Nearly two thousand years ago, on a mountain in the Judean desert, nine hundred Jews stood fast against armies of Romans. In the desperate days of the siege on Masada, the lives of four bold, resourceful, and sensuous women converge : Yael's mother died in childbirth, her father, and expert assassin, never forgave her. Revka, a village baker's wife, watched the murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers. Aziza, a warrior's daughter raised as a boy is a fearless rider and skilled marksman. Shirah of Alexandria possesses uncanny insight and power, and is wise in the ways of ancient magic and medicine. They are the dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets - about who they are, where they come from, and whom they love.

Paperback edition includes reading group guide.