Marian L Thorpe
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Not content with two careers as a research scientist and an educator, Marian L Thorpe decided to go back to what she’d always wanted to do and be a writer. Author of the alternative world medieval trilogy Empire’s Legacy, Marian also has published short stories and poetry. Her life-long interest in Roman and post-Roman European history informs her novels, while her avocations of landscape archaeology and birding provide background to her settings.
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Empire's Daughter
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historical fantasy
In a world reminiscent of Northern Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, the Partition Assembly many generations earlier has divided and circumscribed the lives of men and women. But with invasion threatening, the Emperor has made an audacious request: that women learn to fight and defend their land. The lives of Lena, fisherwoman of Tirvan, and her partner Maya are torn apart by this; Maya choosing exile, Lena choosing to stay to defend her village and the Empire. Appointed to leadership, Lena's concepts of love and loyalty are challenged as she learns the skills of warfare, and, in the aftermath of battle, faces the consequences of her choices. Leaving Tirvan to search for Maya, Lena is drawn into the intrigues and politics of the Empire, forcing her to examine what she most truly believes. 
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Empire's Hostage
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historical fantasy
In the second book in the Empire's Legacy series, The Empire and the northern people have been at war for over a year, but a truce is finally at hand. As part of this treaty, Lena, now a Guardswoman on the Wall, is asked to stand as hostage, to go north to live and learn among the people of Linrathe. But not everyone there will welcome her. As Lena learns more of the history of both her land and the north, a new threat emerges, one that will test her loyalty to its limits, and in the end, demand a price she could not have envisioned. 
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Empire's Exile
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historical fantasy
Exiled from the Empire as a traitor, Casyn’s words echo in Lena’s mind. Determined to find Casil, the legendary city of beauty and learning in the East, she travels into long-unknown lands. Her experiences in the first winter leave her scarred and afraid, but, resolving to heal, and supported by an unexpected love, she continues her search. A chance meeting with envoys from the Empire and Linrathe, desperately seeking help from Casil, forces her to a difficult decision. Struggling to keep faith with her choices, facing the almost-certain destruction of her land and her people, Lena’s journey takes her to a deeper understanding of loyalty, sacrifice, and the dimensions of love. 
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Oraiáphon: A Novella of The Empire
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historical fantasy
Can a musician heal, when a physician cannot? All scáeli’en know the tale of Oraiáphon: how his music tamed the wildest beasts and charmed the darkest god. Only a fable—until song becomes Sorley’s last supplication to bring Cillian back from certain death, for Lena, for their child, and for the country that so desperately needs him. 
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Empire's Legacy: The Complete Trilogy
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historical fantasy
Empire's Daughter, Empire's Hostage, and Empire's Legacy complete in one volume. 
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