Random House, Inc.
For centuries the Byzantine Empire has been in decline; now the capital of the world lies open to the rampaging Turkish army. Only the promised arrival of the First Crusade will save Byzantium and Christendom itself.
As the Empire hangs by a thread, a mysterious assassin looses an arrow at the Emperor. The Emperor survives, but only just. The assassin must be stopped before he strikes again.
Demetrios Askiates is an investigator of mysteries. His job is to find the would-be killer. But soon he is in the eye of a storm as the Crusaders make camp outside the beleaguered city, as intent on looting, destruction and intrigue as their Turkish enemies.
Gardners
As the armies of east and west confront each other, and the assassin creeps ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle the golden web of intrigue which surrounds the Emperor before the city - and the empire - are drowned in blood.
For centuries the Byzantine Empire has been in decline; now the capital of the world lies open to the rampaging Turkish army. Only the promised arrival of the First Crusade will save Byzantium and Christendom itself.
As the Empire hangs by a thread, a mysterious assassin looses an arrow at the Emperor. The Emperor survives, but only just. The assassin must be stopped before he strikes again.
Demetrios Askiates is an investigator of mysteries. His job is to find the would-be killer. But soon he is in the eye of a storm as the Crusaders make camp outside the beleaguered city, as intent on looting, destruction and intrigue as their Turkish enemies.
Gardners
As the armies of east and west confront each other, and the assassin creeps ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle the golden web of intrigue which surrounds the Emperor before the city - and the empire - are drowned in blood.
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Publisher:
London : Century, 2004
ISBN:
9780099453482
0099453487
9781844130283
1844130282
0099453487
9781844130283
1844130282
Branch Call Number:
MYSTERY HAR
Characteristics:
275 p. :,map ;,24 cm.
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Add a CommentThis book was entertaining though not as engaging as I was hoping for.
Demetrios is a good character, his daughters and family life felt superfluous to the story and his love interest was likable but expendable, as a love interest that is, the rest of her story could have been expanded.
The beginning of the book started out well, with the emperor and assassins and politics but that never followed through into a really good historical setting. Most of the book felt like a modern mystery in costume.
But for a fast, diverting summer read, this is a good book to choose.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - not my usual fare but I had heard of Tom Harper and tried this one. Gripping, beautifully written, and fascinating historical detail embedded in a fast moving story. 4 stars
An epic tale of murder and betrayal, bloodshed and romance taking place during the crusades.
A little heavy in places, but very well researched as the author studied medieval history at Oxford University and now lives in London, UK..
The author has also written Knights of the Cross.