Showing posts with label warrior women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label warrior women. Show all posts
Monday, November 23, 2015
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Zenobia is the most powerful woman you've never heard of.
It’s time to change that-
Zenobia is incredibly beautiful like her ancestor
Cleopatra, in book two Zenobia – Challenging a Legend,
she will use seduction to bring
revenge upon her enemies.
Zenobia is highly intelligent, well educated and speaks
five languages.
Zenobia carries the greatest female military mind in
history. She’ll eventually come into control of the
second most powerful army in the world.
In book two, Zenobia – Challenging a Legend,
Zenobia learns about a slave trade organization
kidnapping young innocent ladies and Zenobia is
compelled to take action and turns her warrior skills
into piracy.
Zenobia’s love for justice will bring her into conflict
with the strongest empire on earth, she will set her
sights on the greatest conquest of all – Rome.
Picture from Zenobia the Musical (copyright Photography by Michelle Ho)
For more information see: https://www.facebook.com/zenobiathemusical
We appreciate your support and hope you will continue to enjoy Zenobia’s story as it unfolds.
To view the full article about the history of female superheroes please check out our website at: http://geodepress.com/female-superheroes-and-why-zenobia-will-make-a-great-one/
Friday, March 7, 2014
What makes a good superhero? And why would Zenobia be a strong superhero?
See our full article on what-makes-a-good-superhero
Below we've added why we think Zenobia would be a strong superhero.
Zenobia trains as a warrior in Zenobia – Birth of aLegend and becomes elite with her bow and arrow andextremely skilled with a sword.
In Zenobia – Challenging a Legend, Zenobia disguisesherself to get up close and personal with her enemies.
Zenobia should have been put to death at birth justbecause she was a girl. She was raised pretending to be aboy. That gave her plenty of motivation to prove a girlcan be just as useful as a man.
Zenobia – a true historical figure from 3rd centurySyria, led her armies against Rome. She rode onhorseback wearing full armor.
Real or fictional superheroes show us how to stand up for what it right.
Zenobia is a great example of what a super hero is andthe world needs to learn about her amazing story.
Tune in next week as we explore female super heroes.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Another strong female character can be found in book two, Zenobia - Challenging a Legend.
Meet Tyrianna a sub-plot character from Zenobia - Challenging a Legend.
As we are editing book two and we've run into some historical questions on where Tyrianna is from. Read from our website to learn how we came up with Tyrianna's home country Nubia. http://geodepress.com/zenobia-challenging-a-legend-book-two-in-our-young-adult-historical-fiction/
Nubia has a long history of queen rulers. Tyrianna is a strong-minded female like Zenobia. They will become fast friends in book two, Zenobia- Challenging a Legend.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Zenobia - Challenging the Legend, a young adult historical series about the warrior queen Zenobia
Russ Wallace, the author of Zenobia - Birth of a Legend is hard at work getting book two, Zenobia - Challenging a Legend ready for release.
You can read from our website http://geodepress.com/ as we highlight book two in our young adult historical series about the warrior queen Zenobia.
We'll share with you some of the research we do to make sure it's historically accurate to 3rd century when Zenobia lived. We're finding all kinds of interesting tidbits about ancient history while doing the editing process.
For example, While Zenobia is in Alexandria, Egypt she finds herself in a deadly situation as a wicked blood thirsty man is wanting to seduce her and gives her a gift- a sapphire necklace with an alloy of gold that looks like silver.
You can read from our website http://geodepress.com/ as we highlight book two in our young adult historical series about the warrior queen Zenobia.
We'll share with you some of the research we do to make sure it's historically accurate to 3rd century when Zenobia lived. We're finding all kinds of interesting tidbits about ancient history while doing the editing process.
For example, While Zenobia is in Alexandria, Egypt she finds herself in a deadly situation as a wicked blood thirsty man is wanting to seduce her and gives her a gift- a sapphire necklace with an alloy of gold that looks like silver.
Click on the link to go to our website and read what part of this necklace is historically correct and what part is not-
Check back for more historically correct items. For instance, did they have indoor bathrooms in the 3rd century?
Monday, December 9, 2013
Zenobia the Musical
The world premiere of Zenobia the Musical performed summer 2013. Book and lyrics by Lorrisa Julianus, music composed by Angela Salvaggione. Now available for performance by your theatre company. If your interested please contact: Zenobiathemusical@gmail.com
Zenobia the Musical (highlights)
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Lorrisa Julianus as Zenobia the warrior Queen
In the Zenobia Book Series, author Russ Wallace describes Zenobia as having dark captivating eyes, almost like they sparkle. She’s strikingly beautiful, with bronzed skin and long black hair to the middle of her back. Lorrisa Julianus plays Zenobia in the musical and looks and plays the part perfectly.
Zenobia is the deadliest woman who ever lived.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
ZENOBIA THE MUSICAL ENDS THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGOLAND. DON'T MISS IT!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The New Musical Theater Sensation, “Zenobia” Closes this Weekend in Bolingbrook
To say that Lorrisa Julianus lives in the past would be an understatement, at least this summer.
The Bolingbrook resident co-wrote, produced and is starring in a musical about the life of Zenobia, 3rd Century warrior queen of the Palmyrene Empire in ancient Syria.
The multimedia musical spectacular premiered at Bolingbrook’s Theatre-on-the-Hill on August 15 and continues to run through Labor Day weekend.
At age 14, Julianus was inspired to reintroduce Zenobia to the modern world when she read a book about inspirational women in history. “It’s an amazing rabbit hole of history that most Americans have never heard of, and thus don’t know what’s coming next!”
According to many versions of her history, Zenobia married as a teenager to a much older king, Zenobia became queen after his assassination and ruled until she was defeated by the Roman Emperor. She also claimed to be a descendent of Cleopatra and was as capable a ruler but boasted some qualities of character that the ancient Egyptian queen lacked.
“Some sources say that she had the brains and beauty of Cleopatra…but unlike Cleopatra, was known for her chastity and prowess on the battlefield,” Julianus said.
Julianus was also struck by the fact that Zenobia’s story ended differently than other ancient queens, many of whom met tragic ends. Although history is divided on what happened to Zenobia after her defeat, many believe she went on to live a long, happy life and had descendants living for another two centuries.
Years ago, Julianus, who is a published playwright and now works as a professional actor in videogames and television, wrote a treatment for a musical film about Zenobia’s life and eventually shelved it like other writing projects she’d worked on throughout the years. In 2009, however, facing stress and chaos in her life and in the lives of friends, she decided it was time to move forward.
“Life is too short not to follow your dreams,” she said. “Creating an epic musical from scratch seemed so ambitious as to be impossible without a few million dollars, but I had no choice but to see it through to completion. Zenobia empowered to me in a time when I felt at the whim of the Powers That Be —employers, the housing market, big business, lobbyists. When I recognized this same powerless feeling and frustration in the lives of everyone struggling after the financial collapse of 2008, I found my voice again as a writer.”
In 2010, she met musician and composer Angela Salvaggione of Joliet, who liked the story idea. The pair began working on the show with Julianus writing the book and lyrics and Salvaggione composing the music.
Although Zenobia is written for the stage, it has the fast-paced feel of a film and, indeed, there is a film component to the show. A graduate from Columbia College’s film school, Julianus could not resist incorporating the medium into her stage show.
“I believe that film is the medium of this generation, this century,” she said. “So many people don’t take an interest in theatre because, I think, they’ve been brought up on the immediacy of film and its visual style of storytelling. With the advanced technical capabilities of Bolingbrook Town Center Stage, we’re able to merge the mediums in an action-packed story that kept our opening night audience on the edge of their seats.”
With palatial scenes shot at Cantigny in Wheaton, Ill., desert scenes from local quarries and background shots from in South Florida, the footage, along with period costumes by Julie Kinsey of Oswego, rounds out the story and gives the audience a stunning visual experience.
But those who think they’re in for a history lesson are mistaken. Julianus has taken a modern twist to Zenobia’s life, including a love story and a struggle between the classes, with ghosts, mythological characters, a near death experience, and onstage battles for the action lovers in the audience.
Director and Theatre-on-the-Hill President Craig J. Engel adds, “It’s musical theatre, not a documentary, and it’s a fantastic date night.”
Ms. Julianus notes that she has taken some creative liberties with the ruler’s life. Julianus’ take on the story has Zenobia abandoned as a baby, quickly ending up in slavery, then falling in love with her vigilante master. She catches the eye of the king and is catapulted to royalty, becoming a powerful ruler who shakes up the status quo despite treachery and the ever-looming threat of a villainous Roman emperor.
Within the epic-size cast of forty, the show also stars many other Bolingbrook residents, including Scott and Bonnie Bovaird, along with their two sons, Spencer and Campbell, Victor Rachal, Sharon Hand, David Lichty, Bill Smith, Ruth Bardy, Kayaun Pierce, Julie and Dominick Guida, Jonathan O'Brien, Troy Shaeflein, Kristina Parro, and Matthew Bockus.
"I am thrilled that my family is a part of Zenobia," said Bonnie Bovaird. "The story, script, and music are truly outstanding, as are the people involved in the production. we all look forward to sharing Zenobia with the community."
IF YOU GO
Zenobia runs Aug. 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. All shows will take place outdoors at the Bolingbrook Town Center Stage, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, behind the Village Hall. The show may not be suitable for young children; Julianus rates it at PG-13 for dialogue and intense action. Visit tothbolingbrook.com for more information.
The New Musical Theater Sensation, “Zenobia” Closes this Weekend in Bolingbrook
To say that Lorrisa Julianus lives in the past would be an understatement, at least this summer.
The Bolingbrook resident co-wrote, produced and is starring in a musical about the life of Zenobia, 3rd Century warrior queen of the Palmyrene Empire in ancient Syria.
The multimedia musical spectacular premiered at Bolingbrook’s Theatre-on-the-Hill on August 15 and continues to run through Labor Day weekend.
At age 14, Julianus was inspired to reintroduce Zenobia to the modern world when she read a book about inspirational women in history. “It’s an amazing rabbit hole of history that most Americans have never heard of, and thus don’t know what’s coming next!”
According to many versions of her history, Zenobia married as a teenager to a much older king, Zenobia became queen after his assassination and ruled until she was defeated by the Roman Emperor. She also claimed to be a descendent of Cleopatra and was as capable a ruler but boasted some qualities of character that the ancient Egyptian queen lacked.
“Some sources say that she had the brains and beauty of Cleopatra…but unlike Cleopatra, was known for her chastity and prowess on the battlefield,” Julianus said.
Julianus was also struck by the fact that Zenobia’s story ended differently than other ancient queens, many of whom met tragic ends. Although history is divided on what happened to Zenobia after her defeat, many believe she went on to live a long, happy life and had descendants living for another two centuries.
Years ago, Julianus, who is a published playwright and now works as a professional actor in videogames and television, wrote a treatment for a musical film about Zenobia’s life and eventually shelved it like other writing projects she’d worked on throughout the years. In 2009, however, facing stress and chaos in her life and in the lives of friends, she decided it was time to move forward.
“Life is too short not to follow your dreams,” she said. “Creating an epic musical from scratch seemed so ambitious as to be impossible without a few million dollars, but I had no choice but to see it through to completion. Zenobia empowered to me in a time when I felt at the whim of the Powers That Be —employers, the housing market, big business, lobbyists. When I recognized this same powerless feeling and frustration in the lives of everyone struggling after the financial collapse of 2008, I found my voice again as a writer.”
In 2010, she met musician and composer Angela Salvaggione of Joliet, who liked the story idea. The pair began working on the show with Julianus writing the book and lyrics and Salvaggione composing the music.
Although Zenobia is written for the stage, it has the fast-paced feel of a film and, indeed, there is a film component to the show. A graduate from Columbia College’s film school, Julianus could not resist incorporating the medium into her stage show.
“I believe that film is the medium of this generation, this century,” she said. “So many people don’t take an interest in theatre because, I think, they’ve been brought up on the immediacy of film and its visual style of storytelling. With the advanced technical capabilities of Bolingbrook Town Center Stage, we’re able to merge the mediums in an action-packed story that kept our opening night audience on the edge of their seats.”
With palatial scenes shot at Cantigny in Wheaton, Ill., desert scenes from local quarries and background shots from in South Florida, the footage, along with period costumes by Julie Kinsey of Oswego, rounds out the story and gives the audience a stunning visual experience.
But those who think they’re in for a history lesson are mistaken. Julianus has taken a modern twist to Zenobia’s life, including a love story and a struggle between the classes, with ghosts, mythological characters, a near death experience, and onstage battles for the action lovers in the audience.
Director and Theatre-on-the-Hill President Craig J. Engel adds, “It’s musical theatre, not a documentary, and it’s a fantastic date night.”
Ms. Julianus notes that she has taken some creative liberties with the ruler’s life. Julianus’ take on the story has Zenobia abandoned as a baby, quickly ending up in slavery, then falling in love with her vigilante master. She catches the eye of the king and is catapulted to royalty, becoming a powerful ruler who shakes up the status quo despite treachery and the ever-looming threat of a villainous Roman emperor.
Within the epic-size cast of forty, the show also stars many other Bolingbrook residents, including Scott and Bonnie Bovaird, along with their two sons, Spencer and Campbell, Victor Rachal, Sharon Hand, David Lichty, Bill Smith, Ruth Bardy, Kayaun Pierce, Julie and Dominick Guida, Jonathan O'Brien, Troy Shaeflein, Kristina Parro, and Matthew Bockus.
"I am thrilled that my family is a part of Zenobia," said Bonnie Bovaird. "The story, script, and music are truly outstanding, as are the people involved in the production. we all look forward to sharing Zenobia with the community."
IF YOU GO
Zenobia runs Aug. 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. All shows will take place outdoors at the Bolingbrook Town Center Stage, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, behind the Village Hall. The show may not be suitable for young children; Julianus rates it at PG-13 for dialogue and intense action. Visit tothbolingbrook.com for more information.
This article was written by Erika Enigk Grotto on the FACEBOOK site for ZENOBIA, the live original musical by Lorrisa Julianus & Angela Salvaggione at https://www.facebook.com/events/191811024328214/
Friday, August 2, 2013
Who is Zenobia? A 3rd century warrior queen from Syria
A recent article on buzzfeed.com talked about the top 11 queens in history and Zenobia ranked #7. Here is the link to the full article:
"Queen Zenobia ruled the Palmyrene Empire in Roman Syria during the third century. When her husband (King Septimius Odaenathus) died, Zenobia took over. She fought the Romans, conquered Egypt and expanded her empire before eventually being defeated."
Today our world is experiencing so much sadness and injustice, especially in Zenobia’s home country of Syria. My heart goes out to these people and especially the children who are suffering. Here is a full article from abcnews.com:
Author Russ Wallace was impressed with Zenobia and he decided to write a series following her life story. In Zenobia- Birth of a Legend, we can learn a great deal from Zenobia’s example. Zenobia's experience can even help us today battle for justice. A novel that not only entertains but educates us and motivates us into action is what we need. Zenobia as a 3rd century warrior queen fought against Rome and today she would once again battle for justice to free her ancestral homeland Syria. Turning our hearts to our ancestors can help us through these hard times.
Book one, Zenobia – Birth of a Legend is now available at www.geodepress.com ;
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94629; and participating bookstores and libraries.
Book two, Zenobia – Challenging a Legend will be released soon.
Wallace dedicated his first book to: “For oppressed girls and women everywhere. Hang on to your dreams and know that a better world is coming.” I think this book series is not only for strong women everywhere but for all who battle for justice.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Book Review
"Zenobia is an inspirational story of a young woman trying to find her way in a male dominated world. She fights her passion for learning and her quest for justice, for her desire to prove a girl can be just a good warrior as any man.
Enjoy her adventures as you read this wonderful novel by Russell Wallace."
Review by Maria Romrell
I received this review for Zenobia – Birth of a Legend the other day and the reader said I've never done a review before. I thought about the thousands of readers who also have never written a review. Author http://www.melissafoster.com/and owner of http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/ posted this statement. “Did you know that positive reviews and sharing of books you love is a great way to thank and support your favorite authors? Even authors with hundreds of reviews appreciate each one they receive. Authors work hard to produce books you can enjoy. Share the love.”
Every time I post a review on Amazon I get a computer generated email that says thanks for reviewing as millions of buyers depend on this.
Why I started writing book reviews? I am reading all the time and when I started a blog for my writing (because that’s what my writing group suggested), coming up with material to blog about wasn't as easy and so the decision to combine my love for reading into my blog was a simple idea. On my blog I shared a great article on how to write a review: http://juliemartinwallace.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-decided-since-i-love-reading-i-might.html
Hopefully this will help you write a review for the next book you read. You may still ask yourself why should I write a review? Here are a couple thoughts on why I think everyone should write a review:
- As a personal journal to keep track of books you read and enjoyed
- To socialize and share with others what you loved reading
- To let authors know you appreciate the time and talent they share with the world
There are probably many other reasons to write a review but these are a few that motivate me. As a reviewer, every time I read a book I post a review on my blog, on Amazon, on Barnes and Noble, and on Goodreads in hopes it will help you decide on your next book to read; and if you do the same than I can decide on my next book To Be Read.
Happy reading and sharing!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Tuesday Teaser from Zenobia – Challenging a Legend
Our Tuesday Teasers are found at the end
of book two, Zenobia -
Challenging a Legend. Zenobia turns
in her bow and arrow and uses her beauty as a weapon. Like Cleopatra, she
learns how to persuade a man. But instead of ruling Egypt Zenobia has revenge
in her heart. A breathtaking rescue at sea is a voyage you won't want to
miss.
Coming soon...
While you wait, here’s a little tease.
"How does it feel, you worthless dog?”
Zenobia snarled, dimly realizing she sounded like the leopardess she confronted
once. But she was far more deadly than any leopard would ever be.
“This is the woman you should marry! And you
are right, she does look like Cleopatra, but she’s also a great warrior! She is
one of a kind.”
“There is a traitor in our camp! The bandits
who ambushed us on our trip to Egypt knew who we were. They planned to take us
for ransom. I intend to find out who was behind it."
“With a bow and arrows, she could take almost
anyone. I don’t know about her other skills, like swordplay. But, probably, the
answer is ‘Yes.’ I’d bet on her.”
Before you get book two make sure you read about how it all
started in Zenobia – Birth of a Legend. Follow
as she’s trained to be a warrior and educated in Egypt. Experience the natural
talent she has with her bow and arrow. And learn
how Cleopatra's story inspires her to be Queen of Egypt and conquer Rome.
Available online in hardcover or eBook format; also
available at local bookstores and libraries:
- www.geodepress.com (click on
order button)
- www.amazon.com (hardcover
or Kindle format)
- www.smashwords.com (all eBook formats)
- Changing Hands
Bookstore in Tempe - www.changinghands.com (Adult
Historical Fiction section under Wallace)
- Scottsdale
Library
- The Book Rack in
Mesa - bookrackonline.com (local author
section)
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thinking Thursday - Zenobia learns military strategy from Odenathus
Chapter 10 in Zenobia – Birth of a Legend
Zenobia experiences her first visit to a large city, Tadmor. Zenobia learns that many opportunities were available for craftsmen, tradesmen, doctors, lawyer, and all type of professional businessmen. Tadmor raised an army to guard against the bandits who would attack the caravans coming through the hostile desert to trade in this great city. The senator of Tadmor, Odenathus was chief of the army. Let’s read the scene when Zenobia and Odenathus first meet.
Zenobia was interested in some shopping, but the schools held an even greater draw for her. They moved over to the military offices. “Several bands of soldiers are assigned out from here,” Zelina explained. “We could have asked for an escort for the last day or two of our journey.”
“But you are the least likely caravan to need it!” said a masculine voice from behind them.
Zenobia turned, startled then she bowed at once and said, “Good day, Lord Odenathus.” Zenobia thought he looked pleased that she knew his name. They had not been formally introduced the night before.
Zelina gave a nod of recognition and said, “Greetings, Senator. You look well.”
………..
Odenathus was intrigued by the dynamic girl before him. He had heard stories, but now he decided to find out for himself. “It was reported to me that you had come to the government center. I imagine the young lady has many questions about it. I would be honored if you would join me for the midday meal, where perhaps I may answer some of them.”
…….
Zenobia soon said, “Describe to me the functions of your department, please, Senator.” He did so at some length. There were six thousand regular cavalry and infantry, but there were thousands more that had some fighting experience and could be conscripted if needed. Plus, over a thousand Roman soldiers were quartered adjacent to the city. He explained the patrols that were maintained to safeguard the caravans, which were the economic lifeblood of Tadmor.
“Where do most bandits attacks come from?” Zenobia wondered out loud.
“From the foothills and mountains to the north…”
“Do you only react when bandits attack, or…,” she left the question unfinished, unsure how to put it.
“Or do we sent out spies?” he finished it for her.
“Perhaps these are matters that do not really concern us, dear,” her mother said.
“On the contrary,” said Odenathus. “It is said that Alexander of Macedonia, at eight years of age, would ask military questions of visiting kings…Do you understand that what I’m about to reveal is confidential, that it is not to be shared with anyone?”
“Yes.” She did not flinch under his stare. She leaned closer.
“We have informants in various cities and villages to the north,” he said in a subdued voice. “If they become aware of a suspicious activity, we have given them ways to contact us and we pay them well for this information. Naturally, if this became know in their villages, their lives would be in danger and we would lose an advantage. This work of recruiting and utilizing informants is highly specialized and secretive. Your father and Cam are aware of this, by the way, and have assisted us with it at times.”
“I will help you if you ever need me,” Zenobia offered.
“Thank you, Zenobia,” he said, and he seemed deadly serious. “You could make certain contacts that a warrior could not without arousing suspicion.”
“Although I am a warrior myself,” she replied, “but that should not be hard for a girl to conceal if necessary to a spying mission.”
He bowed a slight acknowledgement. “I forgot for a moment. We have never had a female warrior in my lifetime, though the history books tell of some.”
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Tuesday Teaser - Legendary Women - Zenobia
The artist Howard David Johnson states, “Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra is one of the grandest & most underrated heroines of antiquity!”
Tuesday Teaser sentences from Zenobia – Challenging a Legend, book two in the series:
“But what did he see in her? He was much older than her, maybe forty, so he must have known a great many women. He probably could have, and perhaps had had, any woman he wanted.”
“Tabira laughed at this. “It’s not much of a secret, my young friend. You are probably the most intriguing female he has ever met.”
“On the ride home, Zelina remarked, “It seems that your education here is a bag of figs and scorpions! I had not planned on that.”
“You know she could be dangerous. She reportedly killed eight men on her trip to Egypt.”
Review for Zenobia – Birth of a Legend:
IPBA 24th annual 2012 Benjamin Franklin Awards – Teen Fiction (13 – 18 years) “Zenobia – Well-done dramatization of an historical figure that may also intrigue YA readers into finding out more about the history of the time (always a plus). There’s a lot of adventure stuffed into the story, but short chapters and clarifying dates help sort through the mass. The relationship between the heroine and her two very difference beaux, the mother-daughter drama, the unusual setting and strong characterizations combine in a fascinating book that sets up further adventures very well.”
About.com has been a great website to research and find interesting articles on Zenobia. Here are some articles I enjoyed:
“Zenobia’s languages likely included Arabic, Greek, Aramaic and Latin. Zenobia’s mother may have been Egyptian; Zenobia was said to be familiar with ancient Egyptian language as well.”http://womenshistory.about.com/od/ancientqueens/a/Zenobia.htm article by Jone Johnson Lewis at about.com
“Throughout history, women warriors have fought and led troops into battle. This partial list of warrior queens and other women warriors runs from the legendary Amazons — who may have been real warriors from the Steppes — to the Syrian queen of Palmyra, Zenobia. Sadly, we know too little about most of these brave warrior women who stood up to the powerful male leaders of their day because history is written by the victors.”
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/womenbiography/tp/030110WomenWarriors.htm by By N.S. Gill
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/womenbiography/tp/030110WomenWarriors.htm by By N.S. Gill
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