Title: Bull Vaulter: Alena of the Isle of Green
Author: Barbara Tieken
Republished by: PageTurner Press and Media LLC
ISBN: 978-1-63871-007-3
Pages: 410
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
Set in 2100 B.C.E, Bull Vaulter: Alena of the Isle of Green is one of those uncommon pieces of fiction literature which features convincing insights built on meticulous research – while still providing readers a rich and riveting narrative. Alena, the main character in the story, is a famous and well-experienced bull vaulter of the Keft, an Island across the Aegean Sea. As was the custom of the island, every bull vaulter would serve the Goddess and participate in the bullfighting ceremony for three years and later allowed to choose a life partner.
Alena’s love interest was Dorion, the most renowned bull dancer on the island. Their plans drastically change when the ruthless warrior horsemen living on the plains stage an attack on the visiting Isle of Greens bull dancers as they performed on the day of the Harvest Festival, that many had gathered to watch throughout the peninsula’s coastal villages. Among the injured are Dorion and Alena, who are separately carried off as hostages.
The incidents that shortly follow the attack, leave Alena traumatized, in pain, and unconscious for many days. Jahal, one of the warrior horsemen, and heir to the chieftainship of the Kurgan tribe takes Alena to the temple of Peloponnesus, where she is attended to by Myra and Aesclevius, two life partners and priestess healers of the temple.
The two believe that Alena has a special calling and both encourage her to follow the path laid out to her by the Goddess. While there, Alena meets Jahal and is instantly enamored by him. Could Alena learn to turn her focus to her inner calling and forget her interest and love for bull vaulting? Could her will now be intertwined to work as one with the will of the gentle healing Goddess? Was her heart willing to forget her former flame, Dorion, and let Jahal in, who also had deep secrets of his own?
Author Barbara Tieken tells the story in such a delightful manner, as young Alena finds herself part of different worlds at once. The author has thrust us into a natural world where ancient healing arts were treasured. I loved the descriptions used in the book that vividly curve out ancient Minoan life and the way of life of the people of Peloponnesus.
This is a very well-crafted, enthralling story, and a real page-turner. It is nearly impossible for readers not to feel they are part of the story. Alena is easy to like and understand, largely because of her warm-heartedness and willingness to do good. Jahal is also an interesting character and readers will enjoy reading how he evolves from a selfish and conceited man to a caring and tender man.
Finishing this book was bittersweet. I couldn’t wait to see how Alena and Jahal’s lives would unfold and at the same time, I did not want it to end. The book, however, contains adult content and some scenes of violence and therefore might be more suitable for a mature audience. I heartily recommend Bull Vaulter: Alena of the Isle of Green to fans of historical fiction who love elements of mythology and a gripping love story at the center.
