: The book explores the iconoclasm controversy, the struggle for power against her own son, and the immense pressure of ruling in a male-dominated world. Why Readers Recommend It

: The author is praised for his meticulous documentation of 8th-century Byzantium, blending educational weight with a powerful narrative pace.

: The story follows Irene’s journey from Athens to Constantinople. She rises from being the wife and mother of emperors to becoming the sole ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire, governing with an "iron fist" during its period of decline.

: You can find the digital version on platforms like Amazon and Kobo .

: Reviewers from Babelio and En mis libros highlight the novel’s introspective nature, allowing readers to understand Irene's psyche and the moral ambiguity of her actions.

Are you interested in other set in the Byzantine Empire , or Irene de Atenas | OLD - New Spanish Books

: Interestingly, Álvaro Lozano is a cardiologist who ventured into historical fiction to bring this "forgotten" figure to life, noting that very little had been written about her previously.