Priestess

Advance Praise for The Priestess and the Slave

“Completely fascinating - a vivid and evocative glimpse into the life
of the past, with its terrors and joys so strange and yet so familiar.”

- Kate Forsyth, best-selling author of the Chain of Charms series, the
Witches of Eileanan series, the Rhiannon's Ride series, and Full
Fathom Five

"It’s such a joy to read a historical novel written by an author who
has such authority over her material. Jenny Blackford’s first novel
The Priestess and the Slave brilliantly recreates the politics, culture,
and mindset of ordinary and extraordinary people caught up in
extraordinary circumstances. I can only wait impatiently to discover
what treasures her next novel will reveal."

- Jack Dann, bestselling author of The Memory Cathedral, and The
Silent.

“A compelling blend of vivid storytelling and meticulous research.
Fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable.”

- Alison Goodman, author of Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

"Jenny Blackford's journey into the world of fifth century BC Greece
has followed the major historical and archaeological sources to the
letter, recreating Delphi on the verge of the invasion of Darius and
Athens in the grip of plague. Kleomenes of the manic eyes and
vulpine cunning, the daily routines of the Pythiai and Attic household
slaves, the frightful symptoms of the plague, the staple diets of rich
and poor alike, all are based on the best evidence available. This is
a lively story told against a first class historical background."

- Terry Ryan, Classics, University of Newcastle, Australia

The Priestess and the Slave by Jenny Blackford looks at the political
turmoil of fifth century BC Greece through the eyes of two women,
one a slave and one a farmer's daughter who became a Pythia in her
fifties. The novella intertwines the stories of Perialla, the Pythia at
Delphi who was bribed by the Spartan king Kleomenes around
491BC, and Harmonia, a slave looking after the family which owned
her, during the devastating Plague of Athens (which broke out in the
second year of the Peloponnesian War). The two women never
meet, but their very different stories echo and complement one
another.

About the Author

Jenny Blackford studied Classics at the University of Newcastle,
NSW, including a year of German and Sanskrit as well as four years of
Greek and Latin. At the end, she was awarded First Class Honors and
a University Medal. She has always been fascinated by prehistory
and ancient history, archaeology, ancient languages and mythology.
Her stories have appeared in places including Jack Dann’s
showcase anthology Dreaming Again and Random House’s 30
Australian Ghost Stories for Children. She is one of the judges for
the World Fantasy Awards 2009. Her website is www.jennyblackford.
com.