The first part of The Sarantine Mosaic, Kay's sweeping tale of politics, intrigue and adventure inspired by ancient Byzantium.

Rumored to be responsible for the ascension of the previous Emperor, his uncle, amid fire and blood, Valerius the Trakesian has himself now risen to the Golden Throne of the vast empire ruled by the fabled city, Sarantium.

Valerius has a vision to match his ambition: a glittering dome that will proclaim his magnificence down through the ages. And so, in a ruined western city on the far distant edge of civilization, a not-so-humble artisan receives a call that will change his life forever.

Crispin is a mosaicist, a layer of bright tiles. Still grieving for the family he lost to the plague, he lives only for his arcane craft, and cares little for ambition, less for money, and for intrigue not at all. But an imperial summons to the most magnificent city in the world is a difficult call to resist.

In this world still half-wild and tangled with magic, no journey is simple; and a journey to Sarantium means a walk into destiny. Bearing with him a deadly secret, and a Queen's seductive promise; guarded only by his own wits and a bird soul talisman from an alchemist's treasury, Crispin sets out for the fabled city from which none return unaltered.

About the Author

Guy Gavriel Kay was born and raised in Canada. In 1974-5 he spent a year in Oxford assisting Christopher Tolkien in his editorial construction of J R R Tolkien's posthumously published THE SILMARILLION. He took a law degree at the University of Toronto on his return to Canada and was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 1981. Guy Gavriel Kay lives in Toronto.

Reviews

Praise for SAILING TO SARANTIUM:

'Kay at his finest. Sarantium itself is vast, sumptuous, and dangerous ... Beneath the shining authorial handiwork lies something closer to Yeatsian miracle...' Locus

Praise for Guy Gavriel Kay:

'A fine, intelligent series. Probably the best of its kind' British Fantasy Society

'A remarkable achievement. The essence of high fantasy' Locus

'Kay has delivered such a magnificent conclusion - I can't praise it enough. THE FIONAVAR TAPESTRY will be read and reread for many years to come' Fantasy Review

'Packed with action...' The Times

'A boldly complex and intelligently articulated romance' USA Today

'A brilliant and complex portrayal of good and evil' Publishers Weekly.

Book Information
ISBN 9780007342082
Author Guy Gavriel Kay
Format Paperback
Page Count 624
Imprint HarperVoyager
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 360g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 34mm