Of Gods and Mortals — James E. Aarons

Katie Reynolds, a young Native American woman, and her college-age friend Rene, have both been tragically cast back in time from the 20th century to 1350 BC, where she is mistaken for Ishtar, the ancient Sumerian goddess of love and war. In this third sequel of the Katie Reynolds saga, Katie embraces her role as Ishtar and begins to forge a home among the hearts and minds of these ancient people. Katie's real acceptance could not begin until she came to understand that these ancients really and truly believed that she was divine Ishtar from heaven. They took her earthly appearance in stride, because that is what all the religions told people: we leave food in the altars for our gods, so they will come home to protect the place. And up to this point the priests had to use totems, called sanjaqs in place of real gods to dialog with the heavens above. The daily offering was exactly what Moudad, the head priest of Lalish temple had done ever since taking over the lucrative position from his father, and may have harbored ulterior motives for Ishtar's survival, but by and large, he supported her to his fullest, which was big on heart and weak on might. His people, the ancient Yezidis, were never any match for the chariots and horses of their neighbors, the Mitanni, the Egyptians and the Hittites. Moudad wisely guided Katie into a safer world by initiating a secret treaty with the mighty Hittite king. But the appearance of a real live Ishtar was unheard of. No god had deigned to walk among man, preferring to watch from high above, throwing fire and brimstone down upon the people, instead of helping them. Religion told the tribe members that people were made to serve the gods. Ishtar coming to earth was a deal changer. Everyone rushed to make her the personification of their deepest-held beliefs. She fit the role of Ishtar well, and revealed to the Yezidis a kinder, gentler side of their beloved god. She was also an Asutu, a medical practitioner who had cunning and knowledge unheard of in the world of these ancient people. As Katie assimilates into the fabric of this ancient culture she gains the strength and self-knowledge, meets the love of her life, and becomes the first woman chariot warrior to ride into battle.