on a stretch of land and called it Virginia presumably, though by the time of the novel it has been corrupted to Virgenya. Clearly a reference to the first child born in the New World, Virginia Dare, and Virginia Colony. A more obscure reference is that of Marcomir of Hansa, who has an heir, presumably his son, named Beremund. Their race is modeled upon the ancient Germanic tribes, quite possibly the Franks. The use of the name Marcomer, a Frankish chieftain of antiquity, and his son Pharamond, serves to reinforce the cultural reference. Release details 2004, USA, Del Rey Books , Pub date 17 August 2004, Hardback 2005, USA, Del Rey Books , Pub date 25 October 2005, Paperback Sources, references, external links, quotations http://www.sfsite.com/11a/cp187.htm http://www.sffworld.com/brevoff/83.html 2004 American novels American fantasy novels Novels by J. Gregory Keyes Del Rey books