Heaven's Only Daughter

Robinson's ( Dominic ) flat depiction of the clash between Romans and Goths in A.D. 410 is more bad historical romance than good historical fiction. Epic action turns into cliched narrative, most notably in the love story between a Roman princess and a Gothic king, who are ``worlds apart, enemies.'' During the Goth's attack on Rome, Atawulf (Bold Wolf) saves 20-year-old virgin Princess Gala Placidia (Dia) from being raped. Bold Wolf is under orders from foster brother Alaric, King of the Goths, to protect Dia and bring her to him as a hostage. A forbidden romance blooms instantly when their ``gazes touched.'' Sometime during the pillaging and plundering, Alaric dies and Bold Wolf is named the new King. What Dia doesn't know is that Bold Wolf has made a proposal to Emperor Honorius, Dia's brother, to marry her as ``market value for alliance and land.'' Clearly, Dia must grow from ``weepy child'' to a politically correct ``warrior'' in this world of ``foundering ships, deathly fever, shallow graves.'' But be assured that love rules in this inconsequential tale. (Aug.)