faith L. Justice hosts panel on:

Different Paths to Getting Published

The New York City Chapter of the Historical Novel Society presents this recording from November 1, 2023 on the many paths to publishing. Faith L. Justice (Twilight Empress: A Novel of  Imperial Rome) is in conversation with authors Nancy Bilyeau (The Orchid Hour), Stephanie Cowell (The Boy in the Rain), Loretta Goldberg (The Reversible Mask) and Susan Wands (Magician and Fool) about their experiences with large press, small press, hybrid, and indie publishing. They discuss how they came to their path, what kinds of contracts and production support they negotiated, pre- and post-publication marketing, and much more in this program for up and coming writers.

Author Event

March 29, 2023:

The New York City Chapter of the Historical Novel Society presents this recording from March 29, 2023. Faith L. Justice shares her expertise in “Cracking the Audiobook Market.” With eight audiobooks produced across a variety of platforms, she provides our writer members an information-packed presentation on why and how to get their books into audio. 

Download the slide presentation PDF: 3-29-2023 HNS-NYC Cracking the Audiobook Market PDF

Download the resource guide PDF: 3-29-23 HNS-NYC cracking audio book market resources 

Twilight Empress cover

News Release (July 31, 2022):

Author’s book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the five-star review (available here) of the Young Adult – Mythology/Fairy Tale book Tokoyo, the Samurai’s Daughter by Faith L. Justice. (Recommended for middle-school readers.) Excerpt: “Tokoyo, the Samurai’s Daughter is a short but captivating novel. Read this book if you love folktales that combine fact and fiction. I loved the plot, character development, and storyline…Thank you for a beautifully written book, Faith L. Justice. ”

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

Twilight Empress cover

News Release (January 28, 2022):

Author’s book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the five-star review (available here) of the Fiction – Historical Event/Era book Sword of the Gladiatrix by Faith L. Justice.  Excerpt: “I immensely enjoyed this foray into an uncommon theme for historical fiction set during the time of the Roman Empire. Sword of the Gladiatrix brings to life the sometimes-forgotten female gladiators of the time…I would certainly recommend this novel to fans of Roman Empire historical fiction, and I will be seeking out other novels from this author in the future. ”

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

Author Event:

Faith L. Justice Presents to the Historical Novel Society North American Convention

Friday, June 25, 2020.

“Navigating the Wild West of Audiobook Production”

Audiobooks are the fastest growing segment of the publishing market. But how do you get your piece of the pie if your publisher doesn’t want to exercise that option? Or you’re a hybrid or indie author on a limited budget? It’s your time or your money. Join Ms. Justice for an informative discussion on the paths to market: from print publisher does everything to author-managed outsourced process to author “do-it-yourself.” With eight books out in audio, she’s done it each way and can talk about the pros and cons. Q&A with the audience will follow.

Twilight Empress cover

News Release (June 23, 2021):

Author’s book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the five-star review (available here) of the Fiction – Historical Personage book Twilight Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome by Faith L. Justice.  Excerpt: “Twilight Empress is a truly fascinating combination of recorded history and artistic literary license…a story of intrigue, excitement, action, patriotism, and love that will thrill readers…This is one of the most enjoyable reads of the year for me…and I will be looking carefully for the next two expositions of the Theodosian women. I highly recommend this book.”

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

Author Event:

Faith L. Justice and James Conroyd Martin

in a virtual presentation to the New York City Chapter of the Historical Novel Society at 6:00 pm EDT on May 26, 2021.

“Empresses and Power: Rulers of Empire: Theodora and Pulcheria”

Ms. Justice (Dawn Empress) and Mr. Martin (Fortunes Child) will discuss how the protagonists of the novels profoundly influenced Late Antiquity and Byznatine history. Hosted by Susan Wands. Q&A with the audience will follow.

 Watch the recorded the session here.

 Author Event: Blog Tour

April 26 – May 7, 2021

The Coffee Pot Book Club is sponsoring me on a 2-week blog tour. Join us for ten whole days of interesting interviews, informative guest posts, (hopefully great) reviews, and tantilizing excerpts across 17 blogs. You can find the schedule here.

As an added bonus, I’ll be doing a live presentation on “Empresses and Power” with James Conroy Martin author of Fortune’s Child: A Novel of Empress Theodora. Details to come.

Twilight Empress cover

News Release (April 22, 2021):

Author’s book receives coveted Midwest Book Review recommendation.

Raggedy Moon Books is proud to anounce the April 2021 issue of Midwest Book Review’s magazine “Reviewer’s Bookwatch” features a review of Twilight Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome (The Theodosian Women Book One).  Full review here, excerpt below:

Twilight Empress is the kind of historical novel that dedicated fans of historical fiction will find satisfying and impressive. With exquisite attention to political and military history, this novel weaves together many of the important political events of the fifth century and the author’s interpretation of what living through them was like for this one remarkable and resilient woman, Galla Placidia…It’s a rich tapestry of both historical research and vivid imagination.”

Selene of Alexandria cover

News Release (April 14, 2021):

Author’s book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the five-star review (available here) of the Fiction – Historical – Event/Era book Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice.  Excerpt: ” A remarkable tour de force…an unforgettable story with strong themes of love, ambition, and political intrigue; and characters that will surely stay with readers.”

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

Dawn Empress audio book cover

News Release (January, 2021)

Raggedy Moon Books is proud to announce that Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome is now available in audio book at most audio book stores and public libraries.

  • Narrated by: Kathleen Li
  • Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins
  • Regular price at most outlets: $12.95  (On sale for $9.99 at some outlets–FREE with 30-day trial)
  • Regular price at Audible: $24.95 (FREE with 30-day trial)

Author Event:

Faith L. Justice Hosts Author Carrie Hayes

in a virtual presentation to the New York City Chapter of the Historical Novel Society on Monday, November 16, 2020.

“Breaking Barriers: the First Female Presidential Candidate”

Carrie Hayes, author of Naked Truth or Equality, the Forbidden Fruit discusses Victoria Woodhull’s historic run for President of the United States in 1872. Considered a “woman ahead of her time,” Woodhull was a stockbroker on Wall Street, suffragette, newspaper publisher, and early feminist espousing many tenets about women’s rights that her contemporaries considered shocking, but are accepted (to some extent!) today. In conversation with Faith L. Justice (HNS-NYC Chair and author of Dawn Empress), Ms. Hayes will cover Woodhull’s background and women’s use of power in politics then and today, among other topics. Q&A with the audience will follow.

 Watch the recorded the session here.

Dawn Empress cover

News Release (October 2020):

Author’s book receives coveted Midwest Book Review library recommendation.

Raggedy Moon Books is proud to announce the October 2020 issue of Midwest Book Review’s “Small Press Bookwatch” features a recommendation to community library systems for Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome (The Theodosian Women Book Two).  Full review here, excerpt below:

“A deftly written and impressively entertaining historical novel in which the author pays due attention to detail while ably crafting memorable characters and riveting plot twists and turns, Dawn Empress is the second title in author Faith Justice’s remarkable “Theodosian Women” trilogy…especially recommended for community library Historical Fiction collections. “

Sword of the Gladiatrix audio book cover

News Release (September, 2020)

Raggedy Moon Books is proud to announce that Sword of the Gladiatrix (Gladiatrix #1) is now available in audio book at most audio book stores and public libraries.

  • Narrated by:
  • Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
  • Regular price at most outlets: $9.95  (On sale for $7.99 at some outlets–FREE with 30-day trial)
  • Regular price at Audible: $17.50 (FREE with 30-day trial)

News Release (June 6, 2020):

Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the five-star review of the Fiction – Historical – Personage book Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome (The Theodosian Women Book Two) by Faith L. Justice. Full review here, excerpt: “The prose is beautiful, sprinkled with vivid descriptions.  Justice brings to life historical characters and history…I loved the cinematic writing and focused scenes. Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome is fast-paced and engaging, one of those novels that will keep fans of historical novels reading through the night.”

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

News Release (May 24, 2020)

Raggedy Moon Books is proud to announce that Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome (Theodosian Women Book Two) by Faith L. Justice is now available in hardback ($22), trade paperback ($11.99), and eBook ($4.99) at all your favorite online outlets, book stores, and public libraries.

News Release (April 17, 2020)

Raggedy Moon Books is proud to announce that Selene of Alexandria is now available in audio book format at most audio book stores and public libraries.

  • Narrated by: Keira Grace
  • Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins
  • Regular price at most outlets: $12.95  (On sale for $9.99 at some outlets–FREE with 30-day trial)
  • Regular price at Audible: $24.95 (FREE with 30-day trial)

Announcement:

 

5 Engrossing Short Story Collections Written by Women

Features my collection:

The Reluctant Groom and Other Historical Stories.

 

EZVID Wiki Editorial put out a lovely video featuring the works of five women authors. They not only included shout outs to the individual collections, but covered the authors’ backgrounds and other life and writing achievements. Watch here.

When you’re finished, don’t forget to check out the authors’ work.

News Release (October 15, 2018)

Raggedy Moon Books is proud to announce that Twilight Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome is now available in audio book format at Audible and iTunes.

  • Narrated by: Kathleen France
  • Length: 13 hrs and 34 mins
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Regular price: $24.95 (discounts vary–Free with 30-day trial)

Faith L. Justice will moderate a panel for the Historical Novel Society-New York City chapter, January 28th, 2020. Details below:

Free and open to the public:

Tuesday, January 28, 2020; 6 – 8 pm

Jefferson Market Library, Willa Cather Room

425 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave & 10th St.)

Writers: Find out how to take advantage of the fastest growing market in publishing. Want to do it yourself? Hire a producer? Reach the widest audience? Learn what resources are available for any budget.

 Readers: These are not your mother’s books on tape! Find out how audio books are produced and narrators create the performances you love. Check out audio books at your library and find hidden bargains.

 Our panelists:

Faith L. Justice (panel moderator/audio book author) writes award-winning fiction and articles in Brooklyn, New York. Her most recent novel is Twilight Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome. For fun, Faith likes to dig in the dirt—her garden and various archaeological sites.

Robert Blumenfeld (audio book narrator) lives and works as an actor, dialect coach, and writer in New York City, and is a longtime member of Equity, and SAG-AFTRA. He has recorded four hundred audiobooks and authored fifteen books, including Acting with the Voice: The Art of Book Recording.

Laura K. Curtis (audio book author) gave up a life writing dry academic papers for writing decidedly less dry fiction. A member of RNA, MWA, ITW, and HWA, she has trouble settling into one genre. While she is best known as a writer of romantic suspense, she has also written contemporary romance novels and short crime fiction.

Gordon Rothman (audio book director/author narrator coach) spent his early career producing hundreds of broadcasts for CBS News. He directs audiobooks for major publishers and is a member of the Audio Publishers Association.

Faith L. Justice will read from her novel Twilight Empress for a panel on “Writing a Culture.” Sponsored by the Historical Novel Society-New York City chapter, October 16th, 2018. Details below:

News

July 2018

Only one week left. Sale ends July 31!

  • Smashwords is holding its annual Summer/Winter Sale with thousands of authors and publishers giving drastic discounts for their books. All my books are on sale: novels for only $2.99, shorter works are $1.50 or FREE. If you haven’t sampled my stuff, yet, here’s a great opportunity to try it. All my novels for less than a coffee and muffin. My whole body of work for less than a martini in Manhattan (without the hangover)! Check it out and don’t forget to add the discount coupon at checkout. Sale runs through July.

May 2018

  • Twilight Empress hits it big in Belgium. Thanks to Bookfever for the lovely review: “It’s been a long time since I stayed up late to finish a book…I just couldn’t stop reading and had this intense need to know how it all would end.”

February 2018

  • Raggedy Moon Books put out a book trailer for Tokoyo. It looks gorgeous!

January 2018 

  • A lovely review of Tokoyo at Three Show Saturday: “Tokoyo [comes] through as a strong, independent and courageous young woman…Overall an entertaining read that will impress readers ages 8 to 10.”
  • A five-star review of Tokoyo, the Samurai’s Daughter at Bookish Delights: “It was outstanding! You are swept away not only by the beautiful storytelling, but also the wonderful illustrations. [It’s] a remarkable illustrated middle-grade book that is incredibly inspiring and touching. I highly recommend reading it!”

November 2017 

  • Historical Novel Reviews, Issue #82 gave Tokoyo a rave review: “TokoyoThe Samurai’s Daughter is a dramatic, adventurous story reflecting the legends and tales of Japan in medieval times. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended!”

Faith L. Justice will present to the New York City Chapter of the Historical Novel Society on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at the Jefferson Market Courthouse Library:

“The Devil’s in the Historical Details”

18C underwear. Bronze Age religious rituals. WWI trench construction.

The sights, smells, sounds and descriptions of clothes, food, housing, behavior and transportation in a different time make the reader suspend disbelief and join wholeheartedly in historical fiction. Author Faith Justice will take us on a journey through the resources that can help make historical fiction come alive. From primary sources to interactive internet tools to site visits, Faith will explore the pleasures and pitfalls of historical research. Q&A will follow. Bring your own tips and share with the group!