Amazon Enter Another Age Enter Another Age Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: AuthorHouse ISBN-10:  1420888331 Pages: 420 Copyright: Nov. 25, 2005 ISBN-13: 9781420888331 The Empress Eudoxia and the Vandal King Gizeric battle for the future as the Western Empire collapses and the Dark Ages are born. The Shadow of the Phoenix covers five generations of remarkable women during the chaotic, blood-soaked century that followed the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of the Germanic kingdoms. The story begins with Gizeric, the first Germanic King in history, and Eudoxia, the Empress of the Western World and widow of Valentinian III, and follows their descendants to the rise of the Avars in Eastern Europe. This is an epic saga of hatred and revenge, love and redemption, set amidst the collapse of the ancient world and the birth of the Dark Ages. Excerpt Part One: Rome One **i** There are seven hills in Rome. Each one has its own history, its own function in Empire. The Palatine, Rome's original settlement, has justly become her ruling slope. Here Rome's Emperors dwelt. The blue sky stretches, a tight drum skin above the teeming activity of thousands of men and women; an occasional puff of white might drift across it like a bit of lamb's fleece caught on some invisible briar and left to the wind's caprices. Only the golden sun pierces the near-perfect expanse. Its power is keenly felt at this time of year; its golden face shines upon all who venture, by choice or by necessity, from the cool depths of their homes. Its light glints off spear tips clearing a path through the day's buyers and sellers; the same rays dance upon golden circlets and jeweled bands gracing the nobility behind those lances; the beams may find rest upon a child's tousled head or a woman's somber garb as they pause in their daily pursuit of food to watch the magnificent parade. The Emperor is abroad. "Most gracious Majesty! A moment - only a moment of your time please!" A frown flits shadow-like across Valentinian's perfect features. His smile stretches graciously. With a wave of his hand, all activity ceases. "Flavius! What would you ask of me? You will ask it quickly of course, for you can see that the Empress and I are already engaged." The Senator bows low. "Forgive my impetuosity, Sovereign Lord! I have only just heard...and naturally I hastened to you for verification....that you have sent the Vandal negotiators home, their demands refused?" Valentinian raises his chin. "That is quite correct, Flavius." The leader of the shipping confederation stares. "But surely--" Valentinian's patrician features harden. "There will be no tribute paid to Gaiseric this year," he states coldly. Flavius looks as if he might faint. His bewildered gaze wanders to Valentinian's exquisite wife. Eudoxia, cousin and wife to Rome's Emperor, reveals nothing. "Pass on there, You!" a surly guard bids Flavius. The winding column surges forward, but stops again briefly. "Maximus!" the Emperor calls. Another Senator detaches himself from the cluster in the Forum. His comrades melt into the background, as if wary of being recognized. "Yes, my Lord?" Valentinian's smile thins. "How does your wife fare today, my friend?" he asks quietly. Beside him, Eudoxia blushes, then pales. Maximus' smile remains serene. "Have you not heard, Excellency?" he asks in surprise. "She has left this world of sorrow and pain. My son and I set her to rest last week." ...............skip>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Eudoxia closed her eyes briefly. Almighty God, had it come to pass? Truly? When she looked at her servant again she was in full control. "Be sure my daughters are safely installed within their rooms. Have Masses offered throughout the Empire for the safe repose of my husband's soul. Call the Pope and the bishops together and have them make arrangements for Valentinian's funeral." Eutropius bowed very low. "As you wish, My Lady." Eudoxia wandered to a window and cautiously unlatched it. In the streets, the rumble of chaos was already stirring. Men shouted. Women and children frantically sought each other. Doors slammed throughout Rome. My City...My Empire...Horses clattered over cobbled roads. Mail and weapons rattled. The streets would be red tomorrow. Below her, the great doors swung open. Several soldiers rushed in with Valentinian's corpse. At least it would not be despoiled... "My Lady...?" She sighed. "What is it, Eutropius?" "Both of your daughters are safely within their rooms. The Lady Eudocia was in the garden." The wails of the servants drifted gloomily through the halls. Eutropius closed the door, shutting out the eerie sound. "Has anyone declared for the Throne yet?" "My agents tell me Maximus will arrive tomorrow to speak with you, My Lady." Not that ugly toad! "How much power does he have?" "More than we first thought, My Lady." "I see." Eudoxia brooded over her beloved City a moment longer, then carefully latched the window. The Burgundians were in place, ready to repel invaders. "I have my elite Guard, my name and lineage, the network of loyalties that have accrued to my Family over the generations, and my land holdings, both in Rome and in Constantinople. What does Maximus have?" "The Senate's backing, the keys to the Treasury, and agents already engaged in purging Valentinian's supporters from the administration. Those who can are fleeing Rome; those who cannot are already littering the streets." "He moves swiftly, this ugly toad," Eudoxia murmured. "He must have been planning this for a long time." She grew reflective. "This is certain to be an unequal confrontation. Is Maximus prepared to be generous?" " I will certainly discover his plans before you meet with him." "Good. I will not speak with him until after the funeral. Inform the clergy that the funeral I expect to see will of necessity require time to plan. I must have time to think." Eutropius bowed. "I want to know every detail of the bargain he is contemplating," she warned. "I will not settle for anything less than half the power." Eutropius remained noncommittal. "As you wish, My Lady."

Review by the Red Haircrow
The Shadow of the Phoenix by Dolores McCabe
Review: A carefully planned and penned novel, shifting between stark declaration and descriptive narratives, this is the story of the final days of Rome as seen through the eyes of Eudoxia and Eudocia, mother and daughter.
From personal or academic studies, many people know certain details regarding the fall of the Roman Empire and its sacking by the Vandals, but Dolores McCabe puts a more personal face on this event through the use of sympathetic characters. There were times when certain descriptions seemed a bit repetitive, and I felt the use of more transitions could have smoothed the flow, but for lovers of historical fantasy this is a worthy read. Ambitious, detailed and without a doubt, well researched, the author’s passion for her subject shines through.
Description: Take a trip back into History and witness the final days of the Roman Empire as experienced by Rome’s Empress and her daughter. Taken captive by the Vandals, they must carve a new life for themselves in this hostile and anarchic society. One chooses to remain Roman; the other chooses to become Vandal.
Hardcover, 420 pages
Published November 17th 2005 by AuthorHouse
ISBN 1420888358 (ISBN13: 9781420888355)

Author Bio:
Dolores A. McCabe holds a Bachelor’s degree in English literature and Philosophy from Chestnut Hill College. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Music, Piano from SUNY The College at New Paltz. She is the mother of six highly successful children and an independent businesswoman and owner of Eine Kleine Kennel. Ms. McCabe lives in the beautiful Catskills of New York State.