The Serpent and the Staff, Wood Barbara

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Set in the tumultuous era when Egypt is on the brink of becoming the dominant world power, The Serpent and the Staff tells the powerful story of a Canaanite familys struggle for survival in a climate of violent change, when cherished beliefs and traditions are threatened.

Ugarit, Syria, 1450 B.C.E. Eighteen-year-old Leah, the eldest daughter of a wealthy winemaker, is past the traditional age of betrothal. Vowed to wed the wealthy but cruel shipbuilder Jotham, Leah declines his offer of marriage after discovering that he and his family suffer from the falling sickness. Enraged by her refusal and his ruined reputation, he blackmails Leahs father, a punishment forgiven only by offering Leahs hand in marriage. With no more options for another suitor and no male heir for her family, Leah must seek out the cure for Jothams sickness or her family will face permanent ruin.

During her quest Leah begins to burn with desire for Daveed, the handsome household scribe whose culture forbids their union. Daveed has been called by the gods to restore the Brotherhood, an elite fraternity of guardians at the great Library of Ugarit, rumored to contain the secret symbol of immortality within its ancient archives. If his plan succeeds, it may also save Leahs family from disaster. But even Daveed and Leah cannot fathom the extent of Jothams sinister schemes to make Leah his bride once and for all.