Pax in the Land of Women - Monica La Porta

Born in a world ruled by women, Pax is the daughter to the prominent political figure, Maurice. As part of the revered Layan family, Pax as a 'pure breed' has led a privileged existence. She had no reason to doubt the life of the Ginecean people. A world where men are treated abysmally, being heterosexual is considered wrong and the love between a man and woman is considered immoral.  

So it is a harsh reality when Pax comes face to face with not only the disturbing treatment of a slave - Prince; but finds that his black eyes have pierced her mind and she is lost to him. Prince seeks her out and from that moment of escaping his dark and dank cell, ensues a saga of  a young woman's determination to fight against the corrupt Ginecean ways and be with the man she loves.

Following on from The Priest ( http://lgib-bookreview.blogspot.com/2012/06/priest-monica-la-porta.html) this story continues of the alternate world of Ginecea and with this book, it is an even more engaging and absorbing, well thought out story.

Meeting new captivating characters as well as catching up with some old ones creates a novel which is at its heart an epic love story. Fraught with emotions, I was yet again caught up in the rights of the 'fathered' women as well the slaves. La Porta's simple expressions and descriptions of the landscape create a memorable picture. The soldiers are horrid and the Priestess controlling and hateful. The story flowed seamlessly and although told mainly from the veiwpoint of Pax, it was easy to understand what other characters were feeling. The author has labelled this as the second book of the The Ginecean Chronicles. I'm certainly looking forward to how Pax can live up to the meaning of her name - Peace. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.