This book is destined to be one of my favourites for years to come! It follows the stories of four women in over the span of four years, through the fall of Jerusalem to the storming at the fortress of Masada. History was never my strong suit, but I found myself moved to research this time period while reading this. I could feel the author's own research through her writing, which was wonderfully visual. 
 The story is split into the four characters, each a woman. I followed them through their trials, and I could feel my heart wrenched from my chest, again and again. These women, who were often invisible through history, had strength and courage; perhaps even more than the men who were congratulated for their achievements in war. 
 As I finished each section, I found myself missing the women, and wishing I could continue each story. I suppose I will have to settle for reading this one again.