Astraia: Spirit of Defiance has had some five-star reviews since being published on 28 October. One reviewer on Amazon described it as a "thrilling adventure story". Another wrote it was "an excellent book for young minds". A third said it was "a real page-turner".

Here's what some other reviewers wrote:

"This is a clever, knowledgeable and informative story of a teenager forced to be brave and adventurous by circumstances she could never have imagined. The story of her change from normal, everyday, modern daughter to brave fighter is fun and exciting. It's a book to show young girls how they, too, can take charge."

"This spirited adventure is a great read for young teens. Set round the adventures of a fearless 15-year-old warrior princess, it brings the Trojan War period to life through her exploits."

"My kids loved this book so much that I felt I had to give it a go myself. Discovered that it works for adults as well as younger readers. Great adventure story with believable characters and a plot that really sweeps you along with it."

The paperback and Kindle editions are available on the Troubador and other websites.

https://www.facebook.com/graham.fitzgerald.5623

Discovering Diamonds

Books Monthly

This adventure book suitable for both children and adults takes the reader back to ancient times in Corfu where the remarkable heroine is a teenage princess with a strong character and remarkable powers. An impressive debut book by Graham Fitzgerald.

by Brian Hicks

Astraia is a bold and inventive adventure, sure to please young readers. There is a mythological sense to this entertaining text. Recommended for use in personal, library, and classroom bookselves.

by A NetGalley Review

This book is a real page-turner - it is an exciting adventure, populated by a cast of young characters who are brave and fearless. A great read.

by Melissa Westbrook

Excellent book for young minds. Easy to read and fun characters, it makes you feel you are back in time. My 9 year old nephew loved it! Perfect Christmas present for kids.

by Cristina

This spirited adventure, set mainly in Ancient Greece, is a great read for young teens. Set round the adventures of a fearless 15-year-old warrior princess, it brings the Trojan War period to life through her exploits.
The action moves quickly taking the heroine, Astraia, and her comrades from her father’s Corfu court on a rescue mission that holds unknown dangers.
This should appeal to all teens who enjoy an fast-paced adventure yarn. It’s an easy read, with action-packed short chapters that keep the story moving.
It’s also a great glimpse into Ancient Greece for young readers whose knowledge of Greece may only extend to beach holidays! An ideal stocking filler…

by Jean Anderson

A really good first novel. She’s a warrior from Ancient Greece battling a pirate fleet, with the kind of swashbuckling adventure of the Narnia chronicles. Children will love it as they are transported to the time of the Trojan war. Nice sharp writing and not over descriptive, leaving a lot to your imagination. Sure to be a hit!

by August Boy