'Wonderful history, adventure and a heart-breaking love story are brought thrillingly to life' - Kate Mosse

'A dramatic read from the very outset' - Simon Scarrow

DESTINY, INHERITANCE, THE WORLD SHIFTING FROM EAST TO WEST. THIS IS AN EPIC NOVEL SET IN AN AGE OF DRAMATIC CHANGE.

Siward, scion of a great dynasty, commands the Varangian Guard and has vowed to defend the Roman Empire to the last. Makkim, renowned general to Ottoman rule, has vowed to destroy it.

They are enemies in war, but unknown to them, they are also rivals to inherit one of Europe's greatest fortunes. Even worse, they are competing for the love of the same woman.

Their vast inheritance lies in Venice, as does the famous courtesan they both love. She is the reason they will find themselves fighting on the walls of Constantinople, in one of the most dramatic sieges in history.

About the Author
James Heneage is the founder of the Ottakars chain of bookshops and the co-founder of the Chalke Valley History Festival. He has been fascinated by history, in particular Byzantine history, since a child. He now lives part of the year in the Peloponnese, where he has written much of his fiction to date. Otherwise he lives near Salisbury with his wife and family.

Reviews
Wonderful history, adventure and a heart-breaking love story are brought thrillingly to life * Kate Mosse *
A gripping, epic tale set against a broad and breath-taking European canvas. Do not miss this compelling page-turner * Alison Weir *
A grand, sweeping drama of the finest kind, miss this excellent book at your peril * Ben Kane *
Fascinating historical mysteries and vivid colourful characters. One hell of a fine book * Conn Iggulden on The Lion of Mistra *
A stirring tale of the struggle for Byzantium, Heneage brings to life both the tragedy and the heroism * Tom Holland *
A fast-moving and superbly intelligent adventure * Jason Goodwin *
A compelling narrative of intrigue, love and war * Bookseller *
An electrifying historical novel * Good Book Guide *
a dramatic read from the very outset * Simon Scarrow *



Book Information
ISBN 9781786480170
Author James Heneage
Format Paperback
Page Count 496
Imprint Quercus Publishing
Publisher Quercus Publishing
Weight(grams) 342g
Dimensions(mm) 200mm * 179mm * 32mm