The Sworn Virgin: A Novel

A 2017 RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee for Best Historical Fiction Novel!

Featured on Elle.com

Dukes's gripping historical novel tells the tale of a desperate Albanian woman who will do whatever it takes to keep her independence and seize control of her future...even if it means swearing to remain a virgin for her entire life.

When eighteen-year-old Eleanora’s father is shot dead on the cobblestone streets of 1910 Albania, Eleanora must abandon her dream of studying art in Italy as she struggles to survive in a remote mountain village with her stepmother Meria.

Nearing starvation, Meria secretly sells Eleanora into marriage with the cruel heir of a powerful clan. Intent on keeping her freedom, Eleanora takes an oath to remain a virgin for the rest of her life—a tradition that gives her the right to live as a man: she is now head of her household and can work for a living as well as carry a gun. Eleanora can also participate in the vengeful blood feuds that consume the mountain tribes, but she may not be killed—unless she forsakes her vow, which she has no intention of ever doing.

But when an injured stranger stumbles into her life, Eleanora nurses him back to health, saving his life—yet risking her own as she falls in love with him...

“It’s hard to believe that the culture Dukes describes was ever real, but the amount of research she put into this book definitely shines through. The story remains fascinating throughout; readers will definitely find it difficult to put this novel down.”—San Francisco Book Review

When her father is shot dead on the cobblestone streets of 1910 Albania, eighteen-year-old Eleanora must abandon her dream of studying art in Italy as she struggles to survive in a remote mountain village with her stepmother, Meria.

Nearing starvation, Meria secretly sells Eleanora into marriage with the cruel heir of a powerful clan. Intent on keeping her freedom, Eleanora takes an oath to remain a virgin for the rest of her life—a tradition that gives her the right to live as a man: she is now head of her household and can work for a living as well as carry a gun. Eleanora can also participate in the vengeful blood feuds that consume the mountain tribes, but she may not be killed—unless she forsakes her vow, which she has no intention of ever doing.

When an injured stranger stumbles into her life, Eleanora nurses him back to health, saving his life but risking her own as she falls in love with him . . .

“Dukes has chosen an engaging setting for this novel, with its mix of medieval and modern elements, and fleshes it out with vivid details . . . A compelling story of a woman’s trauma and strength.” - Kirkus Reviews

“It’s hard to believe that the culture Dukes describes was ever real, but the amount of research she put into this book definitely shines through. The story remains fascinating throughout; readers will definitely find it difficult to put this novel down.” - San Francisco Book Review

“Though it takes place long ago, in a culture far removed from my own, this novel touched me, often made me laugh out loud, and ultimately reminded me of how much people judge each other by gender to this very day.” - Cathryn Michon, New York Times bestselling author

“When many think of stories involving blood debts, endless family feuding, and revenge, they often envision a strong male protagonist at the center of it all who eventually comes out as victorious by the end of the tale. But in Dukes’ novel the game is changed when a woman, leading not only as the main character in the story, but in her life as well, is forced into facing (and surviving) this type of world on her own.... A must-read for lovers of historical fiction, unexpected plot twists, and relatable female heroines.” - APEX

“Kristopher Dukes vividly brings to life a world as unfamiliar as it is endlessly fascinating... a compelling, dramatic, romantic and at times hilarious read. I highly recommend this novel and eagerly look forward to more from this writer.” - W. Bruce Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose

“The Sworn Virgin is an extraordinary and fascinating canter through the historical world of Albania at the turn of the 20th century… a compelling read.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.” - Lady Nicola Mendelsohn

“Dukes’ provocative first outing offers a fascinating look at Albanian culture and the status of women and is sure to be popular with book clubs.” - Booklist