Venice, 1407. The city is at the height of its powers. In theory, Duke Marco commands, but Marco is a simpleton so his aunt and uncle rule in his stead. They seem all powerful, yet live in fear of assassins better than their own.
On the night their world changes, Marco's young cousin prays in the family chapel for deliverance from a forced marriage. It is her misfortune to be alone when Mamluk pirates break in to abduct her - an act that will ultimately trigger war.
Elsewhere Atilo, the Duke's chief assassin, cuts a man's throat. Hearing a noise, he turns back to find a boy drinking from the victim's wound. The speed with which the angel-faced boy dodges his dagger and scales a wall stuns Atilo. He knows then he must hunt him. Not to kill him, but because he’s finally found what he thought was impossible - someone fit to be his apprentice.
Award-winning author Jon Courtenay Grimwood is a master storyteller. Here, he blends history, politics and dark fantasy in a compelling vision of an alternative Venice.
Praise for Jon Courtenay Grimwood:'Ambitious, deft and accomplished . . . confirms Grimwood's place amongst the very best of contemporary SF authors' Iain Banks,
- 'If you're not reading Jon Courtenay Grimwood then you don't know how subtle and daring fiction can be' Michael Marshall, 'Grimwood has successfully mingled fantasy with reality . . . unusual, believable and absorbing' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- 'Full of mysteries that remain unsolved . . . Grimwood creates a fascinating world and involving characters . . . most importantly, he makes us want to read the next two volumes of the trilogy' INDEPENDENT
- 'Vividly gothic . . . complex but compelling’ IMPACT
Trade Paperback:
£12.99
Published 03/02/2011