A Shield In the Shadows “Exclusive Edition”

Set during the difficult years of the late Roman Empire, A Shield in the Shadows is a powerful  historical novel that has already garnered five awards. The storyline follows Theona — a young Gothic girl whose sheltered life is upended when a band of Huns attacks her peaceful Christian village. When her modther is killed, her four-year old brother kidnapped and much of their Christian village destroyed, Theona's father, the village pastor, leads a small group of survivors through the forests of northern Europe and away from the scene of so much grief. They are joined soon by other fugitives from the Hunnic marauders. When the only path forward seems to be to join a  vast throng of barbarian men, women and children who are about to cross the Danube River into the forbidden Empire of Ancient Rome, Theona and her father agree to go too. The leader is a pagan Gothic king named Radagaisus, a man St. Augustine called 'a worshipper of demons'. King Radagaisus is a zealous pagan, determined to punish Rome for abandoning their old gods and embracing Christianity. He wants to burn Rome to the ground and crucify all the senators, What will he do when he finds out that Theona's father is not just a Christian, but a missionary to his own Gothic compatriots.  And how will he react to his own son's  reckless determination to woo Theona in spite of her faith? Against her will, Theona is drawn into a much larger story, one in which she will play an important part in the imminent clash between the Roman Army and the hundreds of thousands of barbarian warriors and migrants approaching the Eternal City. Along the way, her life will be deeply affected by a loyal and venturesome young dog, a heroic young Roman tribune, a homeless gladiator, a bitter Roman deserter, and the deeply conflicted son of the pagan king himself. A Shield in the Shadows is many things--an inspirational survival story, authentic history with well-researched detail, an engaging historical romance which will keep you guessing to the end, and a strong Christian message about the power of love and faith. Author Cheryl Bristow spent ten years studying Rome, its barbarian neighbours and the Huns before crafting this gripping action adventure. For readers who enjoy a well-told story with strong characters, a thrilling storyline and deep spiritual insight, A Shield in the Shadows delivers an unforgettable and soul-stirring experience.