A Flame In Byzantium is the first book in the Atta Olivia Clemens trilogy by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. The trilogy is a spinoff of the Saint-Germain vampire series, where Olivia Clemens was one of Saint-Germain’s lovers.
A Flame In Byzantium kicks off during Emperor Justinian’s reign in the year 545. Justinian is on a mission to reconquer and claim Italy from the Ostrogoths, who are currently occupying most of the Roman Empire.
Olivia Clemens, who lives in Rome, has relinquished her home to Justinian’s troops. She heads to Byzantium, Constantinople to seek safety under the Emperor. When she arrives in Constantinople, Olivia finds that her Roman culture and lifestyle are being carefully scrutinized, as the Byzantines are more conservative with their views.
While striving to keep her vampirism a secret, Olivia must also find a way to fit in and comply with the city’s politics in order to save both herself and her heritage.
It’s easy to get into A Flame In Byzantium without being familiar with Olivia’s backstory. Also, if you’re unfamiliar with this period in history, the author’s note at the beginning is a very helpful history refresher.
The political battles in this book are fascinating to read about. Olivia is modern and contemporary. Even the nasty banter between Olivia and the women in the court of Byzantium is entertaining and not unlike conversation between today’s women in upper echelons.
Yarbro’s historical research into this time period is impeccable. Some great stuff in these series.
The 3 books in the Atta Olivia Clemens are:
- A Flame in Byzantium (1987)
- Crusader’s Torch (1988)
- A Candle for D’Artagnan (1989)
What are your favorite Chelsea Quinn Yarbro novels?
Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Sarah Ann
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